Vietnam Unitour: Cardano Growth in Uni & Student Onboarding

[Proposal setup] Proposal title

Please provide your proposal title

Vietnam Unitour: Cardano Growth in Uni & Student Onboarding

[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

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?

Cardano awareness and education among university students in Vietnam remains low. We aim to close this gap and drive ADA adoption by introducing Cardano through targeted campus programs

[Proposal Summary] Supporting Documentation

Supporting links

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eh-3XmJr0P8rsWNp3PtQP0AF4gKv0eeh/view?usp=sharing
,
• https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DnAJ4neqc/
,
• https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16qrfzt4U9/
,
• https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1YPgpsGVZS/
,
• https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DCeTaQU3Q/

[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

Project will be fully open source

[Theme Selection] Theme

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

Community Outreach

[Campaign Category] Category Questions

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

We’re targeting Vietnam’s top university students in tech, business, and blockchain—future Web3 builders. Through 6 workshops and 6 meetups across major cities, we’ll directly engage 1,000+ students, supported by our 50+ university network. This matters for Cardano because Vietnam has Southeast Asia’s largest young tech talent pool, yet little Cardano exposure. Our program builds grassroots awareness, converts students into Cardano users, and positions Cardano competitively against other chains on campus.

Provide a list of key activities of your project?

• Host 6 Cardano-focused workshops at major universities (150+ students each)
• Organize 6 student onboarding meetups (30+ students each) after workshops
• Collaborate with Cardano experts to co-develop educational content
• Design and distribute workshop materials, banners, and recaps
• Collect feedback and survey data to measure impact
• Share all outputs openly on Cardano Forum
• Track KPIs: attendance, engagement, and conversions
• Refine format based on feedback to scale nationwide

What are your success metrics?

Impact Measurement Using Quantitative Indicators:

• Total number of students participating offline through activities
• Number of universities reaching out through unitour
• Number of online registrations through forms, landing pages, and social networks
• Total number of actual check-ins at workshop events
• Total number of new participants in community channels
• Total number of impressions/reaches from communication campaigns
• Number of interactions (likes, shares, comments)

[Your Project and Solution] Solution

Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem

Problem and Current Situation:

Despite Vietnam’s rapid growth in the blockchain sector, Cardano remains underrepresented among university students—future Web3 builders and innovators.

Key challenges include:

1. Cardano has limited presence in Vietnamese universities—the breeding ground for future Web3 builders. A lack of official offline Cardano events in Vietnamese universities.
2. Students have limited awareness of the Cardano ecosystem and decentralized governance (CIP1694).
3. There is little-to-no direct exposure to Cardano’s ecosystem and career opportunities in blockchain.
4. Collaboration between blockchain projects and Vietnamese educational institutions remains weak due to a knowledge gap and lack of credible facilitators.
5. Cardano risks missing out on Vietnam’s top tech talent if it doesn’t build early visibility and community roots among the student developer base.

Without proactive engagement, Cardano may miss the opportunity to onboard the next generation of high-potential developers emerging from Vietnam.

Proposed Solution:

We are establishing the Cardano BlockStar Community Hub in Vietnam, a platform to nurture the next generation of blockchain talent from universities. Our 2026 journey will launch with 12 flagship events, including 6 workshops at leading universities (3 in Ho Chi Minh City, 2 in Hanoi, and 1 in Danang) and 6 student onboarding meetups in Ho Chi Minh City as part of the Unitour series. These initiatives will serve as the foundation for nationwide expansion, with future stages extending to additional universities and student communities in Hanoi, Danang, and beyond.

With nearly 5 years of experience implementing educational programs, seminars, and meetups on blockchain at many major universities across the country, with 50+ member universities in Vietnam have signed MOU with us, Hub Network has become an effective connection between Vietnamese students and international blockchain projects. We are proud to have collaborated with Whiteboard Cardano - a project in the Cardano ecosystem - to implement activities at universities.

Hub Network signs cooperation agreement with universities in Vietnam

Hub Network activities at universities in Ho Chi Minh City

Hub Network activities at universities in Hanoi City

Hub Network activities at universities in Danang City

Building on this strong foundation, Hub Network, in collaboration with Cardano Vietnam (our co-proposer) and Ms. Ha Nguyen (Cardano Ambassador and Representative of Cardano Vietnam), will launch a nationwide program of Cardano-focused educational workshops and meetups. The initiative will include 6 university (member of Hub Network) workshops hosted across major cities and leading universities throughout Vietnam. Our plan follows a funnel approach (to be more measurable and convertible)—after university workshops, we will organize 6 meetups to onboard students (Cardano new users) and convert their interest into meaningful engagement with the Cardano ecosystem.

