Last updated a month ago
The growing interest in Cardano in Mexican universities is not accompanied by training programs in Midnight, hindering the creation of Compact DApps and new communities of desarroladores in Cardano.
Implement university workshops on Midnight to train students, build communities, and enable the development of Compact DApps through academic partnerships that drive its adoption.
Please provide your proposal title
Midnight University Alliance: Compact DApps Initiative
Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA
60000
Please specify how many months you expect your project to last
11
Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated
No
Original Language
en
What is the problem you want to solve?
The growing interest in Cardano in Mexican universities is not accompanied by training programs in Midnight, hindering the creation of Compact DApps and new communities of desarroladores in Cardano.
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
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.
everything will be shared
Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal
Training
Who you’re targeting, how you’ll reach them, and why this matters for Cardano?
The proposal is aimed at students and faculty from 6 universities in central Mexico who already show interest in blockchain but lack training in Midnight. We will reach them through institutional agreements and in-person workshops designed to introduce them to Compact DApp development. This is important for Cardano because it opens a new talent pipeline, strengthens sustainable university communities, and positions Midnight as a reference technology in academic environments, expanding the future base of developers and contributors to the ecosystem.
Provide a list of key activities of your project:
• Establishment of academic agreements with 6 strategic universities.
• Development of the official educational program on Midnight and Compact DApps.
• Delivery of 4 in-person workshops per university (theory + practice).
• Initial formation of Cardano–Midnight university communities.
• Guided activities to ideate and structure Compact DApps.
• Distribution of Cardano merchandise and guides.
• Follow-up with students who show potential to continue creating projects.
What are your success metrics?
• 6 universities formally incorporated into the program.
• 120 students trained in the fundamentals of Midnight.
• 6 new active university communities connected to Cardano.
• 24 students acquiring skills to create Compact DApps.
• Formation of 3 student teams ready to develop and present projects in future Project Catalyst rounds.
• Evidence of academic adoption: related activities, projects, or classes.
• 80% student satisfaction recorded through surveys.
• Continued student participation in Cardano–Midnight ecosystem technological initiatives.
Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem
The proposal establishes a strategic university partnership that introduces Midnight technology in 6 key institutions across central Mexico. Through a structured program of four in-person workshops per university, students learn everything from essential privacy concepts to the practical construction of Compact DApps.
This solution transforms academic interest into real technical capability. It not only teaches it creates talent, activates communities, and opens space for student-driven innovation. Involving faculty, administrators, and academic coordinators ensures that the training is not an isolated event but a process with institutional continuity.
The outcome is clear: new university communities connected to Cardano, students trained in an emerging technology, and 3 teams capable of developing Compact DApps, demonstrating that the adoption of Midnight can grow from universities and extend into the global ecosystem.
Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community
This project positions Cardano and Midnight within one of the sectors with the greatest growth potential: Mexican universities. By introducing specialized training in Midnight, a clear pathway is created for students to progress from curiosity to the real construction of Compact DApps, generating direct and sustainable benefits for the ecosystem.
The impact will be visible, measurable, and scalable thanks to clear indicators that demonstrate tangible results. The creation of university communities, technical training, and the formation of teams capable of initiating real projects ensure that this program leaves a deep mark on Cardano’s adoption in the region.
Impact KPIs
1.- 6 participating universities with confirmed agreements.
2.- 120 students trained in the fundamentals of Midnight.
3.- 6 active Cardano–Midnight university communities established.
4.- 24 students developing practical skills in Compact DApps.
5.- 3 student teams formed to initiate Compact DApp projects.
6.- 80% satisfaction rate in end-of-workshop surveys.
7.- 6 feedback sessions with faculty and coordinators on future academic integration.
8.- 1 initial academic network connecting all participating universities.
This set of metrics clearly demonstrates how the project contributes to Cardano’s growth: developing talent, generating innovation, and expanding institutional adoption of one of its most strategic technologies Midnight.
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 project is highly feasible due to direct experience working with Mexican universities, established institutional relationships, and a proven track record of participating in Cardano educational initiatives, such as Azteca 2025. Having formal contacts primarily university liaison officers ensures access, attendance, logistics, and institutional support from day one.
The approach is designed to guarantee measurable outcomes:
A tested and replicable educational program.
Continuous assessments to ensure comprehension.
Personalized follow-up for the 24 most outstanding students.
Formation of 3 teams capable of building initial Compact DApps.
