Last updated 3 months ago
Lack of a Cardano hub in Ireland limits academic research, innovation, and community engagement within universities. Let´s kick start something and create a safe space for learning #ada #cardano
Establish a Cardano hub in an Irish university to foster research, education, and community engagement, connecting academia with the global Cardano ecosystem.
Please provide your proposal title
Cardano Hub at Irish University learn cardano + web3 ADA3
Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA
60000
Please specify how many months you expect your project to last
6
Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated
No
Original Language
en
What is the problem you want to solve?
Lack of a Cardano hub in Ireland limits academic research, innovation, and community engagement within universities. Let´s kick start something and create a safe space for learning #ada #cardano
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
Please provide details on the intellectual property (IP) status of your project outputs, including whether they will be released as open source or retained under another licence.
Open source
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: University students, professors, researchers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and Cardano community members in Ireland.
How We’ll Reach Them: Ten events (online or in-person) in partnership with a university, supported by social media campaigns, academic outreach, and collaboration with associations and innovation hubs.
Why This Matters: Integrates Cardano into academic and professional contexts, strengthens local engagement, and builds collaborations.
Impact: At least 100 participants, new wallets created, ADA transactions initiated, and lasting partnerships established
Provide a list of key activities of your project:
Educational Sessions & Workshops: 10 events (online or in-person) on Cardano fundamentals, governance, and applications, shaped by partnerships for wider reach.
Content: Tutorials, guides, and recorded sessions in English via the Hub’s platform, plus monthly articles and event summaries.
Engagement: Q&A and networking after events, plus an online community channel for discussions and mentorship.
Metrics: At least 100 participants, 30% knowledge growth, and 50% retention through follow-up activities.
What are your success metrics?
Minimum of 100 unique participants engaged across 10 events (online and/or in-person).
At least 30% average increase in Cardano-related knowledge, measured through pre- and post-event assessments.
50% participant retention rate, with attendees joining follow-up activities or remaining active in the Hub’s community channels.
Establishment of new collaborations with local organizations, universities, or community groups in Ireland.
Consistent production and publication of all planned content (articles, event summaries, and recordings) within agreed timelines.
Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem
The Cardano Hub at Irish University will be a dedicated space to bring the Cardano ecosystem closer to the academic environment in Ireland, strengthening connections between students, professors, researchers, companies, and the global blockchain community. The proposal arises from the recognition that, despite the country’s potential for innovation and research, there is currently no organized structure within Irish universities that promotes education, development, and collaboration around Cardano technology.
Through a partnership with a local university, the Hub will hold two events per month, which may be online or in-person, according to the academic calendar of the institution. These meetings will include lectures, workshops, discussions on decentralized governance, and presentations of use cases, always seeking to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. The program will be designed to attract different areas of study and encourage interdisciplinary research involving blockchain, artificial intelligence, and new forms of governance.
To expand its reach and engage not only the university audience but also the broader community, the project will create official social media channels and its own website. These channels will serve to share the event schedule, make educational materials available, publish research results, and promote joint initiatives with other universities and international hubs. This online presence will allow the Hub’s impact to go beyond the walls of the institution, connecting Ireland to the global Cardano ecosystem.
The project will directly benefit students and professors, who will have access to new content, tools, and opportunities to participate in research and impactful projects, as well as entrepreneurs and professionals who will find in the Hub a reference point to explore solutions based on Cardano. By creating a permanent space for knowledge exchange and innovation, the Hub will contribute to strengthening Cardano’s presence in Europe, generating long-lasting and sustainable results.
Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community
The Cardano Hub at Irish University will expand Cardano’s presence in Europe by integrating the ecosystem into an academic environment that fosters innovation, research, and community growth. By connecting students, professors, researchers, and professionals with the global Cardano community, the project will create a pipeline of skilled individuals capable of contributing to the network’s long-term adoption and technological advancement.
The success of the project will be measured both quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative metrics will include the number of events held, total participants, growth of the Hub’s online community, and partnerships established with external organizations. Qualitative indicators will include feedback from participants and evidence of partnerships between the university and external organizations.
The outputs and opportunities generated by the Hub will be shared through multiple channels: official social media platforms, the Hub’s dedicated website, and contributions to Cardano community platforms. This will ensure that the knowledge, research, and solutions developed at the Hub are accessible not only to the Irish community but also to Cardano members worldwide, amplifying the project’s impact and fostering global collaboration.
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.
Back in Ireland, Maria aims to replicate the successful Brazilian model, adapting it to the local context and leveraging her experience in designing and coordinating high-impact activities. 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.
