Boosting the Cardano Ecosystem in LATAM

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

This project is presented by Guido Zatloukal, President of the Blockchain Argentina Foundation, in conjunction with Cultura C3.

[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

This project is presented by the Argentine Blockchain Foundation, an organization created to spread awarenes and promote the usage of blockchain technology in the country, in conjunction with Cultura C3, one of the largest communities in Argentina of young crypto and Web 3 enthusiasts.

Both groups have extensive experience in organizing and events with significant impact in the tech / web3 industry.

The Argentine Blockchain Foundation, in 2023, organized a 7 hour long, 3 panel seminar, with 8 total speakers, and an attendance of over 250 individuals.

Cultura C3 created and organized Cryptovendimia, an unprecedented industry event that merges wine and innovative technology. An event that was exceptionally well received by both the more traditional wine production industry, and the forward looking Crypto Industry. With an attendance of over 400 people it proves that their team is capable of thinking outside of the box, and developing the highest quality industry defining events.

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

4

[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)

To spread awareness of the opportunities that an ecosystem like Cardano brings to millions of potential users, in a country that is already number 14 in crypto currency penetration worldwide

[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 will coordinate with local organizations to strengthen crypto/web3 communities.We also plan to work together with universities and research centers in each city where the events are held, thus generating a much more fruitful work synergy

[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 project’s output will be completely available to the public. With our experienced creative team, we will create audiovisual content on every step of the process, from the planning and setup stage, to the events themselves, focusing on the community building aspect of this endeavor, documenting its impact.

We are committed to ensuring transparency and to openly share every resource available with the community.

[METADATA] SDG rating

>> SDG SELECTION:

• SDG goals:
• Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
• Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
• Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
• Reduce inequality within and among countries
• Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

• SDG subgoals:
• By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship
• Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors
• Support domestic technology development, research and innovation in developing countries, including by ensuring a conducive policy environment for, inter alia, industrial diversification and value addition to commodities

• Key Performance Indicator (KPI):
• Proportion of medium and high-tech industry value added in total value added

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Objective:

We aim to communicate and promote the benefits of Blockchain technology in Argentina, with a specific focus in the onboarding of new developers,enthusiasts, and users to the Cardano Universe, looking to empower various industries in both public and private sectors. Our goal is to reach areas of the country generally unaware about cryptocurrency-related events, thus encompassing a wide audience that includes entrepreneurs, students, local developers, and public administration officials.

Argentina is ranked number 14 in the world for crypto asset penetration, yet we are the number 24 economy when measuring GDP, while at the same time, being the home of several tech unicorns, and star developers no only in the tech sector, but also in other blockchain related projects.

Cardano has a unique opportunity to benefit itself from a great quantity of new users, ready to open their wallets, and developers that will make a difference.

Our project consists of organizing three events with the objective of generating great impact, each lasting three days, to be held in three different cities across Argentina. Each event will take place in local auditoriums and exhibition centers, with the first day dedicated to introductory talks, the second to workshops and the third to a more informal meetup focused on strengthening the local crypto ecosystem.

In this initial stage, we plan to cover three cities, though our intention is to extend the project over time, focusing on achieving greater audience diversity, thus properly promoting blockchain technology throughout Argentina, addressing the centralization of new tech development.

The events will be held in the following cities:

Mar del Plata: One of the largest in Buenos Aires (Province), with a population of 593,337 inhabitants. Known as an important tourist destination, Mar del Plata is a notable cultural hotspot, with a vibrant student scene. It hosts various public and private universities, making it the perfect ecosystem for innovation. Yet, there haven't been many opportunities for locals to connect with the Cardano ecosystem, therefore limiting its growth in such a location.

Córdoba: The second largest city in Argentina, Córdoba has a rich academic history being the location of the country 's first university, founded in 1613. It is a key location for the nation’s industry and it has always played an important role in the country's development. We believe that there is great untapped potential in this location to further the reach of Blockchain technology, by fostering greater opportunities for the Cardano community.

