EMURGO LM x UNDP Accelerator: Piloting UNDP’s project pipeline through the Cardano blockchain

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Teodor Petricevic

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

United Nations Development Program (UNDP)

Emurgo Labs Mauritius (ELM)

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

12

[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)

Co-led by Emurgo, the UNDP SDG Blockchain Accelerator will harness UNDP Blockchain Academy & CoP resources (500+ employees from 170 countires) to develop, pilot, and scale impactful global projects. 

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

No

[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.”

No dependencies.

[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

The accelerator’s outputs – including methodology, educational modules, frameworks for blockchain solutions, and SDG application toolkits - will be fully open source. These resources will allow the Cardano community to refine and expand the accelerator’s methodology and curriculum, enabling replication and scaling across other development organizations worldwide to maximize impact. 

[METADATA] Horizons

Accelerator

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution, the EMURGO x UNDP Accelerator, introduces a transformative approach to integrating blockchain technology into global development by combining UNDP’s extensive field presence with EMURGO’s technical expertise. This accelerator bridges the critical gap between blockchain’s potential and its practical application in development contexts through three interconnected components: capacity building, solution implementation, and ecosystem development. 

Co-led by EMURGO, the UNDP SDG Blockchain Accelerator will harness the resources of the UNDP Blockchain Academy and UNIN Blockchain CoP to develop, pilot, and scale impactful global projects. Drawing on EMURGO’s well-established education platform, which has successfully trained thousands of blockchain developers worldwide, we will create a specialized curriculum that merges development expertise with blockchain capabilities. This curriculum will provide comprehensive technical support, mentorship, and practical tools for early-stage projects, empowering them to develop, pilot, and scale solutions aligned with the SDGs. 

Our implementation strategy includes two distinct but complementary routes for blockchain integration in development projects. The first route, Existing solution adoption, involves identifying and integrating existing Cardano-based solutions by evaluating project needs, assessing necessary customizations, developing integration strategies, and managing stakeholder engagement and adoption processes. The second route, Solution Development, is pursued when existing solutions do not meet project requirements and includes conducting structured needs assessments, defining requirements, forming partnerships with technical developers, collaboratively designing and testing new solutions, and supporting pilot implementation and scaling efforts. 

This project will engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including project leaders, blockchain developers, mentors, and partners from the Cardano community and other blockchain ecosystems. The program will leverage the expertise of UNDP’s Blockchain Academy and Community of Practice, alongside EMURGO’s network of technical experts and mentors, to foster a collaborative environment that drives sustainable development. Expert Networks will be essential in connecting UNDP employees to technical advisors, blockchain specialists, implementation experts, and development practitioners with blockchain expertise. This integrated approach ensures that UNDP employees have the guidance and resources needed to successfully implement and scale blockchain solutions. 

The EMURGO x UNDP Accelerator stands out through its innovative integration of UNDP’s global field presence and development expertise with EMURGO’s blockchain education and technical know-how. This approach offers a robust, blockchain-agnostic solution focused on Cardano, while enabling cross-chain collaboration when needed. Beneficiaries include development project teams, local communities impacted by SDG-focused initiatives, and the Cardano ecosystem, which will gain increased visibility and credibility through real-world use cases. 

This initiative is critical for Cardano, as it highlights the platform’s capacity to drive sustainable, real-world impact. By integrating Cardano solutions into UNDP-led projects, the accelerator demonstrates the value of blockchain in advancing development goals, enhancing Cardano’s reputation as a blockchain for good, and fostering growth and innovation within the ecosystem. 

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

The EMURGO x UNDP Accelerator will drive significant positive impact on the Cardano community by integrating Cardano solutions into UNDP-led SDG initiatives. This project will catalyse global adoption through the development of early stage blockchain projects, showcasing real-world use cases and increasing Cardano’s visibility in sustainable development. The open-source, interoperable framework will foster cross-chain collaboration, enhancing solution design and innovation across the broader blockchain ecosystem. 

