Wada Hub Hackathon: A Local Community Catalyst

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Tobias Fechner

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

10

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will host a hackathon to onboard 15-20 new Cardano developers, creating practical dApps for local stakeholders like farmers and schools, while enhancing community engagement in Cardano ecosystem.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

We depend on Prisma for facilitation expertise in creating a collaborative, experimental environment driving learning, utility and adoption of dApps being developed, and Wada for local stakeholder engagement, essential for maximizing community relevance and impact.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

All developed dApps and educational resources will be open source, encouraging collaboration and continuous development within the Cardano ecosystem, fostering community innovation.

[METADATA] Horizons

Training

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution addresses the pressing issue of limited engagement and skill development among developers in the Accra Community Hub regarding decentralized ledger technology (DLT) and decentralized application (dApp) development. We view this challenge as a significant barrier to the adoption of Cardano within key local industries, including agriculture, education, and small businesses. To overcome this barrier, we will organize an immersive hackathon that provides hands-on experience with DLT while fostering the development of dApps tailored to local community needs.

Approach and Engagement

Our approach emphasizes collaboration, community engagement, and practical application. By convening local stakeholders—such as farmers, educators, and small business owners—we ensure that the dApps developed are not only technically robust but also aligned with real-world requirements. We plan to onboard 15-20 aspiring Cardano developers and pair them with experienced mentors who will guide them through the dApp-building process. This mentorship is vital for equipping participants with the skills and confidence needed to contribute to the Cardano ecosystem.

Unique Value Proposition

What sets our solution apart is its dual focus on education and community impact. By customizing the hackathon experience to meet local needs and involving stakeholders directly, we create a supportive ecosystem for developers while simultaneously addressing pressing challenges faced by the community. This unique approach empowers developers and generates tangible solutions that provide significant benefits to the local population. In addition to this, 3/5 of the core Prisma team are trained by Regenesis Institute, who have been leaders in the space of regenerative design, working for over 25 years to create ongoing systems change. By approaching the hackathon as a community catalyst, rather than a standalone event, we are confident this builds momentum into the region for this work to continue after our project has finished. This is combined with engaging external stakeholders who could fund this work.

Measuring Success

We will measure our project's outputs by successfully developing at least 2-3 functional teams working on dApp development during the hackathon. Additionally, participant surveys will assess learning outcomes, satisfaction, and the perceived value of the event. To ensure ongoing engagement, we aim to build a community of developers who will continue to contribute to the Cardano ecosystem post-hackathon, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration in Accra.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

The positive impact of our project will resonate both locally in Accra and across the broader Cardano ecosystem. First and foremost, we aim to enhance developer capacity by onboarding new talent, which will directly contribute to the creation of dApps that address critical local issues in agriculture, education, and small businesses. This initiative will not only demonstrate the real-world applicability of Cardano technology but also highlight its potential as a transformative tool for economic development in the region.

Measuring Impact

To measure our impact, we will employ a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics. Quantitatively, we will track participant engagement levels, the number of dApps developed, and satisfaction ratings collected through surveys immediately after the hackathon and at three-month intervals thereafter. Qualitatively, we will gather testimonials from participants and local stakeholders to gain insights into the perceived value and effectiveness of the developed solutions.

Value to the Cardano Community

The success of our project will deliver substantial value to the Cardano community by showcasing the platform's capacity to solve real-world problems, thereby attracting new developers and promoting broader adoption. We plan to culminate our efforts in a showcase event where participants can present their dApps to local stakeholders, media, and the wider Cardano community. This event will not only celebrate the developers’ achievements but also foster collaboration and encourage further engagement within the Cardano ecosystem.

Dissemination of Results

We will share our project outputs through various channels, including social media, the Prisma and Wada websites, and local community events. By doing so, we aim to raise awareness of Cardano’s potential and inspire more individuals and organizations to engage with the platform. This will amplify our project’s impact on the Cardano ecosystem, contributing to grassroots growth and fostering a vibrant, inclusive community in the region.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Prisma

Prisma brings a robust foundation of expertise in collaborative innovation, participatory process design, and decentralized technology facilitation, which is directly aligned with the goals of this hackathon. Our core team has extensive experience in designing and executing events that not only address technical skill-building but also foster inclusive, community-centered development.

