LATAM Virtual Hackathons: DIDs, Cardano & Midnight by Edda Labs

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Erick Romero

[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)

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)

We’ll host virtual hackathons in Spanish and Portuguese with 3 phases of training and development, using Cardano, DIDs, and Midnight to equip LATAM developers to create impactful real-world DApps.

[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.”

Cardano blockchain, Midnight, Aiken and Mesh.

[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

Our project is dedicated to full transparency and active collaboration with the community. We are committed to open-source development to foster innovation and trust within the ecosystem.

License Details: We have chosen the MIT License for all components of our project. This permissive license allows others to freely use, modify, and redistribute our software, including for commercial purposes. It supports open innovation while preserving the original copyright.

Scope of Open Source: The entire project, including smart contract templates, integration logic, and user interface components, will be made open source. This approach ensures that developers can freely contribute to and utilize our tools, enhancing their applications without legal barriers.

Community Engagement: By making our project fully open source, we aim to encourage community-driven development and ensure our solutions are continually refined and expanded to meet diverse needs. This commitment aligns with our goal to simplify the adoption of smart contract technology and to enhance the functionality and security of business platforms.

[METADATA] Horizons

Hackathons

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our Cardano Virtual Hackathon is a 12-month program designed to introduce and empower developers in Latin America to build decentralized applications (dApps) using Cardano’s advanced technologies. The program is structured into three iterations, each lasting four months, to provide a balanced approach between guided learning and practical application. Each iteration includes three months of training and guidance, followed by one month of hackathon participation where developers apply what they’ve learned to real-world projects.

The core focus of the program is to equip developers with the skills needed to work with key Cardano tools, such as Aiken for on-chain development, Mesh for off-chain integration, DID for decentralized identity, and Midnight for privacy-enhanced applications. Rather than fully training developers, we will provide them with comprehensive guidance, resources, and examples through tutorials, blog posts, and discussions on Discord, allowing them to explore and absorb the material at their own pace. This flexible structure ensures that participants have ample time to familiarize themselves with the technology and develop the necessary skills for creating functional, impactful dApps.

The final month of each phase is dedicated to a virtual hackathon, where developers apply the knowledge they’ve gained to build dApps that solve real-world problems in areas like DeFi, digital identity, and privacy-focused solutions. Projects will be evaluated using a structured scoring system, which participants will be informed about in advance. This transparent evaluation framework will focus on criteria such as innovation, technical execution, and real-world impact, ensuring that developers understand which skills they need to focus on and how their work will be judged. This helps participants stay aligned with the hackathon’s goals while giving them a clear path for improvement and success.

We chose this phased and virtual structure over a traditional, single on-site hackathon for several important reasons. First, the extended format allows developers to engage more deeply with the content and learn at their own pace, which is crucial given the complexity of the technologies involved. Conducting the hackathon virtually and over several months also allows us to cover a large geographical area like Latin America, where access to advanced blockchain training is often limited. Offering the program in local languages and over multiple phases ensures that more developers can participate, regardless of their starting skill level or time availability.

This approach also promotes continuous learning and creates a more mature developer community over time. By repeating the learning and hackathon cycles three times throughout the year, participants are given the opportunity to progressively build their skills, revisit and refine ideas, and apply new knowledge, fostering long-term engagement with the Cardano ecosystem. This phased structure ultimately enables more developers to gain practical experience, contributes to the growth of a knowledgeable and skilled Latin American developer community, and accelerates the adoption of Cardano technologies in the region.

By the end of the program, developers will have completed three full hackathon cycles, leading to the creation of impactful, real-world applications and a lasting contribution to the growth of the Cardano ecosystem.

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

Bringing Value to the Cardano Ecosystem: Our Cardano Virtual Hackathon will significantly enhance the Cardano ecosystem by introducing and supporting developers in Latin America through structured guidance on Cardano's cutting-edge tools. By focusing on technologies such as Aiken, Mesh, DID, and Midnight, the program enables participants to build privacy-focused and decentralized applications (dApps) that address real-world challenges. With three phases over 12 months, the hackathon empowers developers to progressively improve their skills and implement impactful solutions. This contributes to the overall expansion and maturity of the developer community within Cardano.

