BNB Chain Launches New Hackathon Categories —Here’s How to Join

BNB Chain, the decentralized blockchain developed by leading crypto exchange Binance, has unveiled new categories for its ongoing hackathon event. Dubbed BNB Hack, the event is designed to encourage innovation and accelerate the integration of blockchain technology across multiple solutions.

About the BNB Chain Hackathon 

Notably, the hackathon was initially launched in February 2025 with a focus on projects integrating artificial intelligence into blockchain technology. However, following community feedback, BNB Chain has now expanded the scope of the hackathon. 

The expansion allows developers to submit their blockchain-based projects across four categories, namely AI, decentralized social (DeSoc), decentralized science (DeSci), and decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN). Not only does the hackathon support innovation in these four tracks, but it also helps build new tools on the BNB Chain network. 

Participants building in the AI category can consider developing AI-driven trading bots and decentralized data analysis tools. They can also focus on gaming, business intelligence, and AI integrations.

For the DeSoc track, BNB Chain expects to see projects that empower individuals and foster new forms of community organization, including social launchpads. DeSci developers can create projects focused on IP management, and commercialization, and more. Meanwhile, DePIN developers can build projects that integrate blockchain into real-world assets and services.

Hackathon Rewards

The BNB Hack event offers three distinct tiers of rewards. Projects in Tier 1 will receive a $10,000 cash prize, a kickstart funding package worth $50,000, an MVB interview, a BIA demo entry, and intensive marketing support. 

Projects in Tier 2 will receive $7,000 in cash, $50,000 in kickstart funding, and a demo session on BNB Chain channels across YouTube and X. While those on Tier 3 will receive $3,000 cash, $50,000 in funding, as well as extra development resources. 

Notably, participants can progressively earn the rewards available across the three tiers as they improve their projects and advance in the ranks. Moreso, the winners will receive additional benefits, including collaboration with BNB Chain partners, potential seed funding, and comprehensive marketing support.

How to Join?

To level the playing field, the BNB Hack event is not open to developers who have participated in any past hackathons or previously funded ones. 

To join the hackathon, participants must deploy or connect their open-source, free-to-use projects to the opBNB/BSC mainnet or testnet. Projects that are deployed after the announcement date are eligible to join. 

The projects must have shared artifacts, including a demo video, deck, and GitHub. Additionally, the contract address must have at least two successful transactions within the hackathon timeframe.

Then, the participants are required to create a tweet describing their project and the specific challenge they are applying for. The tweet should have the hashtag #BNBHack and tag the official BNB Chain X account.

Interestingly, unlike traditional hackathon events with strict deadlines, BNB Hack offers an open submission policy. This allows participants to submit their projects at any time. The platform then performs bi-weekly reviews to identify projects that qualify for the tiered rewards. 

However, BNB Chain warned that it might close submissions at any time. Therefore, it encourages participants to submit their applications on time to maximize the platform’s support and increase their chances of winning. 

The platform also provides 24/7 support on its dedicated BNB Hack Discord channel. There, participants can get answers to their questions and leverage the opportunity to find teammates and form teams.

To boost their scores, participants must verify their contracts, provide full open-source codes, present a detailed roadmap, and clear documentation. They also need to highlight an innovative design, develop a clear business model, and actively engage with communities.