Build

Compete

Launch your app

notJust Hack

The best online Hackathon for Indie Mobile Developers

📅 October 1st - October 31st

About notJust Hack

What is notJust Hack?

🚀 notJust Hack is an online hackathon where developers build, launch, and showcase real-world apps.

Unlike traditional hackathons that focus on prototypes, this challenge is about shipping meaningful products — apps that make it to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

We’re now heading into our 5th edition 🎉 — and it keeps getting bigger, bolder, and more impactful with every round.

Over the past editions, hundreds of developers from around the world have joined, launched real apps, and grown their skills in the process. October 2025 is your chance to be part of it.

Why Participate?

🚀 Build & Launch

Challenge yourself to build a functional mobile app and publish it to the stores.

📚 Learn & Grow

Level up your skills by building and shipping your own app. That's always the best way to learn.

🎁 Win Big

Compete for incredible prizes like MacBook Pros, premium courses, and cash rewards.

👋 Collaborate & Network

Connect with developers worldwide and be part of an exclusive community of awesome builders.

How to participate?

1

Register for the Hackathon

Sign up for free 📝

Secure your spot and get ready to build! Once registered, you’ll get access to updates, resources, and more!

2

Set Up & Start Building

October 1st - October 31st 🚀

Decide on your app idea, development stack, and start building! You can work solo or with a team (up to 3 people). Use any tools you like to build faster and better.

3

Publish & Submit Your App

Before October 31st📱

Your project must be successfully published on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, and submitted on the notJust Hack website before October 31st. Get familiar with app stores submission guidelines to avoid delays.

4

Community & Judges Vote

November 1st – November 14th ✅

The community votes for the best apps, and our judges evaluate based on business viability, functionality, and user experience.

5

Winners Announcement

November 16th 🏆

The best apps are revealed in the Demo Day Livestream, where winners have the opportunity to showcase their project.

Judging Criteria

0. Non-Negotiables (Eligibility Check)

For an app to be eligible for judging, it must meet these two mandatory conditions:
Published on the App Store or Google Play Store – The app must be available for download before October 31.
First version launched during the hackathon period – The app must be developed and released within the hackathon timeframe (October 1st - October 31st).

Apps that do not meet these criteria will not proceed to judging.

1. Innovation

• Is it unique? – Does the app offer something fresh or creative?
Does it solve a real problem? – Is there a clear need for this app?

💡The more original and impactful your idea, the higher your Innovation score!

2. Business Viability

• Who is it for? – Does the app target a clear audience?
• Market Fit: Is there demand for this solution?
Growth Potential: Could it gain users or generate revenue?

🌟 A great app is not just functional—it’s also valuable in the real world.

3. Functionality & Complexity

• Does it work? – Are the core features fully functional?
Technical Depth: Does it go beyond the basics?
AI Bonus: If AI was used, did it improve performance or automation?

A polished, feature-rich app earns higher scores.

4. User Experience & Design

• Easy to Use? – Is the app intuitive and smooth?
• Visually Appealing? – Does it have a clean, consistent design?
• Performance: Does it run well without lags?

🎭 Good design keeps users coming back!

Resources & Community

🎥 Watch & Learn

On our YouTube channel

Follow our YouTube channel for livestreams, coding tutorials, building tips and Hackathon Updates.

💬 Join the Community

On our Discord Server

Connect with fellow participants, find teammates, and discuss your project in the notJust Hack section on our Discord Server.

What Hackers are Saying

See how notJust Hack helped developers push their limits, build real apps, and launch their ideas.

Share your journey

Frequently Asked
Questions

Who can participate?

notJust Hack is for mobile developers ready to build something impactful, indie devs looking to validate their next idea, and React Native enthusiasts eager to push boundaries. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, if you’re excited to build and launch something real, you’re welcome to join!

Can I work in a team or only Solo?

You can participate solo or in a team of up to 3 people. There are no special advantages or disadvantages for solo participants—just build something great!

How much does it cost to join?

notJust Hack is completely free to participate!

Should I use a specific technology? React Native?

No, we do not require you to use any specific technology. Use the one the you know best!

Can I use AI tools like Copilot or ChatGPT to build my app?

Yes! While AI tools are not mandatory, you are encouraged to use tools like GitHub Copilot, Cursor, and ChatGPT to speed up development and improve efficiency. You will not be judged based on AI usage, but it can help you code faster and learn new techniques.

Do I need to submit my project by a deadline?

Yes! The hackathon runs for one month, and you’ll need to submit your final project before the mentioned deadline to be eligible for prizes.

What if my app gets rejected from the App Store or Play Store?

Your app must be live on at least one store (Apple or Google Play) before the submission deadline. If your app gets rejected, fix the issues and resubmit ASAP to meet the deadline. We recommend submitting at least one week before the end of the hackathon to allow time for approval.

What if I don’t finish my project?

No worries! The goal is to learn, build, and improve your skills. Even if you don’t fully complete your app, you’ll still gain experience, make connections, and have a project to continue after the hackathon.

How does voting work?

Once submissions close, voting will open shortly after.
Community Voting – Participants and the public can vote for their favorite apps.
Judging Panel – Our team will evaluate apps based on Innovation, Business Viability, Functionality, and User Experience.

The final ranking will be a combination of both votes and judge scores.

When and where will the winners be announced?

🏆 Winners will be announced during the notJust Hack Demo Day livestream, around 2 weeks after the building period ends.

The livestream will take place on our YouTube channel where the top projects will be showcased.

Finalists will have the opportunity to present their apps, share their experience, and get feedback from the judges.

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