IndiaCodeX - Nationwide Developers Hackathon Event with a Footfall of 3000 Students, Developers & Tech Professionals

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Sricharan Ganta

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[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)

IndiaCodeX will be the 3rd annual India Hackathon. This nationwide event will engage 3000+ developers and represents a significant push to boost Cardano’s dev ecosystem in India.

[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

All project outputs, including event materials, workshops, and developed projects, will be fully open source and accessible via our GitHub repository.

[METADATA] Horizons

Hackathons

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

IndiaCodeX is more than just a hackathon; it's a movement. With a mission to harness the immense potential of India’s developer community, IndiaCodeX is expanding its footprint to engage new talent across the nation. Combining digital outreach with a high-impact in-person event in Hyderabad, this initiative will drive mass participation in the Cardano ecosystem, elevating blockchain innovation and fostering collaboration on a national scale.

Building on Success: A Legacy of Innovation

IndiaCodeX has already set a high standard with two incredibly successful hackathons. Launched in 2023 during the Cardano Summit India Chapter, the inaugural Codex Hackathon engaged over 2,000 students, with more than 800 developers participating live. We partnered with industry leaders like IOG, DCspark, Emurgo Academy, prestigious institutions such as IITs, and Google Developer Groups, while also collaborating with six prominent Web3 DAOs. Over 12 hours of interactive workshops had a tangible impact, delivering real value to the participants.

The 2024 edition was our largest yet, spanning six cities and onboarding 1,200 developers into the Cardano ecosystem. Powered by Project Catalyst, the event culminated in a Demo Day in Bangalore, where the winning projects are now receiving ongoing mentorshipto bring their innovative solutions to life.

Looking forward, we’re raising the bar for the next edition, setting the stage for even greater participation and innovation.

Tweets Recap:

https://x.com/Charanz1309/status/1840728046745108823

https://x.com/Padierfind/status/1812064473261494617

What’s New in 2025?

The next edition of IndiaCodeX is bigger and better. This year, we’re hosting a two-day hackathon in Hyderabad, featuring an expanded outreach effort to engage developers nationwide. The event will kick off with workshops and speaker sessions on the first day, followed by live coding and project development. On the second day, our expert jury will review the projects, and the winners will be announced during a grand finale.

To ensure maximum participation, we are partnering with top technical colleges across India and offering sponsored trips for the best teams to attend the in-person event in Hyderabad. This approach ensures a diverse pool of talent while fostering collaboration and innovation at every level.

India: A Powerhouse for Web3 and Blockchain Development

India is rapidly becoming a major hub for Web3 and blockchain development. Here’s why:

• Massive Tech Talent Pool: With over 4 million IT professionals, India has one of the largest pools of skilled developers in the world. This talent pool is a key driver of blockchain innovation.
• Top-Notch Education: India is home to prestigious technical institutions that produce a steady stream of graduates who are well-equipped to engage in blockchain technologies.
• Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: The thriving startup culture in India encourages entrepreneurs to explore Web3 and blockchain solutions, leading to the rise of blockchain-based startups and innovative projects.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

To measure the success of IndiaCodeX, we will focus on the following metrics:

• Participant Engagement: Engage over 5000 developers across India with a particular focus on expanding participation in the Cardano ecosystem.
• Project Submissions: Significantly increase the quality and quantity of Project Catalyst submissions from India’s developer community.
• Community Growth: Build a vibrant Cardano developer community by expanding partnerships with Developer DAOs, technical colleges, and blockchain organizations.
• Real-World Impact: Assess the impact and utility of the projects, with a focus on solving real challenges and leveraging opportunities within the Indian market.

Outreach and Awareness: Raise awareness of the Cardano ecosystem, attract new developers, and educate the broader Web3 community in India.

Event Structure: Two Days of Impact

Day 1: Workshops and Speakers

• Morning: We’ll kick off with a series of workshops designed to introduce participants to Cardano, with sessions on Project Catalyst, smart contracts with Plutus, and integration libraries for Cardano.
• Afternoon: The day continues with keynote speeches and panel discussions featuring leading experts in blockchain. Topics will cover Cardano’s growth, technical advancements, and the future of decentralized innovation.
• 
  

Day 2: Live Coding and Jury Reviews

• Morning: Developers will dive straight into coding, working live on their projects with real-time feedback from mentors.
• Afternoon: Our jury will review the submitted projects, followed by the announcement of winners during the closing ceremony.

