Although crypto markets remain down, the Ergo community never stops building. Regular community hackathons continue to produce viable products and new dApps for the blockchain. With [Ergohack VI - Cypherpunk Finance](https://ergohack.io/), competitors were encouraged to design and build tools that uphold cryptocurrency’s first principles of decentralization, privacy and DeFi tooling. Many Ergohack teams built incredible projects, and after a grueling adjudication, our judges have decided which teams will receive awards. Choosing these final winners was a difficult task, as many of the teams submitted excellent work. 

## Ergohack VI’s Prize Pool

**1st place - 10K SigUSD + 150K ERGOPAD
2nd place - 6K SigUSD + 100K ERGOPAD
3rd place - 2K SigUSD + 50K ERGOPAD**

## The Winning Projects

This hackathon featured a plethora of unique project proposals, offering new ideas for blockchain and PoW, technological innovation and coding mastery. There were 5 judges for this ErgoHack: Joseph Armenio, Mark Glasgow, Ilya Oskin, Alison Robson, and Luivatra from Ergopad. 

The judges considered the following [criteria](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/Meet-Your-Judges-ErgoHack-6/) when evaluating submissions: 

- Innovation
- Code quality
- Completed implementation 

Based on this criteria, the judges have decided on the following winners (these descriptions quote the respective proposals for each team).

### 1st Prize - Ergo Tizen

Ergo Tizen’s goal was to create an “Ergo node that runs natively on smart devices such as TVs, fridges, mobile phones, watches, etc. This will be achieved by targeting Tizen OS, Samsungs open source mobile operating system and done in a way where it should be easily portable to other platforms such as WebOS (LG smart TVs).”

### 2nd Prize - SigmaO

“SigmaO intends to provide Ergo users the ability to create ‘call’ or ‘put’ options on EIP-4 tokens, materialized by a standard EIP-4 token. An option contract offers the buyer the possibility but not the obligation to buy (call) or sell (put) the underlying asset at a fixed exercise price.”

### 3rd Prize - Lithos Protocol

>“The Lithos team will use ErgoHack VI to show off work done on the collateralization
side of the Lithos Protocol. Given that the topic of this Hackathon is CypherPunk Finance, we hope to showcase a safe, effective way to gain yield on ERG while also helping to decentralize the Ergo blockchain. 
Our goal is to create the contracts necessary to allow for collateralized mining pools which interface with the rest of the Lithos protocol. In addition, we plan to show a mockup UI which will allow for lenders to collateralize their ERG.”

## Community Vote

In addition to the Ergo Foundation’s prize pool, members of the Ergo [community](https://strawpoll.com/polls/poy9WkABpgJ/results) organized a grassroots fundraiser to create community prizes.

**1st Prize - 500 SigUSD
2nd Prize - 300 SigUSD
3rd Prize - 200 SigUSD**

Over 650 votes were cast by the community to decide these prizes. Ergo Tizen once again took first place in the community vote. Lithos Protocol took second place, and the Explorer UI team was awarded third place. The community technically selected Chaincash for 2nd prize, but that project involved Ergo core developers and they had previously announced that they would be removing themselves from the prize pool.

## Conclusion

Overall, there were 16 projects that competed in Ergohack VI - Cyherpunk Finance. We would like to congratulate all of the participants and winners on their hard work - it is truly inspiring to witness the creativity and innovation within the Ergo community. If you have an idea for blockchain development, keep your eyes out for future ErgoHack announcements. Your project could become a keystone dApp of the Ergo ecosystem one day!


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Ergohack VI - Cypherpunk Finance Winners

As [ErgoHack VI: Cypherpunk Finance](https://ergohack.io/) enters its adjudication period, the [judges](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/Meet-Your-Judges-ErgoHack-6/) have the unenvious task of picking winners from a group of very skilled developers and visionaries. Prizewinners will be chosen based on a criteria of innovation, quality of code, and completed implementation. With a prize pool of 18k $SigUSD and 300K $ERGOPAD (plus a [successfully funded raffle](https://ergoraffle.com/raffle/show/b312c002a0b1671a0089fabc2d1a028e5938d46b1b2180d7e480e760526408ce) for community choice awards worth an additional 1,000 ERG) on the line, let's take a look at what the contestants have accomplished thus far. 

### Analog Ergo

This project aims to use cryptographic primitives (well established, low level algorithms) as the basis for a cross-chain peer-to-peer marketplace. It will enable users to set and agree to listing prices and other parameters in a private and fungible manner, without the involvement of intermediaries.

**Update from the team:** _Commendable progress has been made towards creating a decentralized atomic order book on Ergo. Proof of concept Solidity contracts have been [successfully tested](https://goerli.etherscan.io/address/0xc5a8ab3a59627120e02041c9783cf8dc20a79f43#code). Initial ErgoScript implementation looks promising with [testnet transactions](https://tn-ergo-explorer.anetabtc.io/en/transactions/a9d32f4b38350301b09a64f0847370a9fe871395c49874c64caa59fb7f56c4f1) having been completed, and contracts currently need to be updated to reflect elliptic curve differences between Solidity and ErgoScript. _

### ChainCash

With an insatiable need to continually improve and build new innovations on Ergo, powerhouse developers Kushti and Scalahub have decided to submit a proposal to ErgoHack VI (while excluding themselves from the prize pool). The goal of ChainCash is to create a peer-to-peer monetary system, utilizing [spender-signed currency](https://www.ergoforum.org/t/chaincash-a-spender-signed-currency-on-ergo/4015) with decentralized issuance and an elastic supply.

**Update from the team:** _With ErgoScript contracts complete, mainnet transactions have been successfully tested [creating reserves](https://explorer.ergoplatform.com/en/addresses/2yJgWs3wJGHYECtp9p4kzg4DUxpY283jvsRLgfUs5QFYSqnQZctqBYpZr4khWY3t6kURo3mbYJBPgPW3UqJQ9zpLN4fQcSWayjPrQUtD5iGD6e4oS8JWFn57ovg9Sh8V1q4Nfr3aazA9mszLt57cEAMfxRznENG1jUFdrUqtjG9C2h8bmwP2iEoKCGYnEnh87M9jPk7QgdjPQvydczCxeEu4aX6wck6Cv7RYwYC5E89qzVH6R7EteHvfy3AuLWuR1z1VsUB6DWP4Egn6k7AyXtZT18PVP7RfroPmSAGBE7AJcFbH8ZEgKd8F4ztL6hf1sxLoZQbw6pVH212HhwjiXBQdEnNTjqcXdC3X2iqWm5Fojmr9q1mAuySozFX82v4UR2zdqbNCbg2bRJaKiZBDKkQoL1eHPwK85Ag), as well as [issuing](https://explorer.ergoplatform.com/en/addresses/QfHohuFF4u3mRHnxqCcwPFMB8fqgseztg7jfKy4VivdgW2vCGNHLANAcPXhJLC6941BNnqhf14eLPoiDuYQRheJu6s8SMZRJjAmWQqgra4awgHWXybKNyrST1XqZMZb9BdFmfmq3cnyYULGxqnyhWCxeW95c19PWwaUWuaDYx4YXa1WJnTkzusM5ks6Ku1SFbHZ9kZd8JaKR5CW7BS7mxkYfWew5HNCQo2QuJaoXupdUdWtHHkKrJ3iYRkfESsGHVV7xGQ2PSChisVBpdBsuiaeAEFF619ELGMfct4ihWc785ozS8oAfkoiyx7eDBN8iQcEbNeat8K2gJmuKZUspWXcKRVVDn4zgbBQfpSSavui7VEKB5TM4opraHg6uvPPB15eS98EQkAMnVqY9Y2) and [spending notes](https://explorer.ergoplatform.com/en/transactions/307696f33cc8b03ac731616f025cb33555f854ddb3ab58cfd8af884c59225cd1). A to-do list of what’s still needed for overall project completion, and an early whitepaper draft have been made available for [reference](https://github.com/kushti/chaincash)._

