ETHGlobal
ETHGlobal
Description
ETHGlobal is the largest Ethereum hackathon organizer in the world, running 12+ events annually with over $1 million in prizes distributed each year. Their flagship events include ETHGlobal Online (virtual), ETHGlobal New York, ETHGlobal San Francisco, and ETHGlobal Brussels. Hackathons typically run 36-48 hours and attract 500-2,000+ developers building on Ethereum and related technologies.
For ZHC builders, ETHGlobal hackathons are an exceptional opportunity to rapidly prototype, win non-dilutive funding, and connect with the Ethereum ecosystem. Many successful projects (including 1inch, zkSync, and PoolTogether) started at ETHGlobal events. Even if you don't win, the networking, mentorship, and rapid learning accelerate your project significantly.
Eligibility
Event Types
ETHGlobal Online
- Virtual, global participation
- 2-3 week build period
- $100K-$500K in prizes
- Largest participation (5,000+ builders)
In-Person Events
- ETHGlobal New York, San Francisco, Brussels, etc.
- 36-48 hour hackathons
- Travel grants available
- $200K-$500K+ in prizes
Participation Requirements
- Anyone can register (no qualification required)
- Individuals or teams (2-5 people typical)
- Must build something new during the event
- Open to all skill levels
Judging Criteria
- Technical complexity and innovation
- Practical utility and impact
- Presentation and demo quality
- Use of sponsor technologies
ZHC-Specific Fit
✅ Excellent for:
- Rapid prototyping of blockchain ideas
- Learning Ethereum development
- Meeting co-founders and collaborators
- Winning non-dilutive capital
- Building in the Ethereum ecosystem
- Getting feedback from protocol teams
❌ Poor fit if:
- No interest in blockchain/Ethereum
- Cannot commit to hackathon timeframe
- Looking for large equity funding (prizes are smaller)
- Prefer traditional grant structure
Application Process
Hackathon Timeline
| Phase | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | 2-4 weeks before | Sign up on ETHGlobal website |
| Pre-event | 1-2 weeks | Workshops, team formation, ideation |
| Hacking | 36-48 hours (in-person) or 2-3 weeks (online) | Build your project |
| Submission | Deadline | Submit code, demo video, description |
| Judging | 1-2 days | Judges review submissions |
| Awards | Final day | Winners announced, prizes distributed |
Prize Categories
| Category | Typical Prize |
|---|---|
| Grand Prize | $10K-$50K |
| Sponsor Prizes | $1K-$25K each |
| Pool Prizes | $5K-$50K distributed |
| Bounties | $500-$5K for specific integrations |
| Total per event | $100K-$500K |
What You Get
- Access to mentors and experts
- Workshops and learning resources
- Networking with Ethereum ecosystem
- Potential prize money (non-dilutive)
- Recognition and publicity
- Post-hackathon support opportunities
- Connection to accelerators and VCs
- Free swag and food (in-person events)