Interledger Hackathon: An Intro to Open Payments + Live Q&A with ILF Experts
If you missed our live session, don’t worry! Here is all the information you need for the hackathon. Watch the recording here.
General Info
The Interledger Foundation will host its annual summit in Mexico City, November 5-6, 2025. The theme for the summit is Internet of Opportunity, while the Hackathon theme focuses on building the Internet of Opportunity. Just as the Internet connected people across the globe by enabling networks to interoperate seamlessly, the Interledger Protocol (ILP) aims to connect payment networks worldwide.
The vision is simple but powerful:
- The Internet connected people globally.
- Interledger seeks to connect fragmented payment networks by removing barriers and enabling universal access to economic opportunity.
The ask: Build solutions that make payments easier, simpler, or more innovative as part of the Internet of Opportunity with Open Payments.
What is the Hackathon?
The Interledger Hackathon is a collaborative event where developers, designers, and innovators come together to experiment with and build on top of Interledger’s open protocols. Participants work in teams to create real-world applications that expand financial access, improve interoperability, and showcase new ideas. The Hackathon is not just about coding, it’s about designing solutions that embody the principle of financial equity for all.
What is Open Payments?
Open Payments is an open standard for sending, receiving, and streaming payments over the Internet. It provides APIs and tools that allow developers to build applications with seamless financial functionality, such as tipping, subscriptions, donations, or micropayments, without being tied to a single payment provider.
By using Open Payments, developers can:
- Integrate payment flows directly into their applications.
- Ensure interoperability across different financial service providers.
- Contribute to building a more open and inclusive financial ecosystem.
Key Hackathon Info
Who can participate? Are there any prerequisites or skill levels required?
Anyone aged 18 and above is eligible to participate. Must be physically present at Inspark, Mexico City, on both Nov 8–9, 2025. No specific skill level required, open to all backgrounds. Bring your own laptop and chargers.
How long will the hackathon last, and what’s the schedule like?
The Hackathon is a 24-hour hackathon from November 8- 9. You will be able to leave the venue throughout the event if required, and 24-hour access and security will be available.
Is it an individual or team event, and how are teams formed?
You may participate individually or in a team of up to 4 members. You are responsible for forming your own team - but you can join the Interledger Slack channel if you are looking for teammates. Apply for a spot at the ILP Hackathon.
Are there any specific tools, APIs, or platforms we’re expected to use?
- Must incorporate Interledger technology
Open-source software is allowed (must be properly licensed and documented) - AI tools are permitted with transparent documentation
- There will be a main slack channel (interledger-hackathon-2025) that all participants have to sign up for.
Will I get recognition?
Yes, you will receive a certificate of achievement for completing the Hackathon. We encourage you to stay connected with the Interledger community after the hackathon to develop your ideas further.
Do I need to install special hardware or software to attend?
No, but we recommend installing anything you may wish to use before the event. We also recommend reviewing the documentation and accessing the Open Payments learning materials before attending.
Prizes & Judging
How will winners be selected? What is the criteria? A panel of judges will select winners, and the full criteria can be viewed on our website soon.
Who will be judging the projects? We will have a team of industry experts to judge the final presentations, and Interledger developers to judge the code.
What are the prizes?
1st Place: $5,000 USD (or equivalent in vouchers)
2nd Place: $3,500 USD (or equivalent in vouchers)
3rd Place: $2,000 USD (or equivalent in vouchers)
Community Prize: $1,500 USD (or equivalent in vouchers)
Prizes are split evenly among team members and are non-transferable
Logistics & Support
Will there be mentors or workshops during the event? Technical mentors and coaches will be available throughout the 24-hour event.
What resources will be provided? We have a suite of Open Payments learning materials to help you get inspired and informed before the hackathon.
Do I need to use resources or websites that are generally blocked? No
Will there be opportunities to meet sponsors or industry experts? Throughout the event, you will have the opportunity to meet sponsors, industry experts, and organisations with whom you may wish to collaborate or work in the future.
How can participants stay connected after the hackathon ends?
- Join our Slack Channel
- Join the newsletter
What advice would you give to first-time hackers? Get stuck in, don’t overthink it, enjoy yourself, pace yourself, and start thinking about what you might want to build before the event so you’re ready to get started and make the most of hacking time.