Last updated 2 months ago
In Brazil, ADA is little known outside the crypto bubble; visibility and practical education are needed to show its real value.
Through a filmed journey in SÃo Paulo/Brasil, we will teach merchants to accept ADA and produce daily and weekly content to educate and boost adoption.
This is the total amount allocated to ADA Adoption Challenge in São Paulo.
Please provide your proposal title
ADA Adoption Challenge in São Paulo
Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA
58000
Please specify how many months you expect your project to last
5
Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated
No
Original Language
en
What is the problem you want to solve?
In Brazil, ADA is little known outside the crypto bubble; visibility and practical education are needed to show its real value.
Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?
No
Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'
No dependencies
Will your project's outputs be fully open source?
Yes
License and Additional Information
open license
Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal
Education
Who you’re targeting, how you’ll reach them, and why this matters for Cardano.
Target Audience:
Approach:
Why it matters:
Provide a list of key activities of your project?
What are your success metrics?
Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem
The problem we are addressing is clear: in Brazil, ADA is little known outside the crypto bubble. Most people have no idea how to use it, what it can be used for, or why it matters. This lack of visibility and practical education limits adoption and prevents Cardano from reaching new audiences that could benefit from its potential.
To face this challenge, we propose a unique and highly engaging approach: a 30-day journey across cities in the State of São Paulo, paying exclusively in ADA. The project combines real-life experimentation, education, and communication, showing in practice how ADA can be used for daily needs such as food, transportation, and lodging.
Why a journey?
Challenge and travel content naturally attract attention. People are curious about how someone will manage to complete a journey under unusual conditions. This storytelling format has strong potential for engagement, making the project a bridge between the Cardano ecosystem and the general public.
How it works
Who we will engage
Impact demonstration
Success will be measured by:
What makes this project unique
Why this matters to Cardano
Cardano needs visibility outside of the crypto bubble, especially in regions like Brazil, where financial innovation is needed and where blockchain solutions can thrive. This project directly addresses this gap by creating a story that is accessible, engaging, and practical, while also delivering measurable adoption results.
By showing ADA being used in real life, teaching merchants how to accept it, and documenting the entire experience for a broad audience, amplified by strategic partnerships for dissemination, this initiative will bring Cardano closer to ordinary people, increase trust, and inspire replication across Latin America.
Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community
This project will expand Cardano’s presence in Brazil by taking it out of the crypto bubble and placing it in real-life contexts. By showing ADA being used in everyday activities, we will generate visibility, education, and credibility for the ecosystem.
For the wider Cardano community, the impact is threefold:
Ultimately, the positive impact lies in bridging the gap between Cardano and the general public, while giving the community new tools, content, and use cases that reinforce the ecosystem’s adoption narrative.
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?
Maria is the co-founder of the Cardano Hub Brazil and GovChainLab, both successfully implemented initiatives in Brazil and recognized by the international community. These projects have generated significant impact, combining in-person and online events, the production of educational content, and strategic institutional partnerships with public bodies, universities, and private sector organizations.
In Brazil, her work ranged from workshops for youth in Portuguese-speaking countries to events in partnership with institutions such as the Institute of Technology and Society of Rio de Janeiro, Insper, ESPM, and the National Blockchain Observatory of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
Her ability to deliver is proven by a track record of meeting deadlines, managing resources within budget, and achieving measurable results, always with high transparency standards.
Key Achievements Under Intersect
Under the Intersect Education and Multimedia Grant, Daniela and Maria launched GovChainLab, a platform dedicated to producing educational materials on decentralized governance. This initiative included:
This work significantly expanded Portuguese-language educational outreach within the Cardano ecosystem.