### Ergo Stats

Ergo Stats is creating an iOS application that will allow users to more conveniently monitor blockchain statistics on mobile devices.

**Update from the team:** _The [ErgoStats iOS app](https://github.com/ach2swift/ErgoStats) has been completed and submitted to the Apple App Store for review. TestFlight launch has also been requested so that eager Ergonauts can start to experience Ergo statistics in the palms of their hands._

### Ergo Tizen

Initially using Samsung’s open source TizenOS, Ergo Tizen aims to allow the operation of Ergo nodes on any number of smart devices, such as televisions, refrigerators, smart phones, watches, et cetera.

**Update from the team:** _A basic, yet functional dashboard has been created in TizenOS to demonstrate the viability of running an Ergo node on smart devices. “[Ergode](https://github.com/ross-weir/ergode)” is successfully operating on a TV emulator, communicating with its testnet peers. A video demonstration can be viewed [here](https://clipchamp.com/watch/wDZ9t0Hq3tp)._

### Explorer-UI 

The team at Spectrum Labs has thrown their hat into the ring with a proposal to update the Ergo explorer design. Their proposal aims to simplify the visual representation of the UTXO model to improve the user experience and increase ecosystem adoption.

**Update from the team:** _Providing clear [examples and feedback](https://twitter.com/_yashablack/status/1628066492322312193) of their vision, Spectrum is offering a number of improvements to the existing Ergo explorer experience, including a simplified transaction list, a more intuitive interface, and dark mode._

### Lithos

The Lithos team will be using this ErgoHack as an opportunity to showcase the collateralization side of their [Lithos Protocol](https://github.com/Lithos-Protocol/LitePaper). In doing so, they hope to provide a low risk opportunity for lenders to earn yield on their ERG by providing collateral to mining pools, while promoting increasingly decentralized block production in the process.

**Update from the team:** _Collateral contracts have been completed. Also, the ability of miners to directly insert necessary [transactions](https://tn-ergo-explorer.anetabtc.io/en/transactions/7efbc232622a0db6c602042a20a2022486a3b757e22fd1cc5fecb0ba98680f21) into blocks has been successfully demonstrated._

### Lilium

Lilium seeks to create decentralized NFT minting, distribution, and sales infrastructure capable of being seamlessly integrated into business applications and programs.

**Update from the team:** _A Lilium V1 MVP (minimum viable product) has been delivered, with UI design complete and contracts audited. Front end work continues._

### Netnotes

Proposing a method of base level file communication, [Netnotes](https://github.com/networkspore/Netnotes/blob/main/Netnotes%20-%20ergohack%20VI.pdf) is working to enable “hybrid interaction” between a web browser and an Ergo node (while still allowing the node to maintain its boundaries). 

**Update from the team:** _An initial framework has been established and the process of integrating a user interface has begun. The web application being used for testing will be the [Arcturus](https://github.com/networkspore/arcturus) project, a tabletop role-playing game wherein assets can be traded._

### OpenBoard 

The goal of OpenBoard is to create an uncensorable message board of sorts, allowing authors to pin boxes of text on the Ergo blockchain. Once operational, messages will be updateable with a simple transaction. Using an app, messages will be fetched from an Ergo node and displayed locally.

**Update from the team:** _Sometimes life has plans for us that inconveniently coincide with ErgoHack. Though OpenBoard won't be submitting anything further for review during this event, progress will continue and we look forward to future developments._

### Sigma’O

The goal of [Sigma’O](https://github.com/ThierryM1212/SigmaO) is to create a permissionless and fully hedged smart contract, effectively allowing for call and put options on Ergo tokens.

**Update from the team:** _Sigma’O has delivered a working product and entered [public beta](https://www.sigmao.cc/)! UI improvements are ongoing._

### SigmaStamp

An idea born during the very first ErgoHack and resurrected for Cypherpunk Finance, SigmaStamp is building open source tooling to enable Ergo users to add timestamp verification to their created works and documents. The process of “stamping” will insert file data in the form of a hash into the blockchain and provide the “stamper” with an NFT for verification purposes.

**Update from the team:** _We were able to complete the fully working Proof of Concept of our application. We were also able to make a brief explanation on the "proof of concept" wiki which explains how our application works and how it can be used. The technology itself is completed. However, the UI experience, and the whole "explain like I'm five" explanation, needs to be provided (wiki needs to be much more extended) in order for ordinary computer users to be able to understand all of the security assumptions and guarantees of this project. Feel free to try the application at:_ www.sigmastamp.ml/

### Sigma Subscriptions

Making use of [FleetSDK](https://github.com/fleet-sdk/fleet), Sigma Subscriptions intends to build a framework that will allow for the creation, management, and integration of subscription services on Ergo.

**Update from the team:** _[Sigma Subscriptions](https://github.com/cornbelt-dev/sigma-subscriptions) has finished the contracts necessary to perform all actions related to subscription management, as well as created a simple Fleet plugin and frontend to demonstrate functionality._

### Single-TX-Swap

Late entrants to ErgoHack VI, this team is building a trustless escrow service aimed at Discord users who wish to swap NFTs. Making use of [multisig wallets](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/Ergo-Multisig-Wallet-What-is-it-and-How-to-Create-One/), users will be able to view one another’s wallet contents and construct trades that, if agreed upon, will execute a swap in a single transaction (without the need for smart contracts).

**Update from the team:** _A public beta of [Single-TX-Swap](https://www.single-tx-swap.com/) has been made available. Interacting with this version requires a pre-release download of [Nautilus Wallet](https://github.com/capt-nemo429/nautilus-wallet/releases/tag/v0.8.0-alpha.0)._

### SIPS

ErgoHack VI judge Joseph Armeanio is contributing to the fun as well (while excluding himself from the prize pool). Numerous _SigmaUSD Improvement Proposals_ have been gathered together, and his submission will put forward a multitude of potential improvements that aim to improve resiliency and better balance the protocol’s economics

**Update from the team:** _The [discussion](https://github.com/ergoplatform/sips/discussions/17) around SigmaUSD Improvement Proposals continues with various potential improvements and methods of implementation being collected and considered._

### What’s Next?

Although the official contribution period has concluded, plenty of excitement still lies ahead as winners are to be decided. So be sure to keep an eye on Ergo’s social media channels for the latest announcements!


