Boosting Scientific Innovation in Cardano: Mapping and Global Outreach Through DeSci LATAM

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Rivero Martín, PhD

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

Individual

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Sabbione Agustín, PhD (ln)

Gonzalez Nahuel (In)

Palavicino Brenda (ln)

Amarillo Daniela (ln)

[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

Yes

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

We’ll map, analyze, and promote Cardano’s DeSci projects through a landscape report and a DeSci Day event in LATAM, showcasing Cardano’s strengths to attract scientists and drive Web3 adoption.

[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

Yes, all outputs of our project will be fully open source. By making all content accessible, we aim to generate a global impact on the use of Cardano in the DeSci space, encouraging widespread adoption and collaboration in the scientific community.

[METADATA] Horizons

Community Outreach

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our solution aims to boost Cardano's visibility and adoption in the DeSci space by creating a comprehensive landscape and in-depth analysis of current projects, especially those funded through Catalyst. We'll map existing DeSci initiatives, resulting in two key outputs: 1) a detailed Cardano DeSci Landscape that visually represents the ecosystem’s state and 2) a scientific report offering insights into Cardano’s DeSci potential.

Why a Landscape Matters

A landscape provides a holistic view of the current state of a field, showcasing key projects, trends, and opportunities. For Cardano’s DeSci space, this landscape is essential to identify existing initiatives, assess their impact, and highlight growth opportunities. This detailed mapping offers valuable insights, allowing stakeholders to understand strengths and gaps, enabling strategic decision-making and fostering collaboration within the ecosystem.

How We’ll Achieve This:

-Survey and Analysis of DeSci Projects in Catalyst:

• Develop a targeted survey to collect detailed information on scientific projects funded by Catalyst, including those not explicitly labeled as DeSci but fitting the category.
• Build a comprehensive database documenting successes, challenges, and current statuses of Cardano DeSci projects.
• Utilize this data to create a visual Cardano DeSci Landscape, showcasing the ecosystem’s diversity and opportunities.

-Scientific Report on the State of DeSci in Cardano:

• Develop a thorough scientific report that provides an analytical overview of the state of DeSci projects on Cardano.
• Aim to publish this report in both traditional and decentralized journals to elevate Cardano’s visibility and credibility within the academic community.
• Distribute the landscape and report through DeSci LATAM’s channels and events to maximize their reach and impact.

-Engagement with Scientific Projects in Latin America:

• Host a virtual event to present the Cardano DeSci Landscape and report, engaging the Cardano and LATAM DeSci communities.
• Highlight the advantages of Cardano’s blockchain for decentralized science, encouraging adoption of Web3 technologies in scientific research.

The Importance of DeSci Day Brazil 2025

To further amplify Cardano’s presence, we plan to organize and promote DeSci Day Brazil 2025. This event is a critical opportunity to showcase the Cardano DeSci Landscape and scientific report to an international audience. DeSci Day Brazil will not only serve as a platform to present our findings but also as a hub for scientists, researchers, and innovators to connect with the Cardano community. By demonstrating Cardano's strengths and potential for scalable and secure decentralized science solutions, we aim to establish Cardano as a leading blockchain for DeSci projects worldwide.

The problem

We see a critical gap in the recognition and adoption of Cardano within the DeSci (Decentralized Science) community. Although Cardano offers secure and sustainable solutions for decentralized scientific innovation, it is often overshadowed by other blockchains like Ethereum. This lack of awareness limits scientists from exploring Cardano’s potential, hindering its growth and influence.

While Catalyst has funded many projects that fit the DeSci category, these initiatives haven’t been clearly identified or promoted, leading to low visibility. A search on platforms like Lido Nation shows over 500 funded projects related to science and health, yet most remain unknown within the broader DeSci community (Fig.1, Fig.2). What is their current status? Why haven’t they gained more visibility? These are the questions our project aims to answer.

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Furthermore, there's a disconnect with scientific projects in Latin America, further slowing blockchain adoption in the region. Our goal is to bridge this gap by enhancing visibility, providing strategic insights, and positioning Cardano as a leading option for scientific innovation in Web3.

