At RevenueCat, we're passionate about empowering developers to build and monetize incredible mobile apps. Following the massive success of last year's Shipaton, we're thrilled to announce the return of our global hackathon-Shipaton 2026!

The Challenge

Your mission is straightforward: create a brand-new app for the iOS, Android, or Mac App Store between August 1st and September 30th, 2026. To participate, you'll need to integrate the RevenueCat SDK to power at least one in-app or web purchase. We're looking for developers who are ready to take their project from concept to reality!

Bigger and Better

Last year's Shipaton sparked a wave of creativity and innovation across the globe. This time around, we've increased the stakes:

  • Over $350,000 in cash prizes
  • Winning apps featured prominently on a giant billboard in Times Square
  • Trip to New York City with invites 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): Recognizing the app that releases early and iterates to grow their app the fastest.
  • #BuildInPublic Award: For developers who shared the most interesting development journey on social media.
  • Buzziest Launch Award: Highlighting teams that make the biggest splash during their launch (e.g., viral social campaigns, creative marketing stunts).
  • HAMM Award (Help Apps Make Money): Recognizing projects that design the most robust and creative monetization strategy by mixing subscriptions, virtual currency, or other revenue streams.
  • Best Vibes Award: Awarded to the app developer that shares the most compelling vibe-coding story using one of our vibe-coding app partners as part of their development journey.
  • 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: Honoring the app that shows the most creative or impactful use of messaging to elevate user engagement using OneSignal.
  • Kotlin Multiplatform Boost Award: For the team that ships the best cross-platform app using Kotlin Multiplatform and/or Compose Multiplatform.
  • Staff & Sponsors Award: A special category just for employees at RevenueCat and our amazing sponsors who couldn't resist joining the fun.

Prize Structure

Here's how the prizes break down:

  • Grand Prize Winner:

+ $65,000

+ Trip to New York City to attend the RevenueCat App Growth Annual conference

+ Custom Shippy trophy (presented live on stage!)

+ App featured on a massive Times Square billboard

  • 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 industry-leading tech companies to contribute to the prize pool and share their expertise. We're also introducing Ship Kit – a digital bundle of exclusive perks and tools 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. From kickoff parties to local events and online meetups, there's something for everyone!

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 our official Shipaton Discord server to connect with fellow developers, collaborate, and stay updated on all things Shipaton!