20+ Protocols
50m+ lines of open source code
2 days of hacking

8am - 10am : Registration opens, check-in and formation of new teams, breakfast
10am : Welcome speech, talks and workshops start
11am : Hack starts
1pm - 3pm : Lunch
7pm - 9pm : Dinner and Beer
12am : Close of Factory

Subject to moderation - talks and workshop breakdown coming soon

8am - 10am : Registration opens, check-in, breakfast
8am : Hack starts
9am - 11am : Breakfast is served
1pm - 2pm : Lunch
3pm : Judging of submissions
6pm - 7pm : Award ceremony
7pm - 8.30pm : Dinner and drinks

Subject to moderation - talks and workshop breakdown coming soon

How can you leverage the Convergence Stack to do Good, with a capital G? In this track we invite you create your moonshot for a better world. The crazier, the better.

Focus areas: Learning, Storage, Networking, Middleware, UX

The Ethereum community is the most mature developer ecosystem in the decentralised space. Ethereum’s development remains vertical despite the highly versatile nature of the chain. Developers target DApps and DeFi.

The Convergence Stack offers scalable solutions to decentralised IoT coordination and AI, whether through Fetch.AI, IOTA, Sovrin or RightMesh. These protocols have complete, usable base-layer core software, but in many cases have less mature financial capabilities. Ethereum’s capacity for on-chain financial logic, particularly DeFi, is unparalleled.

The Ethereum track seeks developers who can apply DeFi and Ethereum’s rich developer tooling to the IoT and AI use cases in the Convergence Stack.

Focus areas: Learning, Middleware, UX

Middleware Community Improvement Bounty: during ETHBerlinZwei, DeFi reigned supreme. We saw incredible projects such as the mixer of mixers S.U.D.Z, Cherry Swap: swapping interest rates using the Compound Protocol, or Ratelock: fixed interest rates for lending/borrowing. The most innovative DeFi app built at Diffusion 2019 will be awarded 1.000 EUR.

UX Community Improvement Bounty: We are looking for a project that truly moves the needle when it comes to overall User Experience and usability for the eco-system. Working with a nascent technology it is necessary to address the underwhelming user experience and foster new mental models that users can easily rely upon when interfacing with the complexities of the Web 3 Technology Stack. This bounty will also be awarded 1000 EUR.

Networking Community Improvement Bounty: this is a continuation of our initiative with Protocol Labs’ Libp2p. Before ETHBerlin, we sourced feedback from developers building on Cosmos, ETH2.0, Golem and more and identified pain points that Libp2p needed to overcome for a better experience building the core networking stack for technologies such as Cosmos, Polkadot, ETH 2.0, and many others. During ETHBerlinZwei, we offered six bounties. We are continuing this great work by allocating 1000 EUR to a Libp2p improvement bounty at Diffusion 2019. The more Libp2p continues to improve, the more teams around the blockchain ecosystem are benefitted! If you would like to contribute to the bounty, the scope is here.

Diffusion is all about Web 3.0 - decentralised, open, user-owned. You are the pioneers. Now how do we onboard the 99% of developers and organisations who are not into Web 3 yet? This track is focused on bridging the world of Web 2 and Web 3. Can you build a DApp that leverages one or more centralised services, while maintaining its openness and decentralised nature?

Submissions in this track are required to integrate at least one centralised service into their DApp, in addition to using the Convergence Stack.

Focus areas: Learning, Storage, Networking, Middleware, UX

The Challenge: Creating the infrastructure for collaborative knowledge networks where questions meet people who want to help answer those questions. An open-source, decentralised network of (curated) ecosystem nodes, where people actually want to find each other. Their stories are bright stars, bound to be connected, only to find out the connection is already there.

