Q1: Who is eligible to apply for Top Builder?
A1: Eligible applicants include teams working on Bitcoin and Lightning projects, including startups, existing businesses, and individuals with a strong project concept with an MVP.Q2: What kind of projects is Top Builder looking for?
A2: We seek innovative projects that contribute to the Bitcoin and Lightning ecosystem, ranging from technical solutions to unique business models.Q3: What are the stages of the application process?
A3: The process includes submitting an application. PlebLab will review the application and contact the team to schedule a call. Selected teams will be added to the PlebLab internal chat to receive mentorship from the PlebLab community starting on January 6th, 2025. Afterward, teams will use GitHub detailing the team, idea, and details, followed by updates from various phases of development, project milestones, and tournament review. The final five teams will be selected on Saturday, Feb 23rd, 2025. PlebLab will contact the teams to come to Austin for Startup Day.Q4: What if I don't have a demo, video, pitch deck, or GitHub?
A4: Not all are required, but the more information you have, the more helpful it is for us to determine during the application process.Q5: Are international teams allowed to participate?
A5: Yes, international teams are welcome, considering that if you make it to the Final Round, you can make it to Austin.Q6: Can we apply if we have already received investments?
A7: Teams with prior investments can apply.Q7: What happens after submitting the application?
A8: Applications will be reviewed before December 31, 2024, continuously and selected teams will be contacted for the next steps.Q8: Is there a deadline for project submission/update on GitHub?
A9: Deadlines align with the Top Builder program phases.Q9: What kind of support and mentorship will be provided during the Top Builder program?
Participating teams in the Top Builder program will benefit from comprehensive support, including mentorship from the PlebLab community and access to our internal chat. Top Builder offers a unique platform for networking with judges and peers, fostering an environment of collaboration and growth. Additionally, the event is an excellent opportunity for exposure, as it draws attention from media and investors worldwide. Teams compete for equity-free prize money and recognition on a global stage—along with all the friends you will make.Q10: Are there any fees associated with participating in Top Builder?
A11: There are no application or participation fees for Top Builder. Just bring your best because you will be going up against it.Q11: Can you describe the format of the final presentation for Top Builder and who will be evaluating the projects?
In the final stage of the Top Builder competition, teams are allotted a 20-minute slot to present the advancements and achievements of their projects. A 10-minute interactive Q&A session with a distinguished panel of judges follows this presentation. This panel comprises experts in the Bitcoin and Lightning fields, including seasoned investors, successful entrepreneurs, and technical specialists. Their role is to assess the projects based on innovation, execution, and potential impact on the Bitcoin ecosystem.Q12: What sets the Top Builder competition at Startup Day apart in the Bitcoin startup ecosystem?
The Top Builder competition, featured at Startup Day, stands out as an event for Bitcoin startups worldwide. It offers a platform for innovative teams to compete, showcasing their projects in an environment rich with mentorship, exposure, and collaboration opportunities. This event is not just a competition; it's a celebration of groundbreaking ideas and emerging talent in the Bitcoin ecosystem, attracting attention from investors and media worldwide.Q13: Is this competition designed for teams, individuals, or both?
We prefer it if you already have a team, but if you need help, we can help you..
Q14: Is this competition designed to get us funded by Wolf, or can I compete for the prize money?
Recap of Season 1, we partnered with Wolf to create something special for the Bitcoin builder community. Rather than a typical 3-day hackathon, we offered a unique experience where participants could win $15,000 in Bitcoin—equity-free—focusing on the real reward: what builders created. Our goal was to provide builders with the time and resources to develop their ideas while bringing the PlebLab experience online for the first time.
After the successful completion of Top Builder Season 1 in 2024, PlebLab found itself buzzing with excitement and a newfound mission. The inaugural season brought together talented builders in the Bitcoin space, fostering innovation and creativity in ways that surpassed our expectations. The experience was so rewarding that we knew we needed to continue this momentum.
To elevate the initiative, we sought a new partner and found Timestamp, who loved everything about our first season and shared our vision for the competition. They wanted to ensure we had the flexibility and time needed to make Season 2 a success, focusing on attracting the best competitors.