  

Immediate deliverables include implementing 20+ blockchain solutions, establishing support infrastructure, and creating a comprehensive resource library. Long-term impacts feature sustainable blockchain capacity within UNDP, replicable frameworks, and a growing ecosystem of blockchain solutions, ensuring lasting connections between development and blockchain communities. 

  

Direct impact on the Cardano ecosystem: 

/ The program will introduce Cardano to new markets, create direct implementation channels in humanitarian projects, and expand its visibility and user base within the development sector. 

/ The program will deliver documented case studies and replicable templates demonstrating Cardano’s practical utility, establishing proof points for its scalability and efficiency. 

/ The accelerator will extend Cardano’s partnership network through UNDP’s global partners, creating opportunities with governments, NGOs, private sector stakeholders, and local technology partners. 

/ This initiative will strengthen Cardano’s reputation in the international development sector, create best practices, and foster a community of development-focused Cardano developers. 

  

Impact will be assessed through metrics such as the number of blockchain solutions implemented, case studies produced, user adoption rates, and the growth of the Cardano developer community. Reports on partnerships, feedback, and SDG contributions will be shared via reports and open-source platforms. 

All outputs, including case studies and technical resources, will be shared with the Cardano community and beyond through open-source channels, promoting replication and scaling in global development projects. 

[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?

UNDP and EMURGO combine their strengths to ensure a high level of trust and accountability in delivering the accelerator program. UNDP’s extensive global network spans 170 countries, supported by over 20,000 development professionals and established local offices, providing unmatched implementation capacity. With proven project management and financial systems, and a UNDP Blockchain Community of Practice involving over 500 trained employees and 150+ blockchain initiatives, UNDP has a strong track record of managing complex projects transparently and effectively. 

  

EMURGO brings deep technical expertise, having trained over 2,500 developers and successfully deployed Cardano-based solutions. Its comprehensive education platform and experienced mentors provide specialized support for blockchain integration and solution development. EMURGO’s experience in accelerating blockchain startups and its connections within the Cardano ecosystem ensure that projects receive targeted guidance and resources to scale effectively. 

  

UNDP’s established project management structure includes clear accountability, quality assurance, and stakeholder engagement, complemented by financial management practices such as budget transparency and regular reporting. EMURGO’s technical validation through expert reviews and code audits ensures reliable and secure implementation. 

  

Both organizations have demonstrated capabilities in managing funds, scaling innovations, and delivering sustainable outcomes. Together, their comprehensive approach, proven methodologies, and focus on transparency make them well-equipped to manage the accelerator program with high trust and accountability, ensuring impactful results for the Cardano community and global development efforts. 

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

Milestone 1: (Months 1-2) Accelerator program design and launch 

A: Milestone outputs 

/ A structured accelerator program developed by ELM designed to be blockchain-agnostic with a focus on Cardano integration. 

/ Comprehensive curriculum and resources, including educational modules, mentorship frameworks, and support materials and scaffolds for early stage blockchain projects contributing to SDGs. 

/ Outreach and onboarding plan to select the pilot cohort of early-stage projects and partners. 

B: Acceptance criteria 

/ Accelerator program structure, curriculum, and support resources are finalized and ready for implementation. 

/ Selection of a diverse pilot cohort, with at least 10 projects per cycle over two five-month cycles, aligned with the accelerator’s mission and objectives. 

C: Evidence of milestone completion 

/ Submission of finalized program design documents, curriculum content, and outreach materials. 

/ A participant list for the pilot cohorts, including project profiles and contribution to SDG goals. 

/ Feedback from stakeholders on the program design and alignment with Cardano and broader blockchain ecosystem standards. 

Milestone 2: (Months 3-7) First Cycle, First Cohort - Early-Stage Development, Pilots, and Go-to-Market Preparation 

A: Milestone outputs 

/ Comprehensive technical support, mentorship, and resources provided to the first cohort of pilot projects. 

/ Development of initial implementations or pilot solutions by each project, demonstrating early impact and real-world use cases within the Cardano ecosystem. 

/ Market entry strategies created for each project, including branding, user acquisition, and scaling plans. 

/ Partnership development to secure necessary scaling support, funding, and additional resources for select projects. 

/ Training and resources on regulatory compliance, marketing, and business operations, preparing projects for market readiness. 

