Sundial Completes the Draper University Program

Sundial has officially completed the Cardano x Draper University Founder Residency Program. Over five intense weeks in Silicon Valley, our team accelerated development, forged powerful partnerships, and gained rapid feedback from mentors and builders across the Cardano ecosystem.

Draper University partnered with the Cardano Foundation and Project Catalyst to launch the Cardano x Draper University Founder Residency Program, an intensive five-week founder residency held in Silicon Valley. The program, which began on April 14, 2025, is designed to accelerate the development of startups building on the Cardano blockchain. It targets early-stage startups focused on key areas such as decentralized finance (DeFi), decentralized science (DeSci), entertainment, and user-friendly, mass-market blockchain applications.

The residency selected 20 teams with significant support where participants receive comprehensive training covering both technical and business fundamentals, such as smart contract development using Plutus, tokenomics, project management, marketing, and fundraising strategies. The program features workshops, expert mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and investors, and access to the Draper University network and its global alumni community.

A key component of the program is the culminating Investor Pitch Day, where Sundial presented to a curated audience of venture capitalists and investors, aiming to secure further funding and form long-term partnerships.

Draper University's proven track record in accelerating startups, including previous programs with Algorand, Tezos, and VeChain, underpins this collaboration. A huge thank you to the Cardano community, Catalyst, DraperU and Yaad Labs for making it possible.