Approach   

Our approach recognizes that DeSci (Decentralized Science) is rapidly growing, primarily driven by blockchains like Ethereum, where the movement began. Although Cardano is known as the "scientific blockchain," there’s a clear gap in visibility and communication about DeSci projects within its ecosystem.

DeSci LATAM, a community dedicated to educating scientists in Latin America for over two years, is central to this effort. Through events like DeSci Day I and DeSci Day II (held at the pop-up city Aleph in Argentina), we’ve introduced researchers to Web3 and blockchain tools for scientific purposes. Recently, we partnered with DeSci World to establish a community hub at Devcon 2024 in Thailand under the theme "The Word of DeSci" to showcase how blockchain can globally enhance science.

At DeSci Day II, Dr. Martin Rivero highlighted the opportunities Catalyst offers for scientific projects using Cardano. He showcased Argentine projects utilizing Cardano. Despite these efforts, more needs to be done to attract traditional scientists to build on Cardano.

Our project aims to fill this gap by mapping and analyzing existing scientific projects on Cardano. We will create a Cardano DeSci Landscape and a comprehensive scientific report, and host an online event to showcase Cardano’s strengths to a global scientific audience. This approach not only highlights success stories but also fosters a community of DeSci enthusiasts, making Cardano an attractive platform for future research and collaboration.

This is the perfect moment for Cardano to join the global DeSci movement and draw in scientists and innovators. By upholding Cardano’s mission for high scientific standards, we aim to attract transformative ideas that can revolutionize both blockchain and scientific research.

Engagement  

Our project will engage a diverse group of stakeholders, including scientists, researchers, and academic institutions exploring Web3 technologies. We will also involve current and potential Cardano DeSci project developers, the Cardano community, and decentralized science enthusiasts. Additionally, we aim to reach scientists and researchers unfamiliar with Cardano, introducing them to its capabilities and encouraging their participation in the Cardano ecosystem.

Impact 

We will demonstrate our impact by making Cardano's DeSci projects accessible through our landscape and report, which will be widely shared. To prove our impact, we’ll track key engagement metrics such as the number of attendees and interactions during the online event, downloads and shares of the report, and social media engagement. Additionally, we will present our findings and promote Cardano's potential at DeSci Day Brazil 2025, tracking participation, feedback, and collaborations formed during the event to further validate and expand our influence in the scientific and Web3 communities.

What is unique:

Unlike initiatives that focus solely on individual projects or technical details, our approach creates a comprehensive landscape of Cardano's DeSci ecosystem. We map, analyze, and promote existing projects, providing a complete picture that showcases both successes and challenges. This strategy serves as a valuable resource for scientists, researchers, and developers considering Cardano for their decentralized science initiatives.

Who Will Benefit:

-Scientists and Researchers: Gain a well-documented overview of Cardano's capabilities in DeSci, enabling them to make informed decisions about using the platform for their research.

-Cardano Developers and Projects: Current and future DeSci projects benefit from increased visibility, encouraging collaboration and attracting funding opportunities.

-The Cardano Community: An expanding DeSci ecosystem boosts Cardano’s reputation as a versatile blockchain, attracting more users and developers.

Importance to Cardano:

This initiative is vital for Cardano, addressing its underrepresentation in the DeSci space. By showcasing Cardano’s strengths and success stories, we position it as a competitive option for decentralized science, driving both adoption and innovation. Our project aims to significantly expand Cardano’s use cases, bringing in scientists and researchers, and demonstrating the blockchain’s value beyond finance. It aligns with Cardano’s mission of offering secure, scalable, and sustainable solutions, contributing to the growth and diversification of the ecosystem.

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

Our project will have a profound impact on the Cardano community by boosting awareness, encouraging adoption, and elevating Cardano’s status in the DeSci space. By mapping and promoting existing DeSci projects on Cardano, we will increase their visibility, attracting more scientists, researchers, and developers to the ecosystem. This initiative will position Cardano as a leading platform for DeSci, showcasing its unique strengths and inspiring the development of innovative scientific projects.

