> 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/project-journey/the-journey/hackathons-the-discovery-engine.md).

# Hackathons - The Discovery Engine

Hackathons serve as the **primary discovery mechanism** for new projects.

* **Team Formation & Idea Submission:** Global talent organizes around open themes, challenges, or problem statements.
* **AI-Assisted Prototyping:** Through the **AI Foundry**, teams convert specifications into functional prototypes in as little as 72 hours.
* **Community Validation:** Ideas are tested through transparent voting, traction metrics, and reputation scoring.

Hackathons act as a **filter-**only the most credible and innovative teams progress to incubation or launch preparation.\
At the same time, Surge remains open: any project can still launch via **Fairlaunch** or **Ignition Launch** routes.