Vietnam Cardano Ideathon 2026

[Proposal setup] Proposal title

Please provide your proposal title

Vietnam Cardano Ideathon 2026

[Proposal Summary] Budget Information

Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA

60000

[Proposal Summary] Time

Please specify how many months you expect your project to last

6

[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?

Vietnam builders struggle to enter Cardano due to steep learning curves, unfamiliar languages and limited resources. Instead of asking “what to build", they must first figure out how to start building

[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?

No

License and Additional Information

All event related materials will be open source

[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 are targeting students, developers, and early-stage entrepreneurs in Vietnam and Southeast Asia who are curious about blockchain but lack structured opportunities to explore Cardano. We will reach them through online campaigns, university partnerships, and community networks. This matters for Cardano because it creates a local entry point for new builders, fosters grassroots adoption, and highlights Cardano as a platform for practical innovation rather than just speculation.

Provide a list of key activities of your project?

• Launch online call for applications and promotion through social media & universities.
• Organize orientation sessions and workshops to introduce Cardano technology and ideation methods.
• Run a 2-day Ideathon where participants form teams, brainstorm, and pitch solutions.
• Provide mentorship and feedback during the event to refine project ideas.
• Publicly announce winners, publish results, and connect promising teams with mentors and Cardano builders.

What are your success metrics?

• Minimum 40 applications with at least 50% being new to Cardano.
• At least 20 teams actively participating and completing ideation deliverables.
• At least 5 project ideas continuing after the event with follow-up mentorship.
• 70%+ positive participant feedback on learning and community engagement.
• Broad dissemination of event results via social media and Cardano community channels, generating visibility and sustained interest in Cardano adoption.

[Your Project and Solution] Solution

Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem

Problem and Approach

Cardano is one of the leading Layer 1 blockchains globally, yet in Vietnam, it is still in the early stages of adoption and has not achieved widespread popularity. For local builders, accessibility remains a major challenge. While there have been workshops and introductory sessions about Cardano technology, these initiatives lack depth and continuity. True understanding requires time and hands-on immersion, attending a few workshops or watching a series of videos is not enough. This gap makes many builders hesitant to experiment with Cardano, unintentionally limiting innovation on a blockchain with tremendous potential.

To address this issue, we aim to create a dynamic playground where Vietnamese builders can freely unleash creativity and develop groundbreaking products on Cardano without being hindered by technological barriers. The Cardano Ideathon 2025 will serve as the gateway for anyone interested in Cardano to engage more deeply with the ecosystem.

The Cardano Ideathon 2025 is designed for all types of builders both newcomers curious about Cardano and experienced developers already building on the platform. It will foster an inclusive and competitive environment where participants can contribute ideas that accelerate the growth of Cardano’s ecosystem in Vietnam.

Demonstrating Impact

By providing a structured yet creative space for ideation, the Ideathon will help builders move beyond introductory knowledge and start building real, impactful solutions on Cardano. This initiative will bridge the gap between curiosity and creation, sparking innovation across diverse sectors. The event aims to drive tangible outcomes by encouraging projects that generate on-chain activity and contribute to Cardano’s long-term presence in Vietnam.

Benefits for Ecosystem

Unlike traditional hackathons or short workshops, the Cardano Ideathon 2025 emphasizes creativity without restricting the scope of innovation. Participants can develop any type of solution whether in DeFi, GameFi, RWA, Infrastructure, or other emerging areas as long as it leverages Cardano technology and produces on-chain transactions. Special priority will be given to impactful categories such as DeFi, DePIN, and Developer Tools, ensuring alignment with key growth areas. This approach offers builders not only the freedom to innovate but also the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a thriving Cardano ecosystem in Vietnam.

