Hakuhodo Inc., a leading integrated marketing and innovation company headquartered in Tokyo, is gearing up to launch the Web3 Global Hackathon 2023 on Saturday, September 30. This event is organized by HAKUHODO KEY3 in partnership with Mazda Motor Corporation and Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. This hackathon represents the second installment in a series of hackathons that Hakuhodo has been conducting in collaboration with sponsor companies.
Hakuhodo has been actively involved in the Web3 market and demonstrated its commitment by establishing HAKUHODO KEY3 INC. in December 2022. This Tokyo-based company is dedicated to the development of Web3 services and the organization of Web3 hackathons. It’s done in partnership with Sota Watanabe of the Astar Network.
Shaping the Future of Web3
Web3, often described as the next generation of the internet, relies heavily on decentralized technologies like blockchains. HAKUHODO KEY3’s objective with these hackathons is to create experiences and services that pique the interest of sei-katsu-sha (individuals with lifestyles) and encourage them to incorporate Web3 into their daily lives.
The Web3 Global Hackathon 2023, starting on September 30, is open to engineers and creators worldwide. It’s conducted in collaboration with Mazda and Mitsubishi Estate and features specific development themes that align with the unique characteristics and strengths of these two companies. Participants will have the chance to compete for prizes in each theme. Additionally, the winning teams will receive investment, joint development opportunities, and support from the companies to implement their services in society.
Mazda’s theme, “Drive to Earn, Use for Fun,” aims to create the world’s first Web3 service that enhances the joy of driving. The goal is to devise entertainment services for both drivers and passengers using Web3 technology. Mitsubishi Estate’s theme focuses on “DAO Building in Tokyo” and seeks to leverage Web3 technology to develop a service that facilitates organic connections within the TOKYO TORCH district around Tokyo Station.
What sets this hackathon apart is its global accessibility. Engineers and creators from around the world can participate in the live events through online streaming, complete with simultaneous interpretation. In addition, HAKUHODO KEY3 envisions pioneering world-leading Web3 services in Japan by harnessing sei-katsu-sha insights and creativity. Their aim is to create a society where more individuals actively engage with Web3 technologies, and they’re doing so in collaboration with their corporate partners.
Web3 Global Hackathon 2023 Takes Center Stage
The Web3 Global Hackathon 2023 is scheduled to take place from September 30 to December 9, 2023, with venues including MY Shokudo Hall & Kitchen, 3rd Fl., TOKYO TORCH Tokiwabashi Tower, and online. Participants have a chance to win over 11 million yen equivalent in Astar as prizes. The event is open for registration to freelancers, engineers working at companies, business developers, designers, and marketers.
The hackathon’s schedule includes an entry period from September 4 to November 24, a kickoff event on September 30, a development period from September 30 to November 24, and a North American Mazda event scheduled for October 28. The deadline for submissions is 23:59 JST on November 24, with the announcement of teams for the pitch round on December 1. The pitch event, where prize-winning teams will be announced, is slated for December 9.
Prizes for the hackathon include the Mazda Grand Prize, Mazda Excellence Prizes, Mitsubishi Estate Grand Prize, Mitsubishi Estate Excellence Prize, Astar Grand Prize, Astar Excellence Prizes, Biconomy & Astar Prize, VeryLongAnimals Prize, and the prestigious Moon Prize, which grants an invitation to the Spark innovation program. This global event is made possible through the support of main partners, Mazda and Mitsubishi Estate, as well as tech partners like Astar Foundation, Biconomy, Bunzz, Ginco, Startale Labs Japan, solidity-jp, and UNCHAIN, along with numerous community partners.
HAKUHODO KEY3, established in December 2022, is determined to pioneer world-first Web3 services using sei-katsu-sha insights and creativity. Their mission is to create a society where more individuals actively engage with Web3 technologies through collaborative efforts with corporate partners. In the grand scheme of things, the Web3 Global Hackathon 2023 aligns with HAKUHODO KEY3’s mission to create world-leading Web3 services driven by the insights and creativity of sei-katsu-sha, ultimately shaping a future where more individuals actively engage with Web3 technology.
