ETHIstanbul

ETHIstanbul Hackathon FAQ

We’re excited to welcome you to ETHIstanbul, taking place September 5–7, 2025, in Istanbul. Here’s everything you need to know about logistics, registration, accommodation, food, and how to get the most out of the event.

🔧 Logistics

Platforms

We use two platforms throughout the event:

• 🟣 TAIKAI→ for registration, project submission, and judging

• 💬 Discord → for live support, mentor questions, and announcements

🎟 Tickets

• Hacker participation is free, you just need to apply via TAIKAI.

• Applications are reviewed and approved in waves every 2 weeks.

📍 Venue

Venue Name & Address (TBD)

💤 Can I sleep at the venue?

Yes, hackers can stay overnight on Friday and Saturday. We’ll have a designated chill zone with basic sleeping arrangements (no beds, no showers). Bring a sleeping bag, toothbrush, and warm clothes. We’ll do our best to make it comfortable.

Lockers or a bag check area will be provided on-site. 

(TBD: update if confirmed.)

🛏 Looking for a place to stay?

Want a proper bed or interested in crashing with a local? We’ll share a peer-to-peer housing sheet closer to the event. In the meantime, you can look for accommodation options nearby or in Beyoğlu, Karaköy ve Şişhane areas.

🍽 Food & Drinks

We’ve got you covered:

• 🥐 Breakfast, 🍱 lunch, and 🍝 dinner are free for everyone

• Snacks, coffee and tea will be available throughout the day

• Vegan/vegetarian options will be available

🗺 Istanbul City Guide

We’ll prepare a short ETHIstanbul City Guide to help you explore cafes, restaurants, and nice work spots around the venue. Stay tuned on Discord and email for the PDF version in August.

⏳ Timeline (to be updated)

Friday, September 5 (GMT+3)

• 10:00 — Hackathon Begins

• 14:00 — Opening Ceremony

• 16:00 — First Workshops

Sunday, September 7

• 10:00 — Submission Deadline

• 11:30–15:30 — Judging + Live Presentations

• 16:00-18:00 — Closing Ceremony

📜 ETHIstanbul Hackathon Rules

Please read the rules carefully, they help keep things fair, fun, and focused for everyone participating.

• The hackathon starts on Friday, September 5th at 10:00 (GMT+3) and ends on Sunday, September 7th at 10:00 (GMT+3).

• All code must be written during the hackathon. Submitting pre-written code is not allowed.

• Teams can have up to 5 members.

• All team members must be physically present at the event.

• One person from each team must be present at the venue during judging hours on Sunday.

• You cannot copy, use, or submit another team’s code.

• All projects must be submitted through Taikai before the deadline.

• Bounties are awarded by our partners and distributed within 2 weeks after the event.

• You must follow all instructions from ETHIstanbul organizers and volunteers.

• Be respectful and kind, ETHIstanbul follows a strict Code of Conduct. Harassment or abuse will not be tolerated.

🧑‍🏫 Mentors & Judging

Throughout the hackathon, mentors will be available both in person and online via Discord to support teams with technical questions, design advice, or feedback on your ideas.

If you’re stuck, need help with tooling, or want a second opinion, don’t hesitate to reach out. That’s what they’re here for.

🧑‍⚖️ Judging Process

Judging will take place on Sunday, September 7th in the afternoon.

Each project will be evaluated by a panel of judges from our community, ecosystem partners, and core teams.

Projects will be scored from 1 to 5 across the following criteria:

• Technical Execution – How complex or well-built is the project?

• Use Case – Is it solving a real problem or addressing a clear need?

• Originality – Is the idea fresh, unexpected, or creatively implemented?

• Impact / Market Potential – Could this evolve into something meaningful, widely used, or investable?

• Presentation / Wow Factor – Did it make us say “we want to try this right now”?

Judges will also consider completeness, clarity of the demo, and whether the project was built within the hackathon timeframe.

You can reach us anytime!

ETHIstanbul Hackathon Team

Irem @irmkoci

Mustafa @mechul_eth

Mete @gergin_101