With Timestamp on board for Season 2, we’re excited to nurture the next wave of Bitcoin innovators and see the incredible projects that will emerge!
Q15: What are the criteria for selecting Top Builder teams?
The criteria for selecting Top Builder teams are multifaceted, focusing on innovation, contribution to the Bitcoin and Lightning ecosystem, and the project's potential impact.
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Eligibility with a Focus on New Builders and Emerging Technology: We are particularly eager to welcome new builders and entrepreneurs embarking on their journey in the Bitcoin and Lightning ecosystem. If you are in the early stages of establishing a Bitcoin business, have a fresh project concept, or are developing an innovative solution with a minimum viable product (MVP), you are the ideal candidate for this opportunity. Whether you're a startup just taking off, an individual with groundbreaking ideas, or even an existing business pivoting to Bitcoin technology, we are here to support your growth and innovation. Our goal is to nurture the next generation of Bitcoin innovators and entrepreneurs.
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Project Type: The competition looks for innovative projects contributing significantly to the Bitcoin and Lightning ecosystem. This includes a range of projects, from technical solutions to unique business models.
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Application Process: Teams must submit an application, which includes detailing their team, idea, and project details. PlebLab reviews these applications and selects teams for further mentoring and development.
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Global: International teams and teams with prior investments are encouraged to apply.
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Engagement and Participation: Active participation in PlebLab workshops, regular updates on project progress, and engagement with the community are essential aspects of the selection process. PlebLab helps you on your path to becoming a Top Builder.
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Final Presentation: In the final stage, teams are evaluated based on a presentation before a panel of judges comprising experts in the Bitcoin and Lightning fields. This assessment focuses on the innovation, execution, and potential impact of the projects.
Overall, the Top Builder teams are selected based on their innovative approach, their projects' relevance and potential impact on the Bitcoin ecosystem, and their active participation and engagement throughout the competition process.
Schedule Overview
- Application: Interested teams apply for Top Builder.
- Selection: Teams will be chosen based on their application. See FAQ for details.
- Workshops: PlebLab weekly workshops start, available live and online.
- Chat Access: Selected Top Builder teams join the PlebLab internal chat.
- Mentorship: Begins for teams.
- Project Milestones: Teams are set and judged on their first-round milestones.
- Team Reduction: PlebLab cuts half of the Top Builder teams. (Only half continued in Round 2.)
- Project Milestones: Teams are set and judged on their second-round milestones.
- Workshops: PlebLab weekly workshops continue.
- Mentorship: Continues.
- Team Reduction: PlebLab narrows down to 5 Top Builder teams. (All will be pitching in Austin.)
- Final Milestones: Teams set final project milestones for the last round.
- Preparation: Final teams are contacted to come to Austin for Startup Day.
- Preparation: Teams work on their final pitches at PlebLab.
- Presentations: Final teams present before judges on Startup Day.
- Deliberation: Judges decide during a happy hour.
- Announcement: The winner of Top Builder is announced at Austin BitDevs.
- Celebration: After-party for Top Builder.
Startup Day is a twice-yearly event for Bitcoin startups. It includes builder sessions, workshops, announcements, and speaker panels. The Top Builder event is now a part of Startup Day, and it is a competition for teams to showcase their projects in a supportive environment.
- Navigate to the Top Builder Project Page.
- Click on "Top Builder Teams" or "Top Builder Workshops".
Include the following in your submission:
- Team Information: Team's name, member names, and contact info.
- Project Details: Project title and a short description.
- Progress and Feedback: Project's progress, challenges, next steps, and feedback.
🔗 Direct link to Template: Project Submission / Update.
Share your progress, ask questions, and collaborate throughout the Startup Day and Top Builder event.
For assistance or queries, raise an issue in the repository with the question tag or contact the PlebLab team directly.
Compete to win millions of sats. All participants gain exposure, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities in the Bitcoin ecosystem. The Top Builder takes home $15K in Bitcoin, Top Builder Trophy, and gets crowned as the Top Builder.