Impact will be measured both quantitatively (number of events held, audience participation, online community growth, and new partnerships established) and qualitatively, through participant feedback and engagement records. All results and opportunities will be shared via official social media channels, the Hub’s website, and Cardano community platforms, ensuring global visibility and encouraging international collaboration.
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:
Online and in-person workshops.
Informative content on Substack.
Tutorial videos in Portuguese.
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
Project Planning and Setup
Milestone Outputs
Comprehensive project plan for the next 5 months, detailing 2 events per month (online or in-person) in coordination with the partner university’s schedule.
Defined event formats, topics, and target audiences.
Creation of official social media channels.
Development of the Hub’s website structure with basic institutional information.
Identification and initial contact with potential partners and speakers.
Acceptance Criteria
Final project plan approved, including detailed schedule and responsibilities.
Social media channels created and active.
Website published with at least an introductory page about the Hub.
Evidence of outreach to a minimum of 3 potential partners.
Evidence of Completion
Document with the full project plan and event calendar.
Links to active social media profiles.
Link to the Hub’s live website.
Copies of outreach communications.
Delivery Month
1
Cost
18000
Progress
10 %
Milestone Title
Launch and First Events
Milestone Outputs
Official launch of the Cardano Hub at Irish University.
Execution of the first 2 events (online or in-person) according to the planned schedule.
Publication of event materials (presentations, summaries, recordings when possible) on the Hub’s website and social media channels.
Collection of participant feedback for continuous improvement.
Acceptance Criteria
Launch event completed with documented attendance.
Two events executed, each aligned with the Hub’s educational and community-building goals.
Event materials made publicly available.
Feedback collected from at least 50% of participants.
Evidence of Completion
Attendance lists or screenshots of online participation.
Links to event materials published online.
Feedback forms or survey reports.
Delivery Month
2
Cost
12000
Progress
30 %
Milestone Title
Event Expansion and Community Engagement
Milestone Outputs
Execution of 2 new events (online or in-person) in alignment with the partner university’s agenda.
Introduction of networking activities to strengthen connections among participants.
Publication of educational content related to Cardano, produced from event discussions.
Growth strategy for social media engagement implemented.
Acceptance Criteria
Two events executed with documented attendance and positive feedback.
Networking opportunities integrated into the events.
At least one educational content piece published (article, video, or guide).
Increase in social media engagement compared to the previous month.
Evidence of Completion
Attendance lists or participation records.
Documentation of networking sessions (photos, agendas).
Links to published educational content.
Social media analytics reports.
Delivery Month
3
Cost
12000
Progress
40 %
Milestone Title
Strategic Partnerships and Advanced Events
Milestone Outputs
Execution of 2 new events (online or in-person) focused on advanced Cardano topics and practical applications.
Formalization of at least 2 institutional partnerships to support the Hub’s activities.
Publication of partnership announcements and related activities on the Hub’s website and social media.
Collection of participant feedback to guide the final project phase.
Acceptance Criteria
Two events delivered, each with advanced-level content or practical demonstrations.
Signed agreements or documented confirmations from at least 2 new partners.
Public announcements of partnerships made online.
Feedback collected from at least 50% of participants.
Evidence of Completion
Attendance lists or participation records.
Partnership agreements or official confirmation documents.
Links to announcements and online posts.
Feedback reports.
Delivery Month
4
Cost
9000
Progress
70 %
Milestone Title
Final Events and Project Report
Milestone Outputs
Execution of the last 2 events (online or in-person) in alignment with the partner university’s agenda.
Consolidation of all project activities, including event records, materials, and participant feedback.
Preparation and delivery of a final report summarizing results, impact metrics, and lessons learned.
Public sharing of the final report and resources through the Hub’s website and Cardano community platforms.
Acceptance Criteria
Two final events executed with documented attendance.
Comprehensive final report delivered, including quantitative and qualitative impact data.
Final report and resources made publicly accessible.
Evidence of Completion
Attendance lists or participation records for the last events.
Final report document with annexes.
Links to the final report and resources published online.
Delivery Month
6
Cost
9000
Progress
100 %
Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources
Project Coordination (Maria Carmo) – 240 hours (40h/month × 6 months) (15,000 ADA).
Event & Logistics Coordination – 250 hours (25h/event × 10 events) (7,812 ADA).
Additional Event Hosts/Facilitators – 20 sessions (2 hosts × 10 events) (5,000 ADA).
Web Development & Maintenance – initial development (2,250 ADA) + 5 months maintenance (625 ADA) = (2,875 ADA).
Social Media Camp; Communications Management – 120 hours (20h/month × 6 months) (4,500 ADA).
