Connecting Academia and Blockchain
How Gaianet enabled a golden connection between the Inholland University of Applied Sciences and CityDAO
The collaboration between CityDao and Inholland University of Applied Sciences is a perfect example of how the Gaianet network unites individuals and organizations with different backgrounds to achieve a common goal.
Imagine a chance encounter that leads to a revolutionary collaboration. Meet Richard John, an educator extraordinaire at Inholland’s business innovation bachelors program. His world collided with the realm of Gaianet, all thanks to the visionary Daan Gorter, a founding member and a true driving force behind the network. Their paths first crossed years ago at a groundbreaking Tribepreneurs workshop, setting the stage for an epic partnership.
Richard, fueled by an insatiable passion for blockchain technology, seamlessly became a vital contributor to Gaianet. He saw an opportunity to empower his students with the limitless potential of blockchain. The spark of an idea ignited during a conversation with the network's founder and circle lead, Alexander. The notion? To birth a DAO for Gaianet, a trailblazing endeavor to revolutionize how we connect and collaborate.
But that's not where the story ends. Enter CityDao, an industry pioneer, and the visionary New Earth Ecosystem. Their collective mission? To mold educational spaces that transcend traditional boundaries in the realm of blockchain technology.
About CityDAO
Exploring the city of the future
CityDao is a blockchain-based platform that is transforming the way cities operate. By creating a decentralized and secure infrastructure, it allows citizens to participate in the decision-making process and contribute to the development of their cities.
They aim to create the city of the future using blockchain technology by putting things like land ownership, rights, and decision-making onto the blockchain. This will make things like transferring land faster and easier, and allow for a more democratic system where people can own a piece of land by investing small amounts of money.
About Inholland
Forward thinking education
Inholland University is a school of higher education located in the Randstad region of the Netherlands. They offer a variety of undergraduate programs in subjects such as innovation, business, technology, and media. The university has a focus on sustainability, health, and creativity, which sets it apart from others. They believe that learning should be accessible and personal, and that students and teachers should work with professionals, organizations, and partners in these fields. Inholland emphasizes diversity and encourages students to challenge themselves and grow both professionally and personally.
The collaboration
David, a lecturer of university in Michigan and Hong Kong, was excited to work with students through the education guild of CityDAO. CityDAO was chosen as a use case to increase engagement among members and non-members, a major challenge in the DAO landscape.
25 students from different education programs participated in a 5-month blockchain program, with CityDAO being the main assignment. Teams came up with different approaches, including a tokenized incentive model and a centralized app, to increase engagement.
“The fact that it was so successful and the trust from CityDAO was immediately there, is because of the mutual connection with Gaianet.”
— Richard John, Lecturer at Inholland University of Applied Sciences
Golden Connection
CityDAO was impressed with the end results and decided to provide funding to two of the six projects. The program consisted of learning about DAOs in the first half and working on a challenge in the second half.
The goal is for students to become junior consultants and work with companies with no experience in blockchain and DAOs. Richard sees the connection with CityDAO as a golden opportunity, and is grateful for the real-life experience that Gaianet provided for the students.
“That's exactly what I'm looking for ”
— Richard John
The Benefits
Benefits of Collaboration
The collaboration between CityDao and Inholland University of Applied Sciences brought several benefits to both parties.
CityDao:
Gained access to the knowledge and expertise of the university's students and faculty.
Had the opportunity to test and refine their platform in a real-world setting.
Expanded their network and received valuable feedback from a diverse group of individuals.
Inholland University of Applied Sciences:
Provided students with hands-on experience working on a real-world project.
Expanded their network and connected with industry experts.
Contributed to the development of innovative technology that is creating positive change.
The trust established through Gaianet was instrumental in this connection. Gaianet provides a space for partnerships to emerge, fostering innovation and progress by connecting people with diverse backgrounds and expertise. Gaianet serves as an ideal platform for this collaboration, as it enables both CityDao and Inholland to leverage the power of blockchain technology and bring together their respective strengths.
The Student's experience
Ayoub, a student at Inholland University of Applied Sciences, had the opportunity to be part of this collaboration. He has shared his experiences and insights, highlighting the positive impact of the partnership on his personal and professional development. Ayoub has gained hands-on experience in blockchain technology and has been able to apply his theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. He has also been able to collaborate with experts from CityDao, allowing him to expand his network and develop valuable relationships.