/ Evaluation framework established to assess each project’s progress, challenges, and outcomes. 

B: Acceptance criteria 

/ At least 10 pilot projects achieve the initial implementation stage, demonstrating viable use cases and impact contributing to SDG goals. 

/ Documented progress for each project, showcasing milestones, technical advancements, and engagement with the Cardano blockchain or other platforms. 

/ Selected projects are fully prepared for market entry, with defined strategies for scaling and sustainability. 

/ At least two new partnerships secured per project, supporting scaling, distribution, or technical collaboration. 

C: Evidence of milestone completion 

/ Submission of progress reports for each project, including development of initial implementations, key learnings, and early impact metrics. 

/ Technical documentation for each project, detailing blockchain-specific integrations and innovations. 

/ Go-to-market plans for each project, outlining target audience, marketing strategies, and scalability potential. 

/ Signed partnership agreements or letters of intent with key stakeholders and industry partners. 

/ Feedback from mentors and technical advisors on areas for improvement, further development potential, and overall readiness for launch, including compliance with regulatory standards and preparedness for user acquisition. 

Milestone 3: (Months 7-11) Second Cycle, Second Cohort - Early-Stage Development, Pilots, and Go-to-Market Preparation 

A: Milestone outputs 

/ Comprehensive technical support, mentorship, and resources provided to the first cohort of pilot projects. 

/ Development of initial implementations or pilot solutions by each project, demonstrating early impact and real-world use cases within the Cardano ecosystem. 

/ Market entry strategies created for each project, including branding, user acquisition, and scaling plans. 

/ Partnership development to secure necessary scaling support, funding, and additional resources for select projects. 

/ Training and resources on regulatory compliance, marketing, and business operations, preparing projects for market readiness. 

/ Evaluation framework established to assess each project’s progress, challenges, and outcomes. 

B: Acceptance criteria 

/ At least 10 pilot projects achieve the initial implementation stage, demonstrating viable use cases and impact contributing to SDG goals. 

/ Documented progress for each project, showcasing milestones, technical advancements, and engagement with the Cardano blockchain or other platforms. 

/ Selected projects are fully prepared for market entry, with defined strategies for scaling and sustainability. 

/ At least two new partnerships secured per project, supporting scaling, distribution, or technical collaboration. 

C: Evidence of milestone completion 

/ Submission of progress reports for each project, including development of initial implementations, key learnings, and early impact metrics. 

/ Technical documentation for each project, detailing blockchain-specific integrations and innovations. 

/ Go-to-market plans for each project, outlining target audience, marketing strategies, and scalability potential. 

/ Signed partnership agreements or letters of intent with key stakeholders and industry partners. 

/ Feedback from mentors and technical advisors on areas for improvement, further development potential, and overall readiness for launch, including compliance with regulatory standards and preparedness for user acquisition. 

Milestone 4: (Month 12) Impact reporting and strategic planning for future iterations 

A: Milestone outputs 

/ A comprehensive impact report detailing achievements, challenges, and SDG-contributions of the accelerator’s first iterations. 

/ Strategic roadmap for future accelerator cycles, incorporating insights and recommendations from the first iterations. 

/ Pipeline development for over 200 blockchain initiatives, setting a foundation for future scaling and replication. 

B: Acceptance criteria 

/ Documentation of all achievements, learnings, and actionable recommendations to enhance the accelerator’s effectiveness and impact. 

/ Strategic roadmap is completed, with clear goals, metrics, and plans for expansion and further pipeline development. 

C: Evidence of milestone completion 

/ Finalized impact report including metrics on project progress, partnerships, user adoption, and contribution to SDGs. 

/ Strategic roadmap with timelines, goals, and expansion plans, distributed to stakeholders and program partners. 

/ Records of engagements with the pipeline of 200+ initiatives, including preliminary assessments and potential scaling plans. 

Final Milestone - Project close-out report and summary video 

A: Milestone outputs 

/ A detailed close-out report summarizing the project, including research insights, stakeholder engagement, and consultation processes. 

/ Documentation of key findings, achievements, lessons learned, and next steps for the accelerator’s future development. 

