In a groundbreaking move for the WordPress community, InstaWP has recently unveiled AnyoneCanWP, the first-ever online hackathon dedicated exclusively to WordPress development. This innovative event aims to bring together developers, designers, and enthusiasts in a collaborative environment where they can showcase their skills and creativity. With registrations now open, participants are encouraged to submit their projects by October 26, 2024, as they prepare for a thrilling competition that officially kicks off on October 11, 2024.
The hackathon will be inaugurated with a keynote address from Joost de Valk, the founder of Yoast SEO, who is widely recognized as a pivotal figure in the WordPress ecosystem. His insights are expected to inspire participants and set the tone for an exciting month of creativity and innovation. As the hackathon unfolds, developers will have the unique opportunity to build their projects using InstaWP’s one-click sandbox launcher, allowing for swift and efficient development.
A crucial aspect of the AnyoneCanWP hackathon is its timeline. Participants will have until October 26 to finalize their projects, which must exclusively utilize free plugins and themes. This constraint challenges competitors to be resourceful while still displaying their technical prowess. Following the submission period, a public voting phase will take place from October 18 to October 28, where participants can promote their projects and engage with the community to gather votes. This phase is vital, as the winning projects will be determined not only by the jury but also by the community’s input.
The panel of judges for the hackathon features prominent figures in the WordPress world, including Miriam Schwab, the Head of WordPress Relations at Elementor, and Jamie Marsland, known for his contributions to the WordPress YouTube channel. Their expertise will provide invaluable feedback to participants and ensure a high standard of evaluation. Additional judges include Davinder Singh Kainth, curator of the WP Weekly newsletter, and Anne-Mieke Bovelett, an advocate for accessibility and multilingualism within the WordPress space.
Participants in the hackathon will be competing for substantial prizes. The winner will receive $3,000, while second and third places will earn $1,000 and $500, respectively. Beyond monetary rewards, all top ten participants will receive InstaWP credits and additional partner credits to enhance their WordPress projects. Moreover, the top winners will also benefit from a complimentary one-year premium account with InstaWP, which includes a range of advanced features and tools designed to elevate their development capabilities.
The hackathon is sponsored by Automattic, renowned for its commitment to the WordPress community. Their support underscores the importance of fostering innovation and collaboration among developers. Automattic has a history of facilitating similar initiatives, having previously provided seed funding to InstaWP in 2022, a testament to their investment in the future of WordPress development.
For those looking to be part of this exciting event, registration is straightforward. Interested participants simply need to sign up with their email addresses to receive official details and an invitation. As the hackathon approaches, it will be interesting to see how participants utilize the resources available to them and what innovative solutions they devise within the 15-day timeframe.
In a recent tweet, Joost de Valk expressed his excitement about the upcoming hackathon, stating, “Looking forward to seeing the incredible projects that will emerge from AnyoneCanWP! Let’s push the boundaries of what we can achieve with WordPress.” This sentiment resonates with many in the community who are eager for opportunities to collaborate and innovate.
As the deadline approaches, there is a palpable buzz in the WordPress community about AnyoneCanWP. Whether you are a seasoned developer or a budding designer, this hackathon presents a unique opportunity to showcase your talents, network with industry leaders, and contribute to the vibrant ecosystem of WordPress. For more details and to register, visit the official AnyoneCanWP website and prepare to embark on a creative journey that could redefine your approach to WordPress development.