[Your Project and Solution] Impact

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

The success of Cardano Ideathon 2025 will deliver core, long-term value to the Cardano community, particularly within the high-potential Vietnamese market, in the following ways:

Expanding and enriching the builder ecosystem in Vietnam: The project serves as a gateway to attract a new wave of developers, students, and tech enthusiasts into the Cardano ecosystem. By lowering the entry barrier and creating a dynamic playground, we will transform initial curiosity into tangible contributions, thereby building a strong and sustainable local builder community.

Fostering innovation and creating practical solutions: The Ideathon will be the genesis for innovative ideas and groundbreaking products on Cardano. Instead of stopping at theory, we encourage projects capable of generating on-chain transactions, focusing on strategic areas like DeFi, DePIN, and Developer Tools. This will not only increase network activity but also solve real-world problems, showcasing the capabilities of Cardano's technology.

Enhancing Cardano's presence and awareness in Vietnam: A successful event will create significant buzz, boosting Cardano's image and recognition in Vietnam. It will position Cardano not just as a digital asset but as a robust technology platform for innovators, thereby attracting more users, investors, and strategic partners.

Creating a pipeline of potential projects for Catalyst and VCs: The Ideathon will identify and showcase the best ideas and teams. These projects will become a pipeline of high-quality candidates for larger funding programs like Project Catalyst or venture capital firms within the ecosystem, directly contributing to Cardano's overall growth.

How will you measure this impact?

We will use a hybrid approach to measure our impact, combining both quantitative and qualitative metrics:

Quantitative metrics:

Number of participants: Total number of registrations and active participants throughout the event.

Number of ideas/projects submitted: Measuring the level of engagement and creativity within the community.

Number of projects continuing development post-event: This is the most crucial indicator of the Ideathon's long-term impact. We will track teams for 3-6 months following the event.

Social media engagement: Reach, mentions, and the level of discussion about the event across various channels.

Qualitative metrics:

Participant feedback surveys: Collecting feedback on program quality, organizational support, and the value participants received.

Quality and feasibility of ideas: As assessed by our panel of industry expert judges.

Media coverage: Articles, blog posts, or positive discussions about the event within the community.

Partnerships formed: The quantity and quality of new collaborations formed between participants, speakers, and partners after the event.

How will you share the outputs and opportunities that result from your project?

We are committed to widely sharing the outcomes of this project to maximize its impact:

Public announcements and a wrap-up report:

We will announce the winning teams and standout projects through blog posts, social media (Twitter, Facebook), and on both local and international Cardano community channels.

A comprehensive post-event report will be published, including key statistics, analysis of idea trends, and lessons learned. This report will serve as a valuable resource for the community.

Connecting potential projects with ecosystem resources:

We will proactively introduce the top teams to incubators, venture capital (VC) firms, and Cardano's funding programs, especially Project Catalyst.

We will organize networking sessions to give teams the opportunity to pitch their ideas directly to potential investors and partners.

Community building and continued engagement:

A dedicated communication channel (e.g., Discord/Telegram) will be established for all participants to continue connecting, learning, and collaborating after the event.

[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?

Nera has an established track record of building and nurturing communities in Vietnam through high-impact blockchain events. Our team has successfully organized numerous workshops, hackathons, and educational programs across major cities, consistently engaging developers, students, and professionals. These activities demonstrate our ability to deliver projects transparently and at scale, with strong community participation and positive feedback.

Our credibility is further reinforced by our collaborative approach: we work openly with partners, share progress updates with stakeholders, and ensure that all deliverables are accessible to the community. This commitment builds trust and accountability within both the local and global Cardano ecosystem.

Feasibility & Validation

• We will validate feasibility through an iterative event model:
• Proven Methodology: Using tested workflows from past workshops and hackathons to minimize risk and ensure smooth execution.
• Community Feedback Loops: Gathering real-time input from participants and partners to refine formats and content.
• Transparent Reporting: Publishing event results, participant statistics, and financial reports to ensure accountability.
• Scalability Testing: Starting with smaller workshops and scaling to larger hackathons, validating demand and logistics step by step.