Salta: Located approximately 1500 kilometers from Buenos Aires, Salta is the capital of the province with which it shares its name and one of the most important cities in the north of the country. This region as a whole, usually ranks lower in economic development rankings, and therefore the promotion of technological solutions to issues of, for instance, efficiency, could have a much greater impact than in other locations.

Schedule (Applicable for every city)

Day 1: Introduction

Workshop Subjects:

• Introduction to Blockchain
• Introduction to the Cardano Ecosystem
• Traditional Finance vs. Decentralized Finance
• Uses in Industry, case studies, and solutions
• Blockchain in Public Administration

Target Audience:

• General Public
• Students
• Public administration personnel
• Entrepreneurs

Day 2: Development

Workshop Subjects:

• Introduction to Cardano technology
• Catalyst, use cases, and potential applications
• Decentralized governance in Cardano

Target Audience:

• Developers
• Entrepreneurs
• Enthusiasts

Day 3: MeetUp

The third day will consist of a MeetUp, aiming to create an informal and collaborative space to foster interaction among participants. Creating an environment for networking and the sharing of ideas.

The MeetUp will focus on strengthening relationships within the local crypto community, allowing entrepreneurs, developers, students, and others interested in the field to connect, share experiences, and possibly identify opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, current trends in Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies will be discussed, as well as exploring possible joint projects that could boost the development of the blockchain industry in the selected cities, while also furthering participation in the Cardano Ecosystem

Content Creation:

We will take advantage of these events to generate quality video content, both by recording all talks, seminars, and workshops for online on-demand consumption and by creating dynamic, native social media content about the events and the local Crypto/Cardano ecosystem, thus reaching a broader audience.

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

Our project aims to expand the community of users and developers interested in blockchain technology in Argentina.We propose to introduce this innovative technology, highlighting its main virtues and capabilities.In addition, we will present practical cases and success stories that demonstrate its applicability and effectiveness in various industries, focusing on the opportunities and tools that the Cardano Ecosystem brings.

[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?

Our ability to deliver this project with a high degree of confidence and responsibility is based on the vast experience and solid background of the members of our team and institutions.They have a proven track record in management and successful execution of initiatives aimed at creating communities and projects linked to blockchain.

Community Engagement: The active and systematic organization of numerous events, workshops and conferences within the blockchain industry demonstrates a clear and strong commitment to the development of transparent, diverse, and inclusive communities.

Metrics And impact measurement: During the execution of the project, we will establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and other essential metrics to evaluate both progress and impact generated. Event attendance, active participation of attendees, social media influence and integration of new developers, will be monitored and reported on periodically in order to validate and optimize the effectiveness of the project.

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

Milestone 1: Organization and promotion (month 1)

Objective: The first milestone includes securing venues and dates, creating promotional content, securing local speakers and exhibitors.

Acceptance: Secured locations with their respective dates, Promotion started on social networks, Initial Draft, Educational Content, Schedules and Speakers.

Milestone 2: event in Mar del Plata (month 2)

Objective: Organize the inaugural event of our series in Mar del Plata, distributed over three intensive days.The first two days will be dedicated to conferences and educational workshops, followed by a meetup day to promote interaction and networking.

Acceptance: Our goal is to achieve an attendance of 150 to 200 individuals daily, ensuring a high quality experience for all participants.

Milestone 3: event in Córdoba (month 3)

Objective: Organize the second event in the schedule, this time in the city of Córdoba.The first two days will be dedicated to conferences and educational workshops, followed by a meetup day to promote interaction and networking.

Acceptance: We aim to attract between 200 and 300 attendees daily, and ensure a high impact event for everyone in the local community

Milestone 4: event in Salta (month 4)

Objective: Organize the last event of this cycle, traveling to the city of Salta in the Argentine north.The first two days will be dedicated to conferences and educational workshops, followed by a meetup day to promote interaction and networking.

Acceptance: The aim is to reach an audience of 150 to 200 attendees daily, that will leave with new perspectives and ideas for the future of the Blockchain industry.

