A letter from the founder
Teenagers are people too. They can think, they can create, they can build. They have the most energy, and the most neurons. Confining them to schools that resemble prisons is a crime against humanity.
I started creating software at age 12. I was raised in a depressing place and bullied in school. Many of my classmates went into drugs and crime. I was lucky to discover coding, and directed all my energy and passion towards it. Then I went on to start companies. I failed many times, but eventually created successful companies that are shaping entire industries — like Aragon with DAOs, or CitizenX with citizenship.
I know how hard it is. I want to give bright talented teenagers a chance to meet each other, make friends, and build things together. Some of the world’s best companies have been founded by teenagers and drop outs.
We'll give the opportunity for teenagers all around the world to apply online and show us what they have built. Then we will select the fellows, welcome them to our online community of young builders and bring them together in an in-person event.
In that event, we will announce the winner of a $50,000 grant from the fellowship.
Imagine how many more Elon Musks we would have, if only our first two decades on this planet weren’t spent sitting in classrooms that resemble prisons.
That’s why I started HopeHack.
For those young hackers that just don’t fit in.
For those who cannot wait to build.
For those whose future is now.
UNSURE WHETHER YOU SHOULD APPLY? READ THIS story
(5 minute read)
FAQ
What does the HopeHack fellowship provide?
An in-person experience to meet other fellows — the brightest teenagers eager to build!
Connection to a network of mentors — founders and engineers who once were bright teenagers, dropped out and found success. Initial mentors will be announced soon
Membership in a Discord server where you can chat with other fellows
If you win, a $50k grant to pursue your dreams full time
What is the age limit to apply?
You need to be under 20 by the time you apply.
Which kind of applications do you expect?
We expect applicants to have built software or hardware. We are agnostic about the technology you use, just impress us! You can read about the topics and ideas we like the most, but you can let your imagination run wild and build something else too.
We will value them based on:
Innovativeness: Make something groundbreaking!
Usefulness: Make something useful for yourself or others.
Technical merit: Make something you are proud of. Code it well. You are encouraged to use any tool you want to build the thing, including AI tools.
How does the $50,000 grant work?
The grant is disbursed quarterly over the course of two years. You are expected to:
Drop out if you are attending non-mandatory education (e.g. if you can legally drop out).
Emancipate if you are living with your parents (and you are legally allowed to do so).
Show solid progress along the way (that you are building, exploring, or learning something).
If I’m selected, do I need to fly to the in-person event?
Yes! If you cannot, we unfortunately need to free up your spot. Someone else could really use your spot and the event might change their life!
What if I’m selected, but my parents refuse for me to travel?
If that happens and you are required by law to have their consent (e.g. you are not emancipated yet), then we will still allow you to join the fellowship and connect to the rest of the fellows online. We will also help your parents understand that they are keeping you away from a life-changing opportunity.
I am a parent and my child wants to apply. I am concerned.
In today’s society, it can be hard to wrap your head around having a child with extraordinary abilities. If you are an open-minded parent that wants to put their children’s future before any societal dogmas, we would love to have a chat. Just ask your child to add your concerns/additional questions in their application, and we’ll address them and chat with you if needed!
When and where is the first event happening?
It will happen in July 2025 (date to be determined) in Lisbon, Portugal.