With this approach, we ensure that our project is both practical and impactful, grounded in real community needs and validated through continuous engagement.

[Milestones] Project Milestones

Milestone Title

Planning and preparation

Milestone Outputs

• A comprehensive community needs assessment report for the Cardano ideathon, including surveys, interviews, and detailed analysis of pain points, expectations, and opportunities.
• A complete list of organizing team members, with clear roles, professional backgrounds, and responsibilities in areas such as event design, technical support, and community engagement.
• Signed memorandum of understanding or formal partnership agreements with at least 3 industry partners, universities, or blockchain organizations to ensure resources, visibility, and credibility for the ideathon.

Acceptance Criteria

• The community needs report is completed, formatted, and published openly for transparency, with at least 10 pages of documented research findings.
• The organizing team must include at least 5 members who demonstrate proven expertise in blockchain, event management, and startup incubation, each with defined roles.
• At least 3 signed partnership agreements with industry partners or related organizations, uploaded in accessible format and shared with the community.

Evidence of Completion

• Public link to the full community needs assessment report hosted on GitHub, official website, or a public repository.
• A published organizing team list including profiles, bios, and contact details to demonstrate accountability and expertise.
• Partnership agreements scanned or uploaded in PDF format, accessible to the community via official communication channels.

Delivery Month

1

Cost

12000

Progress

10 %

Milestone Title

Organizing and promoting

Milestone Outputs

• An online and offline promotional campaign with social media posts, press releases, and community outreach to attract diverse participants.
• A functional online registration platform with user-friendly design, enabling easy sign up, participant management, and secure data collection.
• At least 2 orientation or preparatory workshop sessions conducted before the event, providing guidance on ideathon themes, Cardano technology, and participation rules.

Acceptance Criteria

• At least 200 participants successfully registered for the ideathon through the official platform before the event deadline.
• The registration website or application is fully functional, tested, and stable, including features for participant tracking and communication.
• At least 2 workshops organized, properly documented, and shared with the community to ensure accessibility and transparency.

Evidence of Completion

• Links to promotional materials such as posters, banners, press releases, and announcements published on social media platforms.
• List of registered participants exported from the registration platform, anonymized for privacy but showing numbers and engagement.
• Recorded videos of workshops, recap articles, or slide decks made available to the public on GitHub, YouTube, or the official site.

Delivery Month

3

Cost

12000

Progress

30 %

Milestone Title

Ideathon event execution

Milestone Outputs

• A fully organized ideathon event held either onsite, hybrid, or online, designed to encourage collaboration, creativity, and blockchain-based innovation.
• Technical and logistical support system established for participating teams, including mentorship, troubleshooting, and real-time communication.
• A jury panel assembled, consisting of blockchain experts, startup mentors, and industry professionals to ensure fair and professional evaluation.

Acceptance Criteria

• The ideathon is executed over a minimum of 48 hours, with at least 20 participating teams submitting proposals or concept solutions.
• Jury panel includes at least 3 recognized experts with backgrounds in blockchain, business development, or innovation ecosystems.
• The entire event is livestreamed or recorded, with sessions uploaded for public access and future learning.

Evidence of Completion

• Photos, videos, and detailed event report documenting the ideathon activities, participation, and outcomes.
• Official list of participating teams and their submitted projects, stored and shared via GitHub or public repository.
• Jury evaluation records, including scoring sheets, feedback, and public announcement of winning teams and ideas.

Delivery Month

4

Cost

12000

Progress

60 %

Milestone Title

Evaluation and wrap up

Milestone Outputs

• A comprehensive ideathon summary report detailing event results, participation data, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• Feedback collected from participants, mentors, and jury members using structured surveys and interviews to assess satisfaction and outcomes.
• Public announcement of results, lessons learned, and recommendations for future ideathon or innovation events within the Cardano ecosystem.

