My Argentine Adventure: Hackathons Edition

My relocation to Argentina was more than just a change of scenery; it was a deliberate plunge into an ecosystem teeming with technological fervor and entrepreneurial energy. Argentina's vibrant tech community serves as fertile ground for anyone looking to break into web3. My journey brought me face-to-face with the essence of collaborative creation, technological mastery, and the true spirit of entrepreneurship.

Decoding Hackathons

Before we embark on this journey, let's demystify what hackathons really are. Often perceived as marathon coding competitions, hackathons are where ideas meet execution. They are intense, time-bound events where developers, designers, and entrepreneurs collaborate to transform concepts into tangible prototypes. In the world of web3, these hackathons aren't just about building applications; they are about pioneering solutions for a decentralized future, fostering a culture of open-source collaboration, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible with blockchain technology.

This 2023, I got the opportunity to participate in 4 hackathons, 3 of them in Argentina and 1 with a Panamanian bank. Each event had its unique set of challenges and learning curves. From the inception of ideas at Brainy's Path to pitching in huge events, this retrospective journey will provide insights into the collaborative challenges, the thrill of innovation, and the relentless pursuit of solutions that resonate with real-world needs in the web3 space.

Hackathon #1: King of Devs

Organizers: Think and Dev | Blockchain Development Services , Speezard

The King of Devs Hackathon marked the beginning of my expedition into uncharted territories. I had never participated in one before and did not know anyone in the community then. I joined a team through the event’s Discord server and we met for the first time on day 1. We went in without an idea of what to build but, after learning about the tracks and technologies, we decided to create a decentralized financial tracker, a concept that deeply resonated with current concerns about data privacy and financial sovereignty.

As we navigated through the challenges of developing the solution, the true essence of the hackathon came to light. It was less about the competitive aspect and more about the experience – learning to mold our individual capabilities into a cohesive force, adapting our strategy as we unraveled the complexities of the project. I pitched to mentors to get feedback; they brought other mentors with them to help shape our solution.

By the time I pitched our product to the judge panel, we were around iteration #15 of our pitch deck. I was very confident, not only in the presentation but also in answering the judges' questions, since most of them had already been asked by the mentors. Something that is definitely an important skill in these competitions (and in life) is the capacity to receive feedback and apply it.

Tying for first place in the Cedalio (YC S23) track was a moment of triumph, but it paled in comparison to the real victory – the invaluable insights gained in teamwork, the art of problem-solving, and the exploration of the vast potential that decentralized solutions have.

Bankathon: Bridging Traditional Banking and Digital Assets

The Bankathon was an event organized by Towerbank International Inc. and Colledge . Towerbank, from Panama, had declared itself Crypto-friendly a year before and was looking for ideas to solve specific problems.

The Bankathon presented an entirely different landscape compared to the King of Devs. This hackathon, nestled within the financial sector, was a platform where the conservative world of traditional banking met the dynamic, ever-evolving realm of digital assets. It was a challenge that required not just technological acumen but also a nuanced understanding of how legacy financial systems operate.

One of the key successes in the Bankathon was the formation of our team. Learning from my previous experience, I sought a group where roles were clearly defined, and members could autonomously manage their responsibilities. This approach led me to collaborate with three developers, two based in Panama and one in Venezuela, who had a history of working together. Their self-managed dynamic allowed me to focus more on integrating our solution with the banking framework.

Unique to the Bankathon was the task of addressing actual problems faced by Towerbank in integrating digital assets. This real-world application of our project meant we had to develop solutions that were not only innovative but also pragmatic and compliant with existing banking regulations. It was a balancing act between pushing the boundaries of digital assets and respecting the risk-averse nature of traditional banking.

Our project's focus was on creating a user-friendly prototype that could seamlessly integrate into the bank’s existing infrastructure. The challenge was to build something that was not only technologically sound but also easy for the bank to adopt and scale with minimal risk. From more than 30 participating teams, we were selected in the top 3 and qualified to go to Panama, to continue working on our solution for a couple of days before the final pitch. We iterated our solution continuously, taking advantage of the direct feedback from bank staff to refine our approach and ensure compliance and practicality.