Proposed locations for events:

• Ho Chi Minh City: The economic powerhouse of Vietnam, home to numerous technology, engineering, IT, and blockchain companies. With a dense network of universities and an active student tech community, the city is ideal for launching Cardano education initiatives.
• Hanoi City: The capital, hosting government agencies, universities, and leading businesses in Northern Vietnam. It also has a large, research-driven student population engaged in finance, law, and computer science—well-suited for governance and blockchain learning.
• Danang City: Known as Vietnam’s most livable city, attracting major investors and industry leaders. It has a young, digital-native student population with universities embracing digital transformation.

University Workshop Scale: 150+ participants

Student Onboarding Meetup Scale: 30+ participants

Participants:

• Students from top universities majoring in Computer Science, IT, Blockchain, Technology, Business and Fintech.
• Cardano representatives, trainers, speakers, developers
• University leader representatives
• Lecturers
• Presidents and members of entrepreneurship, blockchain, AI, and developer clubs
• Student member of the Vietnam University Network of Innovation & Digital Transformation - Hub Network
• Early-career professionals

Importance for Cardano:

• Expand Cardano’s reach to future Web3 builders: Engage students to convert passive learners into active Cardano adopters, contributors, and community builders.
• Boost Cardano visibility among Vietnam’s youth: Strengthen Cardano’s brand as a leading blockchain ecosystem among students, startups, and tech communities.
• Establish long-term relationships with Vietnam’s leading universities to expand Cardano’s academic footprint.
• Embed Cardano into universities’ Web3 curricula: This project creates a repeatable, scalable format that universities can adopt or localize in the future.
• Cultivate technical talent for global Cardano projects: Deliver structured learning and exposure to real-world Cardano applications to help students build and contribute effectively.
• Trigger a new community loop for Catalyst & Intersect: Students inspired by Cardano will become proposers, voters, and community members in future Catalyst rounds.

Why is it essential to focus on educating Cardano in Vietnam?

1. Strong Crypto Adoption, Weak Cardano Awareness: Vietnam consistently ranks among the top countries in cryptocurrency adoption. Chainalysis' Global Crypto Adoption Index ranked Vietnam #5 in 2024 - demonstrating a deep-rooted public interest in blockchain technologies. However, Cardano still has limited mindshare among this rising crypto-native population, especially in educational institutions where most Web3 builders are shaped. (Source: https://shorturl.at/Fx6s0 )
2. Blockchain is a national strategic technology in Vietnam: The Vietnamese Prime Minister officially listed blockchain as one of the top strategic technologies in the National Digital Transformation Program to 2025, with a vision to 2030. This policy direction actively encourages blockchain education, research, and practical deployment—including integration with finance, agriculture, logistics, and public services. (Source: https://shorturl.at/DOp22 )
3. Blockchain Education Is Booming—But Cardano Is Underrepresented: Vietnam's universities have become a new battleground for blockchain ecosystems. Recognizing the country's deep developer talent pool, several blockchain protocols are aggressively building campus presence and developer pipelines:

• Solana has launched Superteam Vietnam, actively partnering with FPT University—one of Vietnam’s top tech institutions—to run workshops, student hackathons, and builder programs.
• Ethereum-based projects are regularly featured in university demo days and developer bootcamps.
• Chainlink and Aptos has rolled out education programs at institutions such as Hung Vuong Technical College, offering career pathways in oracle integration and smart contracts.

These ecosystems are not only educating—they are recruiting and localizing developer talent at the source. In sharp contrast, Cardano has no consistent educational footprint on Vietnamese campuses. This lack of presence creates a vacuum that competing chains are rapidly filling.

Source: https://reports.tiger-research.com/p/vn-developer-ecosystem-eng

4. Gap Between Blockchain Interest and Institutional Education: According to the Vietnam Developer Ecosystem Report 2024 by Tiger Research, 65% of students are interested in blockchain, but only 15% have access to formal training or hands-on experience. Most universities lack structured blockchain education, and Cardano content is virtually absent, creating a missed opportunity to engage future builders.

Source: https://reports.tiger-research.com/p/vn-developer-ecosystem-eng

5. Vietnam Has Southeast Asia’s Largest and Youngest Developer Base: Vietnam is home to the largest pool of developers in Southeast Asia, with over 530,000 IT professionals and 50,000–60,000 new tech graduates added annually. According to Tiger Research, 85% hold degrees in IT or related fields, and most are aged 20–34—an ideal demographic for onboarding into blockchain innovation. This vibrant, fast-growing talent pool represents a critical opportunity for Cardano to attract builders early and embed itself in one of the world’s top tech outsourcing hubs.