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ErgoHack VI: Updates 


[Ergohack VI: Cypherpunk Finance](https://ergohack.io/) has officially started and our contestants are hard at work. With a focus on building tools and projects that promote Cypherpunk principles, it is incredibly encouraging to have such a large applicant pool for this ErgoHack. Attracting this many registrants, in a bear market no less, speaks volumes about the spirit of Ergo’s developer community and the potential of the blockchain. As the contestants dive into their first week of the hackathon, let’s take a look at the projects they are building.

### Analog Ergo

This project aims to use cryptographic primitives (well established, low level algorithms) as the basis for a cross-chain peer-to-peer marketplace. It will enable users to set and agree to listing prices and other parameters in a private and fungible manner, without the involvement of intermediaries.

### ChainCash

With an insatiable need to continually improve and build new innovations on Ergo, powerhouse developers Kushti and Scalahub have decided to submit a proposal to ErgoHack VI (while excluding themselves from the prize pool). The goal of ChainCash is to create a peer-to-peer monetary system, utilizing [spender-signed currency](https://www.ergoforum.org/t/chaincash-a-spender-signed-currency-on-ergo/4015) with decentralized issuance and an elastic supply.

### Ergo Stats

Ergo Stats is creating an iOS application that will allow users to more conveniently monitor blockchain statistics on mobile devices.

### Ergo Tizen

Initially using Samsung’s open source TizenOS, Ergo Tizen aims to allow the operation of Ergo nodes on any number of smart devices, such as televisions, refrigerators, smart phones, watches, et cetera.

### Explorer-UI 

The team at Spectrum Labs has thrown their hat into the ring with a proposal to update the Ergo explorer design. Their proposal aims to simplify the visual representation of the UTXO model to improve the user experience and increase ecosystem adoption.

### Lithos

The Lithos team will be using this ErgoHack as an opportunity to showcase the collateralization side of their [Lithos Protocol](https://github.com/Lithos-Protocol/LitePaper). In doing so, they hope to provide a low risk opportunity for lenders to earn yield on their ERG by providing collateral to mining pools, while promoting increasingly decentralized block production in the process.

### Lilium

Lilium seeks to create decentralized NFT minting, distribution, and sales infrastructure capable of being seamlessly integrated into business applications and programs.

### Netnotes

Proposing a method of base level file communication, [Netnotes](https://github.com/networkspore/Netnotes/blob/main/Netnotes%20-%20ergohack%20VI.pdf) is working to enable “hybrid interaction” between a web browser and an Ergo node (while still allowing the node to maintain its boundaries). 

### OpenBoard

The goal of OpenBoard is to create an uncensorable message board of sorts, allowing authors to pin boxes of text on the Ergo blockchain. Once operational, messages will be updateable with a simple transaction. Using an app, messages will be fetched from an Ergo node and displayed locally.

### Perma-Ergo

With the goal to decentralize food production, Perma-Ergo will utilize the Ergo blockchain to provide micro loans to farmers who are typically excluded from contributing to holistic natural systems (i.e. permaculture/agroecology).

### Privacy Guide

This will be a 100% free online module, consisting of both written materials and video demonstrations, teaching the importance of online privacy. After completion, users will have an anonymous wallet and a step-by-step guide on how to safely navigate the Ergo blockchain. 

### Quantum Swap

Quantum Swap entered this hackathon with the goal of building a peer-to-peer Ergo NFT and native asset exchange service. The team intends to make use of existing tools to provide users with the ability to scan the blockchain for assets of interest, mint and send NFTs containing text messages to the holders, and construct “trading rooms” for the execution of agreeable transactions.

### SigmaO

The goal of [SigmaO](https://github.com/ThierryM1212/SigmaO) is to create a permissionless and fully hedged smart contract, effectively allowing for call and put options on Ergo tokens.

### Sigma Subscriptions

Making use of [FleetSDK](https://github.com/fleet-sdk/fleet), Sigma Subscriptions intends to build a framework that will allow for the creation, management, and integration of subscription services on Ergo.

### SIPS

Ergohack VI judge Joseph Armeanio is contributing to the fun as well (while excluding himself from the prize pool). Numerous _**SigmaUSD Improvement Proposals**_ have been gathered together, and his submission will put forward a multitude of potential improvements that aim to improve resiliency and better balance the protocol’s economics.

### Other Applicants

Several late entrants are currently formulating their projects and will be submitting proposals over the course of the event.

Competitors are vying to make meaningful contributions to the Ergo ecosystem and take home a share of the prize pool, consisting of 18k $SigUSD and 300k $Ergopad. [Registration](https://ergohack.io/register/) remains open through February 21st, after which the [judges](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/Meet-Your-Judges-ErgoHack-6/) will begin to assess submissions and determine winners. In addition to this hackathon’s prize pool, social media manager CW has set up a raffle to potentially fund an additional [community choice award](https://ergoraffle.com/raffle/show/b312c002a0b1671a0089fabc2d1a028e5938d46b1b2180d7e480e760526408ce)! 

**Good luck to all of the participants, and be sure to keep an eye on Ergo’s social media channels for the latest ErgoHack VI updates!**


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Ergohack VI Participants: Week One Overview


The Ergo Platform’s first major event of 2023 is just around the corner with ErgoHack VI - Cypherpunk Finance set to kick off on February 8th. This ErgoHack attempts to inspire competitors to revisit the first principles cryptocurrency was founded upon - an ethos that the Ergo Platform strives to embody. So what, or who, is a cypherpunk? Well, “[cypherpunks](https://river.com/learn/terms/c/cypherpunk/) generally believe in using cryptography and software rather than politics and advocacy to achieve freedom and privacy.” With Ergo, part of the blockchain’s design was inspired by the belief that privacy is a fundamental human right, and that this technology is uniquely designed to aid in the protections of certain privacies. 

It can be argued that digital privacy has come under attack in recent years (some may suggest that it has always been under attack). The developer of [Tornado cash](https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2022/11/22/tornado-cash-developer-alexey-pertsev-to-remain-in-jail-until-at-least-late-februrary/) was imprisoned and certain cryptocurrencies have been [delisted from exchanges](https://medium.com/efficient-frontier/six-reasons-coins-get-delisted-from-crytpocurrency-exchanges-3666deb1ef9f) due to their inherent privacy features. Additionally, various centralized exchanges require KYC and other sensitive information from users in order to access the services they provide. While still respecting the regulations and laws of various jurisdictions, it can be argued that online privacy protections are severely underdeveloped. With Ergo, there is an opportunity to rewrite that script and explore the various tools that enable the blockchain to offer optional privacy features. 

With Ergohack VI - Cypherpunk Finance, developers and entrepreneurs are tasked with designing mechanisms that ordinary citizens can use to protect their privacy and anonymity. They are also encouraged to explore building other types of tools that embody the first principles that Ergo was founded on (see [Ergo Manifesto](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/2021-04-26-the-ergo-manifesto/)).