/ A high-quality summary video that captures the project’s impact, achievements, and vision for future expansion. 

B: Acceptance criteria 

/ Submission of a thorough close-out report, with detailed analysis of milestones, challenges, and recommendations for the next phases. 

/ Creation of a professional summary video that effectively communicates the project’s vision, impact, and future roadmap. 

/ Successful dissemination of the close-out report and video to stakeholders, partners, and the broader community. 

C: Evidence of milestone completion 

/ Submission of the final report and summary video to all key stakeholders, with confirmation of distribution. 

/ Documentation of public sharing, such as through social media, newsletters, and community channels. 

/ Feedback received from stakeholders and partners on the impact and effectiveness of the accelerator, as well as engagement metrics from public sharing of the video and report. 

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

Robert Pasicko is an Innovation Specialist at UNDP, focusing on alternative finance strategies. As a co-founder of the UNDP Crowdfunding Academy, Robert has empowered stakeholders in over 20 countries to mobilize resources for sustainable projects. Acting as a strategic gatekeeper and key connector, he orchestrates critical partnerships, leveraging his expertise to foster collaboration and integrate innovative solutions within UNDP’s broader goals. He provides strategic oversight, and in his role, he not only amplifies the impact of acceleration program and supported UNDP development projects but also catalyses essential funding and support, making him an invaluable asset to this initiative.  

Teodor Petricevic is an accomplished project manager and accelerator lead with extensive experience driving social entrepreneurship initiatives across Europe, Asia, and Africa. With over two decades in the field, he has pioneered more than 20 social businesses in Croatia and the CEE region. Currently, he manages the AltFinLab at the UNDP, focusing on innovative financing solutions, including crowdfunding and blockchain, to enhance civil society and social enterprises. His expertise in strategic partnerships and sustainability planning positions him as a key player in advancing impactful social business models and acceleration programs. In this project manager role, he leads partnership management and oversees project execution to ensure alignment with UNDP’s goals and objectives; he is also responsible for impact monitoring and evaluation. 

Burcu Mavis is the Blockchain Academy and Accelerator Lead at UNDP, where she draws on extensive experience working with civil society in over 35 countries and leading monitoring and impact activities. She specializes in developing capacity-building programs that utilize innovative tools like blockchain and acceleration initiatives to empower communities. Driven by a passion for sustainable development and social impact, she continuously seeks creative solutions to advance development initiatives and foster resilience. In this role, she will manage integration with UNDP’s Blockchain Community of Practice and oversee the pipeline of early-stage initiatives, ensuring contribution to SDGs. She is also responsible for marketing and outreach activities. 

Ahmed Amer is an accomplished venture investor and the CEO of EMURGO Africa and EML, the investment and commercial arm of the Cardano blockchain. With over 15 years of experience directing more than $80 million in capital across fintech and digital transformation sectors, Ahmed has a robust background in finance and technology. Before his current role, he served as a Director at Flat6Labs, overseeing strategy and innovation across the MENA and GCC regions, and founded Adaverse, a Cardano-focused accelerator for African blockchain startups. Ahmed is dedicated to leveraging blockchain technology to unlock Africa’s economic potential by providing efficient, transparent solutions to pressing challenges like currency devaluation and access to finance, thus driving sustainable development across the continent. At EMURGO Africa, he leads the design and implementation of acceleration programs that support startups with resources, mentorship, and funding, focusing on blockchain solutions that address local challenges and enhance economic resilience. In this initiative, he leads the design and execution of the accelerator program, focusing on Cardano ecosystem integration while ensuring a blockchain-agnostic approach for cross-chain collaboration. 

EML Acceleration and Blockchain Experts (various): Serve as mentors, providing technical support and conducting project evaluations to guide early-stage projects toward successful implementation. 

