Official Next.js Conf Opening Hackathon by Clerk w/ CodeTV
Kick off Next.js Conf 2025 with a fast-paced hackathon where developers team up, race against the clock, and bring bold ideas to life.
With only a few hours to design, build, and demo, this is all about collaboration, creativity, and showcasing your skills under pressure.
Hosted by Jason Lengstorf of CodeTV
Hackathon Details
Teams of developers will work together to build an app from ideation to prototype in only a couple hours. At the end of the build stage, teams will demo their app in front of a panel of industry judges. One team will walk away with the grand prize of $25,000.
If you're interested in participating, follow the registration link above. You'll be asked to share:
Your contact information
A short bio & your area of expertise - this helps us balance teams
An elevator pitch for your app idea
Prior to the event, the Clerk team will select their favorite ideas. Participants whose ideas are chosen will become 'founders', leading their respective team during the hackathon.
If your idea is not selected, don't fret! We'll assign you to one of the teams.
Pre-registration is required
Maximum of 12 teams allowed
Up to 4 people per team
Participants must attend in person
Prizes
🥇1st Place: $25,000 to the winning team, distributed evenly
🥈2nd Place: Keychron keyboards for each team member
All participants will receive custom Keychron keycaps, Clerk swag, and more.
Hackathon Schedule
9:00am: Doors open - Find your team & grab some breakfast. We'll have coffee, juice, and pastries
10:00am: Teams start building - Jason will explain the rules & then the timer starts!
12:00pm: Lunch break - we'll have lunch buffet with salads, sandwiches & sides - vegetarian options as well
12:30pm: Back to building!
2:30pm: Demos begin - Each team will have a hard cap of 5 minutes to demo their build in front of the judge panel
4:00pm: Awards Ceremony & Happy Hour - Judges will weigh in on their favorite apps and an overall winner will be awarded. Happy Hour will follow directly with drinks & appetizers
5:00pm: Sanity pre-party - The hackathon space will transition into Sanity's Next.js Conf pre-party!
Judges
You will have the chance to demo your dream app to some of Silicon Valley's finest VCs:
Reid Christian, General Partner at CRV
Rama Sekhar, Partner at Menlo Ventures
And other dev community members.
Why participate?
The hackathon is a chance to prototype fast, working alongside fellow developers on ambitious app ideas. Test yourself and see what your team can accomplish in a small window.
This will be a 'Shark Tank' like environment, giving you the opportunity to pitch your idea in front of industry leaders.
And why not compete for some cool prizes & bragging rights on social media?
Is it free?
Yes! Participation is free, but pre-registration is required. Space is limited to 12 teams, so don't wait.
Will I be on video?
Yes, the CodeTV team will be on site recording the hackathon experience, interviewing team members, and sharing content out on CodeTV and Clerk socials. By registering for the event, you consent to being recorded.