Cardano Summit 2025: Day Zero Recap

Before the main stage event at Gasometer Schöneberg, the Cardano community gathered for a full day of collaboration, problem-solving, and connection. Hosted at w3.hub Berlin, the exclusive Day Zero event brought together over 475 builders, developers, and innovators driving the Cardano ecosystem forward.

Serving as an open-door prelude to the two-day enterprise-focused Summit, Day Zero celebrated the people behind Cardano’s progress. From early breakfast sessions to the evening networking celebration, w3.hub filled with anticipation and creativity as every floor came alive with conversation, code, and ideas.

The day began with a welcome from Nicolas Cerny (Governance Lead, Cardano Foundation), followed by remarks from Jack Briggs (Interim Executive Director, Intersect MBO). His keynote, “Minimal Structure, Maximum Integrity: Navigating Cardano’s Governance Trilemma,” addressed how Cardano’s decentralized governance framework continues to evolve through participation, research, and open dialogue.

Speakers, including Christina Gianelloni (Chair of the Board, PRAGMA), as well as Thomas Lindseth (Constitution Engagement Manager, Intersect MBO) and Larisa McFarlane (Governance Support Manager, Intersect MBO), shared insights into Cardano’s governance evolution. The audience had an active role in the session, not only interacting with speakers but also participating in an interactive survey regarding the Constitutional amendment process.

Following the constitutional amendment discussions, participants transitioned into sessions on the Cardano Multi-Asset Treasury (CMAT). The workshops were divided into four groups, each led by an expert in the field:

• Nicolas Cerny (Governance Lead, Cardano Foundation)
• Felix Weber (Cypherpunk)
• Shunsuke Murasaki (Chief of Staff, EMURGO)
• Hinson Wong (Co-Founder, DeltaDeFi)

These sessions explored community-driven approaches to managing Cardano’s decentralized treasury and advancing the CMAT framework. The discussions reflected a shared commitment across the ecosystem to strengthen transparency, coordination, and sustainable governance practices.

In the afternoon, Adam Rusch (Non-Executive Director, Intersect MBO) and Mike Hornan (ABLE Stake Pool Operator) facilitated a Constitutional Committee Workshop, offering a practical look at how Cardano’s next phase of decentralization will be governed and maintained.

Breakout sessions continued throughout the day, hosted by additional contributors from Intersect, EMURGO, and IOG. These discussions focused on aligning governance frameworks with Cardano’s technical roadmap and preparing the ecosystem for its next growth stage.

Meanwhile, the Layer Up Hackathon transformed w3.hub’s third floor into a space for experimentation and mentorship. The hybrid format, which began online in early November, concluded at the in-person sprint in Berlin. Throughout the day, 133 participants across 91 teams refined their prototypes, mentored by experts from across the ecosystem.

Later in the day, the focus shifted to the Battle of the Builders pitch competition. Ten finalists presented their MVPs and go-to-market strategies to a panel of judges and investors, competing for top honors and investment opportunities. This year’s finalists were:

• Andamio
• BikeID
• Urble by Brick Towers
• Docufi3d
• Iagon
• LW3
• Olympus Insights Pty Ltd
• Senary Labs
• ThrustIQ
• UTXOS

After a series of compelling presentations and engaging Q&A sessions, the projects were recognized for their innovation, impressing both the judges and the audience with their technical execution and practical applications. The final selection and announcement of the winner will take place at the conclusion of Day 2, alongside the Cardano Summit Awards.

As the day drew to a close, attendees gathered for the Pre-Summit Welcome Party, a relaxed evening of music, conversation, and community. Attendees reflected on the day’s insights while preparing for the main Summit sessions ahead. The atmosphere was one of optimism and shared purpose, as participants toasted to the builders and ideas that continue to define the Cardano ecosystem.

Day Zero represented more than a prelude to the Summit. It was a celebration of collaboration, innovation, and commitment to progress.

With new governance frameworks taking shape, developers building tangible solutions, and entrepreneurs preparing to scale their visions, Cardano entered the Summit with clear momentum and collective focus.

Tune in tomorrow for the Day 1 livestream on X and YouTube.