Build Apps at India’s First PayFi Mini Hackathon on Shardeum

Payments are the gateway to accessing essential products and services, enabling anyone with a device and an internet connection to participate equally in the global economy. However, current payment systems fall short – they remain expensive, slow, and restrictive, often catering only to affluent segments while excluding millions due to high costs and limited accessibility. Just as smartphones empowered users to leapfrog traditional barriers, the future of payments demands solutions that are global, affordable, and lightning-fast.

Shardeum (SHM), the world’s first autoscaling blockchain, is uniquely positioned to solve these challenges with ultra-low transaction fees (under $0.01), virtually limitless scalability, and EVM compatibility. From macro-transactions such as remittances and payroll to micro-payments powering AI and IoT devices, Web3 projects and dApps can now make use of Shardeum’s breakthrough protocol to reimagine and reshape global commerce.

Shardeum’s PayFi Hackathon With WeCraft Studio

To accelerate this vision, we’re inviting the next generation of builders – students, developers, and innovators – to join the Shardeum PayFi Mini Hackathon as part of the Game-a-thon 2025 event, in collaboration with WeCraft Studio.

This is India’s first PayFi hackathon. This digital-first hackathon offers you an exciting platform to build impactful payment-focused apps and showcase your skills, connecting you directly with real users and addressing a massive, yet underserved, market opportunity – one that both decentralized networks and traditional financial systems have failed to fully address.

- Hackathon Duration: June 24 - 30, 2025

- Location: Online

- Submit your project via this link: https://shm.gg/payfi-hackathon 

The sections below outline the submission process, rewards and judging criteria.

This exciting initiative is designed to generate innovative ideas and early-stage projects aimed at reimagining digital, borderless payments. Participants can explore solutions across a broad spectrum, including:

• Micro and macro payments
• Crypto-based remittance and tipping mechanisms
• Wallet UI/UX improvements
• Peer-to-peer and point-of-sale applications
• Payment APIs and developer tools
• Social, AI, gaming, and local commerce integration

Why Join the PayFi Hackathon?

By participating, you’ll:

• Shape the Future: Your ideas can redefine how the world interacts with digital payments.
• Gain Practical Experience: Engage directly with cutting-edge blockchain technology on Shardeum’s testnet.
• Collaborate and Grow: Connect with fellow innovators, receive mentorship, and join Shardeum’s thriving Web3 community.

Hackathon Submission Guidelines

Participants may enter individually or in teams (up to 4 members). Your submission should clearly outline your project concept or prototype, including:

• Title and Abstract
• Problem Statement
• Proposed Solution
• Tech Stack and Tools (if applicable)
• Public GitHub Repository (mandatory)

Additionally, provide at least two of the following:

1. A UI/UX product demonstration (video/screen recording)
2. Presentation deck (7-8 slides)
3. A hosted link to the working prototype (using platforms like Netlify)

Integration with Shardeum’s testnet is strongly recommended. However, if immediate integration isn't feasible, please include a clear roadmap for future integration.

Evaluation Criteria

Projects will be evaluated based on:

Parameter	Weightage
Innovation and Originality	25%
User Experience Design	25%
Feasibility and Practicality	20%
Technical Clarity and Logic	20%
Presentation and Clarity	10%

Rewards and Opportunities

• Top 3 Teams: SHM token grants, ecosystem recognition, and certificates
• All Participants: Event certificate, plus first-mover advantage and access to Shardeum’s 1.4M+ strong community for growth and visibility.
• Spotlight Ideas: Your project ideas will be potentially considered for follow-up mentorship or community showcases

Let’s Build What DeFi Missed and Innovate Global Payments

Shardeum’s mission for PayFi is ambitious – yet entirely achievable – thanks to its scalable technology. Payments are the foundation of the global economy, and making them faster, more accessible, and affordable is essential to truly decentralize and democratize access to vital resources for everyday people.

This mini hackathon is more than a competition – consider it as a launchpad to innovate practical payment solutions and apps shaping tomorrow’s global financial ecosystem.

Contact and Support

For any queries or clarifications, please reach out to:

👉 Nikhil Aparajit, Community Manager at Shardeum
👉 Email: [email protected]

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