🔗 GovChainLab Substack: https://govchainlab.substack.com/
DRep Pioneer Workshop – Co-organized with the Institute of Technology and Society in Rio de Janeiro, generating strong interest and opening new collaboration opportunities: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/drep-pioneer-program-brasil?utm_source=publication-search
Curitiba Event at Hard Rock Café – Focused on decentralization in Cardano, received high praise and sparked institutional interest for future partnerships: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/cardano-na-mesa-do-hard-rock-cafe-6ad?utm_source=publication-search
Constitutional Workshop at ESPM (São Paulo) – A milestone event that deepened discussions on decentralized governance and generated demand for further activities: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/saiba-como-foi-o-workshop-constitucional?utm_source=publication-search
Workshop at Insper – Provided in-depth education on Cardano governance to students and professionals: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/evento-da-govchainlab-no-insper?utm_source=publication-search
Online Workshop for Youth in Portuguese-Speaking Countries – Reached participants from five countries, promoting understanding of decentralized governance across the Lusophone world: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/workshop-sobre-governanca-descentralizada?utm_source=publication-search
Presentation at ExpoBlockchain – Highlighted GovChainLab’s initiatives and engaged a diverse audience in governance discussions: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/govchainlab-na-expoblockchain-em?utm_source=publication-search
Execution of the Cardano Community Hub Brazil (H1 2025)
In the first half of 2025, the Hub exceeded expectations, delivering not only the planned activities but also multiple strategic actions:
Apr 29 – Participation in Cardano Bolivia Summit with a lecture connecting Brazilian and Bolivian communities: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/evento-brasil-e-bolivia-conectados?utm_source=publication-search
May 10 – Educational activity on blockchain, crypto assets, and Cardano at Jardim Vila Kennedy, Rio de Janeiro: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/hub-cardano-brasil-leva-educacao?utm_source=publication-search
May 27 – Cardano workshop at Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), reinforcing the ecosystem’s presence in Southern Brazil: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/cardano-na-universidade-tecnologica?utm_source=publication-search
Jun 2 – Partnership formalized with the National Blockchain Observatory (ONB), a public platform created by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI), in collaboration with RNP and CPQD: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/hub-cardano-brasil-fecha-parceria?utm_source=publication-search
Jun 4–5 – Exclusive women’s workshop on Cardano, in partnership with the Municipal Secretariat of Innovation, Science and Technology of Niterói (SMICT): https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/hub-cardano-brasil-leva-workshop?utm_source=publication-search
Jun – Participation in Pizza Day Token Economy event in Curitiba, delivering a practical Cardano workshop: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/cardano-hub-brasil-realiza-pizza?utm_source=publication-search
Apr 22 Intersect Event – GovChainLab also hosted the Cardano Budget Workshop in São Paulo: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/construindo-o-futuro-da-cardano-workshops?utm_source=publication-search
Why This Track Record Matters
Maria’s achievements demonstrate her ability to execute complex, multi-stakeholder projects and engage strategic partners across regions and sectors. From government agencies and universities to innovation hubs and community groups, her network of collaborators reflects both credibility and reach.
This proven capability ensures that the proposed activities for the Cardano Hub in Ireland will be delivered with the same high standards of trust, accountability, and measurable impact that have characterized her work in Brazil — qualities the Cardano community can confidently rely on.
Milestone Title
Initial Planning
Milestone Outputs
At this stage, we will deliver the foundation for the project. The main outputs will be a detailed draft of the travel route across São Paulo State, identifying at least 8 cities to be visited. We will also initiate logistics research regarding transportation, accommodation, and potential support in each location. In parallel, the core production and communication team will be recruited, with roles clearly defined. Finally, we will make first contact with at least 15 merchants open to exploring ADA acceptance, building the initial list of potential partners for the journey.
Acceptance Criteria
The milestone will be considered achieved once we present a draft travel plan with selected cities, an initial list of at least 15 merchants contacted, and documentation of logistics research. The core team must also be formally confirmed, with roles and responsibilities clearly assigned. This ensures the project is not only conceptual but already operational, with concrete steps taken towards execution.
Evidence of Completion
Evidence will include a PDF with the travel draft plan, contact records of the first 15 merchants approached, and a compiled logistics research file. A team chart confirming roles will also be shared. These materials will prove that planning has advanced to a concrete, verifiable stage.
Delivery Month
1
Cost
17400
Progress
10 %
Milestone Title
Pre-launch & Engagement Preparation
Milestone Outputs
In the second month, we will deliver the finalized travel route across São Paulo, confirming logistics such as accommodation and transportation. The merchant list will be expanded to at least 30 businesses across the selected cities. Another critical output will be the establishment of partnerships with at least 3 media outlets, hubs, or Cardano communities to amplify dissemination. A full communication strategy will be delivered, including an editorial calendar for daily posts and weekly YouTube videos. Equipment (camera, microphone, laptop) will be purchased and tested, and teaser content will be produced to announce the journey to the public.
Acceptance Criteria
This milestone will be achieved when the final travel plan is completed, the expanded merchant list is confirmed, and the partnerships are documented. The communication plan must be ready and include a full editorial calendar. Equipment invoices must be provided, and teaser content should be ready and scheduled for publication. These criteria will demonstrate that the project is fully prepared to start the field stage in month 3.
Evidence of Completion
Evidence will consist of a PDF with the final travel plan, a list of at least 30 confirmed merchants, signed agreements or written confirmations of partnerships, and a finalized editorial calendar. Equipment invoices will be presented, and an unlisted link to the teaser video will prove that the content has been produced. Together, these deliverables will show that the project is ready for execution.
