The hacking is done, but the real competition is only just heating up. The ICP-Calimero Hackathon has wrapped up with an impressive 233 developers submitting 75 projects, all eyeing a share of the $40,000 prize pool. The challenge wasn’t just about building—it was about rethinking how privacy should function in a decentralised world.
With data security becoming a growing concern, the hackathon focused on self-sovereign applications, encrypted interactions, and eliminating reliance on cloud-based intermediaries. Developers were tasked with creating solutions that ensured user data remained fully in the hands of those it belonged to. The Internet Computer’s infrastructure, combined with Calimero Network’s privacy-first framework, provided the perfect backdrop for this experiment in decentralised computing.
The numbers speak for themselves. With 233 participants and 75 submissions, enthusiasm for building on ICP is on full display. Entries span financial applications, gaming, decentralised identity, and social networking—each looking to carve out its niche in a market that is increasingly valuing privacy over convenience.
Judges now face the difficult task of selecting the standout projects. Technical execution, usability, and long-term potential will weigh heavily in the decision-making process. Unlike many hackathons where short-term solutions often take centre stage, this competition encouraged developers to think about applications that could function beyond proof-of-concept demos.
Calimero Network’s role in this event signals a broader shift in Web3 development. Until now, decentralisation has been prioritised, often at the expense of privacy. This event flipped that equation, showcasing how encryption and decentralisation can work hand in hand. The Internet Computer’s ability to process smart contracts at web speed while reducing costs has already made it a favourite for developers looking for an alternative to traditional cloud services.
With winners yet to be announced, the momentum generated by the hackathon is already evident. Many teams are expected to keep refining their projects, with some likely securing funding or forming new partnerships within the ICP ecosystem. The event has underlined a growing shift in the Web3 space: privacy isn’t an afterthought—it’s becoming the foundation of innovation.
The competition may be over, but the ideas it sparked are only just getting started.