Since 2017, over three thousand people from all over the world have been gathering once a year in the Netherlands, in Groningen. These people are coming together for something that has become known as the Odyssey. It is a very diverse group of people, growing each year. At the third edition in 2019, 100 teams and hundreds of experts from 30 countries (1500 people in total) worked on 20 complex challenges. These challenges have a major societal or environmental impact (UN SDGs and the like) and involve many stakeholders. They simply can’t be solved by one organisation/government, industry or sector. These challenges can only be solved through grassroots, mass collaboration and these new forms of mass collaboration need digital public infrastructure, to enable anyone to contribute. In short, we are building interconnected, collaborative ecosystems for innovation. The Odyssey challenge owners, mostly corporates, governments, NGOs and scientific institutes have brought a multitude of stakeholders to the table and prepared thoroughly as the innovation program they are part of starts in September. All this preparation, as well as careful curation of all the teams and experts in Februari, culminates in a weekend in April where all parties involved are building working prototypes in only 48 hours.

We invite you to check the Odyssey 2019 after movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q98Ry7OPYUM + opening story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RF9Dn4OECQ)

Anyone that has ever been at Odyssey experiences a network and serendipity effect that is unlike any other hackathon. With the Serendipity Network we want to digitise and distribute the serendipity effect of the Odyssey Hackathon experience for everyone in the world and create a network of ecosystems committed to helping each other. Where each actor and ecosystem is connected, not based on who knows whom but on who is working on what and in which context.

Token Engineering: (re-)invent economic mechanisms by using simulations!

Cryptoeconomic systems will allow us to establish new rules and economic incentives for blockchain ecosystems. For the first time in history we will be able to define such systems from scratch and use tokens as a programmable representation of value.

To develop such systems we can apply tools and methods from complex systems engineering. One core element are simulations that allow us to verify a specific system design before launching it to the real world. Over the last months, BlockScience developed a token modeling framework, called cadCAD. https://medium.com/block-science/introducing-complex-adaptive-dynamics-computer-aided-design-cadcad-38b63b541eb8

CommonsStack.org has open-sourced cadCAD at tegg.io conference in August - it is now available to everyone to start simulating token economies. (https://youtu.be/qjdjX2m_p0Q)

The TokenEngineering track seeks developers to use cadCAD to validate and improve a given cryptoeconomic building block, or create one.

In our introductory workshops you’ll learn how to design a token system from scratch, break it down to cryptoeconomic building blocks, think multiple layers of abstraction and use simulations to validate and iterate on a given module. This requires basic knowledge in Python, system dynamics, and token models.

During the hackathon, you’ll be able to apply your learnings in a design challenge. The best solution will be awarded a special Token Engineering prize.

Machine learning has taken a great flight over the past decade. The unreasonable effectiveness of data has quickly brought us to a world where machine learning is used in almost every service we use on a daily basis. In parallel, advancements in techniques like federated learning, differential privacy, homomorphic encryption, and tokenization enable us to build secure, privacy-preserving and collectively-owned machine learning.

When data has become a digital asset, how can you leverage it in your DApp? What can you achieve with machine learning with the ever growing open datasets that decentralised systems themselves produce?

Submissions in this track are required to use a form of machine learning. Privacy-preserving forms of machine learning are preferred.

Focus areas: Learning, Storage

The client-server model of computing has been the dominant paradigm for decades. The vast majority of data is kept in silos, and the vast majority of algorithms to deliver value from that data is run by centralised operators. With Web 3 and the Convergence Stack we have the building blocks for different models, bringing the user back in control. Peer to peer protocols, agent-based architectures and distributed ledgers have opened the door to new ways of building ecosystems unified by software. But how do we ensure data reliability and long-term durability when users own their own data, while keeping data private? How do we enable access control in decentralised systems? In your system design, what happens at the inevitable point in the future when the cryptographic algorithms break?

In this track we want to see DApps built on the Convergence Stack that use an innovative model of storing and processing data to address these questions.

