Hackathon #1
just talking about actually building shit that wins
Not another BS hackathon. This is a launching pad for founders under 20 who want to build something real, get noticed, and potentially secure funding. No participation trophies—we're here to find winners.
the rules
minimal constraints, maximum impact
age requirement
Under 20 years old. Period. The next Zuckerberg, Spiegel, or D'Angelo won't wait until they're 30 to build something that matters.
genuine ideas
Build something with real potential, not just a toy project. We want ideas that could turn into actual products with real users.
ai is allowed
Use any tool at your disposal—AI, no-code, whatever. Real founders use every advantage. Just know your shit and be able to explain your tech.
submission
Your YouTube pitch needs to be tight. 3 minutes max. Show the working product, explain the opportunity, and why you're the one to build it.
know your why
Be obsessed with your problem. The best founders can't shut up about why their solution matters. Show that fire.
consider impact
How big can this get? Founders who win think in millions of users, not hundreds. Think scale from day one.
the prize
connect with someone who can literally change your life
Potential Life-Changing Mentorship
30 minutes with the right person can change everything. The winner gets a private Zoom call with one of 5 industry leaders who've built 8 and 9-figure companies or funded dozens of successful startups.
Featured Industry Leader
Isabelle Dijkhorst
Co-founder & CEO @Foundity
18 y/o | LaunchX '24 | TEDx Speaker | Building the next social startup networkConnect with someone who can literally change your life as a young founder. Gain insights from a leader who understands what it takes to succeed.
Exceptional projects may receive investment offers or incubator spots from our network of partners. No guarantees, but it may happen.
the timeline
sprint like a real founder—fast execution wins
Registration Opens
NOW
Sign up immediately. Every day counts. The clock is ticking for your competitors already.
Submissions Due
JUNE 10, 2025
Mark your calendar for June 10th. Build an MVP that impresses before the deadline. That's startup life. Embrace it.
Judging Period
JUNE 11-17, 2025
Our panel of founders and investors will scrutinize your pitch and product. They've seen thousands of pitches—make yours count.
Winner Announcement
JUNE 20, 2025
One team rises above. We'll announce who crushed it and which industry leader they'll meet with.
Mentorship Call
TO BE SCHEDULED
30 minutes that could accelerate your journey by years. Go in prepared with specific questions and goals.
submission format
nail these elements to stand out
1YouTube Pitch (3 min max)
Your pitch video must include:
- Problem statement - why does this matter?
- Your solution - with actual demo footage
- Target market/users - be specific about who needs this
- Growth potential - how big could this get?
- Why you/your team - what makes you the ones to build this?
2Working Demo Link
Provide a link where judges can try your product. This could be:
- Live website URL
- App store download link
- GitHub repo with clear setup instructions
- Demo environment with test credentials
3One-Pager
Submit a single-page PDF that covers your business model, tech stack, future roadmap, and anything else you want judges to know. Think of this as your founder memo - clear, concise, compelling.
PRO TIP: Judges are looking for founder potential as much as product potential. Show you understand your market deeply and have conviction about your solution.
ready to build your future?
Forget building for fun. Build to win. Build something that matters. Build your future.
join the competitionBy registering, you're committing to build something real. No half-assed submissions.
FAQ
got questions? we've got answers
Can I participate in a team?
Yes! You can participate solo or in a team. Just make sure everyone in your team is under 20 years old.
What kind of project should I build?
Build something with real potential. Web apps, mobile apps, AI tools, crypto products—anything that solves a real problem and could scale. Think like a founder, not a student.
Is there potential funding beyond the mentorship?
Yes. While we can't guarantee investment offers, our judges and mentors have a track record of funding promising projects they discover. Several past winners have received angel investments ranging from $10K to $50K after impressing during their mentor calls.
How will you verify my age?
We trust you to be honest. If selected as a winner, we'll require proof of age before arranging the mentor call.
Who are the mystery mentors?
We're keeping their identities confidential until the winner is announced, but they include founders who've raised $50M+, partners at leading VCs, and tech leaders with massive exits. People who can actually move the needle for your startup.