Skip to main content
Skip to main content
Polkadot logo

Hello World! by Polkadot: Take the Challenge

DOT and KSM are now integrated on Gitcoin. To celebrate, we created Hello World! by Polkadot to bring you on a journey of Polkadot development discovery.

By PolkadotOctober 9, 2020

It’s finally here – DOT and KSM are now integrated on Gitcoin!

Gitcoin has integrated the token of the Polkadot (DOT) and Kusama (KSM) network into their tech stack, making us (the Polkadot ecosystem) one of the first full integrations outside of the Ethereum ecosystem.

This is another milestone in our “year to remember” in the Polkadot universe: along with a launch, redenomination, token transfers, and a wealth of great projects joining our community, among other things.

Hello World! by Polkadot

To celebrate our integration on Gitcoin, we are organizing Hello World! by Polkadot, a series of challenges to bring you on a journey of Polkadot development discovery. In addition to interesting ways to expand your skills and explore the Polkadot universe, we’ve got DOT tokens, KSM tokens and some pretty cool swag up for grabs.

There are bounties to appeal to all levels, starting with beginners. And if your heart beats faster when someone mentions Substrate, ink!, Javascript, or dApps, we’ve got a challenge for you, too. Join the event HERE.

The Categories to play for DOT token and KSM

There are 23 different challenges over four categories: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Ecosystem. All come with extensive resources to guide you along the way.

Beginners

Conquer your learning curves and rise to the mission!. Launch a local development chain, explore Westend, begin coding with Javascript, deploy a node – we have all these and more for you to choose from.

Intermediate

Ready to raise the bar? Make a multisig transaction? Update the Pallet Template to include a storage item for a custom struct? Perform a forkless upgrades on a local development chain? If so, this is the challenge level for you.

Advanced

Dive deeper and check out our advanced challenges.Write a smart contract in ink!. Build a transaction fee estimator with Sidecar. Be inspired and build your own end-to-end dApp.

Ecosystem

Complete an array of challenges from projects in the Polkadot ecosystem like Acala, Moonbeam, Phala, Plasm, and more.

Win the Polkadot token (DOT) and Kusama (KSM)

All the challenges have been capped, so be in the first 50 valid submissions to get your reward. Prizes per challenge are as follows:

  • Beginner - 3 DOT
  • Intermediate - 1 KSM
  • Advanced - 10 DOT
  • Ecosystem challenge - 5 DOT

There’s swag up for grabs when you complete at least one challenge, too!

And as the icing on the cake, we have an extra prize if you manage to complete 18 or more challenges: 150 of Polkadot tokens, DOT!

Curious to see whether Polkadot lives up to the hype? Find out for yourself! Registration opens on October 9th, with the challenges going live on October 15th. Then you’ve got four weeks to immerse yourself and explore until November 12th - or before, if all categories receive 50 valid submissions, so dive in!

Chat and Support for Hello World!

Come say hello, ask questions and meet others participating in the Hello World challenges in the Polkadot Discord.

Gitcoin

The Gitcoin platform facilitates opportunities for independent developers to discover the latest tech, learn from others and get paid to build meaningful open-source projects. Discover more HERE.

Participate in the Polkadot Ecosystem: Join the Polkadot community

The Polkadot ecosystem is vast, exciting, and there's lots to learn. To find out more about Polkadot and Kusama and join in the conversation on your favorite medium here.

Want to join the core growth team behind Polkadot? Become a Polkadot Ambassador.

From the blog

Security isn’t optional: What builders are factoring into chain choice

Security is no longer an afterthought in blockchain development. Builders are looking beyond incentives to long-term infrastructure stability. Here's why resiliency is critical and how the Polkadot Assurance Legion is helping developers launch safely.

How to set up a Polkadot wallet: A step-by-step guide

New to Polkadot? This beginner-friendly guide walks you through how to set up a Polkadot-compatible wallet, from choosing the right option to securing your seed phrase and getting started with staking and managing your DOT.

What is a DAO? How decentralized communities are reshaping governance

DAOs are changing how communities organize online. Learn what a DAO is, how decentralized governance works, the different types of DAOs, and how you can participate in blockchain-powered decision-making.

Governance, side by side: Polkadot, Ethereum, and NEAR

Decentralized Mic pulled together experts from leading experts from Polkadot, Ethereum, and NEAR to discuss decentralized decision-making approaches, address participation challenges, and explore the potential impact of AI on future governance models.

Where real-world value meets access: How Polkadot powers RWA and DePIN

Polkadot is making real-world assets and infrastructure accessible through tokenization, unlocking new opportunities in finance and energy for everyday participants and communities.

Understanding DeFi: A starter guide to decentralized finance

DeFi transforms traditional finance by replacing banks and brokers with smart contracts on blockchain networks. Discover how dapps enable lending, trading, and earning interest without intermediaries—and how Polkadot’s interoperability brings these tools together for a connected financial future.

The evolution of digital ownership: How tokenization is transforming gaming, music, and beyond

Tokenization is redefining digital ownership in gaming and music, enabling players and artists to control their assets. With blockchain, NFTs, and Polkadot’s interoperability, digital economies are becoming more decentralized, secure, and accessible.

Web3 funding playbook for builders, creators, and founders

Discover funding opportunities in the Polkadot ecosystem, from grants and bounties to venture capital and community-driven fundraising. Explore pathways for builders at every stage, with insights on securing support for DeFi, DePIN, AI, gaming, and real-world asset tokenization.

From speculation to sustainability: Top ETHDenver takeaways

ETHDenver 2025 highlighted Web3’s shift toward sustainability, emphasizing talent development, decentralized governance, and aligned incentives. Polkadot’s insights reinforced the industry’s move beyond speculation toward long-term, community-driven growth.

Build, Play, Connect: Join Polkadot at ETHDenver 2025

Get ready for ETHDenver 2025 with Polkadot! Join Polkadot for keynotes, hacker houses & parties, immersive booth experiences, and hands-on workshops. Whether you’re building, playing, or connecting, there’s something for everyone at one of blockchain’s biggest events.

The most impactful blockchain use cases in 2025 and why Polkadot is leading the way

Explore the top blockchain trends of 2025, from decentralized AI and tokenized assets to enterprise adoption and Web3 gaming. Learn how projects powered by Polkadot are shaping the future of finance, infrastructure, and digital identity.

Decentralization’s ripple effect: How Web3 is rewriting digital sovereignty

Centralized platforms dictate access, control data, and pose security risks, leaving individuals without control over their digital presence. Decentralization offers a resilient alternative, paving the way to a digitally sovereign future.