Meetup Recap – Catalyst & New Funding Models: Building Startups Across Blockchain Platforms
Ho Chi Minh City | May 18, 2026
On May 18, 2026, the meetup “Catalyst & New Funding Models: Building Startups Across Blockchain Platforms” was successfully held at Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City.
The meetup was co-organized by Cardano Vietnam, BBO TECH, and the Digital Economics Department – Nguyen Tat Thanh University, creating an open learning space for first-year Digital Economics students to explore blockchain, decentralized funding, and startup opportunities in the digital economy.
The program welcomed more than 35 students out of 60 registrations, with active participation throughout the session.
Meetup Highlights
- Total registrations: 60 participants
- Actual participation: 35+ students
- Audience: Digital Economics students
Key takeaway:
The meetup helped students expand their understanding of blockchain beyond cryptocurrency, introducing how decentralized technologies can support startup development, community governance, and new funding models in the digital era.
Key Discussions
Blockchain & New Funding Models
The session introduced blockchain in a simple and practical way, highlighting its applications not only in crypto, but also in governance, transparency, community building, and startup ecosystems.
Students also explored the differences between traditional fundraising and decentralized funding models, where communities can participate directly in evaluating and supporting promising ideas.
Project Catalyst & the Cardano Ecosystem
One of the key topics of the meetup was Project Catalyst, Cardano’s decentralized innovation funding platform.
Students learned how Catalyst enables ideas to be:
- Presented to the community
- Reviewed and improved collaboratively
- Supported through decentralized funding mechanisms
The session highlighted that successful startup ideas today require not only creativity, but also real-world value, feasibility, and community trust.
Opportunities for Digital Economy Students
The meetup also emphasized that students do not need to become developers to participate in blockchain ecosystems.
Opportunities exist across many areas, including:
- Business development
- Marketing
- Community building
- Project management
- Digital entrepreneurship
A core message throughout the session was:
Blockchain is gradually becoming part of the modern digital economy, and understanding it early can help students build stronger future opportunities.
Community Interaction
Students actively participated in discussions and Q&A sessions throughout the meetup, asking questions about blockchain, Cardano, Project Catalyst, startup funding, and opportunities within Web3 ecosystems.
The open and interactive atmosphere helped create meaningful connections between students, organizers, and the blockchain community.
Appreciation
We would like to sincerely thank BBO TECH, the Digital Economics Department – Nguyen Tat Thanh University, and all participating students for contributing to the success of this meetup.
We also extend our appreciation to the Cardano Foundation and Project Catalyst for their continued support in strengthening educational and community initiatives in Vietnam.
We look forward to seeing more students continue exploring blockchain, digital economics, and startup opportunities in the future.
We look forward to seeing you again in upcoming Cardano Vietnam events.
Stay Connected
- Cardano Vietnam Community (Telegram): Telegram: View @CardanoVNCommunity
- Cardano Vietnam Twitter: https://x.com/VietnamCardano
Cardano Ambassadors in Vietnam:
– Ha Nguyen: https://x.com/Hahero7
– Mie Tran: https://x.com/mietran0407
On behalf of the organizing committee,
Ha Nguyen
Cardano Ambassador
Cardano Vietnam Community