offical rules web3 masterclasses batch 3.pdf
ALGORAND FOUNDATION
WEB3 MASTERCLASSES & PITCH COMPETITION Official Rules
1.
Overview
The Web3 Masterclasses & Pitch Competition, presented by Algorand Foundation Cayman (“Algorand Foundation”), is designed to support early-stage projects exploring innovative use cases on the Algorand blockchain. This competition serves as a launchpad for aspiring founders and builders to present their initial concepts and prototypes, with a focus on creativity, technical potential, and possible product market fit.
Projects will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on their technical merit, product-market potential, and overall alignment with the competition’s goals. Legal or regulatory feasibility is not part of the judging criteria. All Entrants (as defined below) are obligated to adhere to all relevant laws and regulations when launching any software they've developed for the pitch competition.
The educational resources and other content provided by Algorand Foundation are solely for informational purposes. Algorand Foundation neither promotes nor approves the deployment of any applications in contravention of prevailing laws or regulations.
Algorand Foundation strictly prohibits any deployment, integration, or use that contravenes these guidelines.
2.
Defined Terms
“Administrator” means Algorand Foundation Cayman, an exempted company with limited liability, incorporated in the Cayman Islands.
“Award” has the meaning set forth in Section 14.
“Award Acceptance Documents” has the meaning set forth in Section 14.
“Content” means all materials, submissions, information, code, or otherwise submitted by Entrant hereunder.
“Creative Materials” means Program-related marketing materials, which the Administrator may produce based upon the Program and which may include Entrant’s name, image, likeness, and Content.
“Entrant” means an Individual that meets the applicable eligibility requirements set forth in Section 3 of these Official Rules and that signifies agreement to these Official Rules in full and participates in the Program.
“Individual” means a natural person.
“Member” means an Individual participating in the Program as part of a Team.
“Official Rules” means this document.
“Partner” means the company hired to produce the Program in the region, if applicable.
“Pitch Competition” means the skill-based competition in which eligible participants submit a pitch presentation or proposal, which is evaluated by a panel of judges based on predetermined criteria set forth in these Official Rules to determine the winner(s).
“Profile Information” means the information, including personal information, required to enter the Program. This information may be used to identify an Individual.
“Program” means Web3 Masterclasses and the Pitch Competition.
“Program Sponsor” means a promotional sponsor of the Program that is procured by the Administrator.
“Project Submission” means the work product that an Entrant submits for entry into the Pitch Competition.
“Team” means a group of Individuals, including a Team Leader, who participate together in the Program.
“Team Leader” means the Individual who provides the Profile Information of Members of the Team and acts as the contact and representative for the Team.
“Web3 Masterclasses” means the structured educational program consisting of instructional sessions focused on Web3-related topics, which may include presentations, workshops, or discussions delivered in live, virtual, or recorded formats delivered by Algorand Foundation, its affiliates and/or Program Sponsors.
3.
Eligibility
This Program welcomes Entrants who fulfill the criteria outlined below:
(a) Age Requirements: Entrants must be an adult of at least 18 years old or the relevant “age of majority” in your country of residence or domicile, with a clean criminal record as determined by us and be able to legally and lawfully participate in the Program.
(b) Exclusions: Owing to increased compliance risks with US, UN, EU, and other sanctions, as well as export control regulations, you are not eligible if you are domiciled in or resident of, or physically present and/or located in any country subject to sanctions (including but not limited to of China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Venezuela and the Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine) and jurisdictions in which the Program is or may be prohibited, restricted or unauthorized in any form or manner whether in full or in part under the laws, regulatory requirements or rules in such jurisdiction (hereinafter referred to as “Excluded Jurisdictions”). The following Individuals are also not eligible to participate in the Program:
i. Individuals under U.S. or other relevant sanctions, including those by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control.
ii. Anyone affiliated with entities under U.S. blocking sanctions, Entity List restrictions, or other relevant asset freeze or prohibited party sanctions. iv. Employees, contractors, directors, and officers of the Administrator, Program Sponsors, or any associated entities, including their immediate families.
