SEA Hackathon: Shaping Southest Asia's Next Cardano Builders

[Proposal setup] Proposal title

Please provide your proposal title

SEA Hackathon: Shaping Southest Asia's Next Cardano Builders

[Proposal Summary] Budget Information

Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA

44970

[Proposal Summary] Time

Please specify how many months you expect your project to last

12

[Proposal Summary] Translation Information

Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated

No

Original Language

en

[Proposal Summary] Problem Statement

What is the problem you want to solve?

Southeast Asia (especially in Vietnam & Singapore) lacks structured programs to train uni students and early developers in Cardano, hindering the growth of skilled blockchain talent across the region.

[Proposal Summary] Supporting Documentation

Supporting links

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cRyGxvUK8kazwaWC1DogcNye8L503yEa/view?usp=sharing
,
• https://gadiac.asia/sea-hackathon-shaping-southest-asias-next-cardano-builders/

[Proposal Summary] Project Dependencies

Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'

No dependencies

[Proposal Summary] Project Open Source

Will your project's outputs be fully open source?

Yes

License and Additional Information

All information and resources about the hackathon will be made public to the community

[Theme Selection] Theme

Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal

Hackathons

[Campaign Category] Category Questions

Who you’re targeting, how you’ll reach them, and why this matters for Cardano.

We target undergraduate students, early-stage developers, and blockchain enthusiasts in Vietnam & Singapore—two of Southease Asia’s most active blockchain hubs. We’ll reach them via university networks, developer communities, Cardano forums, and social media. By equipping them with Cardano skills through training, mentorship, and hands-on building, we grow a new generation of builders, expand real-world Cardano use cases, and strengthen the ecosystem’s regional presence.

Provide a list of key activities of your project?

• Outreach & recruitment via universities, developer communities, and Cardano channels in Vietnam & Singapore.
• Pre-event blockchain & training for participants.
• Cross-border hackathon with teams building Cardano-based solutions.
• Expert mentorship & technical support.
• Final Pitching Day in Ho Chi Minh City with top Singapore teams.
• Post-event follow-up to support project continuation in the Cardano ecosystem.

What are your success metrics?

• Quantity & Quality of Projects: Number and innovation level of Cardano-based solutions, with potential for real-world adoption.
• Participant Feedback: Surveys on skills gained, collaboration, and confidence to build on Cardano.
• Community Growth: Tracking post-hackathon engagement, new contributions, and cross-border collaborations, ensuring lasting value and a stronger regional presence for Cardano.

[Your Project and Solution] Solution

Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem

Problem & Current Situation

The Cardano ecosystem in Southeast Asia, especially in high-growth markets like Vietnam and Singapore, faces a need for stronger innovation, skill development, and community engagement. Hackathons offer an ideal platform to unite creative minds, developers, and blockchain enthusiasts to explore Cardano’s potential and turn ideas into impactful solutions. Our approach blends hands-on learning, expert mentorship, and collaborative teamwork to foster innovation and unlock participants’ full potential.

Engagement Plan

We will host a cross-border hackathon attracting developers, students, entrepreneurs, and blockchain enthusiasts from Vietnam and Singapore. Diverse participants will collaborate, exchange ideas, and build solutions on Cardano. Top teams from Singapore will travel to Ho Chi Minh City for 2-day workshops and the final Pitching Day, connecting directly with Vietnam’s Cardano builder community to strengthen regional collaboration.

The program will feature:

• 10+ universities in Hub Network ecosystem presence.
• 2+ pre-event workshops will be conducted.
• 4+ intensive workshops training in event total.
• Attract 2,000+ target audience across social media, and university networks.
• 10+ experienced mentors/trainers from the Cardano community and blockchain industry.
• 200+ total registrations (Vietnam & Singapore) with 20+ active teams.
• 300+ Pitching Day attendees including investors, media, and ecosystem partners.

Target Audience

• Undergraduate students in Vietnam & Singapore
• Early-stage developers new to blockchain
• Cardano community members as mentors & trainers

Participant Benefits

• Direct mentorship from experienced Cardano developers
• Training on Plutus, smart contracts, and Cardano tools
• A competitive, innovation-driven environment

Impact Measurement

• Projects: Quantity & quality of solutions created
• Feedback: Skills gained, collaboration experience, satisfaction
• Community Growth: Continued engagement post-hackathon

Uniqueness & Benefits

This is the first Cardano-focused cross-border hackathon in two of SEA’s most active blockchain hubs. It builds awareness, grows talent, and fuels potential projects while aligning with Cardano’s vision of empowering individuals, driving decentralized innovation, and building a sustainable ecosystem.

[Your Project and Solution] Impact

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

Project Contribution to the Cardano Community

Our Southeast Asia Hackathon is designed to create a lasting positive impact on the Cardano community by driving innovation, advancing skills, and deepening community engagement.

