🚀 MISSION:BUIDL
Build. Launch. Lead.
MISSION:BUIDL is a West Virginia Blockchain Foundation initiative that helps students move beyond learning about technology and start building with it.
Through workshops, hackathons, founder mentorship, industry engagement, and project-based learning, MISSION:BUIDL connects students with the skills, networks, and opportunities needed to participate in the future of artificial intelligence, blockchain, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure.
Our Mission
To empower the next generation of builders, founders, and innovators by creating pathways from education to real-world impact.
What We Do
🎓 Student-Founder Roundtables
Small-group conversations that connect students with founders, investors, developers, and industry leaders.
💻 Hackathons & Builder Challenges
Support for students participating in hackathons, startup weekends, and technical competitions.
🚀 Builder Grants
Microgrants and sponsorship opportunities that help students turn ideas into prototypes and projects.
🤝 Industry Mentorship
Connections to professionals across technology, cybersecurity, AI, blockchain, energy, and digital infrastructure.
✈️ Conference Access & Scholarships
Support for students attending industry conferences, networking events, and educational opportunities.
Student Impact
MISSION:BUIDL has already supported students through conference, hackathons, workshops, and founder engagement opportunities.
Highlights include:
Supported student participation in the Consensus 2026 Hackathon in Miami.
Supported a student team that built TRAC3R, an AI-agent data verification API.
Hosted a Student-Founder Roundtable in Philadelphia with a Drexel University student-led startup incubator, bringing together students from Boston University, the University of Colorado, and the University of Minnesota.
Delivered the Blockchain Attack Lab for university students.
Sponsored the first-place prize for the inaugural West Virginia State University Cybersecurity Innovation Center Hackathon, supporting student innovation and entrepreneurship.
Conducted blockchain, AI, and emerging technology workshops across West Virginia.
Connected students with founders, developers, investors, and industry leaders.
Provided conference access and sponsorship support for student builders.
Campuses Engaged
MISSION:BUIDL and related WVBF programming have engaged students and student leaders from campuses including:
Marshall University
Bethany College (WV)
Drexel University (PA)
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Minnesota
Livingstone College (NC)
Who Should Apply?
MISSION:BUIDL is designed for:
College and university students
Student founders and entrepreneurs
Hackathon participants
Computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, and business students
Students interested in AI, blockchain, and emerging technologies
No prior blockchain experience is required.
Partner With Us
MISSION:BUIDL works with universities, student organizations, nonprofits, startups, and industry partners to expand opportunities for students.
Interested in sponsoring a student, hosting a workshop, supporting a hackathon team, or becoming a program partner?
Contact the West Virginia Blockchain Foundation to learn more.