You are required to furnish such documents and personal information to prove your identity, status and/or eligibility for the Program. We reserve the right to reject your application or eligibility if you are unable to furnish such documents or information to our satisfaction and suspend or terminate your participation in the Program if you are unable to furnish such documents or information to our satisfaction or if the information you provide is untrue, inaccurate, not current or incomplete. As a condition to receiving any Award, each winner shall represent and warrant that, at the time of Award delivery: (i) they are not subject to any applicable sanctions or export control restrictions; (ii) receipt of the Award does not violate the laws or regulations of their jurisdiction; and (iii) any wallet address provided is not associated with any sanctioned or prohibited person or entity.
(c) Professional Obligations: Entrants affirm that their involvement in the Program would not infringe on the rights or obligations of third parties. This includes, but is not limited to, employer policies, contractual commitments, or any other third-party restrictions. You are solely responsible to ensure that you can participate in this Program and the activities contemplated under these Official Rules in a lawful manner.
(d) Language Proficiency: It is imperative for Entrants to be proficient in English, encompassing speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension. All Program-related communications will be in English.
(e) Participation is null and void where legally prohibited.
4.
Terms and Conditions
(a) Rule Acceptance: By selecting the 'Official Rules' checkbox during registration, Entrants confirm their full agreement with these rules. Winning and receiving any prize, award, or funding from this competition depends on Entrants adhering to all the stipulated rules.
(b) Decision Finality: Entrants acknowledge that the Administrator's decisions regarding winner selection are conclusive and indisputable.
(c) Integrity Assurance: The Administrator does not solicit any undue advantages or commitments for itself or its associated entities in return for participation in the Program. Entrants, by entering, assert and ensure that:
i. Their involvement, including the acceptance of an Award, does not breach any laws, regulations, or rules of their locality.
ii. Any potential prize is not a quid pro quo for influencing any act or decision that could provide the Administrator with business benefits.
(d) Program Modification: Entrants agree that, where legally permissible, the Administrator holds the right to alter, pause, or terminate the Program (including the Pitch Competition) due to reasons like fraud, technical glitches, or any factor that might compromise its integrity.
(e) Fair Play: Entrants accept that any deliberate attempt to disrupt the Program's legitimate proceedings may be legally actionable. The Administrator retains the right to pursue legal remedies, including requiring the violating participant to cover the Administrator’s legal costs, against any participant found engaging in such activities.
(f) Accuracy of Information: The Administrator is not liable for any inaccuracies in the entry details or Content provided by participants, whether due to technical issues, human errors, or external interferences.
(g) Rule Amendments: Entrants acknowledge that the Administrator can revise these Official Rules whenever deemed necessary. The Administrator commits to making reasonable efforts to inform Entrants about any such changes.
5.
Timeline
(a) Program Registration Window: The registration phase commences at 11:45 pm Eastern Standard Time on February 11, 2026 and concludes at 11:45 pm on March 17, 2026.
(b) Pitch Competition Shortlist Window: The shortlist window phase commences at 11:45 pm Eastern Standard Time on April 22, 2026, and concludes at 11:45 pm on April 29, 2026. Selected participants will be notified via email on April 30, 2026.
(c) Pitch Competition Date: The Pitch Competition will take place on May 21, 2026, at 12:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.
(d) Winner Declaration: The winners of the Pitch Competition will be unveiled no later than May 28, 2026.
For the purpose of this Program, the official time will be determined by the Administrator's computer system. Entrants should ensure they align their submissions with the corresponding time in their respective regions. Please note that the dates mentioned might undergo minor adjustments. In the event of any changes, the Administrator will update the Program's official website.
6.
Registration and Submission
In order to register in the Pitch Competition, those interested in participating must fill out the registration form and submit the requested information before 11:45 pm Eastern Standard Time on April 22, 2026. The form link, along with all the information related to the Pitch Competition, will be sent to applicants via email. After 11:45 pm Eastern Standard Time on April 22, 2026 the registration form will be disabled.