Expert Mentors We have assembled a team of top-notch mentors to guide participants throughout the event:

• Patrick Tobler: Founder and CEO, NMKR Studios
• Sebastien Guillemot: Co-Founder & CTO, dcSpark & Paima Studios
• Tomasz Rybarczyk: Software Engineer, IOG
• Bharat Mallapur: CTO, Emurgo Academy
• Anuj Chaudhary: Content Head, CardanoSpot
• Charan G: Founder and CEO, Nucast
• Sam Jeffery: Tech Lead, Nucast
• Adnan Khan: Founder and CEO, SyncAI Network
• Jingles: Founder of MeshJS

Video Learning Resources

Every participant will have access to a comprehensive library of learning resources, including:

• Introduction to Cardano and blockchain
• Smart contracts with Plutus
• Understanding Cardano token standards
• Integration libraries for Cardano development
• Wallet Connect for DApps
• Building Cardano transactions
• Mesh SDK for simplified DApp development

Community Partners

We have formed strategic partnerships with several vibrant Web3 DAOs, including:

• Web3 Chennai
• Pune DAO
• Hyderabad DAO
• Web3 Jaipur
• Web3 Punjab
• Kerala DAO
• Google Dev Fest Raipur and Vizag

These DAOs represent a collective network of over 5000 developers, ensuring that IndiaCodeX is a dynamic hub for Web3 innovation and collaboration.

Reflection on Other Hackathons

IndiaCodeX draws inspiration from the success of other global hackathons, such as:

• EthIndia 2022: With over 2,100 attendees and 1,753 hackers from 34 countries.
• NEO and OKX Hackathon: Spanning five APAC cities, including Bangalore, with a $1 million post-hackathon grant fund.
• TezAsia Hackathon by Tezos India: With participation from over 14,000 developers.

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

IndiaCodeX will significantly accelerate the growth of the Cardano developer ecosystem in India, driving mass participation and creating tangible blockchain innovations. By engaging over 5000 developers across the country, we will onboard new talent into the ecosystem and foster collaboration on real-world solutions that align with Cardano’s vision of decentralization, scalability, and sustainability.

Measuring Impact (Quantitative and Qualitative)

• Participant Engagement: Track the number of developers registered, with a goal of over 5000 participants.
• Project Submissions: Measure the quality and quantity of projects submitted to Project Catalyst, aiming for a 20% increase in high-quality submissions from Indian developers.
• Partnership Growth: Expand partnerships with Developer DAOs and technical institutions, targeting a 30% increase in collaborations.

Real-World Solutions: Assess the utility and impact of hackathon projects by tracking ongoing mentorship, project deployments, and real-world adoption post-event.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

We will publicly share the outcomes through multiple channels:

• Partnerships: Collaboration outputs will be shared with our community partners (Developer DAOs, tech colleges, and blockchain organizations), extending Cardano’s reach.
• Showcase: Post-hackathon showcases will highlight the best projects and participants, providing networking and funding opportunities through VCs like GravityX Capital and Coinswitch Ventures.

Through this, IndiaCodeX will be a transformative force for both the participants and the wider Cardano community.

[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?

Nucast team's capability to deliver high-quality projects with trust and accountability is anchored in their extensive experience and commitment to transparency. Here’s a brief overview:

Expertise and Track Record:

With over 20 years of collective experience in blockchain technology, the Nucast team has consistently delivered Cardano-built solutions that have made a significant impact on the ecosystem. The team's proven history includes hosting two Cardano Summits and two Cardano Constitutional Workshops, showcasing their ability to organize high-level, impactful events. Their existing products have already contributed to the growth of the Cardano ecosystem, demonstrating their capability and reliability.

Financial Management:

• Proven Track Record: The successful completion of past projects and events, including the CardanoCodex Hackathons, reflects the team's expertise in managing resources efficiently and achieving their goals.
• Commitment to Transparency: Nucast emphasizes open communication with the community through regular updates and detailed reports, building trust and ensuring full accountability.
• Rigorous Financial Practices: The team adheres to strict financial protocols, including thorough budget planning, routine financial disclosures, and independent audits, further enhancing transparency and credibility.

