Pi Network is excited to launch Pi Hackathon 2025, the ecosystem’s first hackathon after the launch of Open Network. This hackathon invites developers to build and deploy meaningful Pi Apps that empower real-world utility using Pi and help shape the ecosystem—and compete for a chance to win up to 160,000 Pi in total prizes.
Open Network’s external connectivity presents the opportunity to build upon the current utility of Pi through practical apps that deliver real use cases and utility for everyday users, including those who have never mined Pi.
Following the app-building momentum from Pi2Day 2025, this hackathon encourages developers to create tools, apps, and experiences that make Pi more usable and accessible across the world.
The Challenge
Build a Pi App that promotes the utility of Pi by encouraging and enabling people to engage with the ecosystem. This hackathon features a general, open-ended theme to invite broad creativity. Your app can focus on any use case, as long as it follows the Mainnet Listing Requirements and brings real utility to the Pi community.
Developers are encouraged to:
- Be creative by innovating based on real user needs;
- Take advantage of community contributions by building an open-source project using Pi Open Source (PiOS);
- Use Pi App Studio and the Brainstorm app as starting points to transform early ideas into full-featured apps; and
- Use AI technologies, including coding assistants, to support the development and iteration of their apps.
Prizes
The winning teams will receive the following prizes:
- 🥇 1st Place: 75,000 Pi
- 🥈 2nd Place: 45,000 Pi
- 🥉 3rd Place: 15,000 Pi
- 🏅 Honorable Mentions (up to 5 teams): 5,000 Pi each
How to Participate
To join the hackathon:
- Register using the official Hackathon Registration Form and join the Email list to receive updates.
- Build and collaborate with your team using Pi App Studio, the Developer Portal, and shared resources.
Timeline
- (August 15) Registration & Team Formation Begins: Participants can register for the hackathon, and begin forming or joining teams.
- (August 21) Hackathon Officially Begins: Formal kickoff of the hackathon.
- (September 19) Midpoint Check-In: Teams are encouraged to submit a midpoint check form. Projects that submit may receive additional mentorship, potential exposure to the Pi community, and feedback ahead of final judging.
- (October 15) Final Submission Deadline: All final submissions are due, including the app listing via Developer Portal, demo video, and submission form.
Team Size
Submission Requirements
In order for your app to be considered a valid submission for Pi Hackathon 2025, you must complete two steps:
- Submit the Hackathon Submission Google Form (to be shared closer to the deadline) with your demo video attached; and
- Submit your app in the Pi Developer Portal.
Both steps are required to count as a complete submission. More details and links will be shared with participants as the deadline approaches.
1. Recommended: Midpoint Submission (Due by September 19, 2025)
To help track your progress and offer support, teams are encouraged to complete a midpoint check-in. While not required for final evaluation, completing this step may make your team eligible for additional mentorship and feedback, and potentially gain early user attention and community exposure as the submission date approaches.
The midpoint submission may require the following:
- Your app name and URL;
- Preview screenshots of your app in development; and
- A brief written development plan outlining your intended features and functionality.
The submission form and specific requirements will be distributed directly to all registered participants prior to the submission deadline.
2. Final Submission Form + Demo Video
The final submission form will be distributed directly to all registered participants prior to the deadline.
Each team must create a demo video showcasing the final version of their app. This video should be publicly available on YouTube or another video sharing platform, and the link must be included in the submission form.
Your demo video should cover:
- A short introduction describing your app and its purpose;
- A walkthrough of your app’s functionality and user interface;
- An explanation of your target audience;
- The problem or need your app addresses; and
- How Pi is integrated into the user experience (payments, login, etc.).
Please ensure the demo is concise, informative, and no longer than 3 minutes in total.
3. Final App Submission via Developer Portal
Complete the following steps to submit your app through the Developer Portal.
I. Enter the Hackathon Code
- Open the Pi Browser and go to the Developer Portal.
- Tap the “Hackathon” button on the main “Develop” page.
- Enter the hackathon code: hackathon25
- Tap “Join”. This will mark your Developer Portal account as a Hackathon participant.
