The GalaChain Hackathon 2024 teams are currently heads down, with only 24 hours total to bring to life their best GalaChain visions. With an impressive panel of guest judges from all sorts of unique web3 perspectives, hundreds of participating teams (both remote and in person), and over $1 million in total prize value up for grabs, this event has the whole web3 world abuzz with excitement.
Hackathons have long been celebrated as fertile ground for innovation, collaboration, and the rapid development of groundbreaking technologies. These intensive events are often compressed into short, adrenaline-fueled sessions, and our GDC 2024 event (co-sponsored by AWS and Alienware) is no exception.
Hackathons bring together the brightest developer minds to solve complex challenges or breathe life into novel ideas. You might be surprised at how many notable products and technologies began as hackathon projects, going on to transform industries and shape our interaction with the digital world. Here’s a look at some of the most remarkable innovations that started from the a hackathon:
GroupMe
GroupMe, a mobile group messaging app, was conceived at the TechCrunch Disrupt Hackathon in 2010. It allows users to create private chat rooms with friends, significantly simplifying group communication. The idea, spurred by the need for better group communication tools at festivals, quickly gained traction. Within a year of its inception, GroupMe was acquired by Skype for about $80 million, showcasing the potential of hackathons to generate viable, high-value products.
Firebase
Firebase, now a pivotal component of Google’s development platform, started as a hackathon project called Envolve. Initially, it provided developers with an API to integrate chat functionality into their own websites. However, the founders recognized the broader potential of their technology for providing real-time backend services, which ultimately led to the creation of Firebase. Today, Firebase offers a comprehensive suite of tools for managing databases, analytics, messaging and more.
Oculus Rift
The Oculus Rift is a pioneering virtual reality headset that has become synonymous with immersive gaming and experiences. Development of this headset was significantly propelled forward by hackathons. Palmer Luckey, the founder of Oculus, developed early prototypes that gained attention and development momentum through community hackathons. These events showcased the potential of VR technology, leading to a successful Kickstarter campaign and eventually, a $2 billion acquisition by Facebook.
Easy Taxi
Launched at the Startup Weekend Rio in 2011, Easy Taxi is a prime example of a hackathon project that addressed a real-world problem—hailing taxis in busy urban centers. The app connects passengers with drivers, making taxi services more accessible and convenient. Easy Taxi grew rapidly, becoming a global brand operating in multiple countries and exemplifying the potential for hackathon projects to scale into significant business ventures.
Docracy
Docracy, an open-source platform for sharing legal documents, was first conceived at a hackathon hosted by General Assembly. It addresses the need for accessible, reliable legal documents, allowing users to find, sign, and secretly share agreements. Docracy democratizes access to legal resources, illustrating how hackathons can foster solutions to widespread challenges beyond the tech industry.
Building a Decentralized Future
By providing a space for creativity, rapid prototyping, and collaboration, hackathons have contributed to the launch of products and technologies that impact millions of lives worldwide. Given the right environment and resources, a simple idea can evolve into a revolutionary product, driving progress across various sectors.
We’re thrilled for the opportunity to host this GDC Hackathon, co-sponsored by Amazon Web Services and Alienware. We hope that for its participants, the experience is even more highly valued than the incredible array of prizes.
GalaChain‘s integration of TypeScript for smart contract development via the GalaChain SDK represents a monumental leap towards democratizing web3 tech, making it much easier to work with for mainstream developers. This move is a testament to Gala’s commitment to fostering an environment of inclusivity and empowerment within the burgeoning web3 landscape.
“GalaChain allows you to write smart contracts in TypeScript, a programming language that is much more familiar to the modern developer. TypeScript is descended from JavaScript, which is practically mandatory for modern web application development and continues to be the most used programming language for eleven years running. Compared to something like Solidity (for Ethereum smart contracts) or Rust (for Solana smart contracts), there are MANY more developers that know and are comfortable with TypeScript. StackOverflow’s 2023 Developer Survey shows this very clearly. JavaScript is the most commonly used language with 63% of respondents using it; TypeScript is in 5th place with 38%. Rust is at 13% and Solidity at 1.3%.”
-Adam Price, GalaChain CTO
Traditionally, the complexity of blockchain development has created barriers to entry for many developers accustomed to more widely-used languages. GalaChain’s adoption of TypeScript invites a broader community of developers to participate in the web3 revolution.
