B-Hive FinTech Hackathon

Do I need to pay any money to register for the Hackathon? No. The event is free of charge. However, you will need to make your own travel arrangements to Brussels if you come from abroad.

What will happen during the two days of the hackathon? This hackathon isn't solely focused on coding and developing. We expect participants to come up with a concept description, a business model and a mockup or demo of their solution. We’ll provide you with a roadmap and targets. You'll also receive a briefing about the challenge you opted for, and there will be mentors and experts at the venue to help you. If you're in the Open Track you'll take part in some extra activities to find an idea and a team. For the rest, you’ll be expected to fill your own time as you see fit.

What is the difference between the Company Track and the Open Track? The Company Track is for up-and-running startups and specialized companies who have the capacity to carry out a Proof of Concept project. It is focused on 3 challenges. The winner of the Company Track will get funding to develop their POC with B-Hive or one of our partners.

The Open Track is for all individuals interested in the Open Challenge (electronic payments adoption & financial inclusion). They can start forming teams online or at the hackathon itself.

Where do I find the challenges? In the ‘themes’ section.

What are the selection criteria for being invited to the hackathon? For the Company Track, the jury will look at the potential of your team and products to solve the challenge you chose. Your ability to set up a Proof of Concept in collaboration with B-Hive or our partners is crucial. To apply, you will need to register all your team members, create the team and then submit an idea. In this submission be sure to include a short company introduction and a short motivation (no longer than 1 page) of how your team will be able to deploy its existing products and services to solve one of the challenges.

For the Open Track, the jurors will put together a diverse group of ambitious individuals. They will look at background, skills and experience. To apply, simply register and provide some background about yourself. If you want to apply as a team, make you sure you all register first. Next, create a team in the platform. That can be you alone or if you already have team members, find them in the platform and create your team. Then, as a team, submit an "idea". In this submission you don't need to describe your final solution, but rather include a short motivation (no longer than 1 page) of why you want to take part in the hackathon and why you'd make a good contribution. Note that this submission will be private, seen only by the judges.

What is the selection process? The jury will review applications in 3 waves: mid July, mid August and mid September. If your team is selected, you’ll receive an invitation to the hackathon. If your team isn’t selected in a first round, we automatically reconsider your application in the following rounds.

The earlier you apply, the higher your chances of being selected.

How can I register as a team? First, all the members of your team need to register to the hackathon as individuals. You can then submit your team application.

How many people can be in a team? During the online phase, 1 to 8 people, but at the hackathon you should have a minimum team size of at least 2. At the end of the hackathon, you’ll be expected to deliver a concept description, a business model and a mock-up or a demo. Make sure your team reflects the right mix and amount of people to make this happen.

When and where will the hackathon take place? On September 24 and 25 in Brussels. The exact address is to be announced.

When will I know whether I’m selected to participate? You will know either in mid July, mid August or mid September.

Do you cover travel expenses? No.

Who is eligible to win prizes? All participating teams are eligible to win prizes. The condition is that you can show that you’ve made significant progress during the two days of the hackathon. If the solution you present is a service or product you had fully developed already, it will not be considered eligible.

What are the judging criteria to choose the winners?

Relevance to the challenge (20%) - Does your solution solve a challenge as defined by B-Hive and our partners?
Flexibility of your solution (20%) - Is it possible to adjust your solution according to the needs of B-Hive and/or our partners?
Implementability (20%) - Will your solution work when applied outside of a hackathon setting?
Team dynamics and flexibility (20%) - How capable is your team and how well did they make use of partner and mentor feedback?
Usability and Experience (20%) – How easy to use is your solution for the end user? How appealing is the solution to end users?

Who will own the IP (Intellectual Property) Rights to the solution that I have built? You own the IP rights of your ideas and work. IP transfer is negotiated on an ad-hoc basis with project teams if and where relevant.

Will there be food and drinks? Yes. You hack, we fuel.