Acceptance Criteria

• Summary report completed and made publicly available, including detailed documentation of activities, winners, and statistical analysis.
• Feedback successfully collected from at least 70% of registered participants, analyzed, and presented in the report.
• Results of the ideathon and key takeaways are transparently announced on the official website, social media, or community channels.

Evidence of Completion

• Public link to the summary report hosted on GitHub, Cardano forum, or official website for community access.
• Survey forms, collected data, and compiled analysis available in open formats such as spreadsheets or PDFs.
• Screenshots, links, or recordings of public result announcements shared with the Cardano community.

Delivery Month

6

Cost

12000

Progress

90 %

Milestone Title

Post ideathon follow up and support

Milestone Outputs

• A structured mentorship program designed to support promising projects identified during the ideathon, with clear objectives and timelines.
• Open meetings (online or offline) organized to track the progress of supported teams, share resources, and encourage community collaboration.
• Sustained community ecosystem activities after the ideathon, ensuring continuity, networking, and opportunities for long-term growth.

Acceptance Criteria

• At least 3 promising projects receive mentorship, resources, or technical support within 2 months after the ideathon.
• A minimum of 2 follow-up meetings held with participating teams, properly recorded and documented for transparency.
• Support resources, educational materials, and progress reports made publicly available to benefit the wider Cardano community.

Evidence of Completion

• Meeting minutes, official notes, or recorded videos of mentorship and follow-up sessions published online.
• Progress reports from supported teams detailing achievements, milestones, and challenges since the ideathon.
• Public documentation and shared resources uploaded to GitHub or official website for accessibility.

Delivery Month

8

Cost

12000

Progress

100 %

[Final Pitch] Budget & Costs

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

[BUDGET & COSTS] Cost Breakdown

Prizes for winning ideas – ₳18,000

(1st prize: ₳8,000, 2nd prize: ₳6,000, 3rd prize: ₳4,000)

Workshops & Training Sessions – ₳6,000

(covering speaker fees, preparation of training materials, and running orientation sessions)

Mentorship & Advisory Support – ₳7,000

(mentors and advisors to guide participants during ideathon and post-event follow-up)

Event Marketing & Community Engagement – ₳6,000

(social media campaigns, graphics, ads, newsletters, outreach to universities and startups)

Participant Support & Logistics – ₳8,000

(light catering for participants, online collaboration tools, technical setup for hybrid/online participation)

Venue & Online Platform Costs – ₳5,000

(physical venue for ideathon sessions + online tools for hybrid setup, streaming, and participant management)

Merchandise & Branding – ₳4,000

(T-shirts, banners, posters, and branding for visibility in the community)

Organizing Team Compensation – ₳6,000

(for 5 core organizers handling marketing, coordination, design, and administration)

Total: ₳60,000

[Final Pitch] Value for Money

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

The proposed budget represents strong value for the Cardano ecosystem because it is strategically allocated to maximize both immediate and long-term impact. By dedicating a significant portion of funding to prizes, the program incentivizes innovation and attracts high-quality participants who are motivated to develop practical solutions on Cardano. At the same time, resources for workshops, mentorship, and advisory support ensure that these ideas are not only generated but also nurtured into viable prototypes with real-world potential.

Investment in marketing, logistics, and hybrid event infrastructure allows the initiative to reach a wide and diverse audience, extending Cardano’s visibility among builders, students, and entrepreneurs who may not yet be engaged with the ecosystem. This creates a pipeline of new contributors who can continue to add value beyond the event itself. Furthermore, the modest allocation to merchandise, branding, and team compensation ensures professional delivery while keeping costs efficient.

Overall, for a total of 60,000 ADA, the project delivers measurable ecosystem growth by fostering innovation, strengthening community engagement, and positioning Cardano as a platform that actively supports builders. The balance between direct participant incentives and ecosystem-wide outreach demonstrates cost-effectiveness and long-term return on investment for the community.

[Required Acknowledgements] Consent & Confirmation

Terms and Conditions:

Yes