> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cortensor.network/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cortensor.network/community-and-ecosystem/hackathon/hackathon-5.md).

# Hackathon #5

A builder round for Cortensor Mainnet Full Alpha

Build a small, working agent with the OpenMinion 0.1 Python SDK. Show it running and tell us what worked, what broke, and what should improve.

This hackathon helps Cortensor test **OpenMinion’s core building blocks through real projects**. Across the submissions, we want to exercise agent execution, models, tools, permissions, sessions, memory, skills, tasks, delegation, and diagnostics. Each builder can focus on the parts their project actually uses.

OpenMinion is the main build path. Cortensor Portal is an encouraged hosted-model path for participants who have access.

#### Objective

Submit an agent or agent-powered application that:

* uses the OpenMinion 0.1 Python SDK as a meaningful part of its runtime;
* completes one useful, repeatable workflow;
* shows a real model-backed run in a short demo; and
* identifies the OpenMinion building blocks tested, including any bugs or rough edges found.

A simple agent that works reliably can do well. A polished frontend, multi-agent system, or production deployment is not required.

Findings from other Cortensor products are also welcome when your project uses them. This includes Portal, models, Corgent, Bardiel, the dashboard, explorer, routing, sessions, and validation.

#### What to Build

Ideas include a research brief agent, documentation assistant, issue triage agent, release assistant, QA helper, monitoring agent, or a clear OpenMinion starter project.

Useful tools, multi-step workflows, human approval, memory, scheduling, and delegation are all welcome. Choose what helps your project rather than adding features for complexity.

**Portal and Gemma4**

Portal gives builders a hosted path to Cortensor-backed inference. **Portal is optional for qualification** while access and capacity are limited.

Gemma4 testing requires coordination with the hackathon team and depends on available capacity. If you use Portal or Gemma4, show the integration and report what you learned about model behavior, tool use, latency, or reliability. Participants without access will not be penalized.

#### Prizes

Prizes are stated in **USD value and paid in $COR equivalent**.

* **1st place: $500 total** — $250 liquid $COR upfront; $250 in a one-month staking lock.
* **2nd place: $300 total** — $150 liquid $COR upfront; $150 in a one-month staking lock.
* **3rd place: $200 total** — $100 liquid $COR upfront; $100 in a one-month staking lock.
* **4th place: $100 total** — $50 liquid $COR upfront; $50 in a one-month staking lock.
* **5th place: $50 total** — $25 liquid $COR upfront; $25 in a one-month staking lock.

**Total proposed prize pool: $1,150.**

For each awarded prize, 50% will be distributed upfront as liquid $COR. The remaining 50% will be allocated to a designated Cortensor staking pool under the winner’s address with a **one-month lock**.

Cortensor will publish the pool, $COR conversion method, payout timing, and wallet instructions before kickoff. Prizes are awarded per project; a winning team must designate one payout recipient.

**Awards are discretionary.** Meeting the submission requirements does not guarantee a prize or placement. Cortensor may leave tiers unawarded, adjust placement, declare ties, split awards, or offer an honorable mention or separate contributor grant.

#### How to Participate

1. **Start with OpenMinion.** Fork, clone, and star the [official repository](https://github.com/openminion/openminion). Build with its documented 0.1 Python SDK.
2. **Follow updates.** Follow [OpenMinion](https://github.com/openminion) and [Cortensor](https://github.com/cortensor) on GitHub, and [OpenMinion](https://x.com/OpenMinion) and [Cortensor](https://x.com/cortensor) on X.
3. **Build and test.** Run your agent with a real model. Test Portal too if you have access.
4. **Submit a PR.** Link your public project and submission materials in a pull request to the dedicated Hackathon #5 repository. The repository URL will be added before kickoff.
5. **Share a demo.** Include a **1–5 minute video** showing the agent running and its result.

Join the [Cortensor Discord](https://discord.gg/cortensor) for announcements, questions, and access coordination.

**Submission Checklist**

Your PR should include:

* A public source repository and README with setup and run instructions.
* A short explanation of the OpenMinion SDK workflow.
* One working example and a 1–5 minute demo video.
* A **Building Blocks Tested** note: what you used, what worked, and what did not.
* A **What We Learned** note with actionable product feedback.

For a bug, include the steps to reproduce it, expected and actual behavior, and safe evidence such as a screenshot or request ID. Share security-sensitive findings privately with the hackathon team.

#### Timeline

* **Kickoff:** October 16, 2026
* **Portal and Gemma4 access coordination:** TBD
* **Build period:** October 16–December 18, 2026
* **Submission deadline:** December 18, 2026
* **Evaluation and winner announcement:** TBD

Dates above use Pacific Time. Check [DoraHacks](https://dorahacks.io/hackathon/2418/detail) for the exact submission cutoff in your timezone. Access instructions and the submission repository will be announced before kickoff.

#### Evaluation

* **Working functionality and useful outcome:** 25%
* **Meaningful OpenMinion SDK usage:** 20%
* **Reproducibility and demo quality:** 20%
* **Building-block findings and improvement feedback:** 25%
* **Relevance to Cortensor builder workflows:** 10%

Useful Portal or Gemma4 testing, substantive fix PRs, reusable tools, tests, and documentation improvements may receive bonus consideration. Portal access is not required for the core score.

A submission needs a functioning, reproducible agent. AI-assisted development is allowed, but participants should be able to explain and demonstrate what they built.

#### Bonus: Bug Reports and Fix PRs

For bug-fix bonus consideration:

1. Report an original, reproducible bug in OpenMinion or another Cortensor product used in your project.
2. Wait for the Cortensor or OpenMinion team to acknowledge the report and confirm that a fix is in scope.
3. Make a substantive fix attempt and submit it as a PR to the relevant repository.

Link the report and fix PR in your hackathon submission. **A bug report without a substantive fix PR does not qualify for this bonus.** The PR can be considered before merge; accepted fixes may be merged into `dev` later.

For non-security OpenMinion bugs, open a [GitHub issue](https://github.com/openminion/openminion/issues/new). For other Cortensor products, include the report in your submission and coordinate the fix PR with the team. Include the affected version and environment, reproduction steps or a minimal example, expected and actual behavior, impact, and logs or screenshots with secrets removed. See an [existing OpenMinion report](https://github.com/openminion/openminion/issues/236) for the level of detail that helps maintainers investigate.

Report security vulnerabilities privately under the [OpenMinion security policy](https://github.com/openminion/openminion/blob/main/SECURITY.md) or through the hackathon team for other products. Bonus consideration remains discretionary and does not guarantee an extra prize or placement.

#### Terms & Notes

* Mainnet Full Alpha uses controlled access; product and model availability may change.
* Use properly licensed code and data, disclose external dependencies, and keep secrets and private data out of public submissions.
* Cortensor may require identity or eligibility checks for prize distribution.
* The staking allocation is part of the **Cortensor hackathon prize**. OpenMinion itself does not offer a token or staking program.
* Cortensor retains final discretion over qualification, judging, placement, and awards.

**Build a useful agent. Show it working. Help us improve OpenMinion and Cortensor for the next builder.**