CypherTank, a Bitcoin-focused pitch contest, aims to spotlight innovative Bitcoin projects and establish Lugano as a premier Bitcoin hub, offering over $850,000 in total prizes.
Bitcoin Innovation Takes Center Stage: CypherTank Pitch Contest
Ever heard of a pitch contest exclusively for Bitcoin projects? Yeah, me neither, until now. CypherTank is here to shake things up. It's not just about throwing money at startups; it's about spotlighting innovation and turning Lugano into the next Bitcoin Mecca. Let's dive in, shall we?
What's CypherTank?
Plan B Network and the Plan B VC Fund have teamed up to launch CypherTank, a Bitcoin-focused pitch competition. The prize pool? A cool $850,000. The goal? To showcase the most innovative Bitcoin projects and solidify Lugano's position as a leading Bitcoin hub. This isn't your average tech startup competition; it's laser-focused on Bitcoin.
The Juicy Details
Eleven carefully selected projects—eight for-profit and three nonprofit—will battle it out across various categories. We’re talking on-chain Bitcoin tech, Lightning Network apps, peer-to-peer innovations, and solutions for emerging markets. For the for-profit winners, there's a $450,000 pre-authorized investment via a capped SAFE from the Plan B VC Fund, plus $200,000 in incubation services at the Lugano Plan B Hub. Not too shabby, eh?
Why Lugano?
Lugano is strategically positioning itself as a Bitcoin-friendly city. By hosting events like CypherTank, they're attracting talent, investment, and attention. Giacomo Zucco, Director of the Plan B Network, puts it perfectly: “CypherTank is designed to give Bitcoin founders not only capital but a global stage.” And that global stage is Lugano.
Who's Judging?
The judging panel is stacked with industry heavyweights: Paolo Ardoino (Tether), Adam Back (Blockstream), Matt Odell (Ten31), Mike Jarmuz (Lightning Ventures), and Preston Pysh (Ego Death). These are the folks who'll be deciding which projects have the potential to revolutionize the Bitcoin space. Semifinals are set for October 22, and the finals on October 27, 2025.
Nonprofits Get Some Love Too
It’s not all about profits. Nonprofit projects focused on human rights, scientific breakthroughs, and Lugano Bitcoin-Citadel initiatives will compete for a $200,000 non-dilutive grant from the Plan B Foundation. Judges might even throw in some extra grants. It's great to see Bitcoin being used for more than just making a buck.
Global Visibility
Here's the kicker: CypherTank is the first Bitcoin-only pitch series that will film real founder–investor negotiations, combine them with judge panel scoring, and distribute the episodes globally on YouTube, Rumble, and X by the end of 2025. It's like Shark Tank, but for Bitcoin. Talk about amplifying innovation!
Final Thoughts
CypherTank isn't just a pitch contest; it's a platform for the next wave of Bitcoin innovation. With funding, visibility, and a prime location in Lugano, it's poised to be a catalyst for growth in the Bitcoin ecosystem. If you're a Bitcoin founder, you might want to get in on this. Who knows? You might just be the next big thing. And if not, well, at least you got a free trip to Lugano. Cheers to that!