1. Proven Track Record in Participatory Design
2. Prisma specializes in creating collaborative, people-centered processes that engage diverse community members in the co-creation of impactful solutions. Drawing on our experience with similar large-scale events, we employ structured methodologies, such as developmental evaluation and design-thinking workshops, to adapt flexibly and address any challenges that arise. This ensures transparency and inclusivity in the development process, establishing trust with both participants and the broader community.
3. Culturally Aligned and Locally Rooted Approach
4. By collaborating closely with WADA’s regional hubs, we anchor our process in a place-sourced design approach, ensuring the hackathon activities and developed applications resonate with local cultural, economic, and ecological contexts. This not only grounds our work in the realities of each community but also ensures the participants see their values and needs reflected in the event’s outcomes, enhancing local trust and fostering community ownership of the solutions.
5. Expertise in Web3 and Decentralized Technology
6. Our team has facilitated multiple events where technical concepts, including smart contracts and DeFi tools, were introduced to newcomers through accessible, hands-on learning sessions. By partnering with experienced Cardano developers we provide clear pathways for participants to create meaningful, regionally relevant dApps. This structured, supportive onboarding process strengthens participants’ confidence and reinforces Cardano’s role as a trusted technology platform within the community.
7. Real-Time Feedback and Iteration for Continuous Improvement
8. Throughout the hackathon, we implement developmental evaluation with feedback loops that involve participants, mentors, and local stakeholders, enabling continuous refinement and transparency. By openly sharing our iterative processes and real-time progress, we maintain accountability to both the participants and the larger Cardano community. This method also ensures that our activities remain contextually appropriate and responsive to evolving needs.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Identification of Lead Impulses and Initial Stakeholder Engagement

Outputs:

1. Identify and confirm 1-3 lead impulses (community leaders, aspiring entrepreneurs, or business owners) who will champion the dApp’s development and adoption within the local context.
2. Define and document the target user base who will participate in the software’s participatory design process and serve as initial adopters of the dApp.
3. Create a list of key developer competencies required, focusing on both local talent and those with Cardano expertise.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. Signed letters of commitment or partnership agreements from lead impulses, verifying their role in guiding the dApp’s local relevance.
2. A documented user base summary (e.g., demographics, needs, and community alignment) of at least 25 potential users.
3. A comprehensive competency requirements document outlining at least three core developer skill sets needed.

Evidence of Completion:

1. Letters or agreements from identified lead impulses, uploaded in a digital format.
2. User base summary report.
3. Document listing the required developer competencies, available in a shareable format.

Community and External Engagement Preparation

Outputs:

1. Identify and initiate contact with a minimum of three potential external stakeholders or funders (e.g., grant organizations, aligned investors) who could support the project’s long-term goals.
2. Develop an engagement roadmap to guide outreach and onboarding of local event participants, detailing steps for aligning participant intentions with event outcomes.
3. Outline a preliminary co-design plan that includes roles for participants, collaboration formats, and an initial set of workshop topics.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. At least three external stakeholders identified, with an engagement plan for each (grant pitch, funder presentation, etc.).
2. Participant engagement roadmap finalized, with key steps listed for each phase (outreach, onboarding, co-design).
3. Co-design plan completed, with at least two workshop topics identified and roles defined.

Evidence of Completion:

1. Stakeholder engagement summaries and outreach records.
2. Digital document of the participant engagement roadmap.
3. Co-design workshop plan document.

Event Capacity Building and Participant Onboarding

Outputs:

1. Finalize participant list, securing at least 30 event attendees representing a mix of local stakeholders, developers, and community representatives.
2. Conduct initial self-discovery workshops with onboarded participants, focused on clarifying event aims and the Cardano platform’s role.
3. Set up a collaborative environment (e.g., online portal, chat group) for team interaction and resource sharing.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. Event participant list completed, with at least 30 registered attendees confirmed.
2. Self-discovery workshop session documented, including an outline of participant responses on event aims and Cardano relevance.
3. Collaborative environment live and accessible to all participants, with at least 15 members engaged prior to event start.

Evidence of Completion:

1. Participant list with confirmed attendance records.
2. Workshop documentation (session outline, summary of participant inputs).
3. Screenshots and participant interaction records from the collaboration environment.

Event Execution and Adaptive Process Facilitation

Outputs:

1. Facilitate co-design sessions over a 4-week period, including workshops focused on self-organizing, Cardano technical training, and dApp prototyping.
2. Capture progress data and feedback from participants, mentors, and stakeholders at each phase of the event (weekly feedback sessions).
3. Implement a real-time evaluation methodology to adapt sessions according to emergent insights from participants.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. Co-design session summary reports completed weekly, with evidence of session topics, participant engagement, and outcomes.
2. Weekly feedback session results documented, with at least 75% of participants providing input each week.
3. Evidence of evaluation-based adaptations made to the event schedule or content delivery.