Source: https://topdev.vn/TopDev_VietnamITMarketReport2023_VietnamTechTalentsReport.pdf

[Your Project and Solution] Impact

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

Impact of Regularly Organized and Successfully Implemented University Workshops and Meetups on Cardano:

• Impact of a Nationwide Education and Community Program for Students and Developers on Cardano.
• Increases onboarding of young Web3 builders into the Cardano ecosystem through structured workshops, university talks, and open meetups.
• Bridges the gap between student curiosity and real-world Cardano exposure, accelerating the formation of future SPOs, Catalyst proposers, developers, and DReps.
• Strengthens Cardano’s grassroots presence in Vietnam, especially within university communities where competing chains are already active.
• Fosters meaningful collaborations between students, educators, and existing Cardano builders through direct interaction and shared projects.
• Lays the foundation for sustainable, campus-based Cardano communities, promoting long-term ecosystem engagement beyond the Catalyst funding cycle.
• Amplifies Cardano’s visibility in Southeast Asia by creating a replicable model of education-driven growth in emerging markets.
• Encourages diversity and local leadership within the global Cardano ecosystem, expanding Cardano’s contributor base to include more young and regional voices.

[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?

As Vice President of Hub Network - Vietnam's largest university network of Innovation and Digital Transformation, I have over 5 years of experience working with university leadership and coordinating innovation programs across 50 universities in Vietnam. From the early days of founding Hub Network, I’ve helped build a vibrant student and developer community of over 10,000 members nationwide. I have successfully led numerous forums, workshops, hackathons, exhibitions, and university roadshows, and have served as a key connector between global blockchain companies and Vietnamese academic institutions. This includes collaboration with well-known names like Bitget, The Sandbox, Hooked Protocol, Suzuverse, and Whiteboard Cardano—a project in the Cardano ecosystem with whom I previously supported a university unitour.

My background in finance, technology, and blockchain, combined with strong operational skills and community engagement experience, enables me to lead this project with deep understanding of both the technical ecosystem and the Vietnamese educational landscape. I also have an established working relationship with our advisor and implementation partner, ensuring strong coordination from planning through execution. I work closely with our co-proposer and project supporter Ms. Ha Nguyen (Cardano Ambassador) on blockchain and Cardano initiatives, ensuring strong coordination to expand Cardano’s presence in Vietnam through sustained engagement with young Web3 builders and Cardano community growth. Ms. Ha Nguyen is a Cardano Ambassador, DRep Pioneer Leader, Intersect Membership and Community Committee member, actively driving Cardano’s growth in Vietnam through governance advocacy, community building, and education. She manages Cardano communities with over 50,000 members and brings certified blockchain expertise (Emurgo, Cardano Foundation), multilingual communication skills, and strong connections with both local and global Cardano projects.

We work closely with Cardano developers and experts in the Cardano Vietnam community to design meaningful educational content, technical guidance, and hands-on activities for students. Their insights help us tailor our programs to align with real-world blockchain applications and Cardano’s ecosystem roadmap.

We have successfully organized previous Web3 workshops, competitions, and events at universities with high proven track records (you can read more on our Hub Network deck here: https://shorturl.at/K9Lh0

• Hub Network signs cooperation agreement with universities in Vietnam: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FRewJ8u4f/
• Workshop Web3 Blockchain Unitour and Competition:

1. Ho Chi Minh City of Technology: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DnAJ4neqc/
2. University of Science, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19n7ZKCzJa/
3. Nguyen Tat Thanh University: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B1nu7aLVb/
4. Nong Lam University: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16RX1zX3aQ/
5. International University: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AqYCocy9M/
6. Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CE7S1siwH/
7. And many more...

• BlockAIverse Forum: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AyAiVFUQh/
• Hub Challenge - Global Innovation Challenge: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/173dac5Tbr/
• Workshop Project Management and Blockchain Technology: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AyV4GXuZG/
• GM Vietnam Blockchain Week: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AwkmYq2D7/

Validation of Feasibility

To ensure effective financial management, we will adopt the following strategies:

• Budget Planning: We will meticulously allocate funds for development, operations, and marketing activities.
• Transparent Cost Tracking: Maintaining clear records of all expenses will promote accountability and visibility.
• Regular Reporting: Regular reports will help us evaluate financial performance and guide our decisions.

