The Dark Factory Virtual Hackathon Week + Opening Meetup

​One challenge. One week to complete. Build a software factory that runs itself.

​We’re excited to launch the BAND Dark Factory Hackathon, a weeklong virtual hackathon for Israel’s developer community. From November 22 to November 29, you can spend as long as you want over seven days to take on the Dark Factory challenge: build a team of AI agents that turns a spec into working software, with no humans needed.

​Build from your desk, your couch, or a café at 2am. Go solo or bring a crew. Just make sure you ship the final product by November 29.

​Dark factories = the most advanced software factory there is

​Software factories are everywhere right now: AI agents planning, coding, testing and reviewing together. Most still keep a human in the loop. Dark Factories take the human out. The agents run everything from spec to shipped software, with the lights off because nobody needs to be on the floor.

​Your agents will work as one crew inside BAND Desktop, where each one keeps its own tools, models, and memory while they coordinate the work.

​What's in it for you?

​We're offering over 10,000 shekels in prizes, including an iPhone 18, a Mac Mini and AirPods Max.

​How does it work?

• ​Register: it’s free :)

• ​November 22: the challenge goes live.

• ​The next 7 days: build your factory from wherever you are.

• ​November 29: submissions close.

​Bonus: Kickoff meetup in Tel Aviv (optional)

​Want to start the week in person? Join us on Sunday, November 22, 5:00–8:00 PM at Team8’s offices. It’s a meetup, not a hack session, so you can leave your laptop closed. Come for:

• ​An introduction to the challenge and a walkthrough of BAND Desktop

• ​A panel on what it takes to build an AI Software Factory

• ​A chance to meet other builders and find teammates

• ​Delicious snacks and excellent company!

​Speakers include:

• ​Shahar Polak, Outside The Box - מפתחים מחוץ לקופצה

• ​Uri Shamay, CTO at Team8

• ​Arick Goomanovsky, CEO at BAND

• ​Vlad Luzin, CTO at BAND

​Can’t make it? No problem. The hacking happens online, and everyone gets the same seven days.

​Who should join

​Developers, designers, founders, and curious builders of any experience level. Basically, this is for anyone who has ever wanted to watch agents ship software on their own.

​Get a head start

​Look around the BAND website, the docs, and the hacker guide before the challenge opens.