Pump Fun has unveiled a $3 million hackathon to back fast-moving builders with real-time market feedback and live mentorship.
Quick Summary – TLDR:
- Pump Fun is launching a $3 million Build in Public Hackathon backed by its new Pump Fund.
- 12 projects will receive $250,000 each and a $10 million valuation.
- Winners must issue tokens and share daily public updates during development.
- The market, not judges, will determine project success and momentum.
What Happened?
Pump Fun has officially launched a $3 million Build in Public Hackathon as the first major initiative from its new investment arm, Pump Fund. The program is designed to identify and fund promising projects that are built transparently and engage directly with the market.
Introducing the $3,000,000 Build in Public Hackathon
— Pump.fun (@Pumpfun) January 19, 2026
Brought to you by Pump Fund – pump fun’s New Investment Arm
It’s time to completely reimagine how early-stage projects are built and funded.
Learn more 👇 pic.twitter.com/l1TJcxv1J0
Pump Fund’s First Move: Back Builders with Cash and Community
The hackathon will fund 12 selected projects, each receiving a $250,000 investment and a valuation of $10 million. This isn’t just another startup contest. Pump Fun is flipping the script by requiring founders to build publicly, stream updates, and let market traction determine success instead of relying on panels of judges.
Key requirements for participants include:
- Issuing a token.
- Retaining at least 10 percent of that token supply.
- Sharing daily development updates.
- Streaming major milestones live via Pump Fun.
By committing to building in public, founders are expected to showcase who they are, what they’re making, and how it’s progressing. That includes real-time sharing via social media, group chats, or livestreams.
No Crypto Experience? No Problem
Pump Fun has also made it clear that projects don’t need to be crypto-native. The emphasis is on speed, transparency, and adaptability. Founders are encouraged to test ideas quickly, get real-world feedback from users and traders, and either iterate or pivot fast.
If the idea doesn’t resonate, teams are even encouraged to abandon it early and move on. That openness is exactly what Pump Fun wants to reward.
How to Join the Challenge?
Applications for the hackathon are now open and close on February 18, 2026. Projects must launch tokens and submit a short video alongside their application. Pump Fun says the first round of winners will be announced within 30 days of the deadline.
One or more projects may be selected for funding even before the final deadline, depending on traction.
Ongoing Investment Opportunities
This initiative is just the beginning. Pump Fund plans to continue supporting standout projects on the platform even after the hackathon ends. The fund recognizes that not every idea gains momentum instantly, so longer-term traction will also be rewarded with future investment rounds.
SQ Magazine’s Takeaway
I love what Pump Fun is doing here. This isn’t some theoretical startup pitch fest. It’s about real building, in real time, for a real audience. They’re putting their money behind the kind of startup culture that actually delivers fast, open, and responsive to feedback. Letting the market vote with its attention is a bold move, and honestly, it feels refreshing. If you’re a builder who thrives on transparency and iteration, this is your moment.