Accelerating Adoption and Innovation: The phased approach of our hackathon ensures that more developers in Latin America, regardless of their starting skill level, can engage with Cardano technologies in a meaningful way. By providing educational resources and examples in local languages, we lower the barriers to entry for developers transitioning to blockchain from traditional development environments. This promotes faster adoption of Cardano's technology for real-world applications. The flexible, iterative structure of the program encourages developers to experiment and innovate, driving the creation of solutions that address local and global challenges.

Enhancing Developer Experience and Ecosystem Growth: The structured guidance, resources, and support provided throughout the hackathon create a comprehensive learning experience that enhances developer confidence and competence in working with Cardano technologies. Our transparent scoring system and focus on real-world problem-solving ensure that participants understand the key skills they need to develop. This structured framework fosters a culture of best practices and accelerates the dApp development process, leading to a stronger, more collaborative developer community. By encouraging continuous knowledge-sharing and mentorship, the project contributes to the sustainable growth of the Cardano ecosystem.

Long-Term Benefits: The repeated three-phase structure of the hackathon over 12 months ensures long-term engagement with the Cardano ecosystem. Developers will have the opportunity to build on their skills with each iteration, resulting in a growing pool of highly skilled individuals capable of creating robust and innovative dApps. This will lead to the sustained production of high-quality applications on Cardano, reinforcing its position as a leading blockchain platform. As developers continue to adopt and integrate Cardano's tools into their projects, the ecosystem will see increased utilization and diversity of dApps, enhancing its resilience, scalability, and attractiveness to both developers and businesses.

[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?

Proven Expertise in Cardano Hackathons: Our team secured first place in the inaugural virtual Midnight hackathon, competing against 35 participants, showcasing our expertise in privacy-focused blockchain technology (https://midnight.network/blog/virtual-hackathon-winners). This achievement highlights our deep understanding of privacy and decentralized solutions and positions us as leaders in leveraging Cardano’s capabilities. Our experience with Midnight and privacy technologies is directly applicable to the Cardano Virtual Hackathon, where developers will be guided in implementing privacy, secure authentication, and decentralized application development.

Established Track Record: Beyond our success in hackathons, we have a proven track record of delivering impactful blockchain solutions within the Cardano ecosystem. A prime example is our successfully completed Fund 11 Catalyst proposal, which received outstanding community feedback (Close-out video:

) (Project Milestones: https://milestones.projectcatalyst.io/projects/1100190). Our active contributions to open-source projects and developer forums demonstrate our ability to drive meaningful impact and effectively address community needs. This expertise will be critical in executing a structured, multi-phase hackathon that supports developer growth and innovation.

Expertise in Building Developer Tools and Resources: We specialize in creating developer-friendly tools and comprehensive documentation, excelling in simplifying complex blockchain concepts. Our team’s experience in developing intuitive UI/UX designs helps make advanced Cardano technologies like Aiken, Mesh, DID, and Midnight accessible to a wide range of developers. By providing structured guidance, we will ensure that participants in the hackathon have the resources needed to effectively build decentralized applications.

Understanding of Infrastructure and Deployment: Our team has deep knowledge of building and deploying scalable applications, including the integration of reactive databases and cloud-based infrastructure. This expertise will provide hackathon participants with practical, efficient guidance on deploying robust and sustainable applications, ensuring that their projects are built following industry best practices. Our guidance will be critical in helping developers navigate both on-chain and off-chain infrastructure throughout the hackathon.

Commitment to the Cardano Ecosystem: We are deeply committed to advancing the Cardano ecosystem, demonstrated by our active involvement in various community initiatives. For instance, we hosted the Cardano Constitutional Workshop in Peru, a project that emphasized community-building and knowledge-sharing. Our continuous contributions to the ecosystem’s growth highlight our dedication to fostering innovation and driving adoption across the Cardano ecosystem. This hackathon program will further strengthen the developer community in Latin America, helping expand Cardano's reach and adoption.

Project Management and Delivery Assurance: Utilizing agile methodologies, we ensure timely delivery and high-quality standards throughout our projects. Our strong project management skills allow us to adapt to challenges and maintain flexibility during each phase of the hackathon. This approach will ensure that the 12-month hackathon program remains organized and responsive to participant needs, fostering a positive developer experience.

Collaborative Approach and Community Engagement: We maintain open-source repositories and encourage community contributions and feedback, fostering collaboration within the developer ecosystem. This collaborative strategy enhances resource quality and builds a sense of ownership and involvement among hackathon participants. By maintaining clear communication channels throughout the hackathon, we ensure an inclusive and supportive environment.