An Entrant’s failure to provide Profile Information and provide express consent in accordance with this Section is grounds for disqualification from the Pitch Competition. The Profile Information must conform to the guidelines and Content restrictions set forth below in Section 12. Failure to conform constitutes grounds for disqualification. Administrator reserves the right to require a Team to modify its name as needed to conform to the guidelines and Content restrictions set forth in Section 12, or to otherwise avoid confusion.
7.
Restrictions
(a) Team Membership: Each participant can be affiliated with only one team.
(b) Project Submission: Each team is allowed to submit one (1) project.
(c) Confidentiality: To the furthest extent permitted by law, Entrants should be aware that any data or information shared in relation to their project or profile will not be treated as confidential.
8.
Assessment Criteria
A designated panel of judges, appointed by the Administrator, will evaluate each Project Pitch and presentation based on the following evenly weighted criteria:
(a) Team: Ideally a strong team that can demonstrate the ability to work effectively with complementary skills.
(b) Functioning POC: The project must demonstrate clear Algorand protocol integration while delivering an intuitive, seamless experience tailored to a specific target audience.
(c) Pitch and presentation: A well-prepared and compelling pitch or presentation is essential to showcase the project's value proposition, market potential, and technical capabilities. The team should be able to articulate their project clearly, concisely, and convincingly to the judges.
9.
Entrant's Intellectual Property Rights
The Administrator does not assert any rights over the projects submitted. Entrants maintain all intellectual property rights they possess in their Project Submissions, both during and after the Pitch Competition. It is the Entrant's exclusive responsibility to safeguard such intellectual property. Entrants must ensure that no third parties hold rights or claims over any content or software code incorporated in their Project Submission. Furthermore, Entrants commit to notifying the Administrator about the status, ownership, or any open-source affiliations, intellectual property registrations, or related searches concerning their project.
10.
Intellectual Property Retained by Administrator
Administrator shall, at all times, retain all rights, title, and interest, in and to any Creative Materials. Any use of Creative Materials incorporating Entrant Content shall be for Program-related, educational, or promotional purposes only. The Administrator shall have no obligation to publish, distribute, or otherwise use any Creative Materials.
11.
Entrant’s Personal Information
All information provided by Entrants in the Program will be processed in line with the Administrator’s Privacy Policy as found at https://algorand.co/algorand-foundation/privacy-policy. By actively agreeing to these rules and participating in the Program, Entrants consent to share their information with the appointed judges, Program Sponsors, and with the Partner as a function of the Partner’s administration of the Program and to receive emails from the Administrator or the Partner.
Furthermore, Entrants acknowledge that their personal data might be stored on servers outside their home country and processed by the Administrator in line with its Privacy Policy.
Collected data, such as names, email addresses, postal addresses, and locations, will be used for Program-related communication or, if opted in to, for sending additional information from the Administrator.
Participants can access, modify, or withdraw their personal data and can oppose data collection under specific conditions. To exercise these rights, Entrants can email legal@algorand.foundation. The Administrator will only share personal data when necessary to: (i) manage the Program; (ii) adhere to legal mandates from government authorities; (iii) safeguard and assert the rights or assets of the Administrator; or (iv) enforce these Official Rules.
For Participants in the European Economic Area (EEA) Only: Participants should be aware that they can:
(a) Withdraw consent at any time with regards to personal data requiring consent to process, without affecting prior lawful data processing.
(b) Exercise rights over their personal data held by the Administrator, including access, rectification, erasure, restriction, and data portability.
(c) Obtain a machine-readable copy of their personal data or have it transferred to another entity.
(d) Lodge a complaint with an EEA member state's data supervisory authority if unsatisfied with the Administrator's data processing.
(e) Personal data will be retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, to administer the Program, and to comply with applicable legal obligations.
12.
Content Guidelines & Restrictions
All Content must comply with the guidelines and restrictions stated below:
(a) All Content must be in English.
(b) Entrants must possess or have secured all necessary rights to their Profile Information to participate in this Program and to grant the required permissions to the Administrator.
(c) Content should not infringe upon the rights of others, including but not limited to intellectual property rights, privacy, and publicity.
