Many competitors in hackathons often aim just for quick prize money, which Dominic Kwok refers to as ‘bounty hunters.’ However, EasyA, a startup co-founded by him and his brother Phil four years ago, seeks a different breed of competitor—developers aspiring to create companies that will significantly impact Web3. This approach has proven effective, with companies emerging from EasyA’s community and monthly hackathons raising over $3 billion collectively from top venture capital firms like a16z crypto and CMT Digital. Moreover, EasyA’s mobile app, which simplifies the process of developing Web3 projects, now boasts over a million users worldwide.

At their inaugural Consensus hackathon in Austin last May, more than 700 participants launched 100 unique crypto projects, and the Kwoks expect similar turnout at upcoming Consensus events in Hong Kong and Toronto. For those eager to participate in the EasyA Hackathon at Consensus Hong Kong 2025, application details can be found here.

In a conversation, the Kwoks elaborate on their unique hackathon model and their expectations for Consensus Hong Kong compared to other regions—plus insights into how political dynamics, such as Donald Trump’s presidency, might shape developer project interests.

EasyA’s Inception

Dominic: We initially launched EasyA to be the premier resource for learning about top blockchains. The EasyA app is available on both iOS and Android, offering insights into major Layer Ones such as Solana, Polkadot, Stellar, and XRP Ledger. It’s also a platform for users to learn how to launch their projects. Our in-person hackathons around the globe gather hundreds of developers focused on not just launching projects but also establishing startups that secure funding.

Distinct Hackathon Approaches

Dominic: Our focus differs in two significant areas. First, EasyA targets founders looking to create their companies rather than those purely after bounties. We emphasize sustained engagement, enabling developers to innovate actively. Second, most of our hackathons concentrate on a single blockchain technology, allowing deeper understanding and project creation based on one ecosystem rather than spreading attention across many.

Anticipating Hong Kong’s Consensus Hackathon

Dominic: The scale this year will be unprecedented. We have seen a record number of applicants wishing to partake from Hong Kong and numerous Asian nations like India and Indonesia, as well as many Western developers, many of whom will visit Asia for the first time.

Regional Project Interests

Phil: We notice significant geographical and thematic trends among projects. A prevalent theme has been the merging of AI and Web3, with developers showing heightened interest. Furthermore, Asia’s diverse currencies allow developers to grasp cross-border financial challenges more effectively, an understanding some regions like the U.S. might lack.

Political Influence on Development

Phil: DeFi has been a key sector in crypto’s evolution, and previous hesitancy among developers in the U.S. severely limited project activity. Legislative shifts could now create opportunities for U.S. developers to engage in areas such as airdrops much more freely than before.

Insights from Consensus Hong Kong

Dominic: We’re excited to discuss the challenges Web3 ecosystems face in attracting developers. Our mission at EasyA is to simplify this process while announcing major tech advancements that will enhance developers’ abilities to work on-chain.