This model combines education, community building, and innovation, ensuring that each university not only receives workshops but becomes an active hub within the Cardano ecosystem. The structure, experience, and existing institutional network make it possible to deliver the project with confidence, accountability, and a high probability of success.
Milestone Title
Formalization of Agreements and Preparation of the Educational Program
Milestone Outputs
During this milestone, partnerships with the 6 universities will be consolidated through formal agreements. The educational program composed of 4 in person sessions covering the fundamentals of Midnight, privacy, security, and basic concepts of Compact DApps, will also be finalized. In addition, the activity schedule will be defined, and all required educational materials will be prepared.
Acceptance Criteria
All 6 agreements must be signed by the participating institutions.
The training program must be fully structured and divided into clear modules.
Each university must have confirmed dates, physical spaces, and schedules.
Evidence of Completion
Copies of the signed agreements.
PDF document of the educational program.
Official workshop calendar.
Folder with materials and resources ready for use.
Delivery Month
3
Cost
25000
Progress
40 %
Milestone Title
Delivery of 24 In-Person Workshops on Midnight and Compact DApps
Milestone Outputs
During this milestone, the 24 workshops will be delivered across the 6 participating universities, completing the 4 sessions scheduled for each institution. Students will receive both theoretical and practical training, working with fundamental concepts of privacy, using Midnight, and initiating the creation of Compact DApps. By the end of this milestone, 6 university communities connected to the Cardano Midnight ecosystem will have been activated.
Acceptance Criteria
All sessions must have been delivered at each institution.
An estimated total participation of 120 students must be verified.
Evaluations must show at least an average satisfaction rating of 80%.
Evidence of Completion
Delivery Month
6
Cost
20000
Progress
70 %
Milestone Title
Identification of 24 Advanced Students and Formation of 3 Compact DApp Teams
Milestone Outputs
During this milestone, the most committed students from the workshops will be assessed to select 24 individuals who have demonstrated strong technical potential and motivation. From this group, 3 working teams will be formed and provided with appropriate guidance to develop initial prototypes or technical concepts for Compact DApps. This process will include mentorship sessions and technical orientation.
Acceptance Criteria
Clear and documented identification of the 24 selected students, based on attendance, active participation, performance in exercises, and evaluations applied during the workshops.
Verifiable evidence that the selected students show genuine interest and technical commitment to continue with the training process.
Formation of 3 complete teams, each with defined roles (leader, technical responsible, documentation, etc.), ensuring balance between technical and organizational skills.
At least one formal kickoff session per team, with agenda, objectives, and recorded agreements.
Initial prototype, technical concept, or functional design of Compact DApp presented by each team, demonstrating understanding of Midnight and the privacy approach.
Record of mentoring and technical meetings, showing progress, commitment, and follow-up of the process.
Final validation by the facilitator, confirming that the teams are ready to continue toward later development stages.
Evidence of Completion
PDF document with the selection of the 24 students.
Records of mentorship sessions and team activities.
Presentations, technical documents, or diagrams of the prototypes.
Delivery Month
1
Cost
7000
Progress
90 %
Milestone Title
Submission of the Final Project Report and Official Results Video
Milestone Outputs
A comprehensive report will be produced detailing the execution of the project, the KPIs achieved, the performance of the participating universities, the formation of teams, and the overall impact generated. Additionally, a final video will be created showcasing the workshops, interviews, student progress, and final results. This deliverable will clearly and transparently demonstrate the success of the initiative.
Acceptance Criteria
Final Report submitted with all KPIs verified.
Final video produced, including coverage of workshops and testimonials.
Consolidated evidence of work completed across universities, communities, and teams.
Evidence of Completion
PDF of the Final Report.
MP4 file of the final video.
Folder containing photos, attendance lists, materials used, surveys, and prototypes.
Delivery Month
1
Cost
5000
Progress
100 %
Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources
The total budget requested for this project is 60,000 ADA, distributed across four milestones over 11 months, plus a contingency fund equivalent to 5%. This amount covers all educational, logistical, and technical activities required to implement in-person workshops at 6 universities, establish student communities, and create teams capable of developing Compact DApp prototypes.
MILESTONE 1
Design of the course (4 modules).
Creation of professional presentations.
Development of guides, exercises, and pedagogical materials.
Technical review of all content.
Meetings with university liaison coordinators.
Review and signing of collaboration agreements.
Alignment of schedules and academic requirements.
Administrative follow-up.
Confirmation of dates, classrooms, and schedules.
Schedule adjustments for each institution.
Coordination of access, transportation, and technical requirements.
Graphic design for workshop announcements.