• Innovation & Creativity: The hackathon will challenge participants to develop fresh ideas and solutions powered by Cardano technology. These innovative projects will expand the ecosystem with real-world applications.
• Skill Development: Guided by experienced mentors and industry experts, participants will gain technical expertise and practical insights, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to Cardano long after the event.
• Community Building: By uniting developers, entrepreneurs, students, and blockchain enthusiasts, the hackathon fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strong bonds across the regional Cardano netw

Measuring Impact

We will track success using both quantitative and qualitative metrics:

• Quantitative: Number of projects submitted, level of innovation, and follow-up engagement in the Cardano community—measured through continued project contributions, event participation, and online discussions.
• Qualitative: Participant feedback collected via surveys and interviews to assess learning outcomes, collaboration experience, and satisfaction. Impact stories will capture how projects evolve and their real-world applications.

Sharing Outputs & Opportunities

Hackathon results will be widely shared to inspire ongoing community participation:

• Event Documentation: A detailed report covering projects, insights, and participant feedback will be published on our website and social channels.
• Community Platforms: Highlights, demos, and success stories will be shared via Cardano forums, and social media to showcase talent and spark new collaborations.

By merging innovation, education, and connection, this hackathon will strengthen Cardano’s presence in Southeast Asia while empowering the next generation of builders.

[Your Project and Solution] Capabilities & 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 Track Record in Innovation & Blockchain Challenges

As board members of the Network of Innovation & Digital Transformation – Hub Network, we have successfully organized large-scale competitions, including the Hub Challenge – Global Innovation Challenge and HubLock Challenge – Global Blockchain Startup Challenge, attracting hundreds of participants and dozens of projects from multiple countries.

From our incubation and mentorship pipeline, GlobeID – a blockchain and biometric-powered digital identity platform – emerged as a standout success, securing $100,000 USD in funding from Do Ventures. These achievements give us strong confidence in delivering the Southeast Asia Hackathon, now tailored specifically for Cardano.

Our case studies: https://hanoimoi.vn/globeid-gianh-giai-nhat-voi-ung-dung-dinh-danh-ca-nhan-tren-the-gioi-ao-chong-lua-dao-686417.html ; https://www.1hub.network/invest-project/92568f25-d9c0-4058-9844-8da97c172962 ; https://tuoitrethudo.vn/he-sinh-thai-khoi-nghiep-viet-buoc-vao-ky-nguyen-thuc-chien-hoi-nhap-285181.html

Expert Team & Partnerships

Our team comprises seasoned developers, trainers, community builders, and project managers with extensive experience in regional blockchain initiatives. We collaborate closely with our co-proposer, Mr. Jimmy Lee, Administrator of the Cardano Vietnam Community, Cardano Ambassador, and blockchain entrepreneur with 3+ years of expertise. He will lead technical training, provide developer resources, align community efforts, and assess Cardano adoption potential among young Web3 builders.

To ensure strong execution in Singapore, we will partner with our local branch, Hub Network Singapore, and leverage hands-on workshops, participant feedback, and collaboration with industry mentors to validate feasibility.

Transparency, Feasibility & Accountability

We will ensure effective delivery and trust through:

• Budget Planning – Allocating funds strategically across development, operations, and marketing
• Transparent Cost Tracking – Maintaining clear expense records for accountability
• Regular Reporting – Providing stakeholders with consistent updates on financial and project progress
• Impact Measurement – Tracking participant numbers, engagement levels, project submissions, and satisfaction surveys

Commitment to Open Collaboration

We prioritize open communication, stakeholder engagement, and open-source contributions, creating a transparent and collaborative environment where all parties can track the project’s progress and outcomes.

[Milestones] Project Milestones

Milestone Title

Milestone 1: Planning & Preparation

Milestone Outputs

• Finalize hackathon concept, theme, and challenge statements (aligned with Cardano’s priorities).
• Establish cross-border organizing committee (Vietnam & Singapore leads).
• Secure mentors, trainers, and judging panel.
• Define participant selection process and eligibility criteria.

Acceptance Criteria

• All key roles (mentors, trainers, judges) confirmed with written commitments.
• Challenge statements approved and ready for promotion.
• Venue(s) in HCMC booked with university campus.
• Budget allocation finalized with contingency buffer.

Evidence of Completion

• Document of hackathon concept, theme, and challenge statements (aligned with Cardano’s priorities).
• Signed agreements/confirmations from mentors, judges, trainers, and partners.
• Team structure document with roles and responsibilities

Delivery Month

4

Cost

13491

Progress

30 %

Milestone Title

Milestone 2: Organization & Promotion

Milestone Outputs

• Launch marketing campaign targeting Vietnam & Singapore audiences.
• Create and distribute promotional materials (social media assets, posters, press releases).
• Functional participant registration and management platform
• Coordinate pre-event workshops for early engagement.

