First Commit East Asia is a tech retreat dedicated to the most talented young software engineers of Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Singapore—studying either in East Asia or Europe.
>_ What to expect
Spend 5 days in Milan learning from Spooners and competing as one of 30 top engineering students. Participants will be split into teams of 3.
The event will test your abilities. Sharpen your skills. And give you an opportunity to earn a paid internship at the Bending Spoons Milan HQ, with relocation and living costs fully covered
The team challenge
Of 5 retreat days, 3 are dedicated to the challenge.
Each team will build a mobile or web app from scratch, based on an original product brief provided at the start.
You’ll work across backend and frontend, collaborate on a shared codebase, and review, improve, and debug one another’s code.
The team that delivers the most complete, reliable, and polished product wins €15,000.
>_ Some of the mentors
software engineer at komoot
software engineer lead at Evernote
software engineer lead at Digital Publishing
Throughout the challenge, you'll receive feedback and mentoring from a Bending Spoons software engineer dedicated to your team.
>_ Prizes
First place
€15,000
Finalists award
The selection process is highly competitive, and there will be applicants who don't make it to the event even after doing extremely well. As such, the finalists who reach the interview stage but ultimately don't get an invite will receive a certificate to recognize their outstanding performance and early steps in the tech industry.
>_ Why apply
Put your skills to the ultimate test on a secret challenge designed by Bending Spoons software engineers.
Engage with other incredibly talented software engineers studying all over Europe and East Asia.
Work from the Bending Spoons HQ for an insider's view of life at a leading tech company.
The first-place prize for the winning team is €15,000, and runners-up receive prizes as well.
Travel, accommodation, food, drinks, and activities will be covered by Bending Spoons.
>_ About Bending Spoons
Bending Spoons acquires and transforms digital businesses. It owns Brightcove, Evernote, komoot, Meetup, Remini, StreamYard, Vimeo, WeTransfer, and many others.
The company’s products have served more than a billion people, with around 400 million monthly active users and 10 million paying customers, including most Fortune 500 enterprises. At the core of Bending Spoons is a relentless focus on talent density and workplace excellence, and the company has numerous first-place finishes in Great Place to Work awards.
Explore careers at Bending Spoons.
>_ Requirements and selection
How can I join First Commit East Asia?
You can apply using the button at the top of the page.
Be sure to apply before the application deadline at 11:59 pm CET on May 25, 2026.
You’re eligible if you meet the following requirements:
What is the selection process?
The process takes place entirely online. We’ll announce the successful applicants by July 2026.
Only the best 30 applicants will make the cut
An excellent academic record, leadership experiences, and cool tech-related side projects will make you score extra points.
A data-informed selection process ensures that every participant is extraordinarily bright, passionate, and skillful. Each step is carefully crafted to ensure your talent can shine.
>_ Schedule
What will happen during First Commit East Asia?
22
NOV
Arrive in Milan and settle in before the event kicks off (your hotel this night is also covered by Bending Spoons).
23
NOV
Office visit and welcome dinner in Milan.
24
NOV
Kickoff with the challenge presentation, followed by the first day of work.
25-26
NOV
Dive into the challenge and soak in the Bending Spoons culture: enjoy lunch with Spooners, discuss the challenge with your mentor, and take a break for a ping-pong or foosball game. You’ll set your own schedule and have full ownership of your work.
27
NOV
Submit your challenge in the morning, then enjoy lunch, explore Milan as a group, and gear up for the final feedback session, award ceremony, and closing dinner!
>_ Popular questions
What are the most important dates to keep in mind?
Who is welcome to attend First Commit East Asia?
Citizens of Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Singapore, aged 18 and over, who are currently enrolled in (or have graduated within the past year from) a degree program in computer science, software engineering, or a related field at a university in Europe or East Asia. Refer to the Rules for detailed eligibility requirements.
How is the winning team chosen?
On the final day of the event, a group of judges from Bending Spoons will evaluate all submitted solutions. More details about the evaluation criteria will be shared during the event.
What are the prizes?
The prize for the winning team is €15,000 gross. There will also be prizes for the first runners-up. See Rules for full details.
How much will it cost me?
First Commit East Asia is completely free for all participants. If you’re invited to the event in Milan, Bending Spoons will provide food and hotel accommodation and refund all travel expenses, except any visa-related costs. See the Rules for full details.
Who will be offered an internship?
Depending on the performance throughout the selection process and the hard and soft skills demonstrated during the event, we may extend internship offers to select participants. In some cases, this decision might follow additional assessments.