Core Launches $1.2 Million Buildathon to Boost Bitcoin Web3 Development

The Core Foundation has launched the Core Connect Global Buildathon + Meetups, a $1.2 million initiative aimed at accelerating Bitcoin-aligned Web3 development across 11 countries. This program offers up to $500,000 in venture funding, $400,000 in CORE token incentives, and extensive mentorship, culminating in a live pitch event at Token2049 in Singapore.

The Core Connect Global Buildathon + Meetups is designed to onboard and support developers building decentralized applications on Core, the leading Bitcoin scaling protocol. Running from June 2 to August 10, 2025, this program offers a comprehensive package of resources including up to $500,000 in equity funding from Core Ventures, $400,000 in CORE token incentives, and $300,000 in infrastructure and audit credits. The initiative targets emerging ecosystems across Africa, Asia, Europe, APAC/SEA, and Latin America, combining virtual submissions with in-person meetups in 12 cities worldwide.

Core Connect blends online competition with regional meetups to foster ideation, collaboration, and mentorship. Partnering with prominent developer communities such as Crecimiento, NearX, Rise In, BFC, and APAC DAO, the program ensures localized support tailored to diverse markets. Cities like Bangalore, Berlin, Lagos, and São Paulo will host events that encourage co-building and networking among developers. Finalists will be invited to pitch live at Token2049 in Singapore, Asia’s premier crypto conference, providing unparalleled exposure to investors and protocol contributors.

Core is uniquely positioned as the first blockchain to enable Self-Custodial Bitcoin Staking, allowing BTC holders to earn CORE token rewards while securing the network. This mechanism underpins Core’s Dual Staking model, recently adopted by institutional players like BitGo, which offers enhanced yield tiers for users staking both Bitcoin and CORE tokens. With approximately $500 million in total value locked (TVL) and close to one million weekly active users, Core supports a vibrant DeFi ecosystem focused on Bitcoin-native applications.

The buildathon’s rewards extend beyond funding to include up to $200,000 in exclusive developer tools and credits, $100,000 in AWS Activate Credits, and up to six months of fee rebates on Core Mainnet. These incentives are structured to reduce barriers for startups and projects aiming to scale on Core’s high-performance, EVM-compatible blockchain. By fostering innovation across BTCfi, DeFi, Gaming, SocialFi, and AI sectors, the program aims to catalyze the next generation of Bitcoin builders with strong product-market fit.

The Bitcoin ecosystem is at a pivotal moment, with institutional interest rising through ETFs and new yield opportunities unlocked by Core’s technology. The Core Connect Global Buildathon targets onboarding over 2,000 developers and high-quality projects, addressing the critical need for infrastructure and talent to sustain Bitcoin’s evolution beyond a store of value. This initiative aligns with Core’s mission to transform idle Bitcoin into a productive asset, powering decentralized applications that leverage Bitcoin’s security and liquidity.

Meetups are scheduled across multiple continents to maximize developer engagement. Asia will host events in Bangalore, Islamabad, Delhi, Manila, and Hanoi. Europe will see meetups in Berlin, Istanbul, and Cannes. Africa will have events in Lagos and Nairobi, while Latin America will host meetups in São Paulo and Buenos Aires. Regional winners will advance to a virtual semi-final in September, with top teams invited to the global finale in Singapore in October, travel expenses covered by Core.

The Core Connect Global Buildathon represents a significant step toward mainstreaming Bitcoin DeFi by empowering developers with funding, mentorship, and a global platform to showcase innovation. By bridging regional ecosystems and fostering a builder-centric Bitcoin environment, Core is facilitating the creation of scalable, trustless applications that could redefine Bitcoin’s utility. Developers and investors alike should watch this initiative closely as it sets the stage for the next wave of Bitcoin-aligned decentralized finance solutions.