(d) Content should not tarnish or negatively impact the reputation, brand, or goodwill of the Administrator or any affiliated Individual or entity.
(e) If content features any individuals, Entrants must have obtained their explicit consent to use their likeness and grant the rights outlined herein.
(f) Content should be free from malicious components such as viruses, worms, spyware, or any other harmful elements.
(g) Content should not be inappropriate, indecent, offensive, defamatory, or libelous.
(h) Content should not endorse or promote prejudice, racism, or harm against any Individual or group, nor should it discriminate based on race, gender, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, or age.
(i) Content should comply with all applicable laws and regulations of the country where it is created and should not breach the terms of any third-party platforms where it might be uploaded.
13.
Winner Announcement and Requirements
The winners of the Pitch Competition will be announced within seven (7) days of May 21, 2026 via email.
To be officially recognized as a winner, Entrants must complete the Award Acceptance Documents (as defined below) and any other paperwork deemed necessary by the Administrator and/or the Program Sponsors. Additionally, winners must successfully meet the due diligence standards set by the Administrator and/or the Program Sponsors.
14.
Awards
The first place award is the Algo equivalent of $5,000, the second place award the Algo equivalent of $4,000, the third Place award is the Algo equivalent of $3,500, the fourth place award is the Algo equivalent of $3,000, the fifth place award is the Algo equivalent of $2,500, the sixth place award is the Algo equivalent of $2,000 (collectively, referred to as the “Award” or “Awards”). The Administrator reserves the right to pay any Award, in its sole discretion, in whole or in part, in USD, USDCa, or other award of comparable or superior value.
Receipt of the Award will be conditioned on completing certain documents and providing additional information, as the case may be, that are provided by the Administrator and/or the Program Sponsor and which the Entrant must complete and submit to confirm eligibility and accept the Award (“Award Acceptance Documents”).
Selection as a winner does not confer any vested right, entitlement, or guarantee to receive an Award. All Awards are granted at the sole discretion of the Administrator and remain subject to eligibility verification, compliance review, legal permissibility, and completion of all required Award Acceptance Documents to the satisfaction of the Administrator.
Any Award provided under the Pitch Competition is a discretionary promotional award and is not compensation for services, consideration for any transaction, inducement to develop, deploy, promote, or maintain any product or protocol, or payment in exchange for any present or future goods or services.
15.
Taxes and Other Restrictions and Limitations
(a) For the avoidance of doubt, the Award is the gross amount that the winner shall receive under the Pitch Competition, the winner shall not receive any gross-up or reimbursement of any kind for any taxes, social security contributions and/or any levy payable by the winner as a result of collecting the Award.
(b) Any valuation of an Award is determined, if at all, at the time of transfer by the Administrator in its sole discretion. The Administrator makes no representations regarding the fair market value of any Award and undertakes no obligation to provide tax advice, reporting, or documentation except where required by applicable law. Winners are solely responsible for all tax reporting, declarations, and payments arising from receipt or use of an Award.
(c) All Awards, whether in cash, ALGO, USDCa or its equivalent, will be directed to the Team Leader.
(d) Winning teams might be instructed to establish a wallet address, as specified by the Administrator, to receive and access the Award if the Award is provided in ALGO or USDCa.
(e) Awards are strictly non-transferable. Any alterations or substitutions are only permissible with the explicit consent of the Administrator.
(f) Winners bear the responsibility for any tax declarations and payments as mandated by their local laws.
(g) Upon accepting any Award, winners, in accordance with the law, absolve the Administrator and associated parties from any claims or actions, including property damage or loss, stemming from their participation in the Pitch Competition or from the utilization or mishandling of the Award. This waiver does not encompass claims against the Administrator or associated parties due to personal injuries, fatalities, or any damages resulting from intentional or gross negligence.
(h) If, in the Administrator’s sole determination, the delivery of an Award in ALGO or any other digital asset would be unlawful, impracticable, or create regulatory, licensing, sanctions, tax, or compliance risk in any jurisdiction applicable to the Administrator or the winner, the Administrator reserves the right to modify, delay, withhold, substitute, or convert the Award (including payment in fiat currency or a different digital asset of comparable or greater value) without further obligation.