When it comes to privacy tooling, Ergo possesses [sigma protocols](https://docs.ergoplatform.com/dev/scs/sigma/) which are a form of zero-knowledge proof. A zero-knowledge proof allows someone to prove that they know the solution to a problem without actually revealing the solution itself. Ergo has also deployed the use of a [mixer](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/2021-05-12-ergomixer/) within the ecosystem. With ErgoHack VI, the Ergo Foundation encourages applicants to take advantage of existing Ergo privacy features and to further develop open sourced privacy and/or DeFi tooling on the blockchain.

The [Ergo Manifesto](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/2021-04-26-the-ergo-manifesto/) states that “Privacy must remain an option to protect the individual, and it does not have to be forced; let people make their own choices. Privacy is the ability to create barriers and erect boundaries to create a space for the individual. It is up to each what borders and boundaries they choose to make.” Depending on your upbringing and where you live in the world, you may question the need for strong privacy protections. Regardless of any freedoms you may enjoy, there is a need for certain privacy protections, especially in places where governments have eliminated the basic freedoms of their citizens.

The [Ergo Manifesto](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/2021-04-26-the-ergo-manifesto/) states that “[Civilizations exist] under a continuous tension between what is best for society and what is best for the individual. The only real entities in a community are individuals, and all collectives, associations, and governments stem from individual participation and interaction. _Privacy protects the individual from society_. Privacy creates space to allow personal autonomy. Personal autonomy is the basis of individual rights.” 

Ergohack VI - Cypherpunk Finance is calling on developers and project leads alike to build financial tooling that embodies crypto’s first principles. These first principles can include privacy tooling, decentralization, open sourced code, self-custody, security and transparency. At the end of the hackathon, all submissions will be judged by a jury that will then determine how the prize pool of 18k $SigUSD and 300k $Ergopad will be awarded.

ErgoHack VI starts in two days! Be sure to register soon to take full advantage of this opportunity. For more details and the registration form, please visit the [ErgoHack website](https://ergohack.io/).



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ErgoHack VI Cypherpunk Finance: A Focus on Privacy


ErgoHack VI: Cypherpunk Finance is fast approaching! This iteration of Ergo’s popular hackathon series will be a [celebration of Cypherpunk philosophy and crypto's first principles](https://ergoplatform.org/en/news/Announcing-ErgoHack-6-Cypherpunk-Finance/). Applicants will compete for a prize pool of 18k SigUSD and 300k ErgoPad while they design and build future dApps and tools on the Ergo Platform.

## ErgoHack VI Adjudication

Contestants will have the opportunity to present their work to some of the most innovative and creative minds in the crypto space. During the adjudication process, judges may consider any of the following criteria to make their final decisions:

- Innovation
- Code quality
- Completed implementation

The jurors are made up of core and community developers (as well as other Ergo Foundation members) who have built, and continue to build, many of the unique features and dApps of the Ergo ecosystem. Many of them are prominent figures in Ergo, working to promote the tools and products the blockchain has to offer. 

ErgoHack participants will enjoy this rare opportunity to not only present their work to these esteemed judges, but they will also benefit from their oversight and comments during the hackathon. In addition to Ergo Foundation Board members, contestants will be judged by  several prominent developers from projects such as ErgoPad, Spectrum Finance and Paper Wallet.

## Judges

### Joseph Armeanio

Joseph has been involved in crypto on the investment side since 2013, and was a partner CIO at Big Bear Investments. Joseph has been on the board of Universal Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization since 2008. He brings a passion for counter economic frameworks and tools for social good. His role as business developer at the Ergo Foundation is to create partnerships in the crypto industry, as well as educational partnerships and research opportunities that drive the adoption of Ergo tooling in the public and non-profit sectors.

### Mark Glasgow

Mark is an Ergo Foundation member and works across various roles in Ergo. As a Computing Science graduate with a personal passion for improving inclusive systems, he is also the Technical Director for Disabled Students UK CIC -  a non-profit that was named as one of the most influential disability-led organizations in the UK.

### Ilya Oskin

Ilya Oskin is an experienced software engineer and has been a core developer at Ergo since the launch of the project. Ilya has a degree in Economics from The Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. He is also the supervisor at GeekBrains, an online educational platform devoted to blockchain development.
Ilya is the founder of ErgoDEX (now Spectrum Finance) where he is currently working as the lead developer for the project. 

### Alison Robson AKA anon_br 

Anon_br is a software engineer passionate about facilitating crypto adoption through enhanced user experience. As a member of the Ergo Foundation, he is very active in the Ergo Portuguese community and wallet chats. He is also responsible for helping to build tools to improve the user experience with Paper Wallet and Ledger.

### Luivatra from ErgoPad

Luivatra has a Bachelor of Science in computer science (with a specialization in AI) and a Master of Science (in Games) from the University of Utrecht and IT University in Copenhagen, respectively. After over ten years of experience as an engineer and software architect in the financial sector, Luivatra sought new challenges and transitioned to the unique and exciting developer work at ErgoPad and Paidia. Luivatra has been active in Ergo since 2021 and continues to explore the inner workings of eUTXO while working full time as ergoscript developer at Ergopad.

## Registration

ErgoHack’s are an identifying feature of the Ergo ecosystem, and previous hackathons have yielded many of Ergo’s most popular dApps and wallets. Are you an entrepreneur and/or developer? Maybe your idea will one day become a signature dApp in the Ergo ecosystem.

Registration is now open and ErgoHack VI will begin February 8, 2023. For complete details and the [registration form](https://ergohack.io/register/), please visit the [ErgoHack website](https://ergohack.io/). Good luck!


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Meet Your Judges: ErgoHack VI

One of Ergo’s identifying features is the regular hosting of hackathons. ErgoHacks are now synonymous with the developer community, and many of the wallets and dApps (decentralized applications) that the ecosystem now boasts were born out of previous Ergo hackathons. Several ErgoHack dApps have gone on to partner with ErgoPad - Ergo’s IDO launchpad. ErgoPad assists new projects with marketing services, as well as access to a pool of investors that are interested in investing in new projects. The services that ErgoPad provides are vital to the growth and development of a blockchain, and the Ergo Foundation is grateful for their continued support as co-presenters of ErgoHacks.

Are you a developer or entrepreneur who has an idea that could be built with blockchain technology? If so, now is the time to apply for ErgoHack VI - Cypherpunk Finance. With the theme of Cypherpunk Finance, the Ergo Foundation encourages applicants to pursue building tools and products that align with cypherpunk first principles. Developers are asked to consider building projects that embody the ethos of the [Ergo Manifesto](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/2021-04-26-the-ergo-manifesto/), as well as any and all pursuits that tackle social injustice and the weaponization of money. In addition to economic applications, your project could consider building privacy tools, or find ways to improve upon existing technologies that relate to Web3, stablecoins, and DeFi.

## ErgoHack VI Overview

**Dates: Feb 8 - 22, 2023**
**Prize Pool: 18K SigUSD and 300K ERGOPAD**

Judging of all submissions will begin on February 22, with the winners being announced during the Ergo Foundation’s March 2 AMA. 

