Web3 — difficult, expensive and long?
Web3 startups are always a challenge. Development on Ethereum can take weeks due to complex infrastructure and high gas costs. Solana promises speed, but requires deep knowledge and a complex stack.
But there is an alternative — Internet Computer Protocol (ICP). A platform where you can build a Web3 application completely on-chain — and do it in a few days.
What is Internet Computer?
ICP is a new generation blockchain created by the DFINITY Foundation, which allows you to place not only the application logic (as in classic smart contracts), but also the frontend, database, and the entire backend directly on the blockchain.
This means:
- No servers or AWS
- The entire application runs directly in a canister (smart container)
- 24/7 availability
- Complete decentralization at all levels
Why is ICP the best environment for a Web3 startup?
Simple development stack
Developing under ICP does not require a complex infrastructure. You can write in Motoko, a language created specifically for Web3, or in Rust. The platform supports a ready-made SDK from DFINITY, as well as familiar Web2 tools — React, JavaScript, VS Code. This makes the development process convenient and understandable even for blockchain beginners.
A single environment for the entire project
In ICP, the frontend, backend, smart contracts, storage, and database work together through the interaction of canisters connected using Candid IDL (Interface Description Language). This allows you to avoid the fragmentation typical of other blockchain solutions and develop full-fledged Web3 applications in a single environment.
Secure and transparent payment model — Reverse Gas
ICP implements a Reverse Gas model. This means that users do not pay for transactions or interaction with the blockchain — instead, the developer does, paying for hosting and canister interaction.
Payment is made in ICP tokens, which are automatically converted into Cycles, an internal resource unit. For participants of hackathons and bootcamps, DFINITY provides Cycles for free, which allows you to create and launch an MVP on the mainnet without any initial investment.
Instant deployment
To deploy a project, you just need to run one command: dfx deploy.
The infrastructure is ready out of the box—no DevOps, FTP, CI/CD, or GitHub Actions setup required. The canister is instantly launched on the ICP mainnet, and your application is ready for users.
High level of security
Each canister is isolated from the others and does not share memory. This prevents possible attacks and unpredictable behavior between components. Security is guaranteed by Chain Key Technology, a cryptographic signature system that ensures the integrity and reliability of the entire network.
Additional resources to get started:
- Hackathon and Experiment Idea Generator - icp.ninja
- Basic Rust CDK Development Course - Rise In: ICP Rust CDK Course
Who has already built on ICP?
OpenChat is a decentralized messenger with thousands of users
Distrikt — Web3 alternative LinkedIn
Helix Markets — on-chain exchange with gas-free trading
Taggr Network — blockchain for marketing
Kinic — Web3 search engine
“We built OpenChat on ICP because only here can we keep both the frontend and backend on-chain without any centralized server,” — OpenChat team
WCHL25 — global hackathon for Web3 startups
The World Computer Hackathon League 2025 is an international online hackathon aimed at developers, startups, and Web3 teams. The event is attended by over a thousand participants from around the world.
The total prize pool is $300,000 . This is an opportunity to receive funding, mentoring support, and launch your product in a real environment.
Participants choose one of five thematic areas:
- DeFi
- AI & Agents
- Gaming
- Infrastructure & Tools
- Social & Identity
The organizers provide free resources, documentation, and mentoring support from experienced Web3 experts. Participation is limited to teams of two people.
The main goal is to create a working MVP that can be presented to partners, funds, and investors from the ICP ecosystem.
Key dates:
- The hackathon runs from July to October 2025
- Registration deadline is July 23
Participating in WCHL25 is not just about competing. It's an opportunity to take your idea to the next level, test it in action, and get feedback from a real community.
Details and registration: https://wchl25.worldcomputer.com/
Draw for WCHL25 participants
To make participating in the hackathon even more interesting, we are launching the WCHL Discord Raffle — a giveaway among Ukrainian participants.
What are we playing?
- 30,000 UAH in cash — 5,000 UAH each for 6 winners
- 5 branded merch packs from ICP Hub Ukraine — style + Web3 vibe
This is additional motivation not just to register, but to start building.
How to increase your chances?
- 1 ticket in the draw — for registering for WCHL25
- 2 tickets — if you are already in the team and submitted a build via DoraHacks
The more activity, the more chances you have for gifts.
How to participate?
- Register for DoraHacks on WCHL25 and specify "ICP Hub Ukraine" as the hub and 🇺🇦 as the country
- Join Discord and write "gm" or your question in the #qualification-round-ukraine thread.
The final date for participation is July 23, 2025.
Social networks
Subscribe to us:
Telegram: https://t.me/icp_ukraine (follow for updates)
Twitter / X: https://x.com/Ukraine_icp
Result
Internet Computer is not just a blockchain. It is a complete environment for building fully decentralized, scalable, and fast Web3 applications.
Are you a developer?
Do you have a startup idea? Do you want to create a project in just a few days?
Get started with ICP today
Join WCHL25 and win
Create the future of Web3 yourself
The material was created in partnership with ICP Hub Ukraine
