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Pump.fun, the Solana-based memecoin launchpad, has kicked off its biggest hackathon yet: the Build in Public (BiP) Hackathon.
Sahil ThakurJan 20, 2026
Author: Sahil Thakur
Published On: Tue, 20 Jan 2026 02:03:21 GMT
20th January 2026 – Pump.fun, the Solana-based memecoin launchpad, has kicked off its biggest hackathon yet: the Build in Public (BiP) Hackathon. Announced on X, this event introduces a new investment arm, Pump Fund, and aims to overhaul how early-stage crypto projects are launched and funded.
High Signal Summary For A Quick Glance
Unlike traditional hackathons, BiP hands the power to the market. Projects are judged by user attention, token traction, and real-world shipping rather than VC panels. The structure encourages transparency, quick execution, and public documentation.
The prize pool totals $3 million. The top 12 teams will each receive $250,000 in funding, valuing their projects at $10 million. Beyond capital, Pump Fund also offers mentorship from the founding team – Alon Cohen, Noah Tweedale, and Dylan Kerler.
Participants must launch a token on Pump.fun, build a functioning product, and document their journey in public. The emphasis is on proof, not promises. Livestreams and X updates are encouraged. Though there’s no hard deadline, the team teased a “HUGE month,” suggesting intense activity over the coming weeks.
To be eligible, teams must also acquire 10% of their token’s supply to show alignment. Projects can range from solo hackers to fully formed teams, even existing startups planning to expand.
This isn’t Pump.fun’s first hackathon, but it’s the most ambitious. Previous efforts, including co-sponsorships and community-run events, maxed out at $185,000. The BiP Hackathon’s $3M scale dwarfs them all. Competitors like LetsBONK have hosted $200K events, but this one is seen as a new benchmark.
Importantly, this hackathon positions Pump.fun as a funding mechanism rather than a one-time event. Token markets, not judges, determine momentum. Pump Fund then backs winners based on market traction, making this a new kind of on-chain accelerator.
Several teams have already launched tokens and started building. Notables include:
More entries are rolling in. Tools like Pump Portal and gudtek are making noise, while users debate the sustainability of $10M valuations for early-stage projects.
Pump.fun has seen over $600M in revenue since 2024, despite setbacks like a $2M exploit and account hacks. Its July 2025 $PUMP token sale raised over $500M in minutes, and the team now aims to evolve Pump.fun into a full-stack platform, think memecoins plus YouTube, Twitch, and Discord rolled into one.
With the BiP Hackathon, the team is betting big on builders.
Looking ahead, focus on how many BiP hackathon teams actually deliver working products instead of just launching tokens. As these projects roll out, closely monitor token liquidity and early trading patterns, since market-driven judging tends to reward hype just as much as substance.
Moreover, observe how actively Pump Fund supports winners beyond cutting the initial checks – mentorship and long-term backing will be key. At the same time, public development increases risks, so keep an eye on potential exploits or copycat projects. Ultimately, the real test will be whether this model attracts committed builders over time or simply fuels short-term speculation, which will directly influence Pump.fun’s broader credibility.