Evidence of Completion:

1. Session summary reports and presentation slides (digital format).
2. Weekly feedback data and participation statistics.
3. Documented examples of session adaptations based on evaluation results.

Event Outcome Analysis and Final Reporting

Outputs:

1. Compile an event outcome report with insights from participants, key learnings, and recommendations for future engagement.
2. Develop a product roadmap based on co-designed dApp prototypes, detailing next steps for development and potential local applications.
3. Publish participant experience summaries, evaluation interviews, and feedback results as part of the final project report.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. Event outcome report completed, with sections on learnings from participants, organizing teams, and proposed next steps.
2. Product roadmap completed and validated by lead impulses, outlining key milestones for dApp development and regional alignment.
3. Final project report published, with participant feedback and experience summaries, available for external review.

Evidence of Completion:

1. Digital copy of the event outcome report.
2. Product roadmap document and validation records.
3. Published project report, accessible via digital link.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Prisma Team

Project Lead - Tobias Fechner - “Prisma integrates regenerative design and web3 through the facilitation of place-sourced action-learning journeys. These include workshops on roles for decentralised organising, coding sprints, and exercises for social care.”

Lead Experience Designer - Delfina Terrado - "I prepare learning journeys for deep and open conversations with ourselves, others and the wider natural world. So that we engage in meaningful relationships that are aligned in bringing forth a practice that serves individual and collective wellbeing. I am a Delicate Activist."

Evaluation Lead - Shikhar Argawahl - "I am a community-builder, coordinator, and facilitator focused on climate justice and regenerative collaboration. With a background in Environmental Studies, I've established communities of practice across India, Singapore, and Europe to support youth activism and environmental governance. Alongside this, I engage in projects like GreenCheck, Foundations Earth, and Care Circles, which support frontline climate action, civilizational sense-making, and community care."

Enrollment & Outreach Lead - Ryah Chandler

Web3 & Local Partnerships - Wada

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

1) Organizing Team Costs

• Labour & Project Management: Includes core organizing team members who will manage the event setup, participant onboarding, coordination of workshops, and final reporting. This ensures the continuity and smooth facilitation of activities, including overseeing the participatory design process, self-discovery workshops, and co-design activities.
• *Estimated Cost*: 30% of total budget: ₳30,000
• Documentation & Reporting: Capturing detailed records of the event's processes, outcomes, participant feedback, and project learnings for transparency and future reference. This will also include final reporting and necessary publication efforts to keep the community informed.
• *Estimated Cost*: 8% of total budget: ₳8,000

2) Direct Participant Support & Engagement

• Venue & Production Costs: Includes the cost of venue hire for hosting in-person elements, such as workshops and collaborative design sessions, along with necessary production and event setup costs.
• *Estimated Cost*: 12% of total budget: ₳12,000
• Training & Development Resources: Resources for participant learning and skill-building on relevant topics, such as Cardano platform development, dApp prototyping, and self-organizing principles.
• *Estimated Cost*: 10% of total budget: ₳10,000
• Hackathon Prizes: Funding a hackathon prize in ADA that incentivizes successful teams to start a DAO-onboarding journey, promoting effective team formation and the potential for organizational seed funding.
• *Estimated Cost*: 15% of total budget: ₳15,000

3) External Resources & Professional Services

• Third-Party Software & Licensing Costs: Includes essential software licenses for collaboration, dApp prototyping, or development tools used during the co-design and hackathon phases.
• *Estimated Cost*: 5% of total budget: ₳5,000
• Professional Services (Legal, Accounting, etc.): If necessary, to provide basic governance, legal, or accounting guidance for the hackathon-winning team or other emerging groups pursuing DAO formation.
• *Estimated Cost*: 5% of total budget: ₳5,000

4)Community Engagement & Marketing

• Outreach & Engagement: Costs associated with promoting the event, securing local participant attendance, and building awareness of the initiative within the community. This will cover digital marketing, public relations, and any promotional materials.
• *Estimated Cost*: 5% of total budget: ₳5,000

5) Future Product Development Funding (External Sourcing)

• Given the self-direction goals for participants, additional funding for ongoing product development after the event will be pursued through alternative channels, such as grants and investment pitches. This will help cultivate participant self-organization by ensuring they are involved in securing and managing their development funding needs after the initial event.

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The project’s costs are justified by the tangible outcomes of developing practical dApps, enhancing local developer capacity, and fostering community engagement, all of which align with Cardano’s goals for real-world adoption and empowerment in underserved regions. For instance, we project that every dollar invested will yield measurable community benefits, with the dynamic educational certificates also holding potential for attracting further social impact investment, amplifying the benefits to the Cardano ecosystem.