NEWSROOM
University of Auckland hosts New Zealand’s first Web3 hackathon
The University of Auckland recently hosted New Zealand’s first ever Web3 hackathon, bringing together dozens of people from industry, government and universities to experiment with futuristic technology.
If Web3 is a term you have heard of, but are bewildered by, it is thought to be the next evolution of the internet – one that shifts power away from big corporations and gives it back to individuals. Built on decentralised technologies like blockchain, Web3 allows users to own their data, maintain privacy, and participate in online communities without relying on a central authority. Unlike today’s internet (Web2), where companies control platforms and monetise personal information, Web3 enables people to control their digital identities and assets, often anonymously. It also reduces single points of failure, potentially making systems more resilient and secure.
Real-world examples of Web3 in action include cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, which allow peer-to-peer money transfers without banks. NFTs (non-fungible tokens) give creators new ways to prove ownership of digital art and music they sell, while DAOs (decentralised autonomous organisations) enable groups to make collective decisions without a traditional hierarchy. DeFi (decentralised finance) lets people borrow, lend and trade without a bank, and self-sovereign digital identities offer more privacy and control over personal data. Altogether, Web3 represents a user-first vision for how we might interact, trade and collaborate online in the future.
The Web3 sector is expected to contribute more than $2 billion annually to the New Zealand economy by 2026.
The Web3 hackathon idea was advocated for by Yaser Shakib from UniServices and implemented with support from Web3NZ, the ecosystem powered by Callaghan Innovation, to support New Zealand’s growing community of Web3 ventures, creators and pioneers. A number of sponsors came on board, including a variety of groups at the University of Auckland ranging from student clubs to the Business School, including the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE).
CIE Technology and Prototyping Manager Sean Kelly, who played an integral role in the Web3 hackathon design and delivery team, says “I have been incredibly impressed with the dedication and effort that the Web3NZ team, especially Kellie Kennedy and Kevin Whitmore, have taken in creating this hackathon. Together, with the help of our sponsors we built the capability and confidence of our participants to leverage Web3 technologies for new opportunities and solutions”
Participants had the opportunity to win a share of a $30,000 prize pool, including flights, accommodation and tickets to their choice of a ETHGlobal Hackathon. Locations include Prague, New York, New Delhi, Buenos Aires, Canne and Taipei.
The hackathon took place at the University’s Business School, over the course of 48 hours. Hackers worked together as teams, tackling one of the following problem statements:
- Fire Eyes: How can Ethereum’s token governance evolve beyond Governor Bravo and off chain governance?
- Easy Crypto: How can NZDD unlock seamless, borderless value exchange across New Zealand’s financial systems and global markets?
- Easy Crypto: How can you leverage Base’s ecosystem to develop unique use cases for NZDD?
- BASE: How can Web3 empower communities to solve uniquely Kiwi challenges, from housing shortages to disaster resilience, welfare distribution and food security?
Hackers have been encouraged to further pursue their interests by entering start-up ideas into CIE’s upcoming Velocity Ideas Challenge, a start-up ideation competition.
Professor Frank Bloomfield, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) attended the final pitch event and prizegiving. He says “What was achieved in a weekend of hacking was astonishing with some fantastic ideas for solutions to a whole range of issues, including social housing, foreign exchange, species preservation, buying and selling of domestically-generated power, amongst many others. An inspirational event demonstrating digital tech innovation and talent in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
The University of Auckland recently hosted New Zealand’s first ever Web3 hackathon, bringing together dozens of people from industry, government and universities to experiment with futuristic technology.
If Web3 is a term you have heard of, but are bewildered by, it is thought to be the next evolution of the internet – one that shifts power away from big corporations and gives it back to individuals. Built on decentralised technologies like blockchain, Web3 allows users to own their data, maintain privacy, and participate in online communities without relying on a central authority. Unlike today’s internet (Web2), where companies control platforms and monetise personal information, Web3 enables people to control their digital identities and assets, often anonymously. It also reduces single points of failure, potentially making systems more resilient and secure.
Real-world examples of Web3 in action include cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, which allow peer-to-peer money transfers without banks. NFTs (non-fungible tokens) give creators new ways to prove ownership of digital art and music they sell, while DAOs (decentralised autonomous organisations) enable groups to make collective decisions without a traditional hierarchy. DeFi (decentralised finance) lets people borrow, lend and trade without a bank, and self-sovereign digital identities offer more privacy and control over personal data. Altogether, Web3 represents a user-first vision for how we might interact, trade and collaborate online in the future.
The Web3 sector is expected to contribute more than $2 billion annually to the New Zealand economy by 2026.
The Web3 hackathon idea was advocated for by Yaser Shakib from UniServices and implemented with support from Web3NZ, the ecosystem powered by Callaghan Innovation, to support New Zealand’s growing community of Web3 ventures, creators and pioneers. A number of sponsors came on board, including a variety of groups at the University of Auckland ranging from student clubs to the Business School, including the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE).
CIE Technology and Prototyping Manager Sean Kelly, who played an integral role in the Web3 hackathon design and delivery team, says “I have been incredibly impressed with the dedication and effort that the Web3NZ team, especially Kellie Kennedy and Kevin Whitmore, have taken in creating this hackathon. Together, with the help of our sponsors we built the capability and confidence of our participants to leverage Web3 technologies for new opportunities and solutions”
Participants had the opportunity to win a share of a $30,000 prize pool, including flights, accommodation and tickets to their choice of a ETHGlobal Hackathon. Locations include Prague, New York, New Delhi, Buenos Aires, Canne and Taipei.
The hackathon took place at the University’s Business School, over the course of 48 hours. Hackers worked together as teams, tackling one of the following problem statements:
- Fire Eyes: How can Ethereum’s token governance evolve beyond Governor Bravo and off chain governance?
- Easy Crypto: How can NZDD unlock seamless, borderless value exchange across New Zealand’s financial systems and global markets?
- Easy Crypto: How can you leverage Base’s ecosystem to develop unique use cases for NZDD?
- BASE: How can Web3 empower communities to solve uniquely Kiwi challenges, from housing shortages to disaster resilience, welfare distribution and food security?
Hackers have been encouraged to further pursue their interests by entering start-up ideas into CIE’s upcoming Velocity Ideas Challenge, a start-up ideation competition.
Professor Frank Bloomfield, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) attended the final pitch event and prizegiving. He says “What was achieved in a weekend of hacking was astonishing with some fantastic ideas for solutions to a whole range of issues, including social housing, foreign exchange, species preservation, buying and selling of domestically-generated power, amongst many others. An inspirational event demonstrating digital tech innovation and talent in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
EMAIL
CIE@AUCKLAND.AC.NZ
POSTAL ADDRESS
THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND BUSINESS SCHOOL
PRIVATE BAG 92019, AUCKLAND