The culmination of our efforts was the final pitch to a panel of judges that included Towerbank’s digital assets director and Panamanian regulators. This pitch was markedly different from my first hackathon experience. It wasn’t about presenting a novel idea; it was about demonstrating how our solution could be realistically integrated into the existing banking framework. The focus was on risk minimization, practical implementation, and clear communication of how our solution addressed the bank’s specific needs.

Winning the Bankathon was a significant achievement, but the true value lay in the experience gained – understanding the intricacies of blending innovative digital solutions with the established protocols of traditional banking. This hackathon was a lesson in creating harmony between the new and the old, proving that innovation can indeed find a place within the most regulated and risk-averse environments.

The experiences and lessons from the Bankathon were instrumental in shaping my approach to technology and entrepreneurship. They taught me the importance of understanding the client's perspective, the value of practical, compliant solutions, and the art of communicating complex technological ideas in a context that resonates with a traditional sector. As I moved on to my next hackathon, these insights became the foundation upon which I built my strategies, always aiming to bridge the gap between innovation and feasibility.

Ethereum Argentina: Venturing into Public Goods and Community Impact

The Ethereum Argentina hackathon shifted my focus from the fusion of traditional and digital finance to the realm of public goods on the Ethereum blockchain. This hackathon was an exhilarating venture that combined the technical intricacies of Ethereum with the broader goal of contributing positively to the community. Our project centered on creating an on-chain procurement solution, aiming to bring unprecedented transparency to processes historically plagued by opacity and corruption.

Joining a new team for this hackathon, I encountered a different yet equally enriching dynamic. The team, assembled via Discord and led by Martin H. Pefaur , a visionary in the Ethereum community, comprised two solidity developers, two frontend developers, Martin (lawyer and developer), and myself. This time, my role was more about steering the project's vision, business modeling, and pitching. The diverse skill sets within our team created a robust platform for innovation, allowing each member to contribute their best work.

Drawing from my previous career in biomedical engineering, I found a personal connection to the project. Procurement processes, often riddled with inefficiencies and susceptibilities to corruption, were ripe for disruption. Our solution used the immutability and transparency of blockchain to encrypt documentation until the reveal stage, ensuring privacy and fairness in tender processes. This approach not only showcased the potential of Ethereum for public goods but also aligned with my passion for creating more efficient and ethical systems.

One of the most striking aspects of the Ethereum Argentina hackathon was the scale of the event. Addressing an audience of about a thousand people, the challenge was to articulate the complexities of an on-chain procurement system in a manner that was both engaging and understandable. This required a deep understanding of the technology, a clear vision of its application, and the ability to connect with a diverse audience. The process of repeatedly refining the pitch with feedback from mentors and team members was crucial in honing this narrative.

Winning the public goods track and the quadratic funding at Ethereum Argentina was a testament to the project's resonance not only with the judges but also with the wider community. It validated the relevance and appeal of our solution to a real-world problem, reinforcing the idea that technology, when aligned with community needs, can create impactful change.

Participating in Ethereum Argentina expanded my understanding of blockchain's potential beyond financial applications to its role in enhancing public good. It underscored the importance of community involvement in blockchain projects and the need for solutions that address real-world challenges in tangible, impactful ways.

Brainy's Path: From Conceptualization to Incubation

Brainy's Path marked a significant departure from the traditional hackathon format, evolving into a more comprehensive learning, development, and incubation program. This program, orchestrated by Think and Dev | Blockchain Development Services and Speezard , offered an unparalleled opportunity to not just compete but also to develop and refine a startup idea over several months. It was a journey that combined the intensity of a hackathon with the depth of a startup incubator.

The project that took shape during this program was PHOROS, an initiative that stemmed from a deep-seated desire to create meaningful solutions in the web3 space. PHOROS was conceived to address a critical gap in the market – the lack of intuitive tools for creators in the web3 ecosystem. Alongside my co-founder Sergio Mora from Tech Rebel , we embarked on a mission to empower creators by providing them with the tools needed to transition from audience engagement to community building.

At Brainy's Path, the team-building process was crucial. In the "Mercado de Pases" – a virtual event designed for builders to find like-minded collaborators – I found a developer and a designer whose skills and vision aligned with ours. This deliberate assembly of a team, based on a clear understanding of the roles and skills needed, was instrumental in driving PHOROS forward.

