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The BGA × AuraSci × Hetu Joint Fund is a co-created initiative designed to empower cutting-edge decentralized science (DeSci) projects through hackathons, education, and strategic support. Backed by a total fund pool of USD 100,000 (BGA: $40K | AuraSci, Hetu et al.: $60K), this initiative is committed to identifying and supporting high-impact blockchain solutions that advance the frontiers of science, research, and public good.

📌 This fund will be deployed across two key hackathon phases (SCIENCETHON 1 & 2), and used for milestone-based grants, technical mentorship, education, and ecosystem integration.

🔬 The fund is jointly administered by BGA, AuraSci, and Hetu.

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Key Objective

Through this collaboration, we aim to:
1. Empower Decentralized Science Projects: Identify and incubate blockchain-based scientific solutions with real-world applications.
2. Strengthen the DeSci Ecosystem: Foster partnerships between researchers, scientists, developers, and public/private sector protocols.
3. Support Public Good through Technology: Direct resources toward innovation in climate, biomedical research, education, open data, and more.
4. Drive Equitable Growth: Lower entry barriers and ensure scientists from underrepresented communities access tools, funding, and mentorship.

Scope

The BGA × AuraSci × Hetu Joint Fund supports SCIENCETHON, a two-phase hackathon and incubation journey designed to accelerate decentralized scientific innovation. This initiative brings together scientific communities, decentralized researchers, and DeSci-aligned protocols to push the boundaries of open science, interdisciplinary research, and decentralized collaboration.

🧪 Phase 1: SCIENCETHON I

Focus: Scaling established projects within the decentralized science ecosystem. This phase is tailored for teams ready to advance their solutions with targeted mentorship, technical support, and strategic partnerships. It culminates in a high-impact Demo Day, offering teams the opportunity to showcase their progress to a network of researchers, developers, and potential backers.

🔬 Phase 2: SCIENCETHON II

Focus: Empowering early-stage projects, individual researchers, and scientists new to the DeSci space. This phase provides comprehensive foundational support, including educational workshops, mentorship, and structured project guidance, leading up to a Demo Day that showcases emerging innovations.

Key Tracks

1. Open Science & Decentralized Data
- Building transparent, reproducible, and decentralized scientific publishing platforms.
- Creating secure, immutable research data storage solutions.
- Designing innovative protocols for incentivized data sharing and collaboration.
2. Interdisciplinary Longevity Track (by Avinasi Labs)
- Fine-Tuning MethylGPT: Developing machine learning models for precise DNA methylation analysis, targeting aging biomarkers and disease prediction.
- Truth Consensus Engine: Building decentralized verification systems for scientific data integrity and reproducibility.
- Privacy Audit Voting: Implementing privacy-preserving consensus mechanisms for scientific data validation, ensuring data transparency and security.
3. Scientific DAOs and Governance
- Creating decentralized governance frameworks for scientific collaboration.
- Developing transparent, tokenized funding models for research projects.
- Building coordination tools for decentralized research communities.
4. AI and Machine Learning for Science
- Integrating AI into scientific research pipelines for accelerated discovery.
- Developing decentralized AI models that leverage distributed, heterogeneous data sources.
- Applying machine learning for predictive insights and automated data analysis.

Prizes & Bounty Pool

Grants from this BGA Joint Fund are awarded based on milestone achievement and judging:

🏆 SCIENCETHON 1 & 2 Awards
- Top 3 teams will share a $2,000 bounty for each phase.
- Eligible for milestone-based funding up to $30,000 USD.
- Access to long-term DeSci support, incubation, and potential investment (via AuraSci/Hetu).
🎖️ Bonus Benefits
- Featuring on BGA Pulse, Web3 Oscar nomination, and speaking opportunities.
- Protocol integration opportunities for select DeSci infrastructure.

Next Steps

Participants in both phases will present their progress at Demo Days, gaining visibility with investors, partners, and the broader DeSci community. Select projects may receive milestone-based funding, long-term incubation support, and potential investment through the Joint Fund, as well as ongoing collaboration opportunities with BGA, AuraSci, and Hetu.

Focus

Empowering early-stage projects, individual researchers, and scientists new to the DeSci space.

Timeline

Announcement & Kickoff
May 2025
SCIENCETHON 1
May
Phase 1 Demo Day
Beginning of Jun
Results & Course Launch
Beginning of Jun
SCIENCETHON 2 Launch
Beginning of Aug
Campus Tour
Middle of Aug
Phase 2 Demo Day
Middle of Sep
Post-program Support
End of Sep
Web3 Oscar Showcase
November 2025 (Copenhagen)

FAQs

1. What is the BGA × AuraSci × Hetu Joint Fund?

The Joint Fund is a strategic initiative co-led by the Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA), AuraSci, and Hetu to catalyze innovation in the decentralized science (DeSci) space. With a combined pool of USD 100,000, the fund supports milestone-based, equity-free grants through two hackathon-style innovation phases—SCIENCETHON I and II. This fund is designed to empower research-backed projects building on Web3 principles such as transparency, interoperability, and open collaboration.

2. Who can apply?

We welcome applications from:

- Researchers and scientists building DeSci tools or DAOs

- Academics and research institutions exploring Web3 solutions

- Startups and developers working on open science infrastructure

- Existing DeSci projects looking to scale or integrate with new protocols

Applicants must be committed to delivering real-world impact and aligning with DeSci principles. While experience in Web3 is beneficial, it is not mandatory—teams will be supported through learning resources and mentorship.

3. Is this an equity investment?

No. The Joint Fund only provides non-dilutive, equity-free grants. This means selected projects retain full ownership and IP rights.
However, our partners, AuraSci and Hetu may independently choose to offer investment opportunities to top-performing projects outside the grant structure.
These would be handled under separate agreements and are not conditions of receiving grants.

4. What kinds of projects are you looking for?

We are looking for projects that advance decentralized science in areas such as:

- Tokenized research publishing or peer review models

- ModelDAOs or distributed research groups

- Public health, climate science, and open data registries

- Blockchain-based lab data sharing, reproducibility tools

- Funding infrastructure for scientific collaboration (e.g. retroactive funding, quadratic grants)

All projects must demonstrate how they leverage blockchain to create scientific or societal benefit.

5. What’s the structure of the hackathon phases?

- SCIENCETHON I: Closed call for AuraSci/Hetu ecosystem participants. 8–10 teams will go through onboarding, courses, mentorship, and Demo Day.

- SCIENCETHON II: Up to 15 projects will be selected for support, development, and Demo Day.

Both phases include grant milestones, expert review, and potential long-term incubation pathways.

6. Can projects receive support beyond the grant?

Yes. In addition to funding, winning projects may receive:

- Branding and media support

- Access to protocols and DAO infrastructure

- Invite to BGA Incubation

- Booth at Web3 Oscar 2025

- Ongoing exposure and mentorship

7. When and where will the Demo Day be held?

Demo Days will be hybrid/virtual. Physical gatherings may be hosted in Boston or other academic hubs, based on regional outreach.

8. How do I apply or learn more?

Application links and registration will be available directly on this landing page. For updates, follow BGA, AuraSci, and Hetu’s official pages.