Across Africa and Asia, small and mid-size traders still rely on cash and middlemen to move goods and payments, risking fraud, delays, and lost capital. Traditional trade finance is slow, expensive, and inaccessible, while informal networks remain opaque and unprotected.   Our team, ARC-hitects is building BridgeFi, an AI-powered payment and escrow system for cross-border supply-chain transactions, combining smart contracts, digital dollars (USDC), and AI agents on Arc, a network that bridges the old and the new. Our platform enables buyers and sellers to transact safely with digital proof of funds, instant escrow, and transparent release conditions, while AI agents verify deliveries, automate compliance, and reduce reliance on untrustworthy intermediaries. The Problem: Countless small and mid-sized traders lose millions annually in cross-border transactions, not because of poor products or lack of opportunity, but because trust breaks down in the payment process. Our Solution: At BridgeFi, we're building an AI-powered escrow system on Arc blockchain, using USDC to ensure funds are locked, verified, and released automatically once trade milestones are met. Our AI agents act as neutral digital intermediaries, verifying shipment, quality, and delivery, and resolving disputes transparently, without bias or delay. Core Concept & What We're Building Phase 1: An AI-driven escrow and payment assurance system on Arc blockchain using USDC for stable, cross-border trade settlement.  1. Smart Escrow Contracts (Arc + USDC) 2. AI Trade Agents for Trust and Verification 3. Multi-party Role Management 4. Offline & Low-literacy Friendly Frontend Phase 2: 5. Supply Chain Integration 6. Tokenized Escrow + Reputation Layer 7. AI Learning Network: The Data Flywheel Phase 3: (Optional) 8. Trade Finance Marketplace

Join our $1,000,000+ startup challenge series powered by Surge ⏱️ 8 days to turn your idea, or existing product, into an investable demo. 📅 February 6 - 15, 2026 • Feb 6 - 14 (Online Phase) - Collaborate and build online with developers and AI innovators from around the world. All projects must be submitted by the end of the online phase on February 14th. • Feb 14 (On‑site Build Day) - Selected participants will be invited to an exclusive in‑person session to refine their projects and connect directly with mentors. • Feb 15 (On‑site Demos & Awards) - Live pitching sessions to a panel of judges and ecosystem partners, followed by the official winner announcement. 🌟 Get feedback from startup mentors and technical experts. 📍 On-site Venue (Feb 14–15): MindsDB SF AI Collective 3154 17th St, San Francisco, California, USA 🤝 Join solo or with a team. New founders and existing startups are welcome. 🏆 $1,000,000+ in credits, token prizes, perks and funding opportunity. 📍 On-site participation is by invitation only. Travel and accommodation expenses will not be covered. 🧑‍💻 Apply now to build, validate, and pitch with purpose.

Join Deriv and lablab.ai for a high-intensity hybrid hackathon where top builders create AI prototypes, demo their work, and get fast-tracked to interviews. When • Sat, Jan 31, 2026- On-Site Pre-Hackathon: Deriv AI Meetup (Dubai) • Fri, Feb 6 - Opening words, Challenge, and Hackathon kick-off. (Dubai) • Sat, Feb 7 - Build and ship your prototype - 12 hours (Onsite +Online) • Sun, Feb 8 - Demos, judging, and next steps for standout teams. (Onsite +Online) On-Site Pre-Hackathon: Deriv AI Meetup Sat, Jan 31, 2026 · 2:00–6:00 PM (GST) · Dubai In-person talks, workshops, team formation, and networking with the Deriv team. 👉 Deriv AI Meetup registration What's in it for you • USD $10,000+ in prizes across categories • Mentors available to unblock you when you're stuck • Fast-track interviews for top performers - skip the queue • Real problems to solve - not toy demos Format • Teams of 1-3 • Hybrid: Dubai on-site or fully remote • On-site spots confirmed after screening Location • One by Omniyat, 24th Floor, Al Mustaqbal Street, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE • Travel and accommodation not provided. Apply now • Spots are limited. Shortlisting begins right after the event.

Join the next edition of our flagship AI hackathon — now featuring Google, AppliedAI, and Qdrant as official partners, with over $45,500 in prizes and exclusive partner challenges. After an incredible launch earlier this year, we’re back with the next edition of our AI hackathon series leading up to the /function1 AI Conference & Exhibition in Dubai. Tap into the power of AI to innovate, build, and take your AI skills to the next level in this high-impact hybrid experience. 📅November 14–19, 2025 • Nov 14–18: Collaborate and build online with AI enthusiasts from around the world. All projects must be submitted by end of day on November 18 • Nov 18 (Dubai): An exclusive on-site build day at Festival Arena Dubai for selected participants. • Nov 19 (Dubai): Live on-stage pitching & winners announcement at the /function1 Conference. 🌟 Get support from expert mentors throughout. 👥 Go solo or team up. 📍 Please note: On-site participation is by invitation only. Travel and accommodation will not be covered for selected participants. Further details will be shared with those accepted. 🧑🏻‍💻 Secure your spot now—sign up before the Kick-Off Stream!

In this hybrid hackathon powered by Arc, developers will build the next generation of payment systems using AI + Arc with USDC. Explore a world where AI agents can understand natural language, automate financial actions, and move money with precision. From DeFi to digital content and real-world assets, this is your chance to shape the future of intelligent finance. 📅 October 27 – November 9, 2025 • Oct 27 – Nov 8 (Online Phase) – Collaborate and build with developers and AI innovators from around the world. All projects must be submitted by end of day on November 8. • Nov 8 (New York City – On-site Build Day) – Selected participants will be invited to an exclusive in-person session to refine their projects and connect directly. • Nov 9 (New York City – Live pitching & Awards) – Live pitching sessions to a panel of judges and investors, followed by the official winner announcement. 📍 On-site Venue (Nov 8–9): Babe Ruth Room, Jay Conference Chelsea 159 West 25th Street, New York City, USA 🧠 Get guidance from blockchain and AI experts throughout the event. 🤝 Go solo or team up — it's your flow. 🏆Compete for $10,000 in USDC prizes. 📍 On-site participation is by invitation only. Travel and accommodation expenses will not be covered. 🧑🏻‍💻 Secure your spot now — sign up before the Kick-Off Stream!