As we gear up for the upcoming Hackers League Hackathon, it’s worth reflecting on the Open League Summer Workshops held earlier this year between May and June.

Through the summer workshops, participants refined their skills, discovered new tools, and established a solid foundation for success in the rapidly evolving Web3 environment, particularly within TON's ecosystem. Thanks to the workshops from top-tier mentors, many future founders explored ways to develop dApps that could thrive in the Telegram ecosystem.

This recap highlights the successes of those workshops and extends an invitation to developers, old and new, to apply for the upcoming Hackers League Hackathon.

Top moments from this year’s Open League Summer Bootcamps

The Open League Summer Bootcamps took place across 13 international cities, including Berlin, Kyiv, Prague, Seoul, and Hong Kong.​ Those participating learned directly from TON experts and other key figures in TON’s ecosystem. The workshops equipped developers with both business and technical skills required to build successful Web3 projects.

The workshops covered different aspects of TON developer fundamentals, such as Telegram Mini Apps, Web3 integration, and attracting new users through viral token mining mechanisms. They were vital in helping the participants develop their Web3-building skills.

Our experts also taught developers how to design mini-apps that could appeal to a mass audience, reflecting our philosophy of combining simplicity and user-friendliness.

How TON developer fundamentals power Web3 innovation

The summer bootcamps focused on teaching participants the essentials of building within the TON ecosystem. Workshop topics included:

• Mastering Telegram Mini App UI - Developers learned to create user-friendly and accessible interfaces.
• Cloud Storage in Mini Apps - Participants explored the potential of leveraging cloud solutions for better data management.
• Smart Contracts in Tact, Part 1 and Part 2 —The workshops introduced attendees to Tact, TON's imaginative contract language, and taught them how to apply it for seamless project development.
• Grant Acquisition - Developers also received guidance on securing funding through TON's various grant programs.
• State of GameFi on TON - Participants explored the opportunities within GameFi in the TON and Telegram ecosystems.
• Best Practices for Games - Developers received insights on maximizing their gaming dApp metrics.
• Create a Successful Telegram Mini App - The workshop revealed how developers could leverage best practices to ensure the success of their applications.
• How to Secure Grants for Your Project on TON - Given the competitive Web3 ecosystem, developers received expert advice during the workshop to help them secure grants.
• Enhancing Your Telegram Mini App Experience - The workshop explored advanced techniques that help developers improve their Telegram Mini App experience.
• Analytics Strategies for Telegram Mini Apps - Our experts shared the best analytical strategies to help developers optimize their Telegram Mini App performance.

Developers mastered these elements to create robust dApps that utilize TON's blockchain within the Telegram ecosystem, serving over 900 million users.

Motivations behind participating in the bootcamps: skills, prizes and more

Among the main reasons for participation in the Open League Summer Bootcamps was the opportunity to hone their skills and work on real-world projects that could have a tangible impact.

With mentorship from industry leaders and access to world-class resources, participants saw the workshops as a stepping stone to more significant Web3 opportunities.

The prospect of substantial rewards also motivated many developers to join. With a total prize fund of $2.28 million, participants knew that their hard work could pay off in more ways than one.

Additionally, developers were eager to explore the potential of bridging their existing projects from other blockchains into the TON ecosystem, which promises access to a massive and engaged user base through Telegram.

A spotlight on the best projects from the summer bootcamps

Several standout projects emerged during the summer workshops, showcasing the participants' creativity and skill. Each bootcamp received a $5,000 prize pool.

Below is a table showing the top project from each city:

Explore the winning projects in the detailed Summer Hackathon recap.

User engagement was further boosted by the development of referral mechanics, which allowed projects to be shared with friends. The workshops produced only a small portion of what developers built.

We anticipate the number of dApps will be even greater and better in the upcoming winter Hackathon.

Looking ahead to the Hackers League Hackathon

As we gear up for The Hackers League Hackathon, excitement is in the air. With a $2 million prize pool and the potential for additional investments of up to $500,000 from TON Ventures, developers have every reason to apply and compete.

Developers will have eight weeks to onboard, learn, and build their projects, with 19 in-person bootcamps available at strategic locations worldwide. The hackathon offers a fast track into The Open League competition, with a $15 million project prize pool and additional opportunities for grants, liquidity boosts, and exposure on the international stage.

The stakes are high, and the competition will be fierce, but with the skills gained from the Hackers League Bootcamps, participants are well-prepared to rise to the challenge.

Whether you’re a developer looking to bring a proven dApp into the TON ecosystem or a new team ready to build something from scratch, The Hackers League Hackathon offers the perfect platform to make your mark.

Time to Build on TON

The Hackers League Hackathon accelerates the path to success for innovative projects that can push the boundaries of Web3 development within the Telegram ecosystem. The summer workshops have laid the groundwork, but the real opportunities lie ahead.

Join us in The Hackers League Hackathon and apply for one of our IRL Hackers League bootcamps, where you can build, innovate, and win alongside other top developers worldwide.

Spots are going quickly, so complete your application today!