Lens Spring Hackathon

May 5 to May 20, 2025

Prize pool: $55,000

After a strong mainnet launch and a packed Holiday Hackathon in December, we’re back. 40+ projects, 20+ days of building, and some of the most ambitious SocialFi apps we’ve seen. We want that energy again.

It’s Spring. The air is fresh. The trees are green. Touch grass, then get back inside and build.

This time, we’re inviting builders from all backgrounds to create apps in SocialFi, finance, AI, gaming, and consumer. Or pick an idea from our Developer Program Q2 Wishlist:

• Novel SocialFi experiences.
• Custom feed-based platforms including monetization
• Prediction markets
• Trading games
• Creator tooling
• Coordination games
• Co-investing platforms
• Bonsai track: smart media templates, new apps with smart media experiences, built on Bonsai Smart Media Protocol.

We’ll post more ideas on X and Lens, in case you’re running low.

Prizes:

Lens:

• 20,000 $GHO - first prize
• 10,000 $GHO - second prize
• 5,000 $GHO - third and fourth prize
• 2,500 $GHO - four honorary mentions

Bonsai tracks:

• Best new smart media template: $2,000 in BONSAI
  • Runner-up: $500 in BONSAI
• Best new app with smart media: $2,000 in BONSAI
  • Runner-up: $500 in BONSAI

Timeline:

• Kickoff: May 5th, at 4:00 PM CET.
• Hacking Ends: May 20th, at 4:00 PM CET.
• Judging Period: May 20th, 2025, at 4:00 PM CET to May 25th, at 4:00 PM CET

Rules:

• Must build on Lens Protocol - at least one Social Primitive should be integrated into your app.
• Smart contracts must be deployed on Lens Chain
• Should use ConnectKit and Continue with Family for fast, free and easy onboarding.
• All code must be new.
• Teams up to four people.
• For Bonsai track: must build on Bonsai Smart Media Protocol.
• Recommended: Alchemy RPCs.

How to Submit:

We're using Alchemy University as the hackathon main page and submissions platform. Create a free account here.

All submissions must include:

• Detailed README
• Open sourced code
• A demo (video or slideshow)

Submissions can't be edited after the deadline. Edited or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Partners and Builder Support:

This hackathon is built on collaboration. Bonsai, Avail, Alchemy, thirdweb, Kiwi, and Zapper are joining as partners and judges.

• All the transactions related to Lens Primitives will be subsidized.
• Make sure to use the Lens Developer Dashboard to set up and manage your app.
  thirdbeb will host technical workshops and office hours - to be communicated on the Lens Dev Garden telegram.
• thirdweb trials/credits to participants and winners.
• KiwiNews, Avail, Lens, and Bonsai will offer mentorship on a first-come basis. Request in Telegram.

Beyond the Hackathon: Select winners may be fast-tracked into Developer Program v1 or v2 (launching Q3 2025) for more hands-on support.

Resources:

• Lens Docs.
• Lens Developer Dashboard.
• Bonsai Docs.
• Bonsai Smart Media demo.
• ConnectKit and Continue with Family.
• Recommended: Alchemy RPCs.

We're excited to see what you will build!

Sign Up and Terms

To participate, please read the hackathon terms and conditions, and sign up on the Alchemy hackathon page.