Delivery Month
2
Cost
17400
Progress
20 %
Milestone Title
The Journey
Milestone Outputs
The outputs of this milestone will be the full 30-day journey across cities in São Paulo State, during which at least 50 merchants will be onboarded to accept ADA. Daily social media content will be published on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, showcasing real interactions and experiences. Additionally, 8 weekly YouTube videos will be produced and published, documenting each stage of the journey in long-form content. This milestone will create the most visibility and practical demonstration of ADA usage.
Acceptance Criteria
The milestone will be considered complete once at least 50 merchants are onboarded, each providing proof of ADA acceptance via a transaction or testimony. Daily posts must be visible across platforms during the trip, and at least 8 YouTube videos must be uploaded. Furthermore, the content generated should reach at least 50,000 people across social platforms, ensuring the project delivers meaningful engagement.
Evidence of Completion
Evidence will include a compilation report listing merchants onboarded, transaction screenshots or testimonials, links to all daily social media posts, and links to the 8 YouTube videos. Analytics from social platforms will confirm audience reach and engagement. This evidence will verify that adoption, visibility, and educational goals have been achieved.
Delivery Month
4
Cost
11600
Progress
80 %
Milestone Title
Final Production & Reporting
Milestone Outputs
The final milestone will deliver the complete documentary summarizing the journey, with subtitles in English and Spanish to maximize international reach. A comprehensive final report will also be produced, mapping adoption results, barriers faced, and lessons learned. Additionally, a dissemination campaign will be launched in partnership with media and hubs to promote the documentary and report, ensuring the outcomes of the project continue to generate impact beyond its immediate execution.
Acceptance Criteria
This milestone will be achieved once the final documentary is published on YouTube with subtitles in EN/ES, the final report is completed and publicly shared, and the dissemination campaign is carried out with evidence of reach. The outputs must reflect the entire scope of the project and provide valuable materials for replication by other Cardano communities.
Evidence of Completion
Evidence will consist of the public YouTube link to the documentary with subtitles, a PDF copy of the final report, and screenshots or analytics from the dissemination campaign. These deliverables will demonstrate that the project has been completed successfully and has provided lasting resources for the Cardano community.
Delivery Month
5
Cost
11600
Progress
100 %
Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources
Total Budget: 58,000 ADA (≈ 46,400 USD)
Up to 7% of the budget allocated to unforeseen costs (technical issues, event rescheduling, extra dissemination opportunities).
How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?
This project represents an efficient and impactful use of resources, designed to maximize reach while ensuring accountability. All allocations are directly linked to the delivery of high-quality educational experiences, community engagement, and long-term visibility for Cardano.
Alignment with Market Standards:
The team structure and professional recruitment are consistent with average freelance and academic engagement rates in the regions involved. Each role — from coordination to event facilitation and content production — is defined according to expertise and necessity, ensuring both fairness and efficiency.
High Return on Investment:
The project delivers:
Sustainable Dissemination:
All materials produced — tutorials, recorded workshops, written guides — will be made freely available online. This multiplies the project’s impact, reaching audiences well beyond event participants and ensuring continuous community engagement.
Strategic Resource Allocation:
The budget prioritizes knowledge, people, and networks rather than fixed infrastructure. Specialized professionals will be recruited only when needed, keeping the structure flexible and scalable. This ensures efficient delivery while maintaining high standards of quality.
Community Building and Long-Term Value:
The initiative is designed not as an isolated intervention but as the foundation for a future Cardano Hub. By engaging students, researchers, professionals, and entrepreneurs, the project plants the seeds of a community capable of sustaining itself through partnerships, academic collaborations, and local leadership.
Transparency and Accountability:
Milestones are divided into clear phases: preparation, planning, implementation, content delivery, and reporting. Each step is linked to measurable outputs, ensuring transparency and providing the ecosystem with concrete evidence of progress and impact.
Conclusion:
This project delivers exceptional value by combining efficient resource use with strategic dissemination and strong community foundations. It not only increases Cardano’s presence in a key innovation environment but also creates structures that continue to generate benefits long after the funding cycle ends.
Terms and Conditions:
Yes
Maria Carmo – Project Coordinator & Lead Educator
Maria will be the central coordinator of the “ADA Adoption Challenge in São Paulo” project. She will manage the full execution, overseeing schedules, resources, and the team; coordinating institutional partnerships; and supervising the creation of educational content (tutorials, videos, articles). Maria will also serve as lead educator during the journey, engaging directly with merchants and the community.
Profile and Experience
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-carmo
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MariaCarmo369
X (Twitter): https://x.com/MariaCarmo369
Additional Roles (to be recruited as needed for this project)
These professionals will be recruited locally or remotely, depending on expertise, ensuring that the project achieves high-quality outputs, transparency, and measurable impact for the Cardano community.