IXH26 Italian XRPL Hackathon

IXH26 is a hackathon with a focus on cryptography and blockchain. This two-day event will feature a mix of insightful seminars, engaging discussions, and significant hands-on experience. It is jointly organized by University Blockchain Research Initiative, XRPL Commons, DeComponendis Cifris, University of Trento, and University of Bari Aldo Moro.

Tracks & Challenges

The hackathon consists of three tracks, which correspond to three different challenges. Each team will select its own track during the event and submit only one project.

Details on the challenges for the first two of the following tracks will be given during the event.

Track 1: Advanced cryptography for blockchainProjects under this track must demonstrate a clear application of cryptographic techniques to solve the challenge. The challenge can involve, for example, encryption algorithms, zero-knowledge proofs, digital signatures, or other privacy-enhancing technologies.

Track 2: XRPL applicationsProjects under this track must involve the XRP Ledger in some way, whether through integrations, apps, decentralised finance, or smart contracts. Creativity and innovation in utilising the XRP ledger to solve the challenge are highly encouraged.

Track 3: Tokenisation solutions for XRPLProjects under this track must focus on tokenising digital or real-world assets (RWAs) using the XRP Ledger. The track is intentionally open-ended, allowing teams to explore any aspect of the asset lifecycle—such as issuance, fractional ownership, management, or compliance—across any industry or use case without restrictive challenge constraints.

​Judging & Prizes

Innovation: How original is the idea? Does it bring new insights or solutions?

Execution: How well was it developed? Does it demonstrate technical complexity or impressive engineering?

Impact: How impactful is the project? Does it add value to a particular community, scenario or industry?

Pitch: Is the project clearly communicated? Is the demo (if present) well-prepared and convincing?

Prize details: total prize pool of EUR 12,000.

Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 projects in each track:

1st winner: € 2000 (two thousand euros)

2nd winner: € 1200 (one thousand two hundred euros)

3rd winner: € 800 (eight hundred euros)

​Notes & Logistics

We host virtual prep workshop to help hackers become familiar with the XRPL before hacking begins. Please feel free to register at the XRPL Academy https://academy.xrpl-commons.org/

Teams: 3-8 people. Students who graduated in 2023-2026 are eligible for student categories.

Mentors and technical support will be available during the hackathon.

Registration closes on Tuesday, November 17.

Miscellanea

Funding for eligible participants: If you are a student and a DeCifris member (or you are applying for membership), you are eligible for free accommodation for two/three nights. DeCifris Young membership only costs 15 euros. If you think that you are eligible, please contact us at [email protected] as soon as possible for confirmation (no later than November 15th) and the relevant paperwork.Moreover, if you are part of an IUT, you are eligible for a refund of your travel expenses (maximum spending limits).

Code of conduct: All participants are expected to ensure a respectful environment.

Support and Mentorship: Mentors will be available to assist with technical or project-related queries.

Organisers:

UBRI: Ripple’s University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) supports a diverse portfolio of blockchain research, technical development, and innovation at universities around the world.

De Componendis Cifris (De Cifris) is an Italian association dedicated to animating the national cryptographic community. It aims to stimulate academic and applied research in cryptography, particularly in the fields of mathematics, computer science, and engineering. https://www.decifris.it/ixh26/

XRPL Commons aims to support developers, educators, and entrepreneurs who are committed to creating utility leveraging the XRP Ledger. https://www.xrpl-commons.org/

University of Bari Aldo Moro, Scuola di Scienze e Tecnologia, has strong expertise in cryptography, cybersecurity, and blockchain technologies, drawing on complementary research activities across its Departments of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics. Its interdisciplinary environment combines advanced cryptographic research with mathematical foundations and applications to secure and distributed technologies.