Now is the time to start formulating the proposal for your project! Applications for ErgoHack VI are [now open](https://ergohack.io/register/) and will close on February 21, 2023. For more details, be sure to visit the [ErgoHack website](https://ergohack.io/). 

**Let’s keep these developer forges burning bright, Ergonauts! Good luck!**


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As we enter a new year, the Ergo Platform continues to forge ahead, highlighting its thriving and vibrant developer community. With a commitment to open source tooling and products to better the lives of all, the Ergo Platform is uniquely positioned to become a major player in the future adoption of blockchain technology.

Announcing ErgoHack VI - Cypherpunk Finance


What a year it has been for the blockchain industry. Many may look back on this year as a down year for the cryptocurrency sector, but for Ergonauts, it can be argued that 2022 was one of the best years yet. Turning only three years old this year, the Ergo Platform has already reached new highs in developer activity. Let’s take a look back at some of Ergo’s more notable memories from this last year.

## EIP-27

EIP-27 was proposed as a measure to ensure the crypto-economic security of Ergo’s long term viability. Because the original $ERG emission schedule was set to be completed within eight years of the mainnet launch, there was a concern that this did not leave enough time for the proper development of the Ergo ecosystem. How would the mining protocol be incentivized if block rewards ended before the network could reach a sustainable, critical mass of regular transactions? Ergo’s founder and core developer, Alex Chepurnoy, proposed a restructuring of the emission schedule such that a portion of the $ERG from each block would be transferred to a future emission contract. This reallocation of mining rewards ensures that the network will enjoy steady block rewards until approximately 2045. At which point, the blockchain’s daily transactions and Storage Rent feature should offer sufficient rewards for miners. For an overview of EIP-27 and the restructured emission schedule, please read the Ergo Foundation’s publication entitled, [_A New Era for Ergo: EIP 27 Begins Today_](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/A-New-Era-for-Ergo-EIP-27-Begins-Today/).

## EIP-37

When Ethereum switched from Proof of Work to Proof of Stake this year, those who had been mining $ETH were suddenly looking for a new blockchain to mine. The Ergo Platform saw an impressive spike in hashrate (15Th/s up to 400Th/s at one point), such that it significantly increased block difficulty and greatly diminished mining rewards. In order to re-establish steady block time production and mining rewards, EIP-37 was introduced to the mining community. The proposal shortened the time between epochs, while limiting any difficulty change to no more than 50% per epoch. For a deeper look at EIP-37 and the Ethereum Merge, please see [_Ergo: After the Ethereum Merge_.](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/Ergo-After-the-Ethereum-Merge/)

## Reference Client 5.0

Recently, the Ergo blockchain received a significant network upgrade with the implementation of [Reference Client 5.0](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/Ergo-Protocol-Reference-Client-5.0.0-A-Commitment-to-Continued-Progress). Prior to this new reference client, Ergo’s transaction costing was determined by AOT (Ahead-of-Time) costing. With Reference Client 5.0, the network now employs a hybrid costing method using AOT costing and JIT (Just-in-time) costing. “Users and developers will enjoy faster script executions, and space within blocks will be used much more efficiently. With faster script execution, the network will enjoy even more increased transaction rates. With improved costing, blocks will also be able to include even more transactions, thereby increasing throughput.”

## ErgoVersary, Ergo Summit and ErgoHacks

One of the greatest features of the Ergo Platform is the community involvement. The [Ergo Manifesto](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/2021-04-26-the-ergo-manifesto/) is an inspired document that strives to lay out the goals and vision for the blockchain. A strong sense of community is integral to the ethos of that Manifesto. The ErgoVersary, Ergo Summits and ErgoHacks are a celebration of that combined desire to build and develop a blockchain for the average person. In the year of Ergo’s Third ErgoVersary, the Ergo Foundation also hosted two Ergo Summits (on the topics of [DeFi](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/Ergo-Summit/) and [Privacy](https://medium.com/@ergoplatform/ergo-summit-privacy-event-9fad434542df)) and three ErgoHacks (the community hackathons). The 2022 ErgoHacks featured several large prizes for participants, with each ErgoHack focused on developing specific projects: [Mining and Minting](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/ErgoHack-5-Prizes/), [DeFi use cases](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/ErgoHack-Fest-May-9-30/), and [Privacy & Security](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/2022-03-01-ergohack-iii-results/).

## New Exchange Listings

New exchange listings continue to be a high priority for the Ergo Foundations activities. In 2022, Ergo was added to three new exchanges: [Indodax](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/2022-04-28-indodax-officially-lists-ergo/), [Huobi](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/Huobi-Officially-Lists-Ergo/), and [Bitrue](https://www.ergoplatform.org/en/news/Bitrue-Exchange-Officially-Lists-Ergo/).

## New Wallets and Flux Integration

In 2022, Ergonauts went from having almost no viable wallets to several excellent options to safely secure their Ergo assets. [Captain Nemo](https://twitter.com/NautilusWallet) led the way at the beginning of the year with [Nautilus Wallet](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/nautilus-wallet/gjlmehlldlphhljhpnlddaodbjjcchai), creating an efficient browser extension wallet that allowed for smooth and seamless dApp interaction. In addition to Nautilus Wallet, Ergonauts can now also choose from [Satergo](https://satergo.com/), [SafeW](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/2022-03-25-storing-ergo-safew/), and [Minotaur Wallet](https://github.com/minotaur-ergo/minotaur-wallet). Recently, Minotaur has introduced new functionality to the wallet and created Ergo’s [first multi-signature wallet](https://www.ergoplatform.org/en/news/Ergo%E2%80%99s-First-Multi-signature%20Wallet-Has-Been-Launched-by-Minotaur/). 

In the fall of 2022, the team behind Flux cryptocurrency added Ergo support to their Zelcore wallet. In doing so, Flux also integrated Ergo as a Flux Parallel Asset on the network. For more information on this, please read [_Zelcore Wallet Officially Adds Ergo Token Support_](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/Zelcore-Wallet-Officially-Adds-Ergo-Token-Support/). 

## Rosen Bridge

Cross chain bridges are an incredibly important aspect of blockchain technology. They enable users to swap tokens with other blockchains and have the potential to promote increased adoption between various chains. In the last couple of years, there has been a concern however that bridges can present weak access points for bad actors to attack the system.

With this in mind, Ergo developer and Foundation Board Member, Mohammad Hasan Samadani (MHS), undertook the task of building the Rosen Bridge. This bridge is built to be Ergo-centric, such that all of the smart contracts and consensus will be performed on the Ergo blockchain. This revolutionary technology will be an important feature of the Ergo ecosystem going forward. When one considers all of the bridge exploits that have occurred over the last couple of years, it is important to make sure that new bridges offer strong security guarantees. With Rosen Bridge, the security of Ergo protects and ensures the safety of bridge transactions. For more information on Rosen Bridge, please see the [March 29, 2022 Developer Update](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xsiy-yPJQ6w).