We built our proof of concept (POC) during the King of Devs 3 hackathon, which we won. This victory gave us access to Speezard’s incubator. The Speezard incubator phase of Brainy's Path was transformative. Here, PHOROS was not just a concept but a project being actively shaped and fortified.

Throughout the incubator, PHOROS underwent numerous iterations, each influenced by feedback from mentors, VCs, and community members. This iterative process was vital in refining our business model, developing effective go-to-market strategies, and crafting a viable financial plan. The experience included a pitch competition at LABITCONF , one of Latin America's most respected events, where we presented PHOROS to a broad audience, gaining invaluable feedback and insights.

As Brainy's Path concluded, our preparation for the launch of PHOROS in Q1 2024 intensified. This phase focused on ensuring scalability, refining our market strategy, and building a product that resonates with our target audience. The insights and feedback gained during the incubation phase were invaluable in ensuring that PHOROS was not just a product but a solution that addressed the needs of its users.

Brainy's Path was more than a series of steps to build a startup; it was a journey that enriched my skills, broadened my perspective, and deepened my understanding of the web3 space. The program highlighted the importance of mentorship, feedback, and community involvement in shaping a successful venture.

Emerging from Brainy's Path, I stepped into the world with not just an idea, but a startup poised to make a significant impact in the web3 world. PHOROS represents the culmination of lessons learned, challenges overcome, and the relentless pursuit of a vision. It stands as a testament to the power of hackathons and incubators in shaping the entrepreneurs and innovators of tomorrow.

Lessons Learned: Navigating the Web3 Landscape

Embracing Adaptability and Continuous Learning

My journey through these diverse hackathons in the web3 space has been a masterclass in adaptability and continuous learning. Each event, with its unique challenges and opportunities, reinforced the importance of being flexible and open to new experiences. Whether it was learning to work with new teams, adapting concepts to fit different contexts, or pitching innovative ideas to varied audiences, the ability to adjust and evolve was key.

The Power of Teamwork and Collaborative Innovation

Another significant lesson was the power of teamwork and collaborative innovation. In the fast-paced and often complex world of technology, bringing together diverse talents and perspectives can lead to groundbreaking solutions. This journey highlighted how effective collaboration can turn an abstract idea into a tangible, impactful product.

Understanding the Audience and Tailoring the Pitch

Each hackathon taught me the art of understanding my audience – be it judges, potential investors, or the wider community – and tailoring the pitch accordingly. Communicating complex technological concepts in a compelling and relatable manner is crucial in gaining support and traction for any project.

The Importance of Mentorship and Community Engagement

Engaging with mentors and the community played a pivotal role in refining my ideas and strategies. Their insights, feedback, and support were invaluable in navigating the web3 landscape and in the development of PHOROS. This journey underscored the importance of building and nurturing a network of relationships in the tech ecosystem.

Balancing Innovation with Practicality

A key takeaway from these experiences was the need to balance innovation with practicality, especially in sectors like banking where traditional systems and regulations play a significant role. This balance is crucial for the successful implementation and adoption of new technologies.

Conclusion: Charting a Path Forward in Web3

As I reflect on this journey, it's clear that participating in these hackathons was about more than just competing. It was about immersing myself in the vibrant and challenging world of web3, learning from each experience, and contributing to an ecosystem ripe with possibilities.

The journey with PHOROS, from its conceptualization in Brainy's Path to its impending launch, encapsulates the essence of this adventure. It stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when passion meets perseverance, and when innovation is guided by practical insights and collaborative efforts.

To those embarking on their own journey in web3 or any technological field, my message is to embrace each opportunity with an open mind and a willingness to learn. The path may be unpredictable, but it is filled with potential for personal and professional growth. Dive into challenges, collaborate with others, seek mentorship, and remain adaptable. The experiences and lessons gained along the way are invaluable, not just for immediate projects, but for a lifetime of innovation and exploration.

As I continue on this path, the lessons learned from these hackathons will remain a guiding force, illuminating the way as I navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology and entrepreneurship. The future of web3 is bright and boundless, and I am excited to be part of this journey, contributing to a world where technology not only innovates but also empowers and connects.

You don’t need a plan, just go.