Detroit Hack Night: Build Mode

Detroit Hack Night: Build Mode (ETH + Chainlink) launches the 2026 Detroit builder pipeline with a hands-on developer workshop focused on real technical onboarding.
​Over three hours, participants will:

• ​Set up a blockchain developer environment
• ​Write and deploy their first Ethereum smart contract
• ​Learn how Chainlink oracles, VRF, and CCIP power real world applications
• ​Mint an on-chain POAP credential as part of the Detroit Blockchain Certification Pathway

​To kick off the series, two participants who complete the workshop certificate will receive travel support to attend ETHDenver’s Hackathon, helping bring Michigan builders onto one of the largest global Web3 stages with support from Stand With Crypto.
​Whether you are writing your first line of Solidity or exploring decentralized infrastructure for the first time, Build Mode sets the tone. Detroit builds together.

## ​Program Agenda

​4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Check-in, snacks, and open networking
​5:00 PM to 5:45 PM
Networking and developer setup
Laptop support, Remix IDE setup, starter repository, POAP mint station, optional scavenger quest
​5:45 PM to 6:00 PM
Welcome and program overview
​6:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Ethereum 101
Smart contract fundamentals and a Hello Blockchain walkthrough
​6:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Chainlink 101
Oracles, VRF, CCIP, and real world use cases powering builders
​7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Build sprint
Deploy a contract, complete an optional mini quest, and earn an on-chain credential

***

## ​Detroit Momentum 2025 to 2026

​Detroit continues to emerge as a Midwest hub for Web3, DePIN, and digital identity innovation, driven by:

• ​Being the first U.S. city to accept crypto for property taxes
• ​Active pilots across mobility, civic infrastructure, supply chain, and AI verification
• ​A growing network of founders, educators, and operators
• ​Over 1,000 builders engaged across Detroit Blockchain Center, Stand With Crypto, Sui, Chainlink, and partner events in 2024 and 2025
• ​Strong university pipelines including Wayne State, UM Flint, Michigan State, Lawrence Tech, and Jackson College

​Build Mode accelerates this momentum by offering a consistent, structured on-ramp for Detroit’s next generation of builders.