AI CHAIN NEAR HACKATHON

What is AI CHAIN NEAR HACKATHON?

AI CHAIN NEAR HACKATHON is a 2 weeks hacking session for those who want to team up,  developing innovative AI solutions on Web3, get familiar with NEAR, build a prototype for their project, pitch it, and get a chance to win.

The hackathon can be the start of something amazing, or a way to fail fast, learn, and adapt. We appreciate both, because we know that to build the next big thing you often have to fail enough times to find just the right idea.

Who can attend AI CHAIN NEAR HACKATHON?

The hackathon is open to individuals and teams from Tunisia interested in developing innovative AI solutions on Web3 using NEAR Protocol.

Can I register our company employees in bulk?

No. Candidates must register and apply individually (they are evaluated and selected individually too, see above).

Can I bring a guest to the event?

No. All attendees must apply to the event individually.

Do I have to participate in the 48h programming competition?

No. But we do encourage you to participate in something during the event, and not just passively roam around the venue. Fortunately, there are plenty of activities to choose from.

I was selected but can't attend the event, what do I do?

Please let us know. Spots are limited and it would be nice if another candidate could go instead (but no, you cannot choose who that candidate might be).

When will the schedule be available?

A detailed schedule will be available closer to the event, on our website

Will there be a live stream from the event?

Yes, live streaming will be available. The feed will be focused on the activities taking place on the main stage, such as talks and contests. When nothing is going on there, you can expect a general transmission of the event.

Will the talks be recorded?

Unless the speaker states otherwise, every talk will be recorded and available online in the weeks following the event.

Is there food and beverages at the event?

Food and drinks will be provided free for all attendees. We'll be providing lunch and dinner daily, and there will be random snacks and beverages available 24/7.

Why is the official language English?

Although most of our participants are from Portugal, we have attendees coming from all over the world. English is usually well understood and accepted. Our main motivation is technology and talent, and these are global attributes, so our main 'language' is what we use to code. English is not the only language at the event, though. The event is bilingual, so there may be talks held in portuguese. These will be properly identified in the event's schedule.

Do I get a participation certificate at the end?

Yes, we can provide participation certificates on demand in the days following AI CHAIN NEAR HACKATHON. Just make sure you actually participate.

Should I arrange for a place to stay?

In the spirit of the event, attendees can choose to stay the night at the venue, sleeping in sleeping bags or such. But if this is not your thing, you have many accommodation options elsewhere around. Closer to the event we may announce discounts and partnerships. Please note that Lisbon has plenty of tourism all year round, which means high occupation in hotels and hostels, so try and book your reservations in advance.

What about a sleeping bag?

This one is allowed, no problems with that.

Is there Wi-Fi at the event?

Of course. There will also be a limited number of ethernet outlets in the table area, but teams doing projects for the 48h competition have priority on these.

Will the Wi-Fi be any good this year?

The million-dollar question… The organization will provide a world-class setup but, ultimately, this depends on you and your fellow attendees. Bear in mind that hotspots are NOT ALLOWED at the event. Wi-Fi is a shared medium, like a pool, please don't pee in the pool.

What are these other activities?

The main activity is, of course, the 48h programming competition, where your team works on a project during the event and presents it on stage on the final day. In the Quiz Show teams answer tech/science related questions and in the Security CTF teams try to solve cybersecurity-related challenges. There's also a retro gaming competition where participants play classic games on stage. These are just some examples.

If I'm selected to participate in one of these activities, can I select anyone to team up with me? Even a speaker?

Yes, but it'll help if you tell that person beforehand.

Does that mean I can invite someone who's not attending AI CHAIN NEAR HACKATHON?

No. The other members in your team must also be approved attendees. And to be approved they must apply for the event (individually).

Are there prizes for winning one of these activities?

In most cases, yes. But we won't tell you what the prize is in advance.

I want to be a speaker at the event. How can I propose a talk?

Talks proposals are handled through GitHub pull requests. Follow the instructions in the talks repo ( https://github.com/pixelscamp/talks ).

Do I need to apply to AI CHAIN NEAR HACKATHON to propose a talk?

Yes, you do. And if your talk is accepted, it means you're immediately accepted as an attendee as well (of course).

Since english is the official language, should my talk be given in english?

English is the official language, yes, but it's optional for participants and speakers. If you're not comfortable (enough) with delivering a talk in english, you can choose to deliver it in portuguese instead. You could also choose Klingon, or Goa'uld, but it makes sense to choose a language that at least a few people in the audience would be able to understand… ;)

I am interested in exhibiting or becoming a sponsor, what do I do?

If you are interested in sponsoring AI CHAIN NEAR HACKATHON, please contact us at for a prospectus and sponsorship application instructions.

I'm a tech guy but I also do recruiting. Is it OK if I talk to someone at AI CHAIN NEAR HACKATHON to see if they're interested in working with me?

You cannot engage in direct recruitment activities during AI CHAIN NEAR HACKATHON. This is one of the core rules of the event. The attendees don't enjoy unsolicited targeting, and we don't want to turn the event into a battlefield for hires. Trust us, it's better for you, not only for attendees. Having said this, it's OK if the interest is mutual and both parties want to talk (meaning the attendee approaches you). It's definitely NOT OK if you're preaching to the crowd or fishing around for interest.