Impact Measurement Using Quantitative Indicators:

• Total number of students participating offline through activities
• Number of universities reaching out through unitour
• Number of online registrations through forms, landing pages, and social networks
• Total number of actual check-ins at workshop events
• Total number of new participants in community channels
• Total number of impressions/reaches from communication campaigns
• Number of interactions (likes, shares, comments)

Transparency and communication are fundamental to us. We prioritize open dialogue with all stakeholders, provide regular updates, and foster a collaborative atmosphere so that everyone is involved in the project’s progress.

[Milestones] Project Milestones

Milestone Title

Milestone 1: Event planning and implementation

Milestone Outputs

Milestone Outputs

• Comprehensive plan.
• Images of posters, banners, marketing materials.
• Event notifications and workshop/meetup links.
• Event recaps, posted and shared across platforms such as X, Facebook, and Telegram.
• Survey results from the events.

Acceptance Criteria

Acceptance criteria

• Successful completion of 2 university workshops and 2 meetup events.
• Positive feedback collected from event participants.
• Implementation of suggested improvements for future events.

Evidence of Completion

Evidence of completion

• Comprehensive plan
• Links to recaps and discussions of the workshop and meetup events on the social media platforms
• Photographs and digital copies of all marketing materials and event notifications.
• Compiled survey results and feedback from event attendees.
• Documentation of improvements made based on feedback.

Delivery Month

4

Cost

18000

Progress

30 %

Milestone Title

Milestone 2: Event planning and implementation

Milestone Outputs

Milestone Outputs

• Recaps (Articles with photos and video) of offline workshops and meetup events, to be posted and shared across X, Facebook, and Telegram.
• Survey results following the events.
• Images of posters, banners, marketing materials.
• Event notifications and workshop/meetup links.

Acceptance Criteria

Acceptance criteria

• Successful organization of 2 university workshops and 2 regular meetup events.
• Collection of meaningful feedback from event participants.
• Identification and documentation of improvements for future events.

Evidence of Completion

Evidence of completion

• Links to recaps and discussions of the workshop and meetup events on the social media platforms
• Photographs and digital copies of all marketing materials and event notifications.
• Compiled survey results and feedback from attendees
• Documentation of suggested improvements based on feedback

Delivery Month

4

Cost

18000

Progress

30 %

Milestone Title

Milestone 3: Event planning and implementation

Milestone Outputs

Milestone Outputs

• Recaps (Articles with photos and video) of offline workshops and meetup events, to be posted and shared across X, Facebook, and Telegram.
• Survey results following the events.
• Images of posters, banners, marketing materials
• Event notifications and workshop/meetup links.

Acceptance Criteria

Acceptance criteria

• Successful organization of 2 university workshops and 2 regular meetup events.
• Collection of actionable feedback from event participants.
• Continuous evaluation and implementation of improvements for future events.

Evidence of Completion

Evidence of completion

• Links to recaps and discussions of the meetup events on the social media platforms
• Compiled survey results and feedback from attendees
• Photographs and digital copies of all marketing materials and event notifications.
• Documentation of suggested improvements based on feedback

Delivery Month

3

Cost

18000

Progress

30 %

Milestone Title

Milestone 4: Evaluation and Reporting

Milestone Outputs

Milestone Outputs

• Project Completion Report: Create a final report of the project in terms of achievements or results, overall participant activity level, and best practices observed.
• Project Completion Video: Produce a video no longer than 5 minutes in length detailing the results/ outcomes and participants’ experiences.

Acceptance Criteria

Acceptance criteria

• A comprehensive final closeout report will be compiled, summarizing all activities, outcomes, metrics, and lessons learned, and will be made publicly accessible to the Cardano community for transparency and reference.
• A final closeout video will be produced, showcasing event highlights, student testimonials, and project impact, and will be publicly shared across Cardano Forum and social media platforms to celebrate results and ensure visibility.

Evidence of Completion

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 workshops, meetups, student engagement, and key achievements throughout the project

Delivery Month

1

Cost

6000

Progress

10 %

[Final Pitch] Budget & Costs

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Funding support from Catalyst: 60,000 ADA (Total budget: 98,229 ADA)

The total projected budget to host 6 University Workshops (150 participants each) and 6 Student Onboarding Meetups (30 participants each) is 98,229 ADA.

We respectfully request 60,000 ADA funding support from Catalyst, while the remaining 38,229 ADA will be raised through local sponsors, technology enterprises, and Cardano projects that seek direct access to universities and student communities.

