The government of the United Arab Emirates is organizing a virtual blockchain hackathon, offering $140,000 in prizes.



“The UAE government is organizing the largest virtual blockchain hackathon in history to push the limits of what’s possible using the blockchain. With more than $140,000 USD in prizes, the Blockchain Virtual GovHack is seeking out the best and brightest developers, designers and entrepreneurs to take place in this global virtual hackathon”, the website reads.



Organized by AngelHack, along with technical support from ethereum startup ConsenSys, the hackathon is one part of the overall World GovTechioneers Race – an annual award designed to acknowledge government technology pioneers for providing global solutions to common global challenges.



Winners will be awarded at the 5th annual gathering of the World Government Summit, a global platform dedicated to the enhancement of government around the world, scheduled to take place between the 12th and 14th of February 2017, in Dubai. First place will receive $100,000, second place will receive $30,000 and third will get $10,000.



The hackathon is challenging participants to innovate their public sectors by using blockchain technology to tackle issues, which include re-inventing global identity, reducing the paper footprint, fighting fraud and proceeds of crime, the future of health, and building smart cities.



Registrations are open until December 12. All hackers will be required to submit their solutions on hackathon.io, including a short 2-minute video demo on their project. Last date to make the submissions is January 8, 2017.