“It isn't really about the money in my eyes, it's about the opportunity to really have work experience in the crypto community with a real company.”
— Ayoub, Business Innovation Student at Inholland University of Applied sciences
Full Report
University and Blockchain organisation creating educational spaces
Richard John first encountered Gaianet through founding contributor Daan Gorter during a workshop for Tribepreneurs. He was fascinated by Gaianet and saw it as a possible future of collaboration among people. After having a discussion with Alexander, founder and the circle lead of the Gaianet core contributors, about starting a DAO for Gaianet, Richard was introduced to CityDAO through Daan and Nico Shi. David, a lecturer at universities in Michigan and Hong Kong, was thrilled to work with students through the education guild of CityDAO.
CityDAO was chosen as a use case for the 5-month blockchain program to enhance engagement among its members and non-members, which is a significant challenge in the DAO landscape. 25 students from various education programs took part in the program, with CityDAO being the main assignment. The teams came up with different strategies to increase engagement, including a tokenized incentive model and a centralized app. CityDAO funded two out of the six projects, impressed with the end results.
The program was divided into two parts: learning about DAOs in the first half and working on a challenge in the second half. The objective was to equip students with the skills to become junior consultants and work with companies that have no experience with blockchain and DAOs. Richard sees the connection with CityDAO as a valuable opportunity and is thankful for the hands-on experience that Gaianet provided for the students.
Sustainability
One of the key challenges facing cities is the need to reduce their carbon footprint and become more sustainable. CityDao and Inholland have come together to address this challenge through their collaboration. They have developed a blockchain-based platform that enables citizens to track and reduce their carbon footprint. The platform provides users with insights into their energy consumption and offers suggestions on how they can reduce their carbon footprint. This solution has the potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of cities and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Governance
Another major challenge facing cities is the need for more transparent and efficient governance. CityDao and Inholland have addressed this challenge by developing a blockchain-based voting platform. This platform allows citizens to vote on key decisions related to city governance, ensuring that their voices are heard and their opinions are taken into account. This solution enhances the transparency and accountability of city governance and empowers citizens to participate in the decision-making process.
Citizen Engagement
CityDao and Inholland recognize the importance of involving citizens in the development of cities. They have developed a blockchain-based platform that enables citizens to engage with their city and participate in the decision-making process. This platform provides citizens with access to information about city initiatives and allows them to provide feedback and suggestions. This solution enhances the level of citizen engagement and strengthens the relationship between citizens and their city.
Student Experience
Ayoub, a student at Inholland University of Applied Sciences, had the opportunity to be part of this collaboration. He has shared his experiences and insights, highlighting the positive impact of the partnership on his personal and professional development. Ayoub has gained hands-on experience in blockchain technology and has been able to apply his theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. He has also been able to collaborate with experts from CityDao, allowing him to expand his network and develop valuable relationships.
Outcomes and Results
Richard John became intrigued and helped facilitate early Gaianet workshops. The connection with CityDAO was made through Daan and Nico Shi, and CityDAO was introduced as a use case to increase engagement among its members and non-members. 25 students from different education programs worked on CityDAO as part of a 5-month program, where they came up with creative solutions for engagement. The next step is to build a physical DAO and work with a company with no experience with blockchain and DAOs. Ayoub had a personal experience with Bitcoin before enrolling in a minor blockchain program and was impressed by the opportunity to communicate and work with a crypto company. Richard John considers the connection with CityDAO a valuable opportunity and is grateful for the hands-on experience that Gaianet provided for the students. That is why Gaianet exists, to help you find golden connections, so your needs can get resolved quickly and at a low cost.
Whatever goals or challenges you are currently working on, share your needs with the Gaianet Support line, so you too can find a game-changing match for your needs.
“To be rewarded with the fact that two of these teams now have the opportunity to get funded and continue to contribute to CityDAO. I mean, that's the best outcome you could have had. That's really rewarding for me.”
— Richard John, Lecturer at Inholland University of Applied Sciences
By Yannick Ciocanel