(i) These Official Rules are not designed to override, limit, or alter an Entrant's rights under prevailing consumer protection laws.
(j) The Administrator does not custody digital assets on behalf of any Entrant or winner and does not operate as a broker, dealer, exchange, or money services business. Winners are solely responsible for providing a valid, self-hosted wallet address capable of receiving the Award. The Administrator does not facilitate secondary transfers, conversions, or trading of any Award.
16.
Disclaimer
Participation in the Program does not constitute an endorsement, investment recommendation, or guarantee by the Administrator, judges, or Program Sponsors of any startup, product, service, or token presented. All Entrants are independent entities solely responsible for their operations, marketing, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The Administrator, judges, or Program Sponsors do not provide legal, financial, or investment advice, and expressly disclaims liability for any representations made by participating Entrants, including claims regarding business performance, product functionality, token utility, or potential returns. Entrants acknowledge that they have not relied, and will not rely, on any statements, feedback, evaluations, educational materials, or communications from the Administrator, judges, or Program Sponsors in making business, technical, legal, or financial decisions. Participation in the Program is entirely at the Entrant’s own risk.
17.
No Employment Implication
These Official Rules do not constitute an employment offer or contract with any participant. Entrants recognize that their Profile Information and Project Submission are provided willingly and not under any form of confidentiality or trust. They also acknowledge that no confidential, fiduciary, agency, or implied contractual relationship exists between them and the Administrator or any associated parties due to the submission of any Content as per these Official Rules.
18.
Entrant Behavior
Throughout the Program, the Administrator may, at its sole discretion, conduct background checks on Entrants. If Entrants receive sponsorship from third parties, including brands, such endorsements must receive prior written approval from the Administrator. Entrants, including their sponsors, must not use or allow the use of the Administrator's trademarks, logos, or other intellectual property without prior written consent.
19.
Limitations of Liability
Within the bounds of applicable law, neither the Administrator nor parties associated with the Administrator will be held responsible for:
(a) Any inaccuracies, be they caused by the Entrant, printing errors, or equipment or software related to the Program.
(b) Technical disruptions of any nature, including but not limited to, equipment or network failures or botting.
(c) Unauthorized interventions in any part of the Program.
(d) Delays or failures in communication, including mail.
(e) Any damage claims resulting from Program participation or acceptance of an Award.
(f) Claims by Entrants regarding similarities or competitiveness between their submissions and products or technologies independently developed by the Administrator or received from third parties, including other Entrants.
NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY IN THESE OFFICIAL RULE, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED UNDER APPLICABLE LAWS, WE, OUR SUBSIDIARY AND RELATED COMPANIES, TOGETHER WITH THEIR OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS AND REPRESENTATIVES SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY EXPENSE, LOSS, DAMAGE, LIABILITY OR OTHER CONSEQUENCES, WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL, SUFFERED OR INCURRED BY YOU OR ANY THIRD PARTY ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM AND/OR RECEIPT AND USE OF THE AWARD.
20.
Dispute Resolution; Governing Law
These Official Rules together with any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it, is governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Delaware and the United States without regard to conflict of laws provisions thereof, and without regard to the United Nations Convention on the International Sale of Goods. Exclusive jurisdiction and venue for any litigation arising under these Official Rules is in the federal and state courts located in Delaware and each party hereby consents to such jurisdiction and venue for this purpose. Each party hereby waives trial by jury in any court action or proceeding to which they may be parties, arising out of, in connection with, or in any way pertaining to, these Official Rules. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, all claims arising out of or relating to these Official Rules or the Program must be brought in an individual capacity, and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class, collective, or representative proceeding.
21.
Severability
Any provision of these Official Rules that are declared invalid, void, or unenforceable due to its application to specific circumstances by any competent authority or court shall be deemed severable and shall not affect the other provisions of these Official Rules which shall continue unaffected.