Acceptance Criteria

• Promotional campaign live across social media, community forums, and partner channels
• Registration platform tested and fully operational with live sign-ups
• Marketing materials approved and deployed in both online and offline channels
• Positive feedback collected from event participants.

Evidence of Completion

• Screenshots/links of published marketing materials and campaign analytics.
• Registration database showing participant details and country split.
• Webinar recording and attendance list.
• Documentation of improvements made based on feedback.

Delivery Month

4

Cost

13491

Progress

30 %

Milestone Title

Milestone 3: Hackathon Execution

Milestone Outputs

• Conduct 2-day in-person workshops in HCMC for all finalists.
• Provide technical mentorship and access to Cardano tools & resources.
• Run final Pitching Day with judging and awards ceremony.
• Capture event photos, videos, and project demo recordings.

Acceptance Criteria

• All finalists attend workshops and pitching day.
• Complete project submissions received.
• Judging process conducted transparently with documented scoring.
• All media assets collected and backed up within 7 days post-event.

Evidence of Completion

• Attendance sheet for workshops and pitching day.
• Project submission files and links.
• Judge scoring sheets and ranking results.
• Event media folder containing photos, videos, and recordings.
• Compiled survey results and feedback from participants
• Documentation of suggested improvements based on feedback

Delivery Month

3

Cost

13491

Progress

30 %

Milestone Title

Milestone 4: Evaluation & Wrap-Up

Milestone Outputs

• Collect participant, mentor, and judge feedback via surveys/interviews.
• Publish hackathon report with outcomes, winning projects, and lessons learned.
• Share success stories and media highlights on social media.
• Identify and connect promising projects to potential funders or incubators.

Acceptance Criteria

• Feedback response rate ≥ 70% of participants.
• Hackathon report published within 30 days of event completion.
• At least 3 project teams connected to further opportunities.
• Produce and publish a highlight video summarizing the hackathon journey and showcasing top projects.

Evidence of Completion

• A publicly accessible link to the final closeout report will be provided, allowing the Cardano community and stakeholders to review the project’s full scope, outcomes, and impact assessment.
• A published link to the final closeout video will be shared across relevant platforms, offering a visual summary of the hackathon, participant engagement, and key achievements throughout the project

Delivery Month

1

Cost

4497

Progress

10 %

[Final Pitch] Budget & Costs

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Total Budget: 44,970 ADA (Exchange rate ADAUSD: 0.3 ADA)

• Prize 12,500 ADA (1st prize 6000 ADA, 2nd prize 4100 ADA, 3rd prize 2400 ADA)
• Event video and photo editing 600 ADA
• Marketing 600 ADA
• Participant support food 4000 ADA x 2 days = 8,000 ADA
• Venue cost 2,415 ADA X 2 days = 4,830 ADA
• 100 T-shirts 3,200 ADA
• Organizing team (including marketing, visiting different locations for Hackathon, designing T-shirts, organizing contest content, hiring advisors, event coordination) 810 ADA x 4 people = 3,240 ADA
• Salary of judges and advisors, challenge design, judges 1800 ADA X 4 people = 7,200 ADA
• Round-trip airfare for 2 finalist teams from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for Pitching & Demo Day: 2 teams x 3 people/team = 2,800 ADA
• 1-night accommodation & support food for 2 finalist teams from Singapore in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: 2 teams x 3 people/team x 1-night accommodation = 2,000 ADA

[Final Pitch] Value for Money

How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?

This project offers exceptional value to the Cardano ecosystem for several reasons:

• Strategic Impact: It directly addresses the need to boost developer skills and spark innovation, accelerating dApp adoption and driving the ecosystem’s growth and long-term success.
• Proven Execution: Our team has a strong track record, including successfully delivering the previous Global Blockchain Hackathon and Competition, ensuring efficient resource use and high-quality results.
• Justified Costs: Budget allocations are carefully calculated against industry standards and regional market factors, covering venue, infrastructure, marketing, and personnel in a cost-effective manner.
• Competitive Pricing: All budget items are benchmarked against average industry and freelance rates, ensuring realistic and proportionate costs for the required expertise and scale.
• Long-Term Value Creation: The project will deliver lasting benefits—elevated developer competency, stronger collaboration, and innovative dApp projects—enhancing Cardano’s reputation, community strength, and adoption.

By combining strategic relevance, proven delivery, and cost efficiency, this project represents a high-impact, high-return investment for Cardano’s future.

[Required Acknowledgements] Consent & Confirmation

Terms and Conditions:

Yes