TypeScript, a superset of JavaScript, brings the benefits of strong typing and object-oriented programming, making it an ideal choice for developing complex, large-scale applications. By leveraging TypeScript, GalaChain not only appeals to a vast pool of existing developers but also streamlines the transition from traditional web development to blockchain-based development. This approach aligns perfectly with Gala’s mission to onboard a billion users to web3, recognizing that empowering developers is equally important to empowering application users.
The significance of this development cannot be overstated. It opens the door for countless innovations in the Gala ecosystem, enabling developers to easily create decentralized applications (dApps), games, and digital assets on GalaChain. Furthermore, by reducing the learning curve and embracing a language familiar to millions, GalaChain is poised to catalyze a surge of creativity and participation in the web3 space.
In essence, GalaChain’s embrace of TypeScript is a game-changer, offering a bridge for web2 developers to enter the web3 world seamlessly. This initiative promises to enrich the Gala ecosystem with a diverse array of applications and experiences, driving forward the vision of a decentralized future where technology empowers and connects us all in unprecedented ways.
You’ve probably heard all about Galathon 2024, the epic GalaChain hackathon event co-sponsored by AWS and Alienware with over $1 million in total prizes up for grabs. With both remote and in-person participants at GDC 2024, hundreds of teams are currently scrambling in a 24-hour rush to build some incredible new things on GalaChain.
We’ve teamed up with some of the most respected and well qualified experts from across the web3 world to ensure we pick the best and brightest from this amazing group of contestants. Our panel of judges includes names like Snoop Dogg, Justin Sun, Edward Chen, Ciera Sun and many more.
We love the spirit of decentralization and cooperation fostered by massive events like these, which serve to bring us all together in a world that’s too easily divided. If you weren’t ready to participate this time, we’ve got a challenge for you that will get you ready for the next Galathon!
Started Building Yet?
Ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of web3 development? Even if you think you’re not, you may be surprised at how easy GalaChain is making the transition.
The GalaChain SDK offers a seamless gateway to the revolutionary possibilities of blockchain tech. If you’ve ever felt daunted by the complexity of blockchain development, it’s time to lay those fears to rest. Today, we challenge you, the developers and creators of tomorrow, to experience firsthand the simplicity and power of building on GalaChain.
Cutting Edge
The GalaChain SDK is not just a tool; it’s your entry ticket to the forefront of web3 development. With its user-friendly approach, GalaChain welcomes both seasoned blockchain developers and those who are just beginning to explore this dynamic space. The developer’s kit is designed to streamline the development process, making it more accessible, efficient and enjoyable.
Your Empowerment = Our Mission
At Gala, we believe in the power of decentralization to transform the web. Our mission is to onboard a billion users to web3, empowering them through unprecedented control, freedom and opportunity. The GalaChain SDK embodies this mission, providing a robust framework for developers to create innovative applications, games, and digital assets that champion the principles of web3.
The Simplicity Challenge
Here’s our challenge to you: Dive into the GalaChain SDK and start building your first project. From simple dApps to robust platforms, the SDK’s intuitive design and comprehensive documentation will guide you every step of the way. This is your chance to experience the ease of web3 development without the traditional hurdles associated with blockchain tech.
Step-by-Step Guidance
For those ready to accept this challenge, here’s a brief roadmap to get you started:
Explore the Documentation: Begin with the ‘getting-started.md’ section of our comprehensive GalaChain documentation. It’s designed to familiarize you with the GalaChain ecosystem and the SDK’s capabilities.
Set Up Your Environment: Follow the step-by-step instructions in ‘chaincode-development.md’ and ‘chaincode-client.md’ to set up your development environment. This foundation is crucial for a smooth building experience.
Deploy Your First Smart Contract: Utilize ‘chaincode-deployment.md’ and ‘chaincode-post-deployment.md’ to learn how to deploy and interact with your smart contracts on GalaChain. This is where your creations come to life.
Test and Iterate: Leverage the ‘chaincode-testing.md’ guide to test your projects thoroughly. This ensures your applications are ready for the real world, providing a seamless experience for users.
Join the Community: Engage with other developers and the Gala team in the Discord community. Share your progress, seek advice, and collaborate on exciting projects.
Witness the Revolution
By taking on this challenge, you’re not just building on another blockchain; you’re joining the movement and empowering yourself. The simplicity of the GalaChain SDK does not sacrifice power or flexibility; it amplifies your creative potential, making it easier than ever to bring your innovative ideas to life.
We’re Here to Support You
As you embark on this journey, remember that the Gala team is here to support you. Our documentation is constantly updated to provide you with the latest tools, tips, and tricks for maximizing your development experience on GalaChain.