## F2pool Supports Ergo Mining

Around the time of the Ethereum Merge, f2pool announced that they would be offering Ergo mining support to their miners. As one of the largest mining pool operators in the industry, this news signaled that the mining industry saw the potential of Ergo’s Proof of Work network going forward. At the time of the announcement, f2pool released the following statement: “f2pool supports Ergo’s movement as a PoW smart contract platform that ensures the economic freedom of ordinary people.”

For more information on this news, please read [_Merge Update: F2Pool Supports Ergo Mining_](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/Merge-Update-F2Pool-Supports-Ergo-Mining/). 

## Babel Fees

Among the numerous innovations the Ergo Platform has enjoyed this last year, Babel fees offered new ways for Ergonauts to transact on the network. With Babel fees, users no longer have to use only $ERG to cover transaction fees. If you have a wallet with Ergo native assets, you can simply select that asset to cover a transaction fee. For a guide on how to use this feature, please read [_Babel Fees on Ergo: How-To Guide_](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/Babel%20Fees%20on%20Ergo:%20How-To%20Guide/).

## A New Look for Ergo

Ergo got a brand new look! Under the guidance of Foundation Board member and Community Manager, Mark Glasgow, the Ergo Platform underwent a rebranding, culminating in a new and more modern website design. Boosting a much improved user experience, the [new website](https://ergoplatform.org/en/) also offers a wealth of information on how to get started with Ergo.

## Looking Towards 2023

The developer forges have burned bright at Ergo this last year and developer activity shows no signs of slowing down. Thank you to the Ergo community for all the work you do! This is your blockchain and it is evident that the community takes pride and ownership for what is being built. 

**Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Let’s keep building and see how much we can accomplish together in 2023.**


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Ergo Platform 2022 Year in Review


While most of the industry continues to talk about the current state of markets, the Ergo community continues to build on the innovative technology that makes the platform so unique. With **ErgoHack V: Mining and Minting**, participants focused on developing dApps (decentralized applications) and technology that continues to expand the utility and potential of the Ergo blockchain. 

Twelve different teams/projects competed in the ErgoHack and our judges from the Ergo Foundation, Flux, Djed Alliance and Alephium have decided on the winners for this hackathon. Many of these organizations also contributed to the prizes, making the awards for this ErgoHack the largest prize pool yet.

### Ergo Foundation Prizes

**1st Place: 10K SigUSD**
**2nd Place: 6K SigUSD**
**3rd Place: 2K SigUSD**

### Flux Prizes
_To be eligible for the Flux prizes, participants need their [project to provide solutions on the Flux network](https://twitter.com/RunOnFlux/status/1579408565554401281)._

**1st Prize: 7K FLUX**
**2nd Prize: 3K FLUX**
**3rd Prize: 1K FLUX**

### Alephium Prizes

Alephium contributed a prize pool of **20K ALPH** and it was equally distributed to all of the teams that participated in ErgoHack V.

## The Winning Projects

Deciding the hackathon’s winners was a difficult task, as many of the projects submitted very impressive work. The jury judged the work of the competitors on the following criteria:

- Innovation and scope of the idea
- Quality of code
- Level of completed implementation (If not completed, then the jury considered the quality of the documentation)
- Quality of user interface

Considering these four points of adjudication, the judges have awarded the following:

### 1st Prize (Ergo Foundation and Flux) - **CYTI**

CYTI is the acronym for Choose Your Token ID. The team built a ‘minable’ smart contract that will allow an entity “to mint tokens with a given character sequence at the beginning of the token ID. A token minter creates a CYTI request, and miners generate the proper token ID using the CYTI miner software. When one of the miners succeeds, [they receive] the fee from the CYTI contract and the token with the right token ID is sent to the token minter.”

### 2nd Prize (Ergo Foundation and Flux) - **ergonames**

The ergonames team submitted a proposal to build an Ergo Name NFT Minting Service. The purpose of this NFT service is “to register new Ergo Names and Ergo Name Resolution Service to resolve minted Ergo Names into [a] corresponding Ergo wallet address.” During the hackathon, the team developed a “strategy for a multi contract minting solution to create a single mint address.” They also completed the backend work for the project and “successfully completed a full end-to-end test.”


### 3rd Prize (Ergo Foundation) - **Paizo**

Paizo was working on building “an on-chain mining governance simulation tool to help educate miners on how chain governance works.” During the hackathon, they worked on on-chain governance parameters, UI options and how to “present user inputs for pool parameters.” By the end of ErgoHack V, the team had completed the “MVP of [their] project, and added epoch simulation [where] it changes the value of the parameters.”

### 3rd Prize (Flux) - **Obolflip**

The Obolflip project proposed building a “decentralized CoinFlip application on Ergo where users can bet on head or tail. A single-box [smart contract] will handle the state that transforms through betting - cooldown - evaluation - payout. Only one ObolFlip can run in state betting, and payout will share all amounts betted between all winners.” During the hackathon, the team designed a plan for their smart contract design and successfully implemented the user interface client.

### **Extra Prize (1000 SigUSD)** from Ergo Foundation - **snisp** 

“SNISPs are Succinct, Non-Interactive Share Proofs which will allow for accurate and efficient calculations of performed work on the blockchain. These proofs can be applied to any PoW blockchain. They should allow for the creation of decentralized mining pools with better security assumptions than alternatives like P2Pool, and better scalability than ETH based SmartPools. They may also be used for other applications which involve measuring performed work (such as direct work-based governance, work-backed assets, etc.).” During the hackathon, the snisp team completed a first draft of their research paper. 

Congratulations to all of the participants of **ErgoHack V**! Be sure to stay tuned to Ergo’s social media channels and join us for a Mini Summit on **Mining and Minting**, as well as an overview of the ErgoHack V proposals from the core team. Several of the teams from this last hackathon will also be participating in the summit. They include: Ergo Audit, Paizo, EIP-38, CYTI, DumDumDum, SNISP, ErgoPayroll, and others. For a look at what each project was working on, please see the following [blog post](https://ergoplatform.org/en/blog/ErgoHack-5-Participants/). Events are scheduled to begin on **Saturday, November 26th**!


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ErgoHack V Results

La registrazione per "ErgoHack V: Mining and Minting" è ufficialmente chiusa ed è tempo di esplorare ciò che i partecipanti hanno inviato per le loro proposte. Per questo hackathon si sono iscritte un totale di quattordici squadre. In questo post del blog, presenteremo ciascuno dei team e il progetto su cui lavoreranno durante ErgoHack V.

## Sigma-rust-jit

Questo progetto lavorerà per migliorare sigma-rust con i costi JIT 5.0.

## Ergo-Twitter

Questa squadra propone un twitter decentralizzato.

## EIP38-Voto-parziale

“Questo EIP propone di modificare il modo in cui gli identificatori di parametro vengono comunicati nella sezione di estensione delle intestazioni di blocco, in modo tale che oltre a consentire ai miner di votare a favore o contro una modifica, possano votare parzialmente a sostegno di una modifica (per il voto indicativo). Ciò consentirà ai pool di mining di trasmettere il vero potere di governance ai propri miner se combinato con un metodo per il voto dei miner all'interno di una pool (come la prova del voto di GetBlok)."