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

Project Management 

Strategic advisor – Robert Pasicko (overall strategic oversight and strategic partnerships – 0,1 FTE, 12 months): ₳ 45,600 

Project manager – Teodor Petricevic (leadership, project management, partnerships, production of interim and final reports – 0,3 FTE, 12 months): ₳ 136,800 

Marketing and Outreach – Burcu Mavis (Community Engagement, Public relations activities – 0,1 FTE, 10 months): ₳ 36,480 

Video summaries – selected Cardano company (production and editing): ₳ 14,000 

Subtotal: ₳ 232,880 

  

Accelerator Program Development – Curriculum, Framework and Toolkits Development 

Accelerator Lead – Burcu Mavis (overall CoP management and integration of Accelerator program in UNDP ecosystem – 0,4 FTE, 2 months): ₳ 24,320 

Program Design Lead – Ahmed Amer (program design and execution oversight – 0,5 FTE, 2 months): ₳ 38,000 

Accelerator Platform on UNDP Quantum System/Babele: ₳ 16,000 

Subtotal: ₳ 78,320 

  

Acceleration program – Two Cohorts, two five-month cycles; Early-stage project development and pilots; Prototype Development Support; Go-to-Market preparation 

Accelerator Lead – Burcu Mavis (overall CoP management and integration of Accelerator program in UNDP ecosystem) – 0,4 FTE, 10 months): ₳ 121,600 

Program Design Lead – Ahmed Amer (program design and execution oversight – 0,5 FTE, 8 months): ₳ 152,000 

EML Acceleration and Blockchain Experts (Technical support, project evaluations, mentorship support – Program manager - ₳ 110,000, Developer - ₳7 0,000, Architect - ₳ 60,000, Front/Back End - ₳ 20,000; 10 months): ₳ 260,000 

Subtotal: ₳ 533,600 

 

Impact Monitoring & Evaluation 

Evaluation specialists – Teodor Petricevic (data collection and analysis; impact assessments; production of interim and final reports - 0,1 FTE, 12 months): ₳ 45,600 

Subtotal: ₳ 45,600 

 

Total Project Cost 

₳ 890,400 

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

This proposal offers significant value for money by combining UNDP’s Blockchain Academy and Community of Practice with EMURGO’s proven expertise in accelerator design and blockchain implementation. This partnership creates an impactful, structured program centered around real-world Cardano applications, ensuring efficient resource use and sustainable development outcomes. Leveraging existing infrastructure and networks, such as EMURGO’s educational and acceleration platforms and UNDP’s global field presence, minimizes costs and reduces the need for new infrastructure development, optimizing budget allocation and resource efficiency. 

  

Cost efficiency is achieved through shared resources across program cohorts, digital delivery methods, and the utilization of existing UNDP communication channels. This approach maximizes the reach of the program while keeping expenses low. The use of these shared resources results in a lower cost per participant compared to typical commercial accelerator programs, which often charge ₳50,000+ per project, or custom blockchain solutions, which can exceed ₳500,000. Our program delivers a superior cost-to-impact ratio, representing significant savings while producing a high return on investment for the Cardano ecosystem. 

  

The EMURGO x UNDP Accelerator brings long-term value through the creation of internal blockchain capabilities, reusable solution templates, and a knowledge base that fosters continued innovation. The program’s outcomes will include the integration of blockchain into hundreds of development projects, building a bridge between development and the Cardano community and generating proven use cases. This contributes to Cardano’s ecosystem growth, demonstrating its utility in sustainable development and reinforcing its position as a leader in blockchain for good. 

  

Budget allocation aligns with UNDP’s best practices for international development projects and reflects regional cost variations. Investment in this project ensures a value that surpasses traditional development program metrics by fostering a sustainable pipeline of blockchain use cases, knowledge transfer, and ongoing capacity building. 

  

The project’s scalability potential further underscores its value, as the framework can be adapted for other UN agencies and applied to various development contexts. This adaptability enables future blockchain initiatives and program expansions. The result is a self-sustaining knowledge network that supports continuous innovation, bolsters partnerships, and maintains long-term technical capabilities within UNDP. 

  

By combining UNDP’s global reach and extensive development expertise with EMURGO’s blockchain knowledge, this accelerator creates a cost-effective mechanism for scaling blockchain adoption in development contexts. The initiative promises exceptional returns on investment by catalysing Cardano’s presence in global development projects and delivering substantial social impact.