Measuring the Impact:

Quantitative Metrics:

Engagement and Reach:

• Number of views and downloads of the landscape report.
• Attendance and participation metrics from the online event.
• Growth in social media interactions, followers, and shares of DeSci-related content about Cardano.

Qualitative Metrics:

Feedback and Sentiment:

• Surveys and feedback from event attendees and report readers to assess their perception of Cardano’s role in DeSci.

Community Engagement:

• Analysis of discussions and interactions in Cardano’s DeSci forums and social media to gauge engagement and interest levels.

Sharing the Outputs and Opportunities:

Cardano DeSci Landscape: 

This will be freely accessible on the DeSci LATAM website and shared across Cardano forums and social media channels. We will promote it through various Cardano community outlets to maximize its reach.

  

Cardano DeSci Report: 

The report will be available on the DeSci LATAM website, shared widely on Cardano forums, and promoted through social media. Additionally, we will seek to publish it in both traditional and decentralized scientific journals to boost its credibility and reach, promoting Cardano’s contributions to the global DeSci community.

Online Event : 

Recordings and materials from the event will be published on platforms such as YouTube and the DeSci LATAM website, making them easily accessible for a wider audience.

Regular Updates: 

We will provide consistent updates and insights through social media platforms (X, Instagram, and LinkedIn) to keep the community informed and engaged throughout the project’s progress.

DeSci Day Brazil 2025:

We will leverage DeSci Day Brazil 2025 as a platform to showcase the landscape and report findings, directly engaging with scientists and researchers from around the world. The event will serve as a critical opportunity to demonstrate Cardano's capabilities, promote collaboration, and foster partnerships within the DeSci community, expanding Cardano's reach and influence. 

This comprehensive approach ensures that the outputs and opportunities generated by our project reach the widest possible audience, amplifying Cardano’s visibility and impact in the DeSci space.

[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?

With a deep passion for science and a commitment to innovation, I bring a strong blend of experience and expertise to lead this project. I hold a PhD in Medical Sciences and a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology, supported by over 10 years of research experience. Throughout my career, I’ve published scientific papers, led preclinical trials, and secured several international grants. As the COO of a biotech company, I have hands-on experience managing complex, impactful projects, ensuring their success from start to finish.

My role as a SingularityNET LATAM ambassador (X link) and a member of DeSci LATAM reflects my commitment to advancing decentralized science and AI innovation.

In the blockchain space, I am a Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate and have co-proposed a successfully funded project in Project Catalyst (Fund 11), where we developed blockchain solutions for biotech applications. I’ve been actively involved in the Cardano community, including participating in and achieving second place in the Cardano Latam Builders Hackathon. I have also attended the Cardano Developer Course and a Marlowe workshop led by instructors from IOHK (Link to the course).

To learn more about my background, explore my certifications [link], or connect with me directly through https://linktr.ee/martinrivero.

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

Title: Project Planning and Data Collection for Cardano DeSci Projects  

A: Outputs:  

- Announcement on DeSci LATAM's social media about the start of the data collection process for Cardano DeSci projects.  

- Development of a comprehensive survey/form to gather detailed information on existing DeSci projects funded by Catalyst.  

- Creation of an initial database compiling all identified Cardano DeSci projects, including their successes and challenges.  

- Documentation of survey responses, providing insights into the current state of DeSci projects within Cardano.  

B: Acceptance Criteria:  

- The survey/form is publicly accessible and functional, with evidence of dissemination on social media.  

- Initial database created and available on the DeSci LATAM platform with a minimum of 10 projects documented.  

C: Evidence of Completion:  

- Links to : Social media posts, Completed survey/form, accessible initial database of Cardano DeSci projects on the DeSci LATAM platform.  

Cost (ADA): 14824 

Delivery Month: 2  

Completion: 18%

Title: Data Analysis and Landscape Development  

A: Outputs:  

- Development of the Cardano DeSci Landscape, providing a visual representation of the current DeSci ecosystem within Cardano.  

- In-depth analysis of collected data to uncover patterns, trends, and significant insights, leading to the draft of the DeSci landscape report.  

- Announcement on DeSci LATAM's social media about the creation of the landscape and draft report.  

