At RevenueCat, we're passionate about empowering developers to build and monetize innovative apps. To fuel this creativity, we're excited to announce Shipaton 2026, a global hackathon-challenge that invites developers from around the world to create new iOS, Android, or Mac apps and compete for over $350,000 in cash prizes and unique rewards.

The Challenge

Your mission is straightforward: develop a brand-new app between August 1st and September 30th, 2026, and integrate the RevenueCat SDK to power at least one in-app or web purchase. Our goal is to inspire you to bring your project ideas to life, providing that final push to get started.

Bigger and Better

Last year's Shipaton sparked an incredible surge of creativity and innovation across the globe. Developers showcased their amazing work by launching new apps, creating inspiring content on social media, and sharing their development journeys with the community. Inspired by your contributions, we've increased the stakes for 2026:

  • Over $350,000 in cash prizes
  • Winning apps featured prominently on a giant billboard in Times Square
  • Trip to New York City with invitations to RevenueCat's App Growth Annual conference

Categories and Prizes

Our expert judges will select winners across eight exciting categories:

  • Grand Prize: Build & Grow Award ($65,000): Recognizes the app that releases early and iterates to grow its user base the fastest.
  • #BuildInPublic Award: For developers who shared the most compelling development journey on social media.
  • Buzziest Launch Award: Highlights teams that make the biggest splash during their launch (e.g., viral social campaigns, creative marketing stunts).
  • HAMM Award (Help Apps Make Money): Recognizes the project that designs the most robust and creative monetization strategy.
  • Best Vibes Award: Awarded to the app developer that shares the most compelling vibe-coding story using one of our vibe-coding app partners.
  • RevenueCat Design Award: For the most visually interesting apps – regardless of business potential.
  • RevenueCat Peace Prize: Awarded to the project that provides the greatest social good.
  • OneSignal Boost Award: Honors the app that shows the most creative or impactful use of messaging to elevate user engagement using OneSignal.

Prize Structure

Here's how the prizes break down:

  • Grand Prize Winner: $65,000, trip to New York City, custom Shippy trophy, and Times Square billboard feature
  • All Other Categories (except OneSignal Boost): 1st Place: $15,000 + custom Shippy trophy + Times Square billboard feature; 2nd Place: $10,000; 3rd Place: $5,000

Supported by the Industry

For Shipaton 2026, we've partnered with our favorite tech companies to contribute to the prize pool and share their expertise during official livestreams. These sponsors have also generously contributed to something new for Shipaton 2026:

  • Introducing Ship Kit: Freebies for every Shipaton participant

Shipaton IRL: Events Near You

We're excited to take Shipaton directly to developers around the world with Shipaton IRL – a series of in-person and virtual events designed to connect, inspire, and educate. Check out our events page regularly, as new events are being added daily!

Join the Conversation on Discord!

Shipaton isn't just about shipping code – it's about community. Whether you're brainstorming your first idea or prepping for launch day, the official Shipaton Discord is the place to connect, collaborate, and share your journey with fellow developers.