​Build for a world that values freedom, a world where control is not encouraged, where privacy is protected. Encode a free society.

​Free Society Hack is where you begin your journey in the Zcash ecosystem. Build on Zcash during Devcon. Plus an Agentic Commerce track by Bitrefill. $5,000 in cash prizes.

​100 hand-picked builders, in person. A whole day & night to ship a working product on private money, with mentors from Zcash projects beside you.

​A full day to meet the people across the ecosystem who can help you keep going in the space.

• ​Privacy track, with Zcash. Five projects win on the day: a top prize of 1,300 USD, two second prizes of 300 USD, and two third prizes of 200 USD.

• ​Agentic Commerce track, with Bitrefill. Use Bitrefill in your project to compete for 1,000 USD for the most innovative project, 800 USD for second, 600 for third, and 100 USD for the best feedback.

• ​(Bonus) The Zcash Ecosystem Prize. Up to two winning projects are picked to keep building with a Zcash ecosystem partner for 30 days. Agree one milestone, deliver it, and earn a further 100 USD.

• ​Mentorship. You get exclusive mentorship from top Zcash projects.
  
  The Ecosystem Prize helps you build a public track record and connect with people who know your work, with dedicated mentorship guidance and support.

• ​Breakfast, lunch and dinner, including an unmissable afterparty.

• ​A short tuktuk ride from the main Devcon venue

• ​Dedicated IRL 1-on-1 mentor support and guidance to thrive within the Zcash ecosystem

• ​Cosy hacking areas, fast internet & group seating

• ​Our merch is infamous. Get there early.

​Who should apply?

​Calling all engineers, developers, marketers and founders, technical or not. Most of our builders are new to Zcash. All you need is the drive to build your idea.

EXCLUSIVE MERCH

​Wed 4 Nov

11:00 Doors open and welcome
11:30 Build, with workshops & mentors
19:00 Hacking Day ends
20:00 Party begins (there will be quiet zones for those who wish to stay & continue building)
00:00 Submissions close

​Judges score every project overnight and pick the strongest to demo on stage. Winners announced on stage.

There is no accommodation onsite.

​Thu 5 Nov: Demo day
11:00 Top teams announced
12:00 Demos & Winners

​Do I need to know Zcash?
No. Most of the room will be building on it for the first time. We start with a tooling walkthrough, and mentors are around all day.

​Who should apply?
Engineers, product people, marketers and founders. If you’ve got a small idea and want to grow it, apply.

​Do I need a team?
No. Teams are one to four people. Come with your crew or find one on the day.

​Can one project enter both tracks?
Yes, as long as it meets both tracks' requirements.

​What happens after the hack?
Winning teams get paired with an ecosystem partner to agree, deliver and share one small milestone within 30 days.

​What if I don’t win?
No problem: the same path is open to every builder. Agree a milestone, ship it and share it.

​Can I join remotely?
No. You need to be in Mumbai, in person, on Wed 4 Nov.

​When do applications close?
We review applications on rolling basis, so apply early! Since we have 100 spots, we'll ask everyone to confirm their space and free slots may appear closer to the event.

Can I sleep at the venue?
Sleeping at the venue is not possible, the hacking day finishes at 7pm. If you wish to stay for the party you are welcome to, but it is not mandatory.

Can I join remotely?
No. You need to be in Mumbai, in person, on Wed 4 Nov.

​Is food included?
Yes. Food & refreshments are included.

Who can attend demoday?
Invited teams who are shortlisted for pitching from the judges will be chosen for demoday on Nov 5 only.