Cardano CoLabs - Collaborative workspaces where Cardano builders connect, innovate, and accelerate projects together.

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Lenna Onto

[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)

9

[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 create co-working hubs where Cardano builders collaborate, share ideas, and access mentorship, accelerating project development and fostering innovation within the Cardano ecosystem.

[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?

No

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

N/A

[METADATA] Horizons

Connected Community

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Many Cardano builders—developers, entrepreneurs, and innovators—work in isolation or rely on remote collaboration, which can limit the speed of innovation and the ability to share knowledge effectively. The challenge is to create a physical environment that encourages collaboration, fosters creativity, and provides support through shared resources and mentorship.

Our solution is to establish Cardano CoLabs: a network of physical co-working hubs designed specifically for the Cardano ecosystem.

These hubs will serve as spaces where developers and innovators can work together at times that suit them, places for them to hold in person meetings, share ideas, and access essential resources such as high-speed internet, equipment, and collaborative workspaces.

In addition to providing physical infrastructure, we aim to host regular office hours with key industry players who can offer guidance and feedback to early-stage projects, helping builders refine and accelerate their ideas.

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

In-person collaboration offers a unique advantage by creating opportunities for spontaneous interaction, creativity, and faster problem-solving. While Cardano thrives in decentralised and remote environments, the ability to connect face-to-face in a dedicated space will enhance communication, collaboration, and shared learning.

By offering physical hubs for builders to work together, the project will:

• Encourage collaboration and partnerships.
• Accelerate project development through mentorship and shared resources.
• Foster knowledge sharing among builders and developers.
• Strengthen community bonds by hosting events and meet-ups.

[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?

The team has shown a robust commitment and capability to deliver, with over 3 years of experience operating in the Cardano space. Our team at Clay Nation consists of professionals in blockchain technology, business development, community management and marketing and we believe we can bring the community together for Cardano CoLabs to be a successful model.

We will prioritise transparency and communication, through use of several communication channels - X, Telegram and Discord - ensuring that the community stays informed and engaged throughout the process.

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

Milestone 1: Feasibility Study & Location Selection

Outputs: Conduct research to identify optimal locations for co-working hubs pilot

Acceptance Criteria: Final report outlining top 2-3 potential hub locations based on research.

Evidence: Doc report with location data and recommendations.

Secure Office Space & Initial Setup for Cardano CoLab Open Day

• Outputs: Secure agreements for selected co-working spaces with basic infrastructure (internet, desks, meeting rooms).
• Acceptance Criteria: Office space secured for open day
• Evidence: Signed agreement with venue and photos of the completed colab setup.

Milestone 3: Launch Pilot Hub & Host Initial Event

• Outputs: Open the first pilot hub and hold the pilot community event or mentorship sessions.
• Acceptance Criteria: Minimum of 12 builders signed up to use space regularly and one successful pilot event hosted
• Evidence: Attendance logs, event feedback, and photos from the event.

Milestone 4: Community Engagement & Feedback Collection

• Outputs: Gather feedback from hub users on their experience and areas for improvement.
• Acceptance Criteria: Feedback from at least 80% of participants.
• Evidence: Survey results and compiled feedback report.

Milestone 5: Iteration & Improvement

• Outputs: Make adjustments to the co-working model based on user feedback (improved amenities, more events, etc.).
• Acceptance Criteria: Changes implemented and increased user satisfaction.
• Evidence: Updated hub setup and event schedule, plus follow-up feedback from users

Project Closeout Report

• Project Closeout Video

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

Lenna Onto is leading this project with backing from her team and connections in co-working locations and hubs in Europe.

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

Milestone 1: Secure CoLab Space & Initial Setup - 20,000 A

Funds for leasing, basic infrastructure, and setup of the co-working hub.

• Initial agreement and pilot event
• Furniture and equipment:
• Branding and signage

Milestone 2: Launch Pilot Hub & Host Initial Events - 50,000 A

Funds for marketing, promotion, and mentor sessions.

• Event setup
• Marketing and promotion
• Speaker/mentor stipends:
• Travel and accommodation for mentors, workshops and of

Milestone 3: Community Engagement & Feedback Collection - 10,000 A

• Gathering and acting on user feedback.
• Feedback incentives
• Implementing improvements

Milestone 4: Iteration & Improvement - 10,000 A

Funds for ongoing improvements and community events.

Space upgrades

Additional workshops/events

Miscellaneous Expenses: 5000 A

Buffer for unforeseen costs.

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

Creating a physical hub model for collaboration will lead to more projects being built and launched on Cardano. This acceleration of real-world use cases will provide lasting benefits to the ecosystem far beyond the initial costs - with a membership model that will eventually become self sufficient.