Financial and Resource Planning: Through financial planning, we ensure that the hackathon is feasible and well-resourced. Budget allocations will cover the development, execution, and documentation of each phase. Our resource management expertise guarantees that all necessary tools, platforms, and support systems are available, allowing developers to focus on building and deploying their projects with confidence.

In conclusion, our team's expertise, proven track record, and commitment to the Cardano ecosystem position us to effectively deliver this hackathon. We are fully equipped to provide high-quality guidance and resources that will empower developers in Latin America to innovate, driving the growth and adoption of Cardano-based applications across the region.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZzZHQnTb3w

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

First Iteration of the Hackathon (Months 1-4)

Objective: Successfully complete the first cycle of the Cardano Virtual Hackathon by providing three months of structured guidance through Discord, blogs, and code repositories, followed by one month of active hackathon participation.

Activities:

• Publish educational content and examples related to Aiken, Mesh, DID, and Midnight through blogs and code repositories.
• Facilitate ongoing guidance and Q&A sessions on Discord, where developers can seek clarification and share progress.
• Conduct the first hackathon month, where developers apply what they've learned and submit dApps for evaluation.

Acceptance Criteria:

• All guidance materials and resources for the first phase released on Discord and blogs.
• Active developer engagement on Discord and successful resolution of inquiries.
• First hackathon completed with dApps submitted and evaluated using the structured scoring system.

Second Iteration of the Hackathon (Months 5-8)

Objective: Complete the second phase of the hackathon, offering more advanced guidance based on feedback from the first iteration and expanding on the initial resources.

 

Activities:

• Update and expand the guidance provided in the first iteration based on developer feedback and needs.
• Continue hosting Discord-based discussions and sharing new resources through blogs and code repositories.
• Encourage developers to build on their previous work or explore new challenges in the second hackathon month.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Release of improved and new learning materials for the second phase.
• Continued active participation and guidance provided to developers via Discord.
• Successful submission and evaluation of new or enhanced projects during the second hackathon.

Third Iteration of the Hackathon (Months 9-11)

Objective: Execute the final iteration of the hackathon, consolidating the knowledge gained in the previous phases and guiding developers to deliver their most refined dApps.

Activities:

• Provide more advanced resources and examples through blogs, Discord discussions, and code repositories.
• Offer focused guidance and support for more complex project development.
• Host the third and final hackathon month, where participants refine their skills and submit polished dApps for evaluation.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Release of advanced guidance materials, code examples, and resources.
• Strong developer participation and deeper project refinement throughout the third phase.
• Completion of the third hackathon with high-quality submissions evaluated.

Final Close-Out and Reporting (Month 12)

Objective: Create a comprehensive close-out report and document the impact of the hackathon through detailed reporting and feedback collection.

Activities:

• Gather feedback from participants and analyze the results from all three iterations of the hackathon.
• Prepare a comprehensive report highlighting the outcomes, participant growth, project success stories, and community impact.
• Share this report with the Cardano community and participants to showcase the program's success and learnings.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Completion and distribution of the final close-out report.
• Documentation of lessons learned, including actionable insights for future developer engagement programs.
• Report shared with the community to celebrate the program’s success and impact on the Cardano ecosystem.

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

Erick Romero | Blockchain/Full-Stack Developer & Business Strategy

Background: Engineer

LinkedIn: Erick Romero

Twitter: @ErickRomeroEdda

Erick plays a pivotal role in the technical design and architecture of Edda Labs' blockchain projects. As the Blockchain & Full-Stack Developer, he leads the development of smart contracts, ensuring they are modular, secure, and fully aligned with project goals. Erick combines deep expertise in blockchain technology, software development, and project management, strategically guiding each initiative to ensure technical excellence.

With over 15 years of experience in the tech field, Erick has actively participated in the Plutus Pioneer Program, Aiken-Mesh PBL, Marlowe Pioneer Program, Midnight Pioneer Program and the Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate. He has a robust understanding of zero-knowledge technology and its application in smart contracts, thanks to his role as a lead developer in the Midnight hackathon, where Edda Labs secured first place. Additionally, Erick is the co-host of the Cardano Constitutional Workshop in Peru. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, Erick's ability to communicate across languages aligns with the project’s multilingual content creation goal. His background in project management is bolstered by a master’s degree in renewable energy and an MBA, ensuring financial discipline and transparency across all projects.

