About the challenge
Participate in the Zero to One Hackathon Vol 2 by Convex to build your next startup idea and fullstack app with the backend that your app deserves. Designed for the modern web developer and startup founder, Convex handles everything in your backend that isn’t your application logic, letting you focus on building your app and talking with users.
You can join as a solo developer and team up with others(max 4) to build an app that leverages Convex. With Convex, it’s easy to get started with our quick guides, and we encourage you to be creative: build a web app, an AI app, a new chat app, or create a game or mobile app in the app tracks below. If you have a startup idea, use the Zero to One Hackathon by Convex Vol 2 as your jumping-off point. We’re excited to see what you build!
What You Get- Learn a faster way to build fullstack apps.
- Improved Typescript skills
- Gain experience building fullstack apps with Convex.
- Connect with the Convex community.
- A chance at $10,000 in cash prizes.
- Check out our Hackathon Resources
- Read through our Resources Page
- Show and Tell: See live apps in the Convex Discord show & tell.
- Convex is free for 1-2 member teams with a 20-project limit.
- All support, clarifications, envelope-pushing, and humble-bragging will happen in the Convex Discord #hackathon channel.
Requirements
Build a working app (web, mobile or desktop) using Convex.
The app must use Convex Auth or one of the recommended Auth providers and other Convex features.
- Best full-stack app that uses Convex (overall)
- Best Startup Idea
- Best use of AI with Convex in your app
- Most Viral App on X or LinkedIn
Milestone 1: Getting Started
- Join Convex Discord #hackathon channel
- Create your app idea and form your team (max 4).
- Create your Convex Account
- If you’re new to Convex, complete the Tour of Convex
- Setup Convex Auth or one of the recommended Auth providers in your app
Milestone 2: Deploy Your App
- Ensure your app runs locally.
- Test your app (how to)
- Deploy your app using one of the suggested options here.
Milestone 3: Share Your App
- Share your app in the Convex Discord #show and tell channel.
- Share your app via X or LinkedIn and mention Convex
- Ask for user feedback in the #hackathon channel.
- Submit your working app to judge when the submission period opens.
- Provide a public URL of your working app.
- Provide a public URL to your code repository for judging.
- If private, please share with wayne@convex.dev
- Include a video (it should be 3 minutes long) demonstrating how your app works and the data in the Convex dashboard.
- Videos must be uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo, or another server with a public URL.
- Judges will not be reviewing beyond 3 minutes.
- Your complete submission form on Devpost before the final deadline.
- Please check the Official Rules for full details.
Prizes
Best fullstack app that uses Convex (overall)
•$4000 USD
• The best working app that uses Convex features (e.g., auth, multiplayer, vector search, server functions, and real-time updates.)
• 6 months of Convex Pro
• Convex Swag
• Social recognition by Convex
• Stack post featuring the winning submission
• Mentorship session with Convex founders
• Option to participate in Convex For Startup Program
Best Startup Idea
•$3000 USD
• The best startup idea built on Convex.
• 6 months Convex Pro
• Option to participate in Convex For Startup Program
• Mentorship session with Convex founders
• Convex Swag
Best use of AI with Convex in your app
• $1500 USD
• The best AI app that uses Convex features.
• 6 months of Convex Pro
• Convex Swag
Most Viral App on X or LinkedIn
•$1500 USD
• The best viral app during the hackathon. Viral apps are polished, well-designed, and shared on X or LinkedIn
• 6 months of Convex Pro
• Social recognition by Convex
• Convex Swag
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
Jamie Turner
Co-Founder / CEO at Convex
Anjana Vakil
Independent Developer & Educator
Ian Macartney
Developer Experience Engineer at Convex
Wayne Sutton
Head of Community and Events at Convex
Shawn Erquhart
Product Engineer
Tom Redman
Head of DX at Convex
Sunny Rochiramani
VP / Head of Engineering at Descript
Judging Criteria
-
Convex Use
Your backend & client code follows Convex best practices. You show how you use Convex in your video submission. -
It works
Your app functions as intended without glaring bugs. -
Startup Idea
Does your app have the potential for growth and impact? -
Technical Excellence
Your codebase is well-tested & documented. -
UI/UX Polish
Your app is well-designed. -
Product Creativity
Your app idea is original.
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
Tell your friends
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

