We Killed RedFlag, Our First Shipaton Idea. Here’s Why We’re Building Eligible Instead

When joining the RevenueCat Shipathon 2026 hackathon, our first idea was to create RedFlag, a tool aimed at automated risk detection and alerting for users. Initially, this seemed like a solid concept, and we proceeded to draft some wireframes and brainstorm its functionality. However, upon further scrutiny, we quickly discovered several significant issues with RedFlag that made it an unviable product.

The primary challenge with RedFlag was the reliance on automated web scraping and data parsing to identify risks. This approach introduced a plethora of edge cases, fragile setup rules, and a high probability of delivering inaccurate information. Additionally, RedFlag lacked any compelling reason for users to subscribe to a service, as it appeared to be a tool someone would utilize once out of curiosity and then discard.

Another major drawback of RedFlag was its inability to retain users over time. Given that a risk-checking app would not typically be opened daily, the concept failed to provide any natural hooks to encourage recurring engagement. Ultimately, we recognized that we had forced a weak concept to succeed simply because it was our initial idea.

After evaluating seven different concepts, we ultimately abandoned RedFlag and shifted our focus to a more relevant problem: the overwhelming complexity of applying for scholarships. This pivot led to the development of Eligible, a mobile application designed to streamline and simplify the scholarship search process.

Eligible operates on a distinct model that eliminates many of the problems encountered with RedFlag. First and foremost, it utilizes strict binary filtering to present only scholarship opportunities that the user explicitly meets the criteria for, such as GPA thresholds, major requirements, or location constraints. This ensures that users only see relevant opportunities, reducing the need for manual curation and increasing the likelihood of successful applications.

Furthermore, Eligible incorporates an integrated application tracking system, allowing users to monitor their progress through various stages, from initial application submission to submission confirmation. This feature provides students with a tangible reason to engage with the app regularly, checking deadlines and managing active applications.

Lastly, Eligible implements a subscription model that aligns with the value provided to users. The core functionality remains free, encouraging adoption and initial usage. However, for users seeking advanced features like unlimited saved applications, real-time alerts for new matching opportunities, and exportable application checklists, a premium subscription is available at $2.99 per month or $19.99 per year.

This tiered pricing structure incentivizes users to invest in the app while maintaining accessibility for those who only require basic functionality.