Publication and internal outreach within each university.
Management of student registrations and confirmations.
Total Milestone 1: 25,000 ADA
MILESTONE 2
Lead facilitator (24 sessions).
Technical support during practical activities.
Digital/printed kits for 120 students.
Complementary resources for exercises.
Notebooks, templates, and worksheets.
Travel between universities in central Mexico.
Essential per diem expenses (meals, local mobility).
Photos, videos, surveys.
Organization of files for Catalyst.
Mid-term activity report.
Total Milestone 2: 20,000 ADA
MILESTONE 3
Review of performance from the 120 participating students.
Criteria, rubrics, and interviews.
Preparation of documentation.
Guidance to structure 3 student teams.
Private technical orientation sessions.
Review of proposals and prototype drafts.
Digital materials for design.
Modeling or diagramming tools.
Resources for preparing initial presentations.
Total Milestone 3: 7,000 ADA
FINAL MILESTONE
Drafting of the official Catalyst report.
Analysis of KPIs, results, and key learnings.
Organization of evidence, photos, documents, and attendance lists.
Recording and collection of interviews.
Professional editing.
Integration of evidence, logos, and final narrative.
Total Final Milestone: 5,000 ADA
CONTINGENCY FUND – 5%
Amount: 3,000 ADA
TOTAL REQUESTED: 60,000 ADA
*Note: The budget is based on an ADA price of 0.40 USD
How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?
This project turns ADA into real opportunities. It is not theory, it is not speculation, it is opening the door for hundreds of young people who want to learn blockchain but currently have no access to formal education on Cardano or Midnight.
With 60,000 ADA, we will be planting something that money alone cannot buy: community, talent and purpose.
Every workshop, every session, and every conversation inside these universities plants a seed a seed that may grow into a developer, an innovator, a leader, or even the creator of the next major application built on Cardano.
In Mexico, the cost of creating change is low, but the impact is enormous. With an accessible budget, we can transform 6 universities into active ecosystem hubs and give Cardano a presence that will continue expanding year after year.
We are not paying for workshops.
We are investing in people.
In their future.
And in the future of Cardano.
If you support this proposal, your vote does not just fund a project:
it funds dreams, pathways, and new voices within the ecosystem.
This is what makes this budget worth every ADA.
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
Role in the Project:
Overall responsibility for project execution.
Direct coordination with the 6 participating universities.
Design and delivery of the Midnight and Compact DApps workshops.
Management of logistics, scheduling, materials, and institutional communication.
Student follow-up and formation of the 3 student teams.
I have extensive experience collaborating with Mexican universities, leading educational activities related to Cardano, and building community across the country. I played a key role in Azteca 2025 by establishing connections with participating universities, and I have also collaborated with the LATAM Cardano Community in previous funded proposals. As a Cardano Ambassador in Mexico, I have led workshops, lectures, and academic activities focused on blockchain, contributing to the growth of Cardano’s presence in the region.
(Each collaboration agreement will designate an official liaison for the corresponding institution. Internal university profiles are not published for confidentiality reasons.)
Role in the Project:
Facilitate access to facilities, classrooms, and technical equipment.
Coordinate the participation of students and faculty in the workshops.
Monitor attendance and support the creation of university communities.
Why this role is essential:
These institutional liaisons ensure proper logistical execution and academic engagement within each university, guaranteeing that activities run smoothly and that the program integrates effectively into each institution’s environment.
Role in the Project:
Provide technical support during the practical segments of the workshops.
Guide the 3 student teams in structuring their initial Compact DApp prototypes.
Conduct technical reviews of exercises, designs, and early-stage proposals.
Why this role is essential:
This advisor provides the technical expertise required to ensure that students correctly understand Midnight’s architecture and are able to develop functional prototypes. Their support strengthens the quality of the learning experience and increases the likelihood of successful technical outcomes.
Role in the Project:
Visual documentation of workshops, interviews, and key activities.
Editing of the final video required by Project Catalyst.
Organization and storage of all audiovisual evidence for the final report.
Why this role is essential:
Catalyst requires visual evidence and the production of a final results video. This role guarantees professional-quality content and ensures full compliance with reporting requirements.
To further strengthen the project, the possible incorporation of the following roles is considered:
These positions will only be activated if the operational workload exceeds initial expectations. They do not affect the feasibility of the project, as all essential roles are already covered.
Why This Team Can Execute the Project Successfully
This team has the knowledge, partnerships, and experience required to deliver a solid, responsible project with real impact on the Cardano ecosystem.