- Selection of 3 expert evaluators for the report, and distribution of the draft for their review and feedback.

B: Acceptance Criteria:  

- Cardano DeSci Landscape is developed and reviewed by the project team, with a draft version shared with the community.  

- Draft report is completed and sent to at least 3 selected expert evaluators for review.  

- Receipt of feedback from at least 2 of the 3 evaluators. 

- Social media posts confirm community engagement and awareness of the landscape and draft report.

C: Evidence of Completion:  

- Links to: 1) Cardano DeSci Landscape shared with the community for initial feedback.

2) Draft of the detailed analytical report, including key findings, distributed to selected evaluators for input. 3) Social media posts showcasing the landscape and notifying the community about the draft report.

Cost (ADA): 15662  

Delivery Month: 4  

Completion: 37 %

Title: Cardano DeSci Report Finalization and Online Event  

A: Outputs:  

- Completion of the final Cardano DeSci report, incorporating feedback received from the three expert evaluators.  

- Creation and dissemination of promotional content for the upcoming online event.  

- Successful execution of an online event to present the Cardano DeSci Landscape and report, highlighting Cardano's potential in the DeSci space.

B: Acceptance Criteria:  

- The final Cardano DeSci report is reviewed, finalized, and published, incorporating feedback from all evaluators.  

- Successful promotion of the online event, with at least 100 registrations.  

- Execution of the online event with a minimum of 50 active participants.  

- Availability of the event recording on public platforms with evidence of accessibility.

C: Evidence of Completion:  

Links to: 1) Finalized landscape and report published on the DeSci LATAM website. 2) Social media analytics demonstrating engagement and the reach of promotional content for the event. 3) Recording of the online event made available to the public, with participation metrics included.

Cost (ADA): 15544 

Delivery Month: 6  

Completion: 54 %

Title: Cardano Sponsorship DeSci DAY: Brazil - Best Sponsor Tier

A: Outputs:

   - Organization of DeSci Day in Brazil, ensuring prominent visibility for Cardano.

   - Live presentation of the Cardano DeSci Landscape and the updated report on the state of scientific projects in Cardano.

   - Interactive panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities to connect the local and international scientific community with Cardano.

B: Acceptance Criteria:  

   - DeSci Day completed

-Presentation of the Cardano DeSci Landscape and the state of scientific projects in Cardano.

-Interactive panel discussions about DeSci using Cardano.

C: Evidence of Completion:  

Links to: 1) Event registration and documentation, including recordings and attendance metrics. 2) Feedback and surveys collected from attendees to measure the event's impact and reach. 3) Publication of the event outcomes and conclusions on DeSci LATAM’s social media channels and platforms.

Cost (ADA): 29412  

Delivery Month: 9

Completion: 85%

Title: Project Summary and Comprehensive Reporting  

A: Outputs:  

- Compilation of a comprehensive summary report detailing all activities, milestones, and outcomes achieved throughout the project.  

- Analysis of the project's overall impact, including metrics on community engagement, awareness, and feedback.  

- Development of recommendations and next steps to ensure continued promotion and growth of DeSci within the Cardano ecosystem.

B: Acceptance Criteria:  

- The comprehensive summary report is completed, reviewed, and published, covering all aspects of the project.  

- Documentation of impact analysis, including community engagement and feedback metrics.  

- Closing update shared with the Cardano community.

C: Evidence of Completion:  

Links to: Publication of the final summary report with presentation of key insights, lessons learned, and future recommendations in a closing update to the community

Cost (ADA): 7059  

Delivery Month: 10  

Completion: 100%

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

Martín Rivero, PhD: [LinkedIn Profile]

Principal Investigator / Project Manager:  

- Plan and coordinate all phases of the project.

- Supervise the development of surveys/forms for data collection.

- Analyze and synthesize the collected data.

- Lead the creation of the Cardano DeSci Landscape and draft the scientific report on the state of DeSci within Cardano.

- Plan and execute the online event to present the results.

- Manage the project budget and resources, ensuring deadlines and objectives are met.

