ETHGlobal

ETHGlobal runs the main Ethereum hackathon circuit: in-person events around the world where teams build over a weekend and compete for finalist spots and sponsor prizes from most of the big names in the ecosystem at once.

As of October 2026: the next ETHGlobal hackathon is ETHGlobal Mumbai, November 5-7, 2026, the same week as Devcon 8 (November 3-6 in Mumbai). Applications are open on an apply-to-attend basis, so getting in is not automatic. ETHGlobal Tokyo (September 25-27) is done. After Mumbai, the next date on ETHGlobal's calendar is ETHConf 2027 in New York, June 14-16, 2027, which is a conference, not a hackathon.

What does ETHGlobal pay?

Two layers. Partner prizes: each sponsor sets its own pool and tracks, and you can select up to three at submission. Finalists: the top projects demo to judges (four minutes plus three of Q&A) and are scored on technicality, originality, practicality, usability and WOW factor. Mumbai's prize totals are not on the public rules page, so check the event dashboard once you are accepted.

Who is it for?

Developers and designers who can build fast in a team. Mumbai has a classic from-scratch track and continuity tracks, where you can extend an existing codebase if you document what was already built. Pre-event projects cannot win partner prizes or the finalist category, though.

My take: "One weekend at ETHGlobal puts your work in front of every sponsor you would otherwise cold-email." Even without a prize, partner judging is the networking.

The honest catch

Acceptance is selective, you have to get yourself to Mumbai, and the submission deadline is hard: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 9:00 am IST, with no late entries. Partner prizes go to teams that actually use the partner's tech, so choose your three early.

Stack it

Devcon week means more side events and more sponsors in one city. Use the build to qualify for developer airdrops , then take it to a rolling grant like the Base Builder Grant . Want a head start on the contract side? Deployr .