This co-funding model has three key benefits:

• Risk-sharing and commitment – By bringing in local corporate sponsors, we diversify funding sources and ensure Catalyst funds are effectively leveraged.
• Industry engagement – Having external sponsors (tech enterprises, Cardano projects) directly involved ensures more experts, practitioners, and potential employers join the events, enhancing practical value for students.
• Cardano ecosystem expansion – It fosters stronger connections between Cardano Vietnam – Hub Network, universities, and enterprises, making Cardano a visible and attractive choice for young developers.

Anticipated attendance is 150 participants per university workshop. Anticipated attendance is 30 participants per student onboarding meetups.

Please see the breakdown budget in the below.

A total of 12 events will be hosted.

For University Workshops: 6 Events

• Ho Chi Minh City: 3 events
• Hanoi City: 2 events
• Danang City: 1 event

For Student Onboarding Meetups in HCMC: 6 Events

Budget Details: See more here https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ymL1GOyWwXOP8HA_vkqO7WFqyoaC-rXfxUvjgi17itE/edit?usp=sharing

1. University Workshops (6 events, 150 participants each)

• MC = 1 person × 428.5 ADA × 6 events = 2,571 ADA
• Speakers = 3 people × 428.6 ADA × 6 events = 7,714 ADA
• Design = 428.5 ADA × 6 events = 2,571 ADA
• Filming & Photography = 714.3 ADA × 6 events = 4,286 ADA
• Event Communication = 2 people × 571.42 ADA × 6 events = 6,857 ADA
• Standee = 4 pieces × 57.125 ADA × 6 events = 1,371 ADA
• Gifts = 150 pieces × 14.286 ADA × 6 events = 12,857 ADA
• Venue Rental = 857.16 ADA × 6 events = 5,143 ADA
• Airfare & Business Trip = 3 people × 1,714.3 ADA × 3 events = 15,429 ADA
• Supporter Salary = 4 people × 428.58 ADA × 6 events = 10,286 ADA
• Management Fee = 3 people × 1,142.9 ADA × 3 events = 10,286 ADA

2. Student Onboarding Meetups (6 events, 30 participants each)

• Speakers (Cardano Trainers): 3 people x 428.56 ADA x 6 events = 7,714 ADA
• Tea & Cake = 30 people x 14.28 ADA x 6 events = 2,571 ADA
• Venue Rental = 285.67 ADA x 6 events = 1,714 ADA

(Exchange rate ADAUSD: 0.8 ADA)

[Final Pitch] Value for Money

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

• Strategic Leverage: This project directly targets Vietnam’s university student population—one of the most important long-term growth segments for Cardano. It builds early awareness, technical competency, and ecosystem alignment among the next generation of developers, proposers, and DReps. Investing in this audience now yields compounding ecosystem returns in the form of sustained community growth, Catalyst engagement, and builder participation.
• Proven Infrastructure & Execution Model: Our program builds upon existing infrastructure and relationships—Hub Network’s active presence in 50+ universities and past partnerships with projects like Whiteboard Cardano. We are not starting from scratch. This reduces risk and increases delivery efficiency. Our team has already demonstrated the ability to deliver impactful blockchain education with measurable outcomes.
• Budget Efficiency & Cost Justification: The proposed budget has been carefully calculated based on actual historical costs of prior workshops and university events in Vietnam. All cost components—venue, materials, logistics, communications, personnel—are aligned with local market rates and reflect competitive benchmarks. Our workshop model is designed for scalability and reuse, ensuring that every dollar spent delivers both immediate educational impact and long-term value.
• High ROI per Participant: Each workshop is expected to reach 150+ students, and each meetup 30+ participants. With a nationwide rollout, the cost per participant is significantly lower than comparable Web3 education initiatives in other regions, especially considering the depth of content and long-term onboarding potential. This makes the project extremely cost-effective in relation to expected ecosystem contribution.
• Local Ecosystem Multiplier Effect: Beyond education, this project activates and strengthens Cardano-aligned communities at a local level. By embedding Cardano workshops into university ecosystems and connecting students with speakers, mentors, and builders, we create a sustained multiplier effect: universities are more likely to adopt Cardano in their tech curriculum, student clubs continue organizing follow-up events, and more student-led initiatives are sparked organically—all without additional cost to the ecosystem.
• Strategic Positioning Against Competing Chains: Vietnam’s top universities are increasingly being targeted by competing blockchain ecosystems (e.g., Solana Superteam, Chainlink developer programs). This project ensures Cardano does not lose visibility or influence in this critical market. With relatively modest funding, we establish Cardano’s presence as an early mover in university blockchain education—positioning it as a credible and competitive choice for students, developers, and institutions considering Web3 paths.

[Required Acknowledgements] Consent & Confirmation

Terms and Conditions:

Yes