The Smart Builders Challenge is a global innovation hackathon powered by BNB Chain and Ignyte, designed to accelerate the next generation of Web3 development and real-world blockchain adoption. Developers and builders are invited to create solutions across key areas like AI, DeFi, Real-World Assets, and Payments for a chance to win from a substantial prize pool.
At a Glance
- Opportunity Type: Global Hackathon/Innovation Challenge
- For: Developers, Startups, and Builders creating next-generation Web3 solutions
- Key Benefits: $125,000 Prize Pool, Fast-track to MVB program, Access to $1B Builder Fund, Ecosystem Access
- Application Deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026
- Location: Global/Virtual
Hackathon Overview
The “Building the Future of Web3 on BNB Chain” challenge aims to drive innovation by inviting builders to create solutions that bring blockchain closer to everyday users. Participants will focus on reimagining decentralized finance, tokenized assets, adaptive smart contracts, and next-gen payment systems, demonstrating how BNB Chain can power the future of Web3. Winning teams gain direct access to the BNB Chain ecosystem, expert mentorship, and opportunities for global scaling.
Prizes and Awards
The total prize pool for the hackathon is $125,000 USD, structured as follows:
- Cash Prize: $75,000 USD
- Kickstart Support: $50,000 USD in kickstart support from BNB Chain.
Additionally, winning teams receive non-financial rewards:
- MVB Program: Fast-track interviews for the MVB program via EASY Residency.
- Investment Access: Access to potential investment through the $1B Builder Fund.
Key Focus Areas
The challenge is centered on solutions that solve specific problems within the BNB Chain ecosystem priorities. Potential focus areas include:
- Trading: Next-gen DEXs, AI-driven liquidity optimization, decentralized quant strategies.
- RWA (Real-World Assets): Tokenized assets (bonds, real estate, carbon credits), yield protocols for RWAs.
- AI: Smart agents for on-chain automation, adaptive smart contracts, predictive analytics for DeFi/NFTs.
- DeSci (Decentralized Science): Tokenized research funding, on-chain peer review, open data marketplaces.
- DeFi: Composable liquidity layers, risk analytics dashboards, enhanced security and accessibility.
- Payments: Merchant on-chain payment tools, cross-border settlement APIs, Fiat on/off-ramp integrations.
- Wallets: Account abstraction, enhanced UX & recovery tools, layered security & identity integration.
Submission Criteria (BNB Chain Requirements)
To be considered, projects must meet the following criteria:
- Deployment: Projects must be live on the testnet or mainnet after the announcement date.
- Originality: Projects must not have participated in any past hackathons or been previously funded.
- Technical Requirement: Work must be deployed on or connected to opBNB/BSC mainnet or testnet in some way.
- Accessibility: Submissions must be open source and free for others to use.
- Artifacts: Share a Pitch Deck, GitHub in Summary, and a Demo Video.
- Activity: Ensure the contract address has at least 2 successful transactions within the hackathon timeframe.
- Social Media: Post a tweet describing your project, tagging
@BNBChainand using the hashtag#BNBHack.
Selection Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on the following:
- Technical feasibility and scalability
- Relevance to BNB Chain ecosystem priorities
- Originality and creativity of solution
- User experience and accessibility
- Real-world problem fit and market potential
To maximize your score, showcase your roadmap, open-source contributions, and community engagement, with a clear path to a sustainable business model.
How to Apply
To compete for the $125,000 prize pool, submit your project before the deadline.
- Start Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
- Entry Deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026
Application Link: https://lnkd.in/dKk9WVJK
About Ignyte
Ignyte is the platform powering this global innovation challenge. Ignyte’s services include enabling businesses to launch and manage challenges, providing CTO-as-a-Service, and offering business setup assistance.
Learn More: https://app.ignyte.ae/public/challenges/D1D1C19B-30C5-F011-8195-6045BD14DEC8