Focus areas: Storage, UX, Middleware, Learning

Coming soon

It’s been ten years since the inception of blockchain, and using crypto and DApps is still hard. Too hard for the widespread adoption it deserves. Things are getting better: there are many great initiatives to make accessing DApps easier for new users, such as Metamask, Portis, and Torus, but to an extent these are only scratching the surface of great Web 3 user experience. How do we not only lower the barrier of entry, but make every interaction that a user has with a smart contract understandable and safe? As we extend the usage of distributed ledgers from simple value transactions to elaborate smart contracts and realise an open data economy, how do we provide ways for users to interact with it, without creating new centralised gatekeepers?

In this track we want to see DApps on the Convergence Stack that use innovative ways to use the decentralised web securely. We encourage you to think beyond the browser - augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), voice interfaces (VUI), conversational interfaces (CUIs) and NFC tags are all ways to engage with a cryptosystem.

Focus areas: UX

The Hyperledger project governs a rich set of open source technologies for the decentralised web, including Hyperledger Indy which underpins Sovrin, an important component of the Convergence Stack. Other notable Hyperledger projects include Fabric, one of the most popular platforms for enterprise blockchain networks, Iroha, a modular distributed blockchain platform, and Burrow and Besu, both EVM-based blockchain code bases.


In this track we invite developers to build innovative solutions using self sovereign identity and verifiable credentials with Hyperledger Indy, Aries and Ursa. Some themes to start with:


* Travel credentials and crossing borders

* Customer relationships in online and online commerce

* Internet of Trusted Things: credentials for devices


Additionally, we invite hackers to build with other Hyperledger technologies and combine them with components of the Convergence Stack.


Developers participating in this track will get access to Evernym Verity nodes, which offer a powerful interface to the capabilities of Sovrin and other Hyperledger Indy networks, including credential issuance and verification.


Focus areas: Storage, Middleware, UX

To apply for one of the places at Diffusion 2019, click the 'Apply now' button or head to https://diffusion2019.devpost.com and "Register for this hackathon". Please note signing up for a Devpost account does not register you for the event.

If you’d like to apply to be a mentor please head to the application form here: https://buff.ly/2ycgcpl

If you’d like to apply to be a volunteer please head to the application form here: https://buff.ly/2OAWrmH

During the hackathon, you need to enter a submission via the submission form. This will enable you to submit a project. When you create a project you are creating the project page that will house the details about what you're working on. When you want to enter that project as a submission to Diffusion 2019 that's when it is considered a submission for the prize.

1. Hackathon team

To participate in a team for the hackathon we are looking for:

▪️Web 3.0/blockchain developers with some experience;

▪️Web 2.0/enterprise full-stack developers;

▪️Front end / UX developers and designers;

▪️Data scientists.

This could be as individuals, teams or organizations.
If you are joining as a team we are looking for a maximum of 5 members.

2. Mentors

We are also looking for mentors, who will also be an integral part of the event. Mentors will help the teams of developers compete in challenges including the build of dapps, network improvements, stack integrations, tooling and documentation to accelerate adoption and network growth.

Mentors come in various forms; technical, legal, business, artificial intelligence, blockchain, data science, cryptography, regulation, etc.

Mentors contribute to the success of the event by guiding the teams around obstacles, working closely with the teams and encouraging collaboration between them.

3. Volunteers

We are also looking for volunteers to help run and support Diffusion 2019 this could include the distribution of sustenance to teams; checking-in participants, speakers, and mentors; and being on hand for advice and support over the weekend.

We are interested in both individuals and teams to join.

If you are an individual looking for a team visit the Participants page on https://diffusion2019.devpost.com to see other users who are registered for that hackathon.

If you’ve registered for the hackathon, you’ll see yourself at the top of the list. In this area, you’re able to indicate if you’re looking for teammates or not via the checkbox option. If you’re looking for a team, complete the text box to introduce yourself, and ideas you have, or what kind of teammates you’re looking for.

If you see someone you’d like to team up with, click the “Message” button to compose a message and send them an email. The email will be sent from the email address associated with your Devpost account, so the person you’re messaging can reply to you directly. You’ll only be able to message each user once.

It’s taking place at Factory Berlin Görlitzer Park Lohmühlenstraße 65, 12435 Berlin, Germany on 19th and 20th October.