Are you ready to challenge yourself and see just how simple and empowering web3 development can be with GalaChain SDK? Dive in, and let’s build the future together. Your adventure into the world of web3 starts now.
GalaChain is ready. The stage is set. More than 100 developers in our Hackathon HQ in San Francisco are ready to go… along with hundreds more developers around the world!
Tons of teams are going to be working on an incredibly diverse array of projects during the next 24 hours, and we plan to keep you up to date on everything throughout the evening and into the finish line tomorrow at 11am PT!
We’ll have onsite interviews throughout the hackathon with developers and judges. We’ll be bringing you the biggest updates on Discord, socials and our live blog. There will be tons happening in the next day, so make sure you keep watching to see major innovation developing in front of your eyes!
Developing on GalaChain
Keep in mind everyone in this hackathon is developing directly on GalaChain using the recently released SDK. This means that this hackathon has real potential to bring amazing new tools and resources to our community.
GalaChain has come a long way in a short time, but this is what it’s all been leading up to! Community development on GalaChain is right in line with our decentralized and open source sensibilities, and we’re so thankful to everyone who could join us.
For those that couldn’t make it this time, it’s not too late to build cool things on GalaChain! The SDK and Gala Creators Portal are open, and you could easily make GalaChain the home of your next passion project or innovation. Every development makes GalaChain a more robust ecosystem for our community!
We’ll be back throughout the hackathon, but make sure to check in between 11am and 2pm PT tomorrow for highlights from project presentations.
It may be tough to get a full overview of everything that happens at the event until we all sort through the insane amounts of progress. We can, however, guess that Ahead of the Game tomorrow night may be one of the best ways to get a clear rundown of the hackathon!
To all the developers out there, good luck! We wish you smooth building and easy to eliminate bugs!
We hope you think big and build big. Thank you for being a part of GalaChain!
As we continue to unveil the panel of judges for the GalaChain Hackathon at GDC 2024, we are honored to introduce Moshe Shen – the Business Development and Partnership Director at Wintermute!
Wintermute is a leading global algorithmic trading firm and liquidity provider in digital assets. Moshe is in charge of expanding Wintermute’s footprint in Asia, where the demand for digital assets is rapidly increasing. We’re thrilled to have him as part of the judging team for the GalaChain Hackathon!
Moshe Shen: A Decade of Experience in Capital Markets with a Focus on Growth
With a solid decade of experience in financial markets and derivatives, Moshe has a deep understanding of the cryptocurrency ecosystem and the specific needs of its various participants. At Wintermute, Moshe focuses on regional growth across liquidity provision, OTC trading, and venture investments in Web3 projects, leveraging his expertise in both centralized and decentralized finance.
A Unique Lens on Innovation
Moshe’s expertise in liquidity provision and digital asset market structure offers a unique perspective on the potential applications of any new blockchain technology. His role requires a keen understanding of market dynamics, market sociology and the technological underpinnings that facilitate efficient digital transactions. This background makes him an ideal judge to view GalaChain Hackathon entries through a unique lens – one that values technical sophistication, market impact, and innovation in digital finance.
What Moshe Looks for in a Winning Entry
Given Moshe’s focus on market efficiency and liquidity, it’s likely that he’s looking out for projects that:
Enhance Market Infrastructure: Projects that aim to improve the underlying infrastructure of digital markets will stand out. Innovations that improve trading efficiency, or present effective liquidity solutions are all very close to home for Moshe.
Offer scalable infrastructure: Moshe is likely to be drawn to projects demonstrating the ability to grow and adapt to the changing needs of the market, ensuring consistent and equitable access for all participants.
Innovate in Financial Technologies: Moshe will potentially gravitate toward projects that push the boundaries of financial technology – especially those that leverage GalaChain to introduce new financial instruments or trading mechanisms.
The Future of Digital Markets with Moshe Shen
Moshe’s participation as a judge underscores the GalaChain Hackathon’s commitment to pioneering advancements in web3 and digital markets. His deep understanding of financial markets and technical aspects of algorithmic trading should guide participants toward creating projects that are not just innovative but also pragmatic and impactful to the future of digital assets.
As we gear up for this groundbreaking event, let Moshe’s contributions to the world of digital finance inspire you to envision new possibilities for blockchain technology.
This hackathon is not just a competition… it can easily be a launchpad for the next generation of financial technologies that harness the power of GalaChain! What will you build?