These Milestones provide a defined roadmap for the implementation of this project and a criteria for measuring its success in Argentina.The achievement of each of these milestones will demonstrate our ability to carry out the project as planned and contribute to the development of the Cardano community in the country.

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

Maximiliano RIos : Project Lead - Workshop/Talks/Seminar Host and Participant

Community Champion Argentina at the Algorand Foundation (March 2023 - Dicember 2023)

Lead the Algorand Foundation ecosystem growth in Argentina through in-person events and social media content. In 2023 organized two hackathons, one in April at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) and another in November as part of LABITCONF 2023 (the most important blockchain event in Latin America). LABITCONF saw the participation of more than 35 teams of entrepreneurs and developers.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxirios/

Guido Zatloukal : Project Lead - Workshop/Talks/Seminar Host and Participant

Guido Zatloukal is an experienced web developer with a 10-year track record in the tech industry. He was a key player in the implementation of the “NAC” an Argentine Digital Literacy project sponsored by the national government. Additionally, he is the co-founder and president of the Blockchain Argentina Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting awareness and widespread usage of blockchain technology in the country.

Alex Barros : General Project Manager - Workshop/Talks/Seminar Host and Participant

Co-Founder and Operations Director of the Argentine Blockchain Foundation, with ample experience in the field of communications/ marketing consulting, and an academic background in Political Science, a field that he studied at the University of Buenos Aires, bringing several diverse skill sets to the table that make him valuable to projects such as this, that requiere excellence in many different fields in order to succeed.

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-barros-garc%C3%ADa-536251134/ 

Victoria Belohlawek : Press and Communications Manager 

Journalist, plays a crucial role at the Blockchain Argentina Foundation as its press director . With a notable background in promoting cultural events and projects, she has brought her experience to the world of blockchain technology, boosting the visibility and impact of the foundation. Her unique combination of communication skills and passion for innovation makes her an invaluable asset to the organization and the sector as a whole.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-belohlawek-102174139/

Jose Luis Torres : General Project Manager - Workshop/Talks/Seminar Host and Participant

José Luis Torres, co-creator of Cryptovendimia, an unprecedented industry event that merges wine and technology. Co-Founder and Director of Operations at Cultura C3. With over 5 years of experience in the world of Web 3.0, he has distinguished himself as a speaker with a profound passion for innovation. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-luis-torres-540a39237/

Nahuel Orellano : General Project Manager / Content Creation / Content Production / Community Management

Develops and executes comprehensive marketing strategies across various channels, including YouTube and Instagram Reels. Possesses a deep understanding of audience engagement and content creation best practices.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nahuel-orellano-0725b1249/

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

Team Salary: 6x $700 x 4 months: Total: $16800

Air tickets and transfers: $3420

Hotels and accommodations: $1740

Work Team Per diem: $1800

Event venue rental (3 locations): $6300

MeetUp Location (3 locations): $1500

Rental of Sound and video equipment: $3600

Catering and coffee service for events: $4200

Audiovisual Production: $2100

Merchandising: $2300

Material costs: $900

Total: $44660 usd / 99900 ADA aprox.

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

Investing in this project offers significant value for money for the Cardano ecosystem for several reasons:

Focused Development: This project is targeted towards Argentina, a territory with growing interest in blockchain technology. By channeling resources towards this area, we seek to capitalize on this market which we believe to be poised for Massive adoption of the Cardano Ecosystem.The costs are fully justified given the strategic relevance of entering this market.

Significant Impact: The planned events, workshops and meetups are designed to attract a high number of developers and creators to the Cardano ecosystem.The value of adding new talent and innovation to Cardano clearly outweighs the costs of these activities.

Balanced Budget: The budget has been meticulously calculated to ensure that it is tailored to the specific demands of the project.Expenses are directly correlated with the proposed objectives and goals, focusing on achieving developer onboarding, community strengthening, and increased Cardano awareness.