At RevenueCat, we're passionate about empowering developers to create and monetize innovative mobile apps. After the incredible success of our inaugural Shipaton event, we're thrilled to announce Shipaton 2026 – a global hackathon designed to inspire and reward the best in mobile app development.

The Ultimate Challenge

Join us this August and September as we invite developers from around the world to ship new mobile apps and compete for over $350,000 in cash prizes. Your mission? Create a brand-new app that integrates the RevenueCat SDK to power at least one in-app or web purchase between August 1st and September 30th, 2026.

The Competition Heats Up

Last year's Shipaton sparked a wave of creativity and innovation across the globe. This time around, we're upping the ante with:

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

Categories and Prizes

Our expert judges will select winners across eight exciting categories, including:

  • Grand Prize: Build & Grow Award ($65,000)
  • #BuildInPublic Award: For developers who shared the most interesting development journey on social media
  • Buzziest Launch Award: Highlights teams that make the biggest splash during their launch
  • HAMM Award (Help Apps Make Money): RevenueCat exists to "Help Apps Make More Money"
  • 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 for the RevenueCat App Growth Annual conference + custom Shippy trophy + 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 top tech companies to contribute to the prize pool and provide exclusive perks and tools for participants. Introducing Ship Kit – a digital bundle of freebies from our sponsors to help power your app shipping journey.

Shipaton IRL: Events Near You

We're taking 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 for new additions!

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, join us on Discord to connect, collaborate, and share your journey with fellow developers.