Last updated 2 months ago
Northeast Brazil lacks Cardano presence. Workshops are needed to create a local community and prepare for a future Cardano Hub.
Our solution is to organize workshops that introduce Cardano to Northeast Brazil, building knowledge, networks, and a base for a regional Hub.
This is the total amount allocated to Building the Future Cardano Hub in Northeast Brazil.
Please provide your proposal title
Building the Future Cardano Hub in Northeast Brazil
Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA
35000
Please specify how many months you expect your project to last
4
Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated
No
Original Language
en
What is the problem you want to solve?
Northeast Brazil lacks Cardano presence. Workshops are needed to create a local community and prepare for a future Cardano Hub.
Supporting links
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 source
Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal
Connected Community
Who you’re targeting, how you’ll reach them, and why this matters for Cardano.
Target audience: University students, researchers, local professionals, and entrepreneurs in Pernambuco and Ceará.
How we’ll reach them: Hosting 4 workshops with strong partnerships with local universities, innovation hubs, and community leaders to ensure engagement and continuity.
Why it matters: Strengthens Cardano’s presence in Brazil’s Northeast, fosters new communities, and lays the foundation for a future regionally led Cardano Hub.
Provide a list of key activities of your project?
Host 4 workshops (2 in Pernambuco, 2 in Ceará), each 2–3 hours.
Cover the meaning of money, Cardano fundamentals, marketplace, DEX, wallets, and security practices.
Partner with universities and innovation hubs to ensure outreach and local engagement.
Facilitate networking to strengthen regional community.
Collect feedback and share results to support future hub creation.
What are your success metrics?
Deliver 4 workshops (2 in Pernambuco, 2 in Ceará) with at least 40 participants each.
Achieve 70% participant satisfaction in post-event surveys.
At least 50% of attendees join follow-up channels (Telegram/Discord).
Build partnerships with at least 2 local universities or innovation hubs.
Document results and produce a roadmap to support a future Cardano Hub in Northeast Brazil.
Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem
Northeast Brazil is home to high-performing universities, dynamic innovation hubs, and growing infrastructure. Pernambuco ranks 8th nationally in innovation and leads the Northeast region in creative industries, while Ceará places 14th nationally with strong performance in technology, infrastructure, and business development. Recife hosts Porto Digital, one of Brazil’s largest tech parks, housing hundreds of companies and fostering IT innovation. In parallel, Fortaleza and Recife both feature nodes of Brazil’s National High-Performance Computing System, supporting advanced research.
The Problem
Despite these strengths, the crypto and blockchain ecosystem remains heavily concentrated in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Southern Brazil. This centralization overlooks high-potential regions like the Northeast, where scientific excellence and innovation capacity are already well established.
Proposed Solution
We will deliver four hands-on workshops (2 in Pernambuco, 2 in Ceará)—each 2–3 hours—covering:
These events will be co-organized with leading universities and innovation hubs, leveraging existing regional strength for effective local engagement.
Why This Approach Matters
By building directly on the Northeast’s innovation infrastructure, we ensure that workshops are anchored in communities ready to lead. This is a strategic move to seed a Cardano Hub in the region, transforming academic and entrepreneurial potential into a self-sustaining local ecosystem.
Who Will Be Engaged
Measuring Impact
We will track:
Uniqueness & Strategic Value
This is the first Cardano initiative to leverage the Northeast’s academic and innovation strengths to build decentralized governance communities. It diversifies Cardano's geographic presence, tapping into fresh regional talent and energy, and reinforces the network’s status as globally inclusive.
Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community
This project strengthens Cardano’s decentralization by building local leadership in Northeast Brazil, a region with strong educational indicators and innovation potential but historically excluded from crypto initiatives. By empowering participants in Pernambuco and Ceará, we create a pipeline of community leaders able to design, sustain, and expand future Cardano Hubs.
How this adds value to Cardano
How we will measure impact
Quantitative:
Qualitative:
How results will be shared
By combining measurable outcomes with storytelling and public reporting, we ensure the wider Cardano community can see, learn from, and replicate the model globally.
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?
The successful execution of previous initiatives — including the Intersect Education and Multimedia Grant and the Cardano Community Hub in Brazil funded by Catalyst Fund 13 — demonstrates the solid foundation of trust, accountability, and delivery capacity established.
