Introducing Vana Academy: Calling the New Data Economy Innovators
Data is the most valuable asset of the digital age—and it’s trapped. Locked up by platforms, siloed by corporations, and inaccessible to the people who generate it.
At Vana, we believe it’s time for a new model—one where entrepreneurs, developers, and communities take control of the value they create. That’s why we’re launching Vana Academy, a 9-week intensive for builders ready to pioneer the next frontier of data entrepreneurship.
Why Now? Why You?
Over the past year, we’ve spoken with hundreds of ambitious builders who know there’s something broken in the current data model—and they’re ready to build alternatives.
Vana Academy is the first structured program designed to help you launch a DataDAO: a data-native business that collects, governs, and monetizes user-owned data. Whether you’re from Web2, Web3, or somewhere in between, this is your chance to be on the ground floor of a $trillion shift.
What You’ll Build
You’ll work alongside Vana engineers and core contributors to:
- Source high-signal, hard-to-access datasets
- Design data incentive mechanisms that scale
- Architect tokenomics that align contributors and buyers
- Launch your DataDAO and pitch it to investors, partners, and the Vana ecosystem
By the end of the program, you won’t just have a project—you’ll have a go-to-market ready data business.
The Program: 9 Weeks. Zero Fluff. Full Focus.
| Weeks 1–4 | Deep dive into the mechanics of DataDAOs, token design, and data monetization.
| Week 5 | Mid-program pitch. Selected teams receive up to $5k in milestone-based rewards.
| Weeks 6–8 | DAO deployment, contribution flows, tokenomics, GTM strategy.
| Week 9 | Final showcase: pitch your DataDAO to a panel of builders, investors, and ecosystem leaders.
Who Should Apply?
- Web2 hackers ready to break into crypto with a real-world use case
- Web3 founders exploring sustainable data incentives
- Technical builders who see the opportunity in data as an asset class
- Ecosystem contributors who believe in open infrastructure for data sovereignty
No existing project? No problem. We’ll help you identify high-value data verticals and build your thesis from scratch.
How to Join
- Apply by May 26
- Get notified by May 28
- Kick off with the cohort on June 2
Spots are extremely limited—we’re keeping this tight to ensure high signal and high support. Apply early to secure your place.
This Isn’t Just a Program. It’s a Movement.
The future of AI, finance, and the internet itself will be shaped by who controls the data. Vana Academy is your launchpad to build in this new era—not as a user, but as an owner.
👉 Join the Vana Discord to meet the community and explore ideas
Let’s build something the incumbents can’t.