In 2025, Algorand’s Web3 Masterclasses demonstrated that with the right structure, mentorship, and tooling, builders can transform ideas into proof of concept (POC) and start sharing them with early users in just a few weeks.
The free program, delivered online, was designed to onboard founders, non-technical builders, developers, and Web3 newcomers, guiding them through blockchain fundamentals to hands-on building with AlgoKit, AI, and complementary no-code tools.
Across two cohorts, participants moved from theory to practice by building a basic POC to bring their ideas to life, using the Algorand blockchain. Projects addressed challenges across industries such as real-world assets, accessibility, healthcare, sustainability, AI, and decentralized finance.
Each cohort concluded with a pitch competition and a $15,000 USDCa prize pool, rewarding teams that demonstrated clear problem definition, initial technical execution, and real-world applicability.
Cohort 1: From idea to POC
The first cohort focused on a comprehensive introduction to blockchain and Web3, complemented by hands-on, practical learning. Participants attended live sessions covering blockchain basics, product ideation, an introduction to tokens, NFTs, and their use cases, as well as no-code tooling. Algorand Foundation team members offered mentoring and support.
The pitch competition showcased a diverse range of ideas, with teams presenting early implementations that demonstrated the potential of their solutions.
Cohort 1 pitch competition winners
1st place: Escra (@escra_io) – $5,000 USDCa
A blockchain-based contract execution engine that automates and verifies agreements on-chain.
2nd place: Blockchain-enabled Hybrid Auction – $3,500 USDCa
A regulatory-ready system for transparent sales of state-owned assets.
3rd place: Rho8 (@CoriusBlue) – $2,500 USDCa
On-chain cryptographic proofs to verify digital image originality.
4th place: MedFiNet (@FiMed2735) – $1,500 USDCa
Secure, on-chain digitization of immunization records to improve healthcare access in underserved regions.
5th place: DipBuyer (@DipBuyerAI) – $1,000 USDCa
An AI-powered agent designed to identify undervalued investment opportunities.
6th place: The Visual Xperience (@TheVisXperience) – $800 USDCa
A hyper-personalized Web3 platform for music, fashion, and fan engagement.
7th place: Algo Intent (@algointent) – $700 USDCa
An AI-powered assistant aimed at improving the Algorand wallet experience.
Learn more about Cohort 1 projects in this X Web3 Masterclasses thread.
Cohort 2: deeper execution, stronger signals
For Cohort 2, the program structure emphasized using AI to support POC development. Participants were provided with a project kit that included a wallet connection, NFT and token creation, and basic payment functionality.
By the end of the program, projects demonstrated more refined problem statements, stronger POC execution, and clearer paths toward real-world adoption. Accessibility, sustainability, and programmable finance emerged as recurring themes, reinforcing Algorand’s strengths in low fees, instant finality, and scalability.
Cohort 2 pitch competition winners
1st place: Axiomatic Oracle (@axiomaticoracle) – $5,000 USDCa
An Algorand-native oracle that converts off-chain signals into lightweight, verifiable proofs for real-world asset tokenization.
2nd place: ATAS (@algotxsuite) – $3,500 USDCa
The Algorand Transactions Accessibility Suite aims to make blockchain tools usable for people with disabilities.
3rd place: bTree (@bTreeOrg) – $2,500 USDCa
A platform for running verifiable experiments directly on-chain.
4th place: Étoile – $1,500 USDCa
A sustainable fashion platform using blockchain and QR codes to provide transparent supply chains.
5th place: Chauchera – $1,000 USDCa
On-chain savings circles (ROSCAs) that transform community trust into programmable credit and yield for the underbanked.
6th place: verifyHR – $800 USDCa
Tamper-proof, on-chain employment and HR credentials.
7th place: Interestake (@Interestake1) – $700 USDCa
A dual-token staking system designed to deliver stable returns, backed by U.S. Treasury bills.
Curious about the Cohort 2 projects? Check out our X Web3 Masterclasses thread.
The journey continues
The 2025 Web3 Masterclasses highlighted how early-stage founders can move quickly from idea to execution, using Algorand as the infrastructure to test, iterate, and support viable business opportunities.
Exciting news: In February 2026, we are launching a new Web3 Masterclasses cohort, designed for founders who want to turn concepts into tangible prototypes, gain early feedback, explore early signals of market interest, and learn how blockchain can add value to their ideas.
The program offers practical learning, mentorship, and the opportunity to pitch and gain visibility within the ecosystem.
Follow us on X and learn more at our Web3 masterclasses portal.
Your Web3 breakthrough starts here. What will you build? Let's get started!
Learn more about 2025 on Algorand
Technical roadmap progress: In 2025, Algorand made meaningful strides across several major roadmap initiatives: On-chain governance, decentralization, developer experience, enterprise readiness and post-quantum resilience.
Algorand: What's in it for you as a developer? Across the year, we focused on a consistent goal: Reduce friction from first contact to real deployment, while giving experienced builders room to go deeper. The result was a set of programs, tools, and workflows that together form a coherent developer journey.
2025 Hackathons recap: From the vibrant tech hubs of Europe and the US to the booming developer scenes in India and Turkey, we hosted five in-person events that brought together over 500 builders.
2025 Ecosystem highlights: The year rewarded long-term believers in blockchain with proof that the technology can scale and support meaningful applications. Across the Algorand ecosystem, builders did what they do best - they shipped.
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