Both have a proven track record in the Cardano community, deep expertise in decentralized governance, and the ability to lead impactful projects that combine educational outreach with strategic partnerships. Their experience ensures not only the capacity to execute but also to manage resources transparently and deliver measurable results.
Key Achievements Under Intersect
Creation of GovChainLab https://govchainlab.substack.com/
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.
Successful Workshops and Events
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 worldhttps://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 5 – 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
These achievements collectively demonstrate our ability to execute complex, multi-stakeholder projects and to engage strategic partners across different regions and sectors. From government agencies and universities to innovation hubs and community groups, our network of collaborators reflects both credibility and reach.
This proven capability ensures that the proposed activities in this new phase will be delivered with the same high standards of trust, accountability, and measurable impact, qualities that the Cardano community can rely on.
Milestone Title
Planning
Milestone Outputs
A comprehensive planning document outlining the project’s scope, objectives, and methodology. This output will include the structure of the workshops (2–3 hours), preliminary content guidelines covering money, Cardano, marketplace, DEX, wallets, and security, and an internal workflow for project execution. It will also define the internal roles and responsibilities of the team to ensure clear coordination. The milestone does not include external engagement yet, but sets the foundation for partnerships and dissemination in the next stage.
Acceptance Criteria
The milestone will be considered complete when a clear, written plan is produced and approved internally by the project team. The plan must include: (i) learning objectives, (ii) workshop structure, (iii) draft educational content, and (iv) division of tasks within the team. The document should provide clarity for the next steps and ensure readiness for external validation and partnerships in Milestone 2. Internal consensus and approval by the project lead are required conditions for acceptance.
Evidence of Completion
Completion will be demonstrated through the delivery of a written planning document (minimum 10 pages) in both English and Portuguese, detailing all elements required for project execution. Evidence will also include a signed statement from the project lead confirming the approval of the plan and meeting minutes documenting team agreement on roles and structure. These materials will be stored in a shared repository and made available to the Catalyst community for auditability.
Delivery Month
1
Cost
12000
Progress
10 %
Milestone Title
Establishing Partnerships, Timeline, and Outreach
Milestone Outputs
Delivery of an engagement framework with at least four confirmed local partnerships, preferably with innovation hubs and universities in Pernambuco and Ceará. A detailed timeline will be finalized, defining the exact dates of the workshops, logistics, and facilitator assignments. A Portuguese-only outreach plan will also be delivered, including communication materials (flyers, posts, press notes), along with a strategy to reach universities, innovation centers, and local networks to ensure wide visibility and participation.
Acceptance Criteria
This milestone will be considered complete when: (i) there are at least four formal partnership confirmations (letters of intent, emails, or MoUs); (ii) a detailed project timeline with workshop dates and activities is available; (iii) outreach materials in Portuguese are finalized and ready for publication; and (iv) at least one public announcement of the workshops has been made through local channels (social media, university communications, or innovation hubs).
Evidence of Completion
Evidence will include copies of partnership confirmations (emails, letters, or MoUs), the final version of the project timeline, and the Portuguese outreach materials package. Screenshots or links of the first public workshop announcements will also be provided. All evidence will be compiled in a structured report and stored in a shared repository, accessible for audit and monitoring by the Cardano community.
Delivery Month
2
Cost
12000
Progress
30 %
Milestone Title
Workshops Execution
Milestone Outputs
Execution of four in-person workshops: two in Pernambuco and two in Ceará. Each workshop will last between 2–3 hours, covering essential blockchain and Cardano concepts such as the meaning of money, decentralized marketplaces, DEXs, wallets, and security practices. The workshops will be facilitated in Portuguese, ensuring accessibility and inclusion of the local population. Materials will be tailored to the regional context, and active participation will be encouraged through Q&A sessions and group dynamics.
Acceptance Criteria
This milestone will be considered complete when: (i) four workshops have been carried out as scheduled; (ii) each event has at least 30 participants, with active engagement throughout the sessions; (iii) all workshops deliver the agreed educational content (blockchain fundamentals, Cardano ecosystem, wallets, security); and (iv) participants complete feedback forms, allowing assessment of knowledge gain and satisfaction.