Previous Hackathon Success:

Nucast has successfully hosted two annual CardanoCodex Hackathons (2023/2024). These events engaged more than 4000 new developers with the Cardano ecosystem and have helped to create a vast strategic network of partnerships within the flourishing Web3 developer landscape in India. Building upon the accomplishments of the previous 2 Hackathons, nucast will continue to scale the event and grow the talent pool of builders on Cardano. 

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

Pre-Hackathon Preparations

• A: Milestone Outputs
• Finalize hackathon structure, including sessions, workshops, and mentorship programs.
• Complete onboarding of mentors, partners, and community DAOs.
• Secure venue and logistical arrangements for the final event in Hyderabad.
• B: Acceptance Criteria
• Confirmed list of mentors and partners.
• Finalized event schedule.
• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
• Published event schedule and agenda.

Registrations and Promotions

• A: Milestone Outputs
• Launch and manage registration through platforms like Twitter, DAO Partners, Telegram, and Email Newsletters.
• Execute comprehensive promotional campaigns.
• B: Acceptance Criteria
• Achieve over 500 registrations.
• Successful execution of promotional campaigns
• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
• Registration analytics reports.
• Social media campaign links.

 Nationwide Digital Hackathon Series Targeting Regions

• A: Milestone Outputs
• Host virtual hackathon in collaboration with technical colleges across India.
• Engage participants through interactive online sessions and collaborative activities.
• B: Acceptance Criteria
• Over 1,000 total participants across all digital events.
• Positive feedback from participants.
• Documented engagement and participation in sessions and workshops.
• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
• Attendance records and participant surveys.
• Testimonials from participants and partners.

 Hackathon Finale

• A: Milestone Outputs
• Organize and execute the Finale event in Hyderabad.
• Showcase selected projects from the nationwide competition.
• B: Acceptance Criteria
• Successful execution of Finale with seamless logistics.
• High-quality projects presented.
• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
• Event reports and feedback forms.
• Video recordings of the Grand Finale.

 Final Project Completion Report and Video

• A: Milestone Outputs
• Compile a comprehensive report detailing the hackathon’s outcomes, key performance indicators, and future outlook.
• Produce a professionally edited video showcasing the hackathon journey, achievements, and participant experiences.
• B: Acceptance Criteria
• Detailed and well-structured final report.
• High-quality video production capturing event highlights and testimonials.
• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
• Published final report on the official website and GitHub repository.
• Released video on multiple platforms (YouTube, social media channels).

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

Sricharan G. (CEO @ Nucast Labs):

• Role: Oversees the entire project, manages community engagement, coordinates with partners and mentors. Leads business development, manages the Nucast Labs team, and oversees technical aspects of the hackathon.
• Background: Entrepreneur with over seven years in business development and four years in the web3 domain. Holds a Master’s in Computer Science from the University of Central Missouri, USA.

Nucast Labs Team:

• Roles: Technical development, event management, marketing, and support.
• Background: A team of 15+ professionals with over 30 years of combined industry experience, specializing in scalable Cardano dApps.

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

Milestone 1: Pre-Hackathon Preparations

Total Cost: 5000 ADA

Milestone 2: Registrations and Promotions

Total Cost: 20,000 ADA

Milestone 3: Nationwide Digital Hackathon Series

Total Cost: 20,000 ADA

Milestone 4: Final In-Person Event in Hyderabad

Total Cost: 40,000 ADA

Final Milestone: Project Completion Report and Video

Total Cost: 5,000 ADA

Total Cost: 90000 ADA

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

IndiaCodeX offers exceptional value for money by leveraging India’s vast talent pool and cost-effective operational landscape. Every dollar invested in this initiative will drive maximum impact across the Cardano ecosystem.

Efficient Costs: The expenses are kept lean by adopting a streamlined approach, ensuring our budget delivers significantly more value compared to similar events in other regions. By collaborating with local DAOs, universities, and tech communities, we maintain high standards while optimizing resources.

Scalable Developer Engagement: Engaging over 5000 developers, the cost per participant is highly efficient, generating a broad talent pipeline for Cardano at a fraction of typical global costs. This large-scale outreach ensures long-term ecosystem growth with a low per-participant investment.

Sustained Ecosystem Impact: The mentorship, ongoing project development, and follow-up initiatives will generate lasting value, far beyond the event itself. Successful projects will contribute to Project Catalyst, creating ongoing benefits for Cardano.

In summary, IndiaCodeX delivers a high return on investment by utilizing cost-effective resources while driving substantial, scalable growth for the Cardano community.