Cardano partners with Draper University to support and empower blockchain entrepreneurs.

The Cardano Foundation, in partnership with Draper University, has introduced a five-week accelerator program designed to assist 20 blockchain startups with both funding and mentorship. These startups will present their ideas to investors for initial funding, with a focus on enhancing Bitcoin DeFi, research utilizing blockchain, and applications in the entertainment sector. This significant collaboration aims to foster innovation in the blockchain space. The Cardano and Draper University have launched the Cardano x Draper University Founder Residency Program, a five-week accelerator designed to promote the growth of blockchain technology. Scheduled to start on April 14, 2025, at Draper University’s campus in Silicon Valley, the program will host 20 startups that are working on decentralized finance (DeFi), decentralized science, and entertainment initiatives. Emphasizing the aim of broad adoption, every selected startup will be awarded a grant of 42,000 ADA, free of equity, to aid in their development. The project emphasizes progress in Bitcoin decentralized finance, innovative scientific exploration enabled by blockchain technology, and revolutionary uses in the entertainment sector. Participants will receive strategic mentoring, funding chances, and direct links to investors. Tim Draper, the founder of Draper University and a prominent venture capitalist, shared his excitement about the initiative, remarking: We are thrilled to collaborate with Cardano for the Draper University x Cardano Founder Residency, aiming to assist UTxO-based startups that are shaping the future of Bitcoin DeFi. We anticipate an Investor Pitch Day focused on seed funding and forming strategic partnerships in the near future. A key feature of the residency is Investor Pitch Day, during which startups present their innovations to a panel consisting of venture capitalists and blockchain investors. The platform enables teams to obtain initial funding and establish enduring strategic collaborations, serving as an essential launchpad for aspiring blockchain founders. In addition to financial support, participants will receive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, blockchain specialists, and prominent members of the Cardano community. The availability of expert mentorship is anticipated to speed up project progress and improve readiness for the market. This partnership embodies a larger goal to integrate blockchain technology by creating applications that are both cutting-edge and user-friendly.