Join our DISCORD — THE PLACE WHERE THE HACKATHON WILL HAPPEN
We use cookies to provide the best site experience.
● Prizes ●
● Timeline ●
● Contacts ●
● Judges ●
● Criteria ●
● About ●
LocalDawn
Local First — Connect Always
Martin Kleppmann
*
Local-first software gives users full data ownership and supports collaboration across multiple devices. The data lives on your device, and any synchronization between devices happens in the background when possible.
● REGISTER ●
● About ●
● Criteria ●
● Judges ●
● Contacts ●
● Timeline ●
● Prizes ●
LocalDawn
Local First — Connect Always
Martin Kleppmann
*
Local-first software gives users full data ownership and supports collaboration across multiple devices. The data lives on your device, and any synchronization between devices happens in the background when possible.
● REGISTER ●
In today’s interconnected world, not everyone has reliable access to the Internet. Digital Dawn challenges developers to create applications that work seamlessly offline while enabling communities to stay connected. Build web apps that work offline, mobile applications that sync when possible, or desktop solutions that empower local collaboration—the platform choice is yours.
About the Event
Knowledge and education tools
Local healthcare and wellness solutions
Economic empowerment and marketplace tools
Community resource sharing and coordination
Create applications embody the local-first approach: software that works offline by default, syncs when possible, and empowers communities through technology. Whether you’re building a Progressive Web App, a native mobile application, or a cross-platform desktop solution, focus on one of these areas:
The Challenge
  • Progressive Web Apps that work offline
  • Native mobile apps for Android or iOS
  • Cross-platform desktop applications
  • Hybrid solutions using frameworks like React Native or Flutter
  • Command-line tools for resource-constrained environments
You have the flexibility to choose your platform and technology stack:
Development
Freedom
Martin Kleppmann
*
The foundation of any collaborative software must be data ownership and user autonomy.
When we build software that works offline first, we create resilient solutions that serve communities regardless of their infrastructure. This isn’t just about technology — it’s about empowerment, accessibility, and creating lasting impact.
Why Local-First Matters
For web applications, consider using Service Workers and IndexedDB. Mobile developers might leverage local SQLite databases. Desktop applications can use file-system-based storage. Advanced developers can explore concepts like CRDTs (Conflict-free Replicated Data Types) for data synchronization, but this isn’t mandatory.
  • Offline functionality as the default state
  • Efficient sync when connectivity is available
  • Data ownership staying with users
  • Resource-efficient operation
  • Community-centered design
Your project should demonstrate:
Technical
Focus
  • A mobile app for local marketplace coordination that works offline
  • A desktop application for community resource mapping
  • A Progressive Web App for offline-first education content
  • A cross-platform health information system
  • A hybrid app for local event organization
Example
Projects
MARCH 31 — APRIL 4, 2025
JUDGING PEROID
MARCH 31, 2025 (SUNDAY)
AT 18:00 (UTC)
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
MARCH 28, 2025 (FRIDAY)
AT 18:00 (UTC)
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
MARCH 28, 2025 (FRIDAY)
AT 18:00 (UTC)
HACKATHON START
FEBRUARY 1, 2025
REGISTRATION OPENS
Timeline
Second Place:
Community Choice:
Third Place:
First Place:
+ Development Support
$1,000
$500
+ Our Sponsor's Book
$200
+ Jet Brains All Product Pack
$300
Prizes
Judges Experts
Software performance architect with 20 years of expertise in low-latency systems, ML, and cybersecurity, leading large-scale SaaS and AI-driven observability platforms.
UniteD STATES OF AMERICA
Nuruddin Sheikh
A full-stack developer and entrepreneur who started coding at age 13, scaling multiple successful ventures including an agency with 20+ team members. Known for building high-performance web applications and DeFi protocols with $25M+ TVL
India
Namanyay Goel
As a Database Engineering Manager on the AWS DMS team, I lead scalable migration solutions, drive product enhancements, and mentor engineers to innovate and optimize cloud migrations.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Maheshbhai Kansara
Software engineer and key contributor to Decidim, driving innovation in participatory platforms, open-source excellence, and scalable community-centric systems.
Poland
Anna Topalidi
Engineering leader with experience at Metabase and Wrike, driving frontend innovation, performance optimization, large-scale migrations, and contributing to open-source projects.
Canada
Alexander Polyankin
A Senior Front-End Developer with 10 years of experience in React.js, React Native, and Node.js technologies. Based in Tbilisi, Georgia, he has created responsive interfaces for international clients and reduced page load times by 30%.

Georgia
Vladislav Krushenitskii
  • Reliable offline functionality
  • Efficient data synchronization when online
  • Resource-efficient implementation
  • Code quality and structure
Key evaluation points:
Documentation and Presentation
20%
  • Clear project description and setup instructions
  • Well-documented technical decisions
  • Demonstration of key features
  • Implementation challenges and solutions
User Experience
20%
  • Works seamlessly in low/no connectivity
  • Clear offline/online state indicators
  • Intuitive interface for target users
  • Responsive across different devices
Technical Implementation
30%
We welcome solutions using established local-first technologies such as:
  • Data Storage: PouchDB, SQLite, LevelDB, IndexedDB
  • Sync: Automerge, Yjs, Gun. js, or custom solutions
  • Offline Support: Service Workers, React Native AsyncStorage
  • P2P Options: WebRTC, LibP2P
Impact and Innovation
30%
  • Addresses real community needs with practical solutions
  • Shows creative approach to offline-first challenges
  • Demonstrates potential for community adoption
  • Considers local context and constraints
Evaluation Criteria
Panel of
Expert Judges
  • Technical mentorship across different platforms
  • Platform-specific documentation and examples
  • Community support channels
  • Testing environments for various devices
  • API access and development tools
We provide:
Support & Resources
Local hack isn’t just a hackathon — it’s an opportunity to create technology that serves communities often left behind by traditional software development. Whether through web, mobile, or desktop applications, let’s build technology that works for everyone, everywhere.
Join the Movement
Ready to make an impact?
Register now and be part of the solution.
● Get involved! ●
Get in Touch
Contact
US
Organized and designed by Hackathon Raptors.
A non-profit community — UK [C.I.C] — 15557917.
* DISCLAIMER: This hackathon content uses Martin Kleppmann’s quotes and images EXCLUSIVELY for educational purposes under fair use doctrine. Martin Kleppmann has ABSOLUTELY NO affiliation, endorsement, involvement, or connection with "LocalDawnHack". All content is used without any commercial intent. This event is organized independently by CIC UK (registered non-profit organization — 15557917) with ZERO commercial profit generation. Photo credit: https://hydraconf.com, https://www.youtube.com/@GOTO. Any perceived association between Martin Kleppmann and this event is explicitly and categorically denied. This is a purely non-profit, community educational initiative conducted under UK educational fair use provisions.
UP ↑
Made on
Tilda