July 7-11, 2025

Milan, Bending Spoons HQ

The ultimate challenge for rising stars in software engineering

Spend a week at the Bending Spoons HQ in Milan, learn from experienced Spooners, and compete with 30 top-class software engineers to win up to €5,000. And you could also be considered for an internship opportunity at Bending Spoons!

Apply Now

About

Compete in a three-day software engineering challenge

For the duration of this challenge you'll have the opportunity to think and work like a Bending Spoons software engineer. First you receive a brief with the requirements for a mobile or web application, then it's up to you to build it from scratch.

Explore new technologies on backend and frontend, integrate your code into an existing repository, and finally review and debug code written by others. The most complete, reliable, and well-written solution will win €5,000!

Mentors

Meet some of our amazing mentors

During the event, each participant will have the opportunity to be mentored by an experienced software engineer from Bending Spoons.

Alessandro Steri

AI Videography

Valentina Rho

Talent

Lorenzo D'Eri

StreamYard

Prizes

First place

€5,000

Second place

€3,000

Third place

€2,000

Still unsure? The 30 selected participants will enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Milan, and could also be considered for a spot in our internship program.

Why apply

Prove your skills

Put your skills to the test on a secret challenge designed by Bending Spoons.

Expand your network

Meet other incredibly talented software engineers from all over Europe, learn from their live feedback, and share your passion with like-minded peers.

Compete for big prizes

There’s €10,000 in total gross prizes, and if you rank first overall, you’ll take home a whopping €5,000. And don’t forget: You could be considered for an internship at Bending Spoons!

All expense paid

Travel, accommodation, food, drinks, activities—everything will be covered by Bending Spoons.

Meet Bending Spoons

Step into the Bending Spoons HQ, work alongside Spooners from all backgrounds, and gain an insider's view of life at one of Europe’s leading tech companies.

Bending Spoons was founded in 2013 and is based in Milan, Italy. We've served over a billion people across the globe through our suite of digital technology products, including Evernote, Issuu, Meetup, Remini, Splice, StreamYard, and WeTransfer.

Have a look at the brand-new Bending Spoons HQ in Milan, at Via Nino Bonnet 10.

A picture showing BendingSpoons office in Milan

Selection

Only the best 30 applicants will make the cut!

Everybody who lives in Europe or is a European citizen is welcome to apply, as long as they're currently enrolled in a university degree program in computer science, software engineering, or a related field—or have completed such a degree within the past year.

Applications remain open until March 9, 2025.

The whole process takes place online. We’ll announce the successful applicants by the end of May 2025.

Selection process

Our data-informed selection process ensures that every participant is extraordinarily bright, passionate, and skillful. Each step is carefully crafted to guarantee that your talent has the opportunity to shine.

Screening based on CV and academic record
Online logic-based, algorithmic, and behavioral challenges
Online interview
Invitation

Schedule

What will happen during First Commit?

Monday, July 7

Welcome dinner in Milan.

Tuesday, July 8

Kickoff with the challenge presentation, followed by the first day of work.

Wednesday and Thursday, July 9, 10

Dive into the challenge while soaking in the Bending Spoons vibe: 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.

Friday July 11

Submit your challenge in the morning, enjoy lunch, and explore Milan together. Then gear up for the final feedback session, the awards ceremony, and a closing dinner!

FAQ