BUILD SOMETHING.
More than 24 hours to build with Bitcoin and Nostr.
The Bitfest Hack Zone runs across Nostrshire on Friday and Bitfest on Saturday — part Hackathon, part workshop space and part unconference.
Come with an idea, form a team, join somebody else’s build or simply take part in the sessions happening around you.
20–21 NOVEMBER 2026 · MOMENTUM SUITE · PENDULUM HOTEL
MORE THAN A COMPETITION.
HACKATHON
More than 24 hours from kick-off to final submission.
UNCONFERENCE
Participant-led talks, demos, workshops and technical discussions shaped by the people in the room.
BUILD SPACE
A room for teams to work, experiment, collaborate and get help.
Structured Hackathon checkpoints happen throughout the two days.
Between them, the Momentum Suite operates as an open Hack Zone for builders and participants.
WHAT'S AN UNCONFERENCE?
An unconference flips the usual event format around.
Rather than every session being decided months beforehand, the people in the room help shape what happens.
Got something useful to demonstrate? A technical problem you want help solving? A tool people should understand? A conversation worth having?
Talks, workshops, demos and discussions can emerge throughout the two days around the scheduled Hackathon checkpoints.
LESS BROADCASTING. MORE PARTICIPATION.
NO FIXED TRACK.
BUILD WHAT MATTERS.
The Hackathon is intentionally open-format.
Builds are not restricted to a predefined product category or sponsor challenge, but submissions should meaningfully incorporate Bitcoin and/or Nostr.
HOW THE TWO DAYS WORK
FRIDAY 20 — KICK OFF + BUILD
Morning
Hack Zone opens during Nostrshire.
Hackathon introduction, format, submissions and participant briefing.
Afternoon
Teams form, projects take shape and the room moves into build mode.
A progress recap later in the day helps identify teams, ideas and where people need support.
Before Nostrshire closes
Final recap before teams continue towards Saturday’s submission deadline.
SATURDAY 21 — SHIP IT
Morning
Hack Zone reopens during Bitfest.
Short recap, final-stretch briefing and more building.
Afternoon
Final project submissions.
Judging begins after submissions close.
Before Bitfest closes
Finalists regroup in the Hack Zone before:
WINNERS + RUNNERS-UP
ANNOUNCED ON THE BITFEST MAIN STAGE
Morning
Hack Zone opens during Nostrshire.
Hackathon introduction, format, submissions and participant briefing.
Afternoon
Teams form, projects take shape and the room moves into build mode.
A progress recap later in the day helps identify teams, ideas and where people need support.
Before Nostrshire closes
Final recap before teams continue towards Saturday’s submission deadline.
Morning
Hack Zone reopens during Bitfest.
Short recap, final-stretch briefing and more building.
Afternoon
Final project submissions.
Judging begins after submissions close.
Before Bitfest closes
Finalists regroup in the Hack Zone before:
WINNERS + RUNNERS-UP
ANNOUNCED ON THE BITFEST MAIN STAGE
BUILD IT. THEN FUND IT.
Winning and runner-up projects will receive funding through Angor.
Full funding and award details will be announced as the Hackathon programme is finalised.
THINKING ABOUT BUILDING?
You don’t need a finished project, polished pitch or complete team.
Tell us what you’re thinking about building, what skills you bring or what kind of project you’d like to join.
You don’t need a finished project, polished pitch or complete team.
Tell us what you’re thinking about building, what skills you bring or what kind of project you’d like to join.
HACKATHON FAQ
Still figuring out whether you need a team, what counts as a build, or how submissions work?
The Hack Zone is designed to be easy to join whether you arrive with an idea, half an idea or just the skills to help build one.
Here are the practical details on taking part, submitting and what happens across the two days.
Do I need a team?
No. You can register independently and meet potential collaborators through the Hack Zone.
Do I have to compete to use the Hack Zone?
No. Talks, workshops, demos and unconference sessions run alongside Hackathon activity.
What can I build?
Projects are open-format but should meaningfully incorporate Bitcoin and/or Nostr.
How long do we have?
The Hackathon spans Friday and Saturday, providing more than 24 hours between kick-off and final submission.
Where is it?
Momentum Suite, Pendulum Hotel, Manchester.
Do I need a Bitfest ticket?
Hackathon participation and event-entry requirements are currently being finalised. Register your interest and we’ll confirm access details directly by email.
How are projects submitted?
Final submissions will be registered through Angor. Details will follow.
What can winners receive?
Winning and runner-up projects will receive funding through Angor. Exact details will be announced later.