The Proof of Usefulness Hackathon by HackerNoon is built around one simple idea: real utility instead of just vibe-coded beauty, technical sophistication, or pitchdeck projections. We evaluate projects based on actual human, technical, and financial adoption to answer the most important questions.

Is it useful? Do people use it?

Individual developers and budding startups are welcome to participate, with access to free tools that help you build and promote something meaningful. Any technology is welcome, but bigger prizes are reserved for AI and ML projects that use sponsor technologies.

Visit ProofofUsefulness.com

HackerNoon Writing Contests!

$$$ For the Best Stories on #contest-tags Every Month

By publishing with #contest-tags on HackerNoon stories,

you enter to win monthly prizes from sponsors.

“I am beyond honored that my first ever published article has won fourth place in HackerNoon’s Future of Gaming Writing Contest 💪. Writing an article about a tech subject was a leap of faith. To my surprise and delight, it was accepted for publication by the hardworking, ever-so-eloquent editors at HackerNoon."

Michael Benko, ELL Teacher