In a recent announcement, Chainlink, a prominent blockchain platform, has revealed the initiation of the Chainlink Block Magic Hackathon: “Embark on a Journey as an Onchain Sorcerer”. This event is tailored for novice developers delving into the realm of blockchain programming, offering a distinctive chance to dive into the art of coding for blockchain applications.

Opportunities Unveiled for Emerging Developers

The Chainlink Block Magic Hackathon unfolds a myriad of prospects for its participants. Primarily, victors of the hackathon have the opportunity to become part of the exclusive Chainlink BUILD program, granting them access to invaluable startup assistance and guidance. Furthermore, exceptional projects have the potential to be showcased across Chainlink’s extensive network, exposing them to the wider Web3 community.

Furthermore, this hackathon provides a concentrated, month-long window for participants to nurture their project ideas. This dedicated period enables developers to refine their concepts and metamorphose them into fully-fledged protocols. Additionally, the event acts as a platform for fostering teamwork, fostering connections with like-minded individuals in the blockchain sphere.

Diverse Prize Tracks and Innovation

With a total prize pool of $400,000, the Chainlink Block Magic Hackathon features various prize tracks catering to a range of interests and skill levels. Participants can select from prize tracks focusing on financial services, artificial intelligence, gaming, and consumer applications, among others.

For individuals intrigued by financial services, utilizing Chainlink Data Streams and CCIP to construct decentralized applications (dApps) presents an opportunity to spearhead the evolution of financial infrastructure.

Alternatively, developers can delve into the fusion of AI and blockchain by utilizing Chainlink Functions to link AI APIs directly to smart contracts.

Moreover, the gaming and consumer apps prize track offers a platform to create blockchain-based applications with widespread appeal, tapping into the immense potential of blockchain technology to transform user experiences.

Evaluation Criteria and Additional Points

Project submissions for the Block Magic Hackathon undergo assessment based on a comprehensive points system, considering factors such as user experience, technical implementation, feasibility, and innovation. Winning projects typically showcase a blend of creativity, refinement, and feasibility, pushing the boundaries of blockchain technology.

Participants have the opportunity to earn bonus points by integrating multiple Chainlink services into their projects. The more services incorporated, the greater the bonus points awarded, encouraging inventive use cases that leverage Chainlink’s robust ecosystem. It is essential to note that while previous onchain hackathon projects are ineligible for submission, existing projects lacking onchain components can be enhanced and submitted for review.