Welcome to HackerNoon’s Projects of the Week, where we spotlight standout projects from the Proof of Usefulness Hackathon, HackerNoon’s competition designed to measure what actually matters: real utility over hype.
Each week, we’ll highlight projects that demonstrate clear usefulness, technical execution, and real-world impact - backed by data, not buzzwords.
This week, we’re excited to share three projects that have proven their utility by solving concrete problems for real users:
Want to see your own project spotlighted here?
Join the Proof of Usefulness Hackathon to get on our radar.
Meet the Projects of The Week
Meet ExpenseHut POS
ExpenseHut POS is a restaurant ordering software that that recommends menu items based on customer preferences and ordering patterns. By combining AI-driven upselling with a seamless POS integration, restaurants can increase order value, reduce wait times, and deliver a faster, more personalized dining experience.
The software exists because restaurants are increasingly seeking automation to mitigate labor shortages while trying to maximize revenue per customer through smarter, personalized upselling.
Proof of Usefulness score: +41 / 1000
Meet FalconAI
FalconAI is an AI-native IPTV platform using voice and natural language to instantly discover and access media.
The project exists because streaming discovery fatigue has reached a tipping point, and recent advancements in generative AI and voice processing finally allow for a seamless, intent-based media experience that legacy platforms cannot easily retrofit.
The product is built for users who find traditional media platforms overwhelming due to thousands of titles and complex, menu-heavy navigation. It is specifically designed for families seeking autonomous children's content and modern viewers who prefer discovering media through natural language rather than manual search.
Proof of Usefulness score: +36 / 1000
Meet Risk Mirror
Risk Mirror is a stateless privacy firewall that lets developers and professionals use AI tools safely without leaking PII, API keys or production data.
It scans documents and logs, detects 152+ sensitive data types, and generates "twin" synthetic replacements while preserving structure but eliminating real information.
The RapidAPI listing (PII Firewall Edge) has 28 active subscribers generating consistent API traffic and the primary reach is developers and security conscious professionals who need to use AI tools without exposing sensitive data.
Proof of Usefulness score: +71 / 1000
You Too Can Get Scored
What is Proof of Usefulness?
It's our answer to a web drowning in vaporware and empty promises. We evaluate projects based on:
▪️ Real user adoption
▪️ Sustainable revenue
▪️ Technical stability
▪️ Genuine utility
Projects score from -100 to +1000. Top scorers compete for**$20K in cash and $130K+ in software credits.**
You’ll be in good company. The hackathon is backed by teams who ship production software for a living -
P.S. The clock is ticking - Only 3 months and 3 prize rounds remaining! Don't leave money on the table - get in early!
What happens when you submit:
1. Get your free Proof of Usefulness score instantly
2. Your submission becomes a HackerNoon article (published within days)
3. Compete for monthly prizes
4. All participants get rewards
Complete guide on how to submit here.
Thanks for building useful things!
P.S. Submissions roll monthly through June 2026. Get in early!