Video Production & Editing – 150 hours (15h/event × 10 events) (4,687 ADA).
Community Liaison – 90 hours (15h/month × 6 months) (3,375 ADA).
Reports & Documentation – 100 hours (20h/report × 5 reports) (4,375 ADA).
Administrative Camp; Finance Support – 60 hours (10h/month × 6 months) (2,250 ADA).
Marketing & Outreach Materials – (1,750 ADA).
Technical Support for Hybrid Events – equipment setup, streaming, and technical support for in-person events with online broadcasting. Cost: (2,950 ADA).
Contingency (max 10%) – (5,426 ADA).
How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?
The Cardano Hub at Irish University offers strong value for the Cardano ecosystem by establishing a permanent bridge between academia, industry, and the Cardano community in Ireland. It will serve as a focal point for education, research, and collaboration, enabling long-term benefits well beyond the funded period.
The budget is structured so that each cost directly supports the project’s objectives, from event delivery and content creation to technical infrastructure, community engagement, and transparent reporting. Resources are allocated to guarantee high-quality execution of 10 events, a consistent online presence, and comprehensive documentation of results, in line with Catalyst’s accountability standards.
By embedding Cardano into the Irish academic context, the project will expand its visibility and credibility in the country, attract new participants and partners, and generate measurable outcomes that strengthen its position within the local ecosystem. The planned activities and outputs ensure that the investment translates into tangible and lasting value for the community.
I confirm that the proposal is a non-technical initiative, with ≤20% of the budget for tech support.
Yes
I confirm that the proposal provides verifiable evidence (portfolio, links, reports) of the team's ability to deliver the project.
Yes
I confirm that the proposer and all team members are in good standing with prior Catalyst projects.
Yes
I confirm that the proposal includes clear objectives with both Output Metrics (what proposal did) and Adoption-Focused Metrics (what effect proposal had).
Yes
I confirm that the proposal clearly explains the user journey and provides a credible plan for how the project will equip and motivate users for future on-chain activity.
Yes
I confirm that the initiative clearly demonstrates how it will grow the Cardano ecosystem or onboard users.
Yes
I confirm that the project plan and timeline (≤ 12 months) are realistic and well-defined.
Yes
I confirm that the proposal commits to public outputs and justifies any exceptions.
Yes
I confirm that the budget adheres to all policies: it is for future work, follows the merchandise rule, and excludes establishing local treasuries, incentives/giveaways, re-grants.
Yes
I Agree
Yes
Maria will be the central coordinator of the “Cardano Hub at Irish University” project. Her responsibilities will include managing the entire execution of the Hub — overseeing schedules, resources, and the team; coordinating events and institutional partnerships; and supervising the creation of educational content (tutorials, videos, articles) with a focus on decentralized governance and community engagement.
Profile and Experience
Cardano ecosystem pioneer – involved since Catalyst Fund 1, contributing to education and strategic content creation.
Co-founder of Lovelace Academy – a free educational platform on Cardano and Plutus, expanding access to programming and blockchain technology understanding.
Co-founder of GovChainLab – an initiative supported by the Intersect Education & Multimedia grant, producing online and in-person workshops, tutorial videos, and Substack articles on decentralized governance, significantly expanding Portuguese-language educational outreach.
Speaker at major events – presented at Cardano Summit 2022 and facilitated the CIP-1694 workshop in 2023.
Author of “Cardano for Beginners” course – available on Cardano Feed, providing practical and accessible education for newcomers to the network.
Social and community impact – led a free workshop in Vila Kennedy (Rio de Janeiro), bringing blockchain to underserved communities and helping establish a local DAO, demonstrating how technology can catalyze social transformation.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-carmo
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MariaCarmo369
X: https://x.com/MariaCarmo369
In addition to the Project Coordinator (Maria Carmo), the project may hire:
Event & Logistics Coordinator – to organize online and in-person events, manage schedules, and provide on-site support.
Web Developer / Webmaster – to build and maintain the Hub’s website, ensuring timely content updates.
Social Media & Communications Manager – to manage social channels, create campaigns, and ensure consistent community engagement.
Video Editor / Multimedia Specialist – to produce high-quality videos from events and workshops for online dissemination.
Community Liaison – to connect the Hub with local and global Cardano communities, fostering collaborations.
Administrative & Finance Assistant – to handle budget control, reporting, and accountability requirements.
Additional Event Hosts/Facilitators – to co-host and facilitate workshops or panels, providing specialized knowledge and enhancing audience interaction.
These roles will be recruited locally or remotely, depending on expertise, ensuring that all project activities are delivered to a high standard and within Catalyst’s transparency and accountability expectations.