For episode 248 of the Crypto Altruists podcast, we’re excited to welcome Solène Daviaud, founder of Dev3pack, an organization on a mission to support new builders in Web3 and AI through tools, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities.
This May, Dev3pack is hosting their Global Hackathon, bringing together builders from around the world to experiment at the intersection of Web3 and AI. But what makes this hackathon different is its focus on accessibility and localism. It's designed not just for experienced developers, but for newcomers who are just getting started and might find traditional hackathons intimidating.
One thing that really stands out about Dev3pack is how they're connecting local to global. With around 50 hubs in communities around the world, they're cultivating local talent, supporting builders in traditionally underserved regions, and linking them into a broader global movement. It's not just about one hackathon. It's about building infrastructure for a more distributed and inclusive builder ecosystem.
In today’s discussion you’ll learn:
🛠️ How Dev3pack is empowering women and students to become the next generation of Web3 and AI builders through tools, mentorship, and community
🌍 A behind the scenes look at the Dev3pack Global Hackathon: who it's designed for, what participants can expect, and how first-time builders can thrive
🌐 How a network of 50+ local hubs around the world is connecting a global movement while cultivating local talent, especially in underserved regions
👩💻 Practical advice for navigating Web3 as a new builder: where to start, how to cut through the noise, and common mistakes to avoid
🤝 Hackathons can be intimidating, especially for those traditionally underrepresented. Intentional design matters. For first-time builders, and especially for women and others underrepresented in Web3 and AI, hackathons can feel overwhelming. The pressure to have all the skills, know all the tools, and compete against experienced developers creates real barriers to entry. Dev3pack is building differently, layering in supports, mentorship, a pre-hackathon boot camp, and a welcoming community to ensure that newcomers don't just participate, but thrive. Making this space accessible isn't just about opening the door. It's about building the scaffolding so people can walk through it with confidence.
🌍 Global reach requires local roots. While the Dev3pack hackathon is global, real impact happens locally. That's why they've built a network of 50+ hubs around the world, cultivating talent in local communities, especially in regions that are often overlooked. These hubs create long-term community and support, not just for a single event, but for ongoing growth and connection. It's a model that ensures representation from around the world and builds the kind of distributed infrastructure that Web3 was always meant to enable.
🚀 Hackathons are more than competitions. They're a doorway into the ecosystem. Winning is great, but it's not the point. Hackathons are an opportunity to build community, learn new skills, connect with mentors and peers, and get your foot in the door. For new builders wondering where to start, Solène's biggest piece of advice is clear: find your community, contribute, and learn. The relationships and experience you gain will carry you far beyond any single project or prize.
02:30 - To start, can you share a bit about your journey into Web3? What drew you to the space, and was there a specific “ah hah” moment that got you excited about building here?
05:20 - For listeners who may not be familiar, can you introduce Dev3pack? What's the mission, and what problem are you trying to solve for new builders in AI & web3?
09:10 - This may, you will be hosting the Dev3pack Global Hackathon. Can you tell us what it is, who it's designed for, and what participants can expect?
14:25 - Hackathons can be intimidating for newcomers. What makes this one different, and how are you creating an environment where first-time builders can thrive?
17:50 - Beyond the competition itself, what type of mentorship does Dev3pack offer to participants?
20:20 - For listeners who want to get involved, what are the different ways people can participate? Whether as hackers, mentors, sponsors, or supporters, how can the community contribute?
23:20 - You've been in this space for a while now and have seen a lot of builders come through. What advice would you give to someone just starting their Web3 journey today? Where should they begin?
26:35 - Navigating Web3 can be overwhelming: so many chains, tools, communities, and opinions. How do you recommend new builders cut through the noise and find their footing?
28:50 - What are some of the most common mistakes you see new builders make, and how can they avoid them?
32:00 - The data shows that women are significantly underrepresented in web3 & AI. What do you think the community needs to do to make this space more accessible and equitable for women builders?
34:00 - For listeners who want to learn more about Dev3Pack, sign up for the hackathon, or connect with you, where should they go? And what's your call to action for builders inspired by this conversation?
35:25 - Web3 and AI are both powerful on their own, but combined they could transform how we tackle real-world problems. What kinds of projects or use cases are you most excited to see builders experiment with during the hackathon?
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While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, please do not take any of this as investment advice, and please make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More available HERE.