Evidence of Completion
Evidence will include attendance lists, photos of the events, presentation slides, workshop agendas, and copies of participant feedback forms. A short summary of key learnings and participant testimonials will also be compiled. This documentation will be delivered as a structured report to the Cardano community and stored in a shared repository for transparency and auditing.
Delivery Month
3
Cost
8000
Progress
80 %
Milestone Title
Final Report
Milestone Outputs
Development and delivery of the final project report, consolidating all activities, outcomes, and lessons learned from the workshops. The report will present detailed documentation on planning, partnerships, execution, and impact assessment. It will highlight participant engagement, knowledge gained, and recommendations for the next steps toward establishing a future Cardano Hub in Northeast Brazil. The report will be written in Portuguese and shared in English to ensure global accessibility.
Acceptance Criteria
This milestone will be considered complete when: (i) the final report is delivered with comprehensive coverage of all project phases; (ii) data from attendance lists, participant feedback, and engagement metrics are included; (iii) clear recommendations for sustaining and expanding local community initiatives are presented; and (iv) the document is shared openly with the Cardano community.
Evidence of Completion
Evidence will include the final written report (Portuguese and English versions), appendices with attendance records, participant testimonials, photos of the events, and summaries of feedback forms. The report will be published in a public repository and announced through the Hub Brazil channels, ensuring transparency and accessibility for the global community.
Delivery Month
4
Cost
8000
Progress
100 %
Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources
Buffer for unforeseen costs (extra logistics, materials, or adjustments).
How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?
This project has been carefully designed to maximize impact while maintaining a lean and realistic budget. The resources are strategically allocated to ensure direct community engagement, knowledge transfer, and long-term value creation for the Cardano ecosystem in Brazil.
The main cost drivers are:
Value for the Cardano Ecosystem
Transparency and Deliverables
Each milestone corresponds to clear outputs:
These tangible deliverables ensure accountability, transparency, and verifiable impact for the Cardano community.
Multiplier Effect
The communication materials, articles, and workshop recordings will continue to circulate beyond the project’s duration. This generates continuous value for the ecosystem, enabling other communities to replicate the model, adapt it to their realities, and strengthen Cardano’s positioning across Latin America.
Prudent Budgeting
The project design reflects efficiency, avoiding unnecessary expenses while ensuring the highest possible quality in delivery. All categories of expenditure are proportional to industry standards in Brazil, representing excellent cost-effectiveness given the scope, travel demands, and long-term impact.
Conclusion
The proposed budget represents a responsible and efficient use of community funds. By combining modest travel and accommodation expenses, fair compensation for professionals, and direct investment in participant experience, the project guarantees high-quality delivery without excess.
Most importantly, the initiative contributes to the strategic expansion of Cardano in Brazil, fostering local leadership, building bridges in underrepresented regions, and leaving behind educational resources that will benefit the ecosystem long after the project’s conclusion.
In short, every resource invested here translates directly into measurable impact: new leaders trained, communities engaged, partnerships established, and Cardano’s presence strengthened in a key growth market.
Terms and Conditions:
Yes
Our project team is composed of professionals with solid experience in blockchain governance, community building, and educational initiatives. The team combines strategic coordination with the engagement of local facilitators to maximize impact and ensure long-term sustainability.
Role: Maria will lead the overall project coordination, ensuring that all milestones are achieved within scope, budget, and timeline. She will oversee partnerships, team management, and reporting, as well as maintain alignment with the Cardano community.
Experience: Pioneer in Catalyst Fund, former Cardano Ambassador, and active contributor in governance discussions. Maria has a strong background in education, communication, and blockchain adoption in Latin America. Founder Lovelace Academy, and Co-Founder GovChainLab.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-carmo
YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@MariaCarmo369
Role: They will be responsible for conducting the workshops, delivering educational content, and engaging participants through interactive sessions. Their role will also include providing practical insights to support the development of local leadership in the Cardano ecosystem.
Experience: Professionals with knowledge in education, Cardano blockchain, and governance who will ensure quality delivery and engagement with participants.
Role: Specialists in design, communication, logistics, and audiovisual production will provide the necessary support to guarantee high-quality execution of workshops, communication materials, and event documentation.
Experience: Experienced professionals selected according to project needs to enhance communication, visibility, and participant experience.