II. Create and Register a Mainnet App
- If you already have a Mainnet app in progress, select the app you want to submit for the hackathon and complete as much of the Developer Portal Checklist as possible.
- If you want to start from scratch, tap “New App” in the Developer Portal and follow the normal app creation flow.
- Choose “Mainnet” as the app type.
- Proceed through the registration steps as usual.
- Note: registering a Mainnet app still requires linking a Testnet version.
- Complete as much of the Developer Portal Checklist as possible.
III. Submit Your App for the Hackathon If you enter the code during the eligible Hackathon period, a new “Submit to Hackathon” button will appear once you reach Checklist Step 10 (the “Add a PiNet subdomain” step).
- Tap “Submit to Hackathon”.
- Your app will be automatically submitted to the Hackathon category.
- Submitted apps will be listed on the Hackathon Submissions page in the Pi Apps tab of the Pi Browser in a few weeks.
IV. App Wallet and Ecosystem Setup
- Wallet Requirement: For now, wallet setup is not required for a hackathon submission. Teams may complete this step after the event, especially if they are selected as winners or proceed toward formal ecosystem listing.
V. App Eligibility
- Each user can submit up to 2 Mainnet apps to the hackathon.
- Apps should follow all required Mainnet Listing Guidelines, and must be original and Pi-utility focused.
4. App Review Criteria
All apps will be judged based on the following criteria:
- Alignment with the Mainnet Listing Guidelines
- Pi utility and alignment with overall community needs
- Technical completeness and innovation
- UI/UX, accessibility, and ease of navigation
- Long-term utility on the Pi Mainnet blockchain
- Uniqueness and distinctive use cases
Apps must also:
- Have an English name
- Have a logo, compliant with trademark guidelines
- Have an accurate description in English
- Include preview/demo images that showcase the UI and UX of the application
- Integrate with PiNet
- Include a privacy policy
Resources
- Developer Onboarding Guide: Details the steps needed to get set up as a new developer in the Pi Ecosystem. If this is your first time building on Pi, start here.
- Getting Started Checklist: A quick start guide of the steps needed to start building on Pi.
- Pi Platform Github Repository: Pi’s developer documentation with all of the information needed to integrate the Pi SDK and our APIs.
- Pi Demo App Repository: Review or clone Pi’s demo application code as a blueprint for your apps. To try it out, navigate to “demo.pi” within the Pi Browser.
- PiOS: Learn about the Pi Open Source software license and how to use it.
- SDK Workshop: Watch a presentation on how to use the Pi SDK.
- Product Workshop: Watch a product design guide for Pi Apps built on Pi, tailored for hackathon participants.
- Mainnet Listing Guidelines: Learn about the standards for Mainnet Apps
- PiNet : Instructions on how to set up a PiNet URL.
- Pi App Studio: Watch a demo video on how to use Pi App Studio.
Brainstorm app and Pi App Studio
Participants can use the Brainstorm app on Pi Browser to share their prototypes, connect with others, and increase visibility within the Pi community.
If you’ve created an app prototype using Pi App Studio or the Developer Portal, you can link it directly to your project listing on Brainstorm. This helps you showcase your idea, gather early feedback, and discover potential teammates or collaborators for the hackathon.
To link your app to Brainstorm:
- Open the Brainstorm app from the Pi Browser.
- Tap the “Propose” button on the bottom navigation bar.
- Fill in your project name and a short summary by following the instructions on the page.
- After submitting, scroll to the bottom of your project page and tap “Link this project with an Application on the Developer Portal.”
- You’ll be able to select from the apps you’ve already created in Pi App Studio or the Developer Portal.
Once linked, your project will be visible to other Brainstorm users, allowing more Pioneers to view, follow, and interact with your idea.
Developers, Start Building!
Pi Hackathon 2025 is an opportunity for developers to contribute meaningfully to the Pi Ecosystem by building real-world applications that encourage Pi utility and community participation. Whether you’re an experienced developer or just getting started, this is your chance to create something impactful, collaborate with others, and showcase your ideas to the global Pi community.
The network is ready for the creativity, innovation, and dedication that participants will bring to this event!
