Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, and DMCC, Dubai’s premier international business district, have announced the launch of the third edition of their global Web3 hackathon ‘Web3 Unleashed #3: Shaping the Next Wave of Web3’, boasting a prize pool of $140,000.
Building on the success of previous editions, Web3 Unleashed returns in 2025 with an expanded focus, introducing two new tracks, focused on decentralized science and research innovation:
DeFAI: bridging decentralized finance and artificial intelligence
DeSci: focused on decentralized science and research innovation
These additions complement existing tracks in DeFi, Web3 Gaming, SocialFi, Infrastructure and Tokenization, ensuring that the hackathon remains aligned with the most promising frontiers of the Web3 industry.
The 2024 edition of Web3 Unleashed attracted promising startups from around the world, with finalists developing decentralized solutions in artificial intelligence, zero-knowledge protocols, identity systems, and digital infrastructure. The event showcased a diverse range of cutting-edge projects that addressed real-world challenges in the Web3 ecosystem.
A total prize pool of $160,000 was awarded across five standout projects, recognizing innovation and potential to drive the future of decentralized technology. This edition further cemented Web3 Unleashed as a premier platform for emerging entrepreneurs and tech innovators in the global blockchain community.
Ben Zhou Co-founder & CEO – Bybit
“It is truly exciting to see the Web3 Unleashed Hackathon enter its third edition alongside our trusted partner DMCC. Over the past years, this initiative has grown into one of the most vibrant platforms for innovators to bring their boldest Web3 ideas to life. This year’s focus on DeFi, DeFAI, Web3 Gaming, DeSci, SocialFi, Infrastructure, and Tokenization reflects the breadth and dynamism of the ecosystem we are building together. I look forward to meeting the brilliant minds behind the top projects this November, and witnessing how their creativity will shape the future of our industry.”
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, stated that, “With Web3 projected to become a $40 billion market by 2030, the question is no longer whether decentralized technologies will disrupt global systems, it is who will lead that disruption. With over 3,400 tech companies in our district, including over 700 in crypto and over 110 in AI, DMCC is building the ecosystem where the next breakthroughs will happen. Through Web3 Unleashed, we are cementing the leading position of Dubai as the launchpad for Web3 innovation at scale.”
Applications opened on 1 September and close on 5 October. After remote evaluations, the top five teams will be invited to a live demo day in Dubai on 26 November 2025 to pitch their projects to a curated audience of investors, advisors, and experts, competing for a prize pool designed to accelerate project growth and increase investor visibility.
