BizThon Hackathon: Online vs Onsite Edition — Everything You Need to Know
Hackathons are a great way to showcase your skills, innovate, and collaborate with like-minded individuals. With BizThon in partnership with Paris Blockchain Week hosting both an online edition and an onsite edition, many participants are wondering about the differences between the two — and now, with dedicated tracks for blockchain enthusiasts, there’s even more to explore. This article will clear all your doubts, compare the two formats, and introduce the special Solana Foundation and XRPL tracks.
Event Dates
- Online Edition: Jan — March 2025
- Onsite Edition: April 5th & 6th 2025
Hackathon Tracks
Both editions now feature two specialized tracks to cater to the growing blockchain community:
- Solana Foundation Track:
Dive into the world of fast, scalable blockchain solutions by building on the Solana platform. Participants will have access to exclusive resources, workshops, and mentorship from Solana experts. Whether you’re developing decentralized applications or innovative blockchain utilities, this track is designed to help you make the most of Solana’s cutting-edge technology. - XRPL Track:
The XRPL track is designed for developers interested in blockchain technology, financial innovations, and decentralized applications. With dedicated mentor sessions and tailored workshops, participants will gain insights into leveraging XRPL’s capabilities to build secure, scalable, and efficient solutions.
During registration, you can choose the track that best aligns with your project goals — both the Solana Foundation and XRPL tracks are available in the online and onsite editions, with the onsite edition being hosted exclusively by BizThon and onsite edition to be hosted at VO2 offices at 100 Rue Réaumur, 75002 Paris.
Flow of Both Hackathons
Onsite Edition (Paris — April 5th & 6th, 2025)
- Registration & Arrival:
Register on BizThon for the Paris Blockchain Week Onsite Edition by clicking “Register Now” and filling in your details. Arrive at the venue in Paris to collect your entry pass. - Track Selection:
When registering, select either the Solana Foundation Track or the XRPL Commons Track to receive track-specific resources and mentor support. - Event Flow:
- Build Your Project: Develop your solution with your chosen blockchain focus.
- Attend Workshops & Coding Sessions: Participate in interactive sessions that cover both general hackathon skills and track-specific insights.
- In-Person Mentorship: Gain valuable feedback from experts in your selected track.
- Pitch Your Idea: If selected, secure an exclusive slot to present your project in front of investors and jury members.
- Prizes: Winners will be entitled to a €10,000 prize(Each Track).
Online Edition (June 12–18, 2025)
- Registration & Idea Submission:
Register on BizThon and submit your project idea. At registration, choose either the Solana Foundation Track or the XRPL Track, both available separately on www.bizthon.com. Submit your idea now on the track of your choice — and yes, you can participate in both tracks! - Event Flow:
- Idea & MVP Submission: Submit your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) once idea submission closes.
- Virtual Workshops & Mentor Sessions: Participate in a series of online and offline sessions that include both general hackathon guidance and track-specific advice from experts in Solana or XRPL.
- Virtual Presentation Round: Present your project during a virtual round where selected teams showcase their work.
- Prizes: Winners receive a €10,000 prize pool(each track) and, additionally, secure an exclusive slot at PBW in Paris to present their project.
Key Queries Answered (FAQ Section)
- Can I register for both hackathons?
Absolutely! You can register separately for both editions — Online (Jan — March, 2025) and Onsite (Paris, April 5th and 6th, 2025) — You can find details about both on www.bizthon.com.
🚀 Track Selection: Both the Solana Foundation and XRPL tracks are available in both editions. You can participate in either or both tracks, but you must have to build according to the problem statement provided in both the tracks.
💡 Note:
- If you win in the online edition, you’ll receive the €10,000 prize pool(each track) and an exclusive slot to present at Paris Blockchain Week in Paris, making you ineligible to compete in the onsite hackathon.
- If you don’t win in the online edition, you can still register and compete in the onsite edition in Paris.
2. Can I win prizes in both editions?
No, you can only win in one edition. If you win the online edition, you’ll receive its prize and presentation slot, making you ineligible for the onsite competition. However, you can participate in both tracks — Solana Foundation Track and XRPL Commons Track — and win in each separately.
3. How will I receive the prize money?
- Online Edition: Prizes are distributed via online payment methods after verification.
- Onsite Edition: Prizes will be transferred after the event.
4. Will airfare and accommodation be covered for onsite participants?
No, BizThon does not cover airfare or accommodation for onsite participants.
5. Is the competition format the same in both editions?
No. The online edition spans multiple days, offering a flexible remote experience, while the onsite edition is a high-intensity, 2-day event with live, in-person collaboration.
6. How will mentorship work?
- Online Edition:
Enjoy a series of workshops and mentor sessions (both online via BizThon and offline at selected locations) tailored to your chosen track.
Stay updated by joining our community and following us on social media for regular updates. - Onsite Edition:
Benefit from in-person mentorship from experts and industry leaders, with sessions focusing on general hackathon skills as well as specific insights for the Solana Foundation or XRPL commons tracks.
7. How do I stay updated?
Follow our Telegram channel and social media for regular updates.
8. What is the prize money for both editions?
Both the Online Edition and Onsite Edition have a total prize pool of €10,000 for each track.
Final Thoughts
Both the online and onsite editions of BizThon offer unique experiences. If you thrive in a collaborative, in-person environment, the onsite edition in Paris (April 5th & 6th) is ideal. On the other hand, if you prefer a flexible, remote experience, the online edition (Jan - March, 2025) will be a great fit. Plus, with the addition of the Solana Foundation Track and XRPL Track, you can now tailor your project to the blockchain technology that excites you the most. Whichever edition or track you choose (or even both), get ready to innovate, network, and build amazing solutions! 🚀
- Explore Online Hackathon Solana Foundation Track
- Explore Online Hackathon XRPL Commons Track
- Explore Onsite Hackathon Both Tracks
If you still have questions, feel free to join our Telegram community and ask away. Stay tuned for more details and don’t forget to register!