The A.L.B.A. Network (Ada Labs for Blockchain Applications Network) is a visionary initiative to deploy a decentralized network of Cardano nodes across academic and governmental institutions in Latin America (LATAM), fostering blockchain education, innovation, and real-world adoption. By integrating Cardano’s peer-reviewed technology into universities, the project aims to position Cardano as the default blockchain for mission-critical applications (e.g., digital identity, academic credentialing, and supply chain traceability) while strengthening network resilience and global decentralization. With a budget of 100,000 ADA, the proposal will install 10 Cardano nodes in strategic LATAM institutions, create open-source educational resources, and train students, faculty, and policymakers to drive sustainable blockchain adoption.

While Cardano’s peer-reviewed, academically rigorous foundation positions it as the ideal blockchain for mission-critical applications (e.g., digital identity, healthcare records, and academic credentials), it lacks a strategic, globally coordinated presence within academic institutions. These institutions are pivotal advisors to governments and industries when adopting blockchain solutions. Without proactive integration into universities, Cardano risks losing its competitive edge to less reliable, marketing-driven blockchains (e.g., Solana’s instability) in critical sectors where trust, resilience, and academic validation are paramount.

The Ada Labs for Blockchain Applications (A.L.B.A.) Network addresses this gap by deploying Cardano nodes across prestigious universities worldwide.

This initiative:

Leverages Cardano’s Academic DNA: Aligns with Cardano’s origins in academia (supported by 239 peer-reviewed papers) to build institutional trust and credibility. Prepares for Government Adoption: Establishes a low-cost, high-impact network of academic partners who will advocate for Cardano as governments seek guidance on mission-critical blockchain solutions. Mitigates Competitive Risks: Counters the dominance of less reliable blockchains in key sectors by embedding Cardano as the academically endorsed standard for systems where failure is unacceptable. Creates Long-Term Advocacy: Positions universities as hubs for Cardano-based innovation, ensuring future developers, policymakers, and industry leaders are trained on and loyal to Cardano’s ecosystem. By planting these seeds now, the A.L.B.A. Network ensures Cardano becomes the default choice for high-stakes applications, directly translating academic rigor into real-world adoption and governance influence.

The estimated budget of ₳100,000 represents excellent value for the Cardano ecosystem by focusing on creating a sustainable and decentralized network of physical nodes across Latin America. This budget will primarily be allocated to hardware procurement, logistics, installation, and coordination, ensuring that each node is established securely and effectively. The cost is reasonable when considering the infrastructure being built, as setting up physical nodes requires specialized hardware, technical expertise, and thorough coordination with institutions. We have benchmarked hardware and logistics costs against local suppliers to ensure cost efficiency. Furthermore, the costs are in line with local industry standards for installation and project management, providing a proportional investment relative to the project's scope. By building a network of nodes integrated into academic and governmental institutions, we are ensuring not only the decentralization of the Cardano blockchain but also creating reliable entry points into the ecosystem. This direct connection with educational institutions also strengthens the visibility and practical use of blockchain technology, providing a long-term impact that extends beyond the initial installation. The ALBA network will improve Cardano’s resilience and decentralization, addressing the current lack of physical nodes in the region. The project offers both immediate value by strengthening the network and long-term value by establishing a framework for future blockchain expansion in Latin America.

Breakdown of the proposed work and resources Estimated Budget: 100,000 ₳ Hardware Procurement (servers, equipment): ₳45,000 Logistics (transport, shipping, handling): ₳20,000 Installation and Setup (technical setup, on-site installation): ₳20,000 Coordination and Management (planning, communication, administration): ₳10,000 Miscellaneous (unexpected expenses, maintenance support): ₳5,000

9 months of work:

Milestone 1: Preparation and Coordination: Outputs: Finalize agreements with at least the 3 first institutions to install the Cardano Nodes. Acceptance Criteria: Signed installation agreements. Evidence: Copies of agreements to install the three first nodes.

Milestone 2: Hardware Preparation: Outputs: Purchase and prepare hardware for the 10 Cardano nodes. Acceptance Criteria: All hardware acquired and configured for deployment. Evidence: Receipts of hardware purchases, configuration documentation, and readiness confirmation for installation.

Milestone 3: Software Installation: Outputs: Install Cardano Node software on the 10 servers. Acceptance Criteria: All 10 servers have the Cardano Node software successfully installed and running. Evidence: Installation logs, server configuration details, and successful operation confirmations.

Milestone 4: Node Installation: Outputs: Install the first 3 physical Cardano nodes. Acceptance Criteria: Successful installation confirmed with photos. Evidence: Photos of installed nodes, setup documentation, and confirmation of operational status.

Milestone 5: ALBA Network Expansion: Outputs: Expand the ALBA network to 6 institutions. Acceptance Criteria: Successful setup of Cardano nodes at 6 institutions. Evidence: Installation reports, photos of nodes at each institution, and confirmation of operational connectivity.

Final Milestone: Full Node Installation and Network Integration (Completion by March 2026) Outputs: Install all 10 Cardano nodes and interconnect them. Acceptance Criteria: All 10 nodes are installed, interconnected, and operational within the ALBA network. Evidence: Installation reports, network diagrams, photos of each node, and connectivity testing results.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles? Answer: Team Members and Roles:

José Iadicicco: Lead Applicant and Strategic Coordinator. José is a Cardano Ambassador and co-founder of ADA Solar. He leads ALBA at UTN and has extensive experience in blockchain education initiatives.

Kehua Yang: Master in Education and university professor at the University of Taipei. Kehua has co-led the Cardano Summit Buenos Aires and will be instrumental in educational content development and community outreach.

• SPO
• Cardano Ambassador
• Hackathon Organizer
• Already signed agreements with University.
• Already signed agreements with: IOG, CF, Intersect, Emurgo and Midnight.
• Political agreements bridged to Cardano.

It will be supported by the Cardano Confederation.

Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GBatu9NsQuzVh3SGBcm-aJXVqmRYGS90/

ALBA Lab and first Cardano Node installed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHZrFeiT0wc

No dependencies.