Directus is launching a series of hackathons this year, beginning with a March event focused on developing extensions related to payments and billing. Participants are encouraged to integrate payment service providers like Stripe and Braintree, create referral systems, automate payment messaging, and more, with the goal of enhancing Directus's capabilities without replicating full e-commerce functionalities. The hackathon offers cash prizes, with winners also choosing a charity for donations, as part of an initiative that previously supported organizations like codebar and Cool Earth. Submissions are open until the end of March, with additional details available on Directus's website.