Tainá Bugs | Full-Stack Developer & Product Design & Product Owner

Background: Engineer & Designer

LinkedIn: Tainá Bugs

Twitter: @tainabugs

Tainá is a highly skilled Full-Stack Developer with expertise in Next.js and its App Router, managing both backend and frontend functionalities to deliver integrated solutions swiftly and effectively. In addition to her development work, Tainá is responsible for product design, ensuring that client needs are effectively reflected in the application in the most efficient and user-centric way. Her technical expertise allows her to work across all layers of the application, from server-side logic to client-side interactivity, ensuring a seamless user experience.

With over 10 years of experience in the tech field, Tainá brings a diverse background as a civil and metallurgical engineer, as well as a designer. She has also completed the Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate program and, as part of the team that won the Midnight hackathon, she has hands-on experience in implementing zero-knowledge technology within smart contracts. Additionally, she is a co-host of the Cardano Constitutional Workshop in Peru. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, Tainá is well-positioned to support the project's goal of producing multilingual content. Her blend of full-stack development, product design, and blockchain expertise positions her as a key asset in delivering innovative and user-centric solutions.

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

Milestone 1: First Iteration of the Hackathon (Months 1-4)

Duration: 4 months

Total for Milestone 1: 30,000 ADA

Breakdown:

• Developer Organizers and Guidance: 20,000 ADA (Covers the effort spent curating resources, managing Discord, writing blog posts, and providing guidance to developers for the first three months.)
• Hackathon Rewards: 10,000 ADA (First place: 5,000 ADA; Second place: 3,000 ADA; Third place: 2,000 ADA)

Milestone 2: Second Iteration of the Hackathon (Months 5-8)

Duration: 4 months

Total for Milestone 2: 30,000 ADA

Breakdown:

• Developer Organizers and Guidance: 20,000 ADA (Continued support for participants, creating new resources and organizing community interactions during the second phase.)
• Hackathon Rewards: 10,000 ADA (First place: 5,000 ADA; Second place: 3,000 ADA; Third place: 2,000 ADA)

Milestone 3: Third Iteration of the Hackathon (Months 9-11)

Duration: 3 months

Total for Milestone 3: 30,000 ADA

Breakdown:

• Developer Organizers and Guidance: 20,000 ADA (Provides support and advanced guidance during the final phase of the hackathon.)
• Hackathon Rewards: 10,000 ADA (First place: 5,000 ADA; Second place: 3,000 ADA; Third place: 2,000 ADA)

Milestone 4: Final Close-Out and Reporting (Month 12)

Duration: 1 month

Total for Milestone 4: 10,000 ADA

Breakdown:

• Final Documentation and Reporting: 10,000 ADA (Covers the preparation and presentation of the final report and outcomes of the hackathon, along with feedback collection and analysis.)

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

Our 100,000 ADA budget is strategically allocated to deliver a 12-month virtual hackathon program aimed at empowering developers across Latin America to build decentralized applications (dApps) using key Cardano technologies such as Aiken, Mesh, DID, and Midnight. The program is divided into three phases, each consisting of three months of structured guidance followed by a one-month hackathon, where developers can apply their learning to create real-world solutions.

The budget is primarily allocated to providing developer guidance and support through Discord discussions, blog posts, and code repositories, enabling developers to engage with advanced blockchain tools without requiring full-scale training. A portion of the budget is dedicated to hackathon rewards, incentivizing high-quality project submissions. Each iteration will reward a total of 10,000 ADA, with prizes distributed to the top three projects, motivating participants to innovate and build impactful dApps that address real-world challenges.

This approach is highly cost-effective, allowing for continuous developer engagement over 12 months while fostering a steady pipeline of innovative projects. By providing structured resources and competitive incentives, we reduce barriers to entry for developers in Latin America, empowering them to contribute to the Cardano ecosystem. The phased structure ensures that developers have time to absorb knowledge and refine their skills, leading to the creation of production-grade solutions that drive adoption and innovation within the ecosystem.

This 100,000 ADA investment delivers exceptional value by focusing on both developer empowerment and ecosystem growth. By supporting developers as they create real-world applications, the program strengthens the Cardano community and accelerates the adoption of its technology, ultimately ensuring long-term sustainability and scalability.