## Snisp

“Gli SNISP sono prove di condivisione succinte e non interattive che consentiranno calcoli accurati ed efficienti del lavoro svolto sulla blockchain.

Queste prove possono essere applicate a qualsiasi blockchain PoW. Dovrebbero consentire la creazione di pool di mining decentralizzati con migliori presupposti di sicurezza rispetto ad alternative come P2Pool e una migliore scalabilità rispetto agli SmartPool basati su ETH. Possono essere utilizzati anche per altre applicazioni che implicano la misurazione del lavoro svolto (come la governance basata sul lavoro diretta, i beni garantiti dal lavoro, ecc.)”

## Generatore di Diop-art

Questo concorrente "costruirà un'interfaccia utente e un sito Web per generare opere d'arte del 1010 in modo che la comunità possa crearne di proprie. [Se il tempo è disponibile, questa voce] sperimenterà anche il formato SVG (rispetto a PNG) e consentirà di coniare il pezzo in un portafoglio connesso".

## Paizo

“Paizo sarà uno strumento di simulazione della governance mineraria on-chain per aiutare a educare i minatori su come funziona la governance della catena. Attualmente, queste informazioni sono altamente tecniche e non intuitive da apprendere per l'utente medio, quindi speriamo di rendere queste informazioni semplici da capire in modo che i minatori abbiano il potere di far sentire la loro voce sulla catena".

## Ergo-payroll

Ergo-payroll sarà “uno strumento automatizzato di distribuzione delle buste paga per ERGO. Inserisci i tuoi dipendenti, inserisci l'importo (conteggio) in token o l'importo di USD in token, inserisci la frequenza e i loro portafogli. Gli utenti devono solo continuare a riempire la banca e il sistema si occuperà del resto".

## Obolflip

Questo progetto creerà un'"applicazione CoinFlip decentralizzata su Ergo in cui gli utenti possono scommettere su testa o croce.

Un SC a scatola singola gestirà lo stato che si trasforma attraverso scommesse - cooldown - valutazione - payout.
Solo un ObolFlip può essere eseguito nelle scommesse statali e il pagamento condividerà tutti gli importi scommessi tra tutti i vincitori.

## Ergo-audit

“L'Ergo Audit Project, basato su DAO, consente ai membri della comunità Ergo di controllare progetti ecosistemici o contratti intelligenti per determinati premi. "Ergo Audit" DAO fornisce una serie di framework/modelli che aiutano gli auditor a effettuare una ricerca dettagliata standardizzata di un progetto selezionato in varie categorie. Gli audit saranno approvati/rifiutati da revisori esperti dei membri DAO. Tutti gli audit accettati visualizzeranno le statistiche generali dei progetti o dei contratti intelligenti nell'ecosistema".

## Cyti

“CYTI sta per Scegli il tuo ID token. Questo è uno smart contract "minabile" che consente a [un'entità] di coniare token con una determinata sequenza di caratteri all'inizio dell'ID token. Un token miner crea una richiesta CYTI e i miner generano l'ID token corretto utilizzando il software CYTI miner.

Quando uno dei miner riesce, [ricevono] la commissione dal contratto CYTI e il token con l'ID token corretto viene inviato al token miner.

Ci sono molte altre squadre che si sono registrate per ErgoHack V e invieranno le descrizioni delle proposte ai nostri organizzatori di hackathon nel corso di ErgoHack V. Includono **raptor-mining, sigma-balls, ergo-names** e ** mine-ergo.**

Assicurati di rimanere sintonizzato sui nostri canali di social media per tutti gli aggiornamenti di ErgoHack V!

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I partecipanti all'Hackaton V: mining and minting

Registration for ErgoHack V: Mining and Minting has officially closed, and it is time to explore what the participants have submitted for their proposals. For this hackathon, a total of fourteen teams have registered. In this blog post, we will introduce each of the teams and the project that they will work on during ErgoHack V.

## Sigma-rust-jit

This project will work on enhancing sigma-rust with JIT 5.0 costing. 

## Ergo-Twitter

This team is proposing a decentralized twitter.

## EIP38-Partial-Voting

“This EIP proposes modifying how parameter identifiers are communicated in the extension section of block headers, such that in addition to miners being able to vote for or against a change, they can vote partially in support of a change (for indicative voting). This will enable mining pools to pass along true governance power to their miners when combined with a method for miner voting within a pool (such as GetBlok's proof-of-vote).”

## Snisp

“SNISPs are Succinct, Non-Interactive Share Proofs which will allow for accurate and efficient calculations of performed work on the blockchain. 

These proofs can be applied to any PoW blockchain. They should allow for the creation of decentralized mining pools with better security assumptions than alternatives like P2Pool, and better scalability than ETH based SmartPools. They may also be used for other applications which involve measuring performed work (such as direct work-based governance, work-backed assets, etc.)”

## Diop-art-generator

This competitor will “be building a UI and website for generating 1010s art pieces so the community will be able to make their own. [Time willing, this entry] will also experiment with SVG format (versus PNG), and enable minting the piece in a connected wallet.”

## Paizo

“Paizo will be an on-chain mining governance simulation tool to help educate miners on how chain governance works. Currently, this information is highly technical and not intuitive to learn for the average user, so we hope to make this information simple to understand so miners are empowered to make their voice heard on chain.”

## Ergo-payroll

Ergo-payroll will be “an automated payroll distribution tool for ERGO. Enter your employees, enter the amount (count) in token or the amount of USD in token, enter frequency, and their wallets. Users only need to keep filling up the bank and the system will take care of the rest.”

## Obolflip

This project will build a “decentralized CoinFlip application on Ergo where users can bet on head or tail.

A single-box SC will handle the state that transforms through betting - cooldown - evaluation - payout.
Only one ObolFlip can run in state betting, and payout will share all amounts betted between all winners.

## Ergo-audit

“The DAO-based Ergo Audit Project allows Ergo-community members to audit ecosystem projects or smart contracts for certain rewards. ‘Ergo Audit’ DAO provides a set of frameworks/templates that helps auditors to make a standardized detailed research of a selected project in various categories. The audits will be approved/declined by experienced auditors from DAO members. All accepted audits will visualize overall statistics of the projects or smart contracts in the ecosystem.”

## Cyti

“CYTI stands for Choose Your Token ID. This is a ‘minable’ smart contract allowing [an entity] to mint tokens with a given character sequence at the beginning of the token ID. A token minter creates a CYTI request, and miners generate the proper token ID using the CYTI miner software.

When one of the miners succeeds, [they receive] the fee from the CYTI contract and the token with the right token ID is sent to the token minter.

There are several other teams that have registered for ErgoHack V, and will be submitting proposal descriptions to our hackathon organizers over the course of ErgoHack V. They include **raptor-mining, sigma-balls, ergo-names,** and **mine-ergo.**

Be sure to stay tuned to our social media channels for all the ErgoHack V updates!


