GLOBAL | July 10, 2025 — The DFINITY Foundation, the primary developer of the Internet Computer blockchain, has launched the World Computer Hacker League (WCHL) 2025, a four-month global hackathon designed to support the full journey from idea to production-grade Web3 deployment.
World Computer Hacker League 2025 opens registration with over 1,000+ developers already onboarded, offering mentorship, regional support, and investor access for builders deploying on the Internet Computer.
Developed in partnership with the ICP Hubs Network, WCHL25 offers builders a unique runway: four months of development time, weekly mentorship from protocol engineers, local support from Hubs in five continents, and direct exposure to investors and ecosystem stakeholders.
“WCHL gives developers what they’ve been asking for: real time to focus and build, real support from experts, and real pathways to growth,” said Emilio Canessa, Director of Global Adoption at the DFINITY Foundation. “We’re not just running a hackathon, we’re creating the environment developers need to succeed. Most importantly, we want this event to be an unforgettable experience for tens of thousands of builders around the world.”
By positioning WCHL as a builder-centric experience rather than a one-off competition, DFINITY seeks to redefine what a hackathon can achieve in 2025. Teams will receive hands-on guidance from senior engineers, tailored feedback throughout their build journey, and curated introductions to key players across the Internet Computer ecosystem. From ideation to go-to-market, the initiative is crafted to help developers graduate into long-term founders spearheading high-impact Web3 startups.
A Structured Pipeline, Not Just a Hackathon
Running from July to October, WCHL progresses through four competitive stages:
- Qualification Round – Idea submissions and initial review
- National Round – 30% of teams advance
- Regional Round – Top projects compete continentally
- Global Finale – Finalists pitch to investors and compete for global honors
Projects will be judged based on technical execution, user experience, and real-world applicability. Participants will gain access to technical workshops, office hours, and deep dives into the Internet Computer’s architecture to support the build process.
In contrast to weekend hackathons, this extended structure is designed to emulate the incubation process of a startup accelerator. WCHL creates momentum through progressive checkpoints, ensuring teams remain accountable while steadily advancing toward a polished, deployable product. The multi-stage advancement system provides continuous visibility for standout projects as they mature.
Bridging the Hackathon Gap
WCHL’s extended format directly addresses a common issue in Web3: most hackathon projects don’t become sustainable ventures. By embedding long-term mentorship, providing regional infrastructure, and connecting builders with ecosystem partners, DFINITY and the ICP HUBS Network aim to create a new kind of builder funnel — one focused on longevity, mainnet deployment, and venture-scale outcomes.
The event is backed by a global developer ecosystem, with ICP Hubs operating across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia
This hub-based model gives developers localized support while plugging them into a global network of peers, sponsors, and technical specialists. Whether teams are building DeFi, gaming, SocialFi, or infrastructure products, WCHL ensures they have the scaffolding required to turn prototypes into enduring Internet Computer applications.
Why Internet Computer?
The Internet Computer is a layer-1 blockchain designed to host fully on-chain applications without reliance on traditional cloud infrastructure. Using its canister smart contract model, the protocol offers cost-efficient computation, persistent storage, and native interoperability with other blockchains — giving developers an end-to-end stack for decentralized software.
For developers looking to build truly decentralized apps — without bridging to Web2 infrastructure — the Internet Computer delivers a uniquely integrated stack. Its architecture enables fully on-chain frontends, backend logic, and data storage, while its reverse-gas model minimizes user friction and makes applications feel familiar to traditional web users.
Register Now:
Builders can sign up via DoraHacks or learn more at wchl25.worldcomputer.com.
About DFINITY & the Internet Computer
The Internet Computer (ICP) is a decentralized cloud platform that enables developers to build, host, and scale applications entirely on-chain. Its mission is to replace traditional IT infrastructure with blockchain-native computation. The DFINITY Foundation leads R&D efforts behind the protocol.
More info:
- https://internetcomputer.org
- https://wchl25.worldcomputer.com
- Press Contact: comms@dfinity.org
- X: @dfinity | @ICPHUBS
