The Spring 2021 Chainlink Virtual Hackathon is a competitive event where thousands of decentralized application (dApp) developers are innovating within the smart contract ecosystem, aiming to capture a portion of the $125k+ prize pool. Key strategies for making a successful hackathon submission include ensuring the project is submitted, even if incomplete, as feedback can be invaluable. A polished user interface is crucial for making a strong first impression, and developers should consider collaborating with UI designers if necessary. Clean, well-documented code and a compelling project video are essential, with the latter demonstrating the project's functionality and engaging judges creatively. A live demo can further enhance the submission by allowing judges and developers to interact with the project. Lastly, articulating the significance and real-world impact of the project can resonate strongly with judges, highlighting the problem it addresses and its potential benefits. The deadline for submissions is April 11, and participants are encouraged to refine their projects in the remaining time to stand out in the competition.