A Stellar ambassador recounts their experience at the Avalanche Build hackathon, emphasizing collaboration, community, and interoperability across blockchain ecosystems. They highlight learning from diverse participants, using tools like Vibecoding and AI, and their team's 3rd place finish. The event reinforced the value of open communities bridging networks like Stellar and Avalanche for real-world impact.
The author, a Stellar ambassador, shares their first hackathon experience at Avalanche Build, arriving early to maximize learning and networking. They describe an intensely collaborative environment where participants shared knowledge freely, transcending individual chains to focus on common Web3 goals like curiosity and cooperation. Key learnings included the importance of community over code alone, with practical help on tools like Hardhat and a Stellar community member's course on rapid MVP development using Vibecoding. AI assisted in documentation and communication, while mentors provided invaluable support. Interoperability shone through discussions and projects connecting ecosystems like Ethereum, Polygon, Stellar, and Avalanche. Despite securing 3rd place, the true value was in the shared growth and vision of open, impactful technology, aligning with Stellar and Tellus Cooperative's mission for financial inclusion.