Yes, please see the below:

▪️You will receive a GitHub repository once you register via Devpost to submit your work. Only submissions in your official repository will be considered.

▪️Your submission must use at least one of the technologies of the Convergence Stack:

Fetch.AI - decentralised digital world in which useful economic activity takes place.

Sovrin - decentralised metasystem for identity.

IOTA - permissionless distributed ledger for a new economy.

Ocean Protocol - a decentralized data exchange protocol to unlock data for AI.

Agoric- secure smart contracts.

SEED - powering the bot economy on blockchain.

OrbitDB(Haja Networks) - decentralised peer to peer databases.

Ethereum - Network for decentralized applications.

Bitcoin - Peer-to-peer electronic cash.

RightMesh - Networking software extending connectivity.

Cosmos - A network of independent, scalable and interoperable blockchains.

FOAM - Crowdsourced mapping and location services.

Chainlink - Delivering trusted data to blockchains.

Golem - Network for shared computing power.

Aragon - Network for open organisations.

▪️You can use any programming language, operating system or technology platform you want.

▪️You may use existing code to start with, but you must make clear which new work you have produced in the hackathon. Your submission will be judged only on the new work.

▪️You must adhere to the Code of Conduct below.

Head to https://diffusion2019.devpost.com, click the “Manage your submission” button on the right side.

You’ll then be able to select the submission that you want to edit, message a manager about your submission, or enter a new submission. If you choose to edit your submission, complete all of the required fields on the submission form and click the "Submit" button at the bottom of the page.

CEO, CTOs, Core Dev Teams & Commercial Teams from across the Convergence Stack and its ecosystem. The names will be released over the upcoming weeks please follow Outlier Ventures social channels for more information.

▪️Telegram: Outlier Ventures
▪️Twitter: @OvioHQ
▪️LinkedIn: Outlier Ventures

The total amount is still to be finalised but there will be multiple token prizes from projects across the stack available to be won.

The two-day event will be focused on the practical application of distributed ledger technology, smart contracts and programmable tokens, to create a new data layer, and enable other deep technologies like AI and IoT to combine and converge in order to define the next major web cycle.

It will be a hackathon-style event with teams of developers competing in challenges including dapps, network improvements, stack integrations, tooling and documentation to accelerate adoption and network growth. The event will also feature a series of exclusive product launches, live demos, enterprise partnership announcements and Q&As from founders and core dev teams from across The Stack as well as presentations from leading developers, economists and system engineers.

A more detailed agenda will be shared in the months leading up to the event.

We ask that all those who participate help us create an inclusive, welcoming and safe community. To make clear what is expected, all delegates/attendees, speakers, organisers and volunteers are expected to conform to the following code of conduct.

We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of age, race, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, physical appearance, religion or position. We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form.

Expected Behaviour

▪️Please treat all other hackers with the utmost respect.

▪️Please treat all sponsors, organisers and judges with the utmost respect.

▪️Participate in a genuine and active way with an open mind.

▪️Be kind to others and respect their work, time and perspectives.

▪️Do not insult or put down other attendees.

▪️Behave professionally.

Unacceptable Behaviour

Any behaviour seen to be intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

▪️Offensive verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion or political views;

▪️Sexual images in public spaces;

▪️Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following;

▪️Harassing photography or recording;

▪️Inappropriate physical contact;

▪️Unwelcome sexual attention;

▪️Sustained disruption of talk or other events.

Unacceptable behaviour from any member of the community, including sponsors, staff and those with decision-making authority will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behaviour is expected to adhere immediately.

If the unacceptable behaviour continues, the organisers may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including a temporary ban or permanent expulsion from the community without warning.

Harassment and other unacceptable behaviour reduce the value of our event for everyone. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of staff immediately.

Thank you for helping to make this a welcoming, friendly event for all.

Please visit contact@diffusion.events for more information.

Whilst all food and drink at the event is covered we don't cover visas or travel to the event.