> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://whitepaper.surge.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://whitepaper.surge.xyz/ecosystem/surge-ecosystem/hackathon-network.md).

# Hackathon Network

Surge’s deal flow engine comes from the world’s largest AI hackathon community, powered by LabLab:

* **Scale**: 195,000+ developers, 19,000+ teams, 200+ global hackathons.
* **Speed**: Prototypes built in \~72 hours, stress-tested in competitive environments.
* **Filtering**: Community voting, traction metrics, and reputation scoring act as natural quality filters.
* **Talent** **Engine**: Hackathons continuously surface founders, engineers, and domain experts.

**Result**: A perpetual funnel of validated AI-native startups ready for incubation and launch.

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