Agustín Sabbione, PhD: [LinkedIn Profile]  

Data Analyst:  

- Design and develop the data collection form for DeSci projects on Cardano.

- Analyze survey responses, identifying patterns, trends, and insights.

- Create interactive dashboards to visually represent the collected data.

Graphic Design Specialist (DeSci LATAM)  

- Design the Cardano DeSci Landscape, creating attractive and informative graphics and visualizations.

- Develop promotional materials for the online event and the dissemination of the project's findings.

 Communications and Social Media Coordinator (DeSci LATAM)   

- Manage project communications across social media platforms and other channels.

- Regularly create and publish updates on the project’s progress.

- Promote the online event and manage community interaction, ensuring engagement and participation.

External Reviewers (3)  

- Provide an external review of the final report and the Cardano DeSci Landscape, offering feedback and validation before publication.

- Skills required: Experience and knowledge in DeSci, Cardano blockchain, and/or data analysis.

- Critically evaluate the findings and quality of the report.

Online Event Moderator (DeSci LATAM)  

- Facilitate the online event, ensuring a smooth flow of presentations and discussions.

- Manage Q&A sessions during the event to engage participants and address their queries.

Organization of DeSci Day Brazil (DeSci LATAM)   

-Event Coordinator (Lead Organizer)

     - Oversee the planning and execution of the event.

     - Coordinate with speakers, sponsors, and partners.

     - Ensure all logistics, including venue, equipment, and schedules, are managed efficiently.

 

-Program Manager

     - Develop the event agenda and coordinate speaker sessions, panels, and workshops.

     - Communicate with speakers and ensure they have the necessary support and information.

     - Manage the schedule to keep the event running smoothly.

-Marketing and Communications Specialist**

     - Create promotional materials and manage marketing campaigns on social media and other platforms.

     - Handle email marketing and outreach to attract attendees.

     - Communicate event updates and engage with the community before, during, and after the event.

 

-Logistics Manager

     - Manage the physical aspects of the event, including venue setup, catering, and technical equipment.

     - Coordinate with suppliers and vendors to ensure all needs are met.

     - Oversee event setup and tear-down.

 

-Technical Support Team

     - Manage the AV equipment and live streaming setup to ensure high-quality presentations and recordings.

     - Troubleshoot technical issues during the event.

     - Coordinate the recording and editing of event sessions for post-event dissemination.

   

-Registration and Attendee Experience Team

     - Manage attendee registration, check-in, and support during the event.

     - Provide information and assistance to attendees to enhance their experience.

     - Handle on-site issues, such as ticketing problems or attendee questions.

-Content and Documentation Team

     - Document the event through photography, video, and written reports.

     - Capture key moments and sessions for social media and post-event content.

     - Prepare a post-event summary report with highlights and key takeaways.

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

The budget was calculated in USD and converted to ADA using the rate of 1 ADA = 0.34 USD, according to CoinMarketCap on October 8, 2024. Below, you will find the budget allocation per activity within each milestone. Additionally, you can access the Excel file where the calculations were made for full transparency and accuracy (link).

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

The investment of $28,050 USD over 10 months averages just $2,805 per month, which is equivalent to 82,500 ADA at the time of this proposal -less than 2% of the funds available in the ecosystem category- . This modest investment has the power to unlock massive potential for Cardano by showcasing its strengths to the global DeSci community of scientists and innovators.

This project directly tackles the need for increased visibility and recognition of Cardano within the DeSci space. By mapping and promoting existing initiatives, we aim to position Cardano as the leading blockchain for decentralized science, highlighting its secure and scalable solutions. The outcomes are not just theoretical; they have the potential to significantly boost adoption, strengthen connections with the scientific community, and expand Cardano’s reputation in emerging fields.

With a highly skilled team and a clear, strategic roadmap, the long-term benefits are immense. This project will help grow Cardano’s user base, showcase its real-world utility, and build trust and partnerships within the global DeSci ecosystem. For a relatively small monthly investment, the return in terms of growth, visibility, and impact is substantial. We believe this is a smart investment that will yield significant returns for Cardano, enhancing both its adoption and global standing.