About the challenge
Foursquare’s Places API offers flexible access to the largest user-generated database of venue information in the world, with rich data representing 100+ million commercial points-of-interest (POI). 125K+ developers globally leverage the Places API to recommend top places nearby, display POI on maps, surface rich content such as photos and tips, autocomplete search features, and much more.
In this hackathon, we're challenging you to unlock the power of Places by building an engaging geo-contextual experience using Foursquare's Places API. Game on.
Get started
- Access the Foursquare APIs by signing up for a free developer account
- Foursquare provides $200 of free credits per month to build with. Additional credits may be made available upon request.
- Check out the Resources page for more information!
Requirements
What to Build
Build or update a functional software application to create an engaging user experience with the Foursquare Places API.
What to Submit
- Include a video (about 3 minutes) that explains and demonstrates your project in action. Videos must be uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo, or Facebook Video and made public.
- Access to your app for judging and testing.
- Your complete submission form on Devpost before the final deadline.
Prizes
$15,000 in prizes
First Place
- $7,500 USD
-$5,000 in credits for the Foursquare developer platform
- Opportunity to demo the project on a Foursquare webinar
- 30 minute virtual meeting to discuss the winning project with Foursquare location experts
- Social promotion of the winning project
Second Place
- $5,000 USD
- $5,000 in credits for the Foursquare developer platform
- Opportunity to demo the project on a Foursquare webinar
- 30 minute virtual meeting to discuss the winning project with Foursquare location experts
- Social promotion of the winning project
Third Place
- $2,500 USD
- $5,000 in credits for the Foursquare developer platform
- Opportunity to demo the project on a Foursquare webinar
- 30 minute virtual meeting to discuss the winning project with Foursquare location experts
- Social promotion of the winning project
Best Data Analysis Project
- $5,000 in credits for the Foursquare developer platform
- Social promotion of the winning project
Best Visualization
- $5,000 in credits for the Foursquare developer platform
- Social promotion of the winning project
Best Mobile App
- $5,000 in credits for the Foursquare developer platform
- Social promotion of the winning project
Best Web App
- $5,000 in credits for the Foursquare developer platform
- Social promotion of the winning project
Best Student-Made App
- $5,000 in credits for the Foursquare developer platform
- Social promotion of the winning project
Best Use of Place API + Unfolded Maps SDK
- $5,000 in credits for the Foursquare developer platform
- Social promotion of the winning project
Best Business Value
- $5,000 in credits for the Foursquare developer platform
- Social promotion of the winning project
Best Utility
- $5,000 in credits for the Foursquare developer platform
- Social promotion of the winning project
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges

Gina Loften
Chief Technology Officer, Microsoft US

Ankit Patel
SVP of Engineering, Foursquare

Michele Morelli
SVP of Marketing & Communications, Foursquare

Oren Teich
SVP of Product, Foursquare

Shan He
Senior Director of Engineering, Foursquare
Judging Criteria
-
Originality
How innovative, unique, and creative is the idea? -
Utility
How big of an impact could the project have on end users? How broadly could the project be adopted? -
Business Value
Does the project have monetization potential? -
Technological Implementation
Does the project demonstrate quality software development? Does the project leverage the Foursquare Place API in useful and interesting ways? -
Usability
Is the UX/UI easy and intuitive? How polished is the design?
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
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