> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.boundlessfi.xyz/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Host a hackathon

> How to create and run a hackathon on Boundless: prizes, judging, and post-event milestones.

Hosting a hackathon on Boundless means creating the event, setting the rules and prizes, configuring [judging](/organizers/how-judging-works), and optionally adding [post-event milestones](/contributors/hackathons/post-event-milestones). Prize funds are locked in [on-chain escrow](/concepts/escrow-and-human-review) when you publish, and released to winners when you select them.

<Note>
  Hosting is self-serve, but some organizer screens are still rolling out. If you'd like to run an event before the full UI ships, reach out via [support@boundlessfi.xyz](mailto:support@boundlessfi.xyz).
</Note>

## Before you start

* [Set up your account and balance](/concepts/wallet-and-balance) and make sure you have USDC for the prize pool.
* Decide your event: theme, dates, tracks, and prize structure.

## What the setup covers

The creation flow walks you through the event in sections:

* **Information**: name, description, and rules.
* **Timeline**: registration, build, and judging dates.
* **Participation**: who can join, and team rules.
* **Rewards**: the prize pool, tracks, and prize tiers.
* **Resources**: links and materials for participants.
* **Judging**: your rubric of weighted criteria and the judges you invite.
* **Collaboration**: sponsors or partners who help fund or run the event.

## How it runs

<Steps>
  <Step title="Publish and fund">
    When you publish, the prize pool is locked in escrow. Registration opens.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Build window">
    Participants build and submit their projects before the submission deadline.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Judging">
    Judges score submissions against your rubric. See [How judging works](/organizers/how-judging-works).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select winners">
    You select the winners, and escrow releases the prizes to them, usually within about a minute.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Optional: post-event milestones">
    If you want follow-up work (for example, a mainnet deployment or docs), set up [post-event milestones](/contributors/hackathons/post-event-milestones) for winners to continue.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Related

* [How judging works](/organizers/how-judging-works)
* [Tracks, prizes, and judging](/contributors/hackathons/tracks-prizes-judging)
* [Post-event milestones](/contributors/hackathons/post-event-milestones)
* [Fees](/reference/fees)