ErgoHack V Participants

With applications now open, ErgoHack V is fast approaching. With each new hackathon, the prizes and number of industry collaborations continue to grow! For ErgoHack V, the Ergo Foundation is proud to partner with Flux, Alephium, and the Djed Alliance to present this hackathon that will promote the theme of mining and minting. The prize pool is the largest to date, and the judging committee will feature industry experts from all of the presenting partners.

## ErgoHack V Jury

The adjudicators who will represent the Ergo Foundation (EF) include some of the most innovative and creative minds in the crypto space. They are made up of Ergo core and community developers who have built, and continue to build, many of the unique features and dApps of the ecosystem. Several of the EF judges are prominent academics with numerous accolades and publications to their names, and many have extensive experience in blockchain development before working on Ergo. 

ErgoHack participants will enjoy this rare opportunity to not only present their work to these esteemed judges, but they will also benefit from their oversight and comments during the hackathon.

Because there are several co-presenters, participants will also receive critique from several guest judges for this hackathon. Together with our EF judges, the ErgoHack adjudicators will evaluate all proposals/projects based on the following four criteria:

- Innovation
- Code quality
- Completed implementation
- Quality of user interface

## Ergo Foundation Judges

### Alexander Chepurnoy (aka Kushti)
Alexander Chepurnoy is an experienced blockchain developer, speaker and educator. From 2014 to 2015 he was a core developer for the NXT blockchain and a Co-Founder of smartcontract.com, now known as Chainlink. From 2016 to 2017, Alexander worked as a Lead Developer at Waves and Scorex Manager at IOHK. He began his journey with Ergo in 2016.

Alexander is a graduate of the State Petersburg National Research University, where he also taught a course on cryptography and blockchain technology. He is widely cited on Google Scholar and has spoken at numerous blockchain events and conferences worldwide.

### Mohammad Hasan Samadani (MHS_SAM)
Mohammad (mhs_sam) has a PhD in computer science and over 12 years of experience in security and software development as a product owner, researcher, and team leader. He developed the ERGO mining softwares, Stratum server, and ergopool (smart contract based pool to bypass pool-resistance of Autolykos v1) and became an ERGO Foundation Board Member in 2020.

### Mark Glasgow
Mark is an Ergo Foundation member and works across various roles in Ergo. As a Computing Science graduate with a personal passion for improving inclusive systems, he is also the Technical Director for Disabled Students UK CIC -  a non-profit that was named as one of the most influential disability-led organizations in the UK.

### Joseph Armeanio
Joseph has been involved in crypto on the investment side since 2013, and was a partner CIO at Big Bear Investments. Joseph has been on the board of Universal Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization since 2008. He brings a passion for counter economic frameworks and tools for social good. His role as business developer at the Ergo Foundation is to create partnerships in the crypto industry, as well as educational partnerships and research opportunities that drive the adoption of Ergo tooling in the public and non-profit sectors.

## Guest Judges

## Alephium

### Cheng Wang, Founder
Cheng Wang is the founder of Alephium. Alephium is the first operational layer 1 sharded blockchain, scaling and improving on Bitcoin core technologies, Proof of Work and UTXO. It delivers a highly performant, secure DeFi & dApps platform with enhanced energy efficiency. Cheng has a strong background in both cryptography and distributed computing due to his work on two PhDs (math and computer science). He proposed the first linear-time asynchronous byzantine agreement algorithm. Cheng is also the author of Uniflash, a fully decentralized flash loan protocol.

### Mikaël Vaivre, Alephium
Mikaël was the former head of product for Lykke corp, a Swiss quality crypto exchange. He also received an engineering degree from EPFL.

## Flux

### Tadeáš Kmenta, Co-Founder and Chief Innovations Officer
Tadeas has over 10 years of experience developing decentralized blockchain technologies. As a strong privacy advocate, blockchains and web3 is where the future of freedom lies. Tadeas physics background helps further shaping ideas to be applicable throughout many industries.

### Tim Sulmone, Business Developer
Tim is one of the Business Developers and Docker Developers of the Flux project. With over a decade of experience in the cryptocurrency space, and prior international supply chain management, he leverages his past experiences to help grow the project. Tim has also been active in the gaming sector, by building servers and growing communities. He has participated in game development competitions such as js13k and Gamedev.js Jam.

## Registration

Be sure to get your registration in by October 2nd, 2022! Please visit the [ErgoHack website](https://ergohack.io/) for all the details and application instructions.

And for all of you who follow our ErgoHack’s, please stay tuned for the results on all of our social media channels.



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ErgoHack V: Meet Our Judges


With Ethereum’s merge, we are witnessing a seismic shift in the hashrate landscape for Proof of Work blockchains. In the last few days for instance, Ergo’s network hashrate has jumped to over 100TH/s from approximately 30Th/s.

The Ergo Platform is seeing impressive growth and a lot of the credit is due to the Ergo Foundation’s commitment to hosting regular hackathons. If you are not already aware, the next ErgoHack is scheduled for October 3-20, 2022. Applications are currently being accepted until October 3rd and this ErgoHack will promote the theme of mining and minting.

This iteration of ErgoHack features an impressive list of partners! We are proud to co-present this hackathon with the Djed Alliance, Flux, and Alephium. Teams that register for ErgoHack V will be in the running for the largest prize pool to date for Ergo hackathons as a result of these partnerships. Prizes for the Ergo Foundation, Flux, and Alephium will be decided based on the following criteria:

- Innovation
- Code quality
- Completed implementation
- Quality of user interface

### Ergo Foundation Prizes

**1st Place: 10k SigUSD
2nd Place: 6k SigUSD
3rd Place: 2k SigUSD**

### Flux Prizes

Flux uses Docker Hub containers to distribute applications in a decentralized, and censorship-resistant manner. A Docker container image is a lightweight, standalone, executable package of software that includes everything needed to run an application: code, runtime, system tools, system libraries and settings.

Due to Docker being code agnostic, Flux can run any kind of software. Front- or Back-end deployments are common on the Cloud. For ErgoHack V, the Flux judges will be looking at how participants explore use cases for this technology.

**1st Prize: $7k FLUX
2nd Prize: $3k FLUX
3rd Prize: $1k FLUX**

### Alephium Prizes

To be considered for the Alephium prizes, competitors are encouraged to build multi-chain applications or services (ie. multi-chain wallet, data service, dual-miners, etc) that include Alephium as part of the build.

Alephium shares a common ground with Ergo in terms of ethos and technology. For ErgoHack V, Alephium is encouraging collaborations between like-minded projects and communities for the purposes of building multi-chain products and tools. The Alephium prize pool will consist of:

**1st Prize: 10k ALPH
2nd Prize: 7k ALPH
3rd Prize: 3k ALPH**

### Djed Alliance Prizes

The Djed Alliance will provide prizes of 1800 DACAU (Djed Alliance Contribution Accounting Unit) to any of the submissions that are judged to bring significant contributions to the work of Djed/SigUSD.

Have an idea for ErgoHack V? Be sure to get your application in by October 2nd! Head to the [ErgoHack V website](https://ergohack.io/) for all the details.