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When we look at decentralised applications (dApps), it's easy to assume they're fundamentally different from traditional apps. One runs on a distributed network of nodes, while the other is hosted on centralised servers controlled by a company.
Yet, when we strip away the technical details, the core journey of building any application—whether decentralised or not—follows a similar path.
Both types of apps begin with an idea. Developers start by identifying a problem, imagining a solution, and setting out to make that vision a reality.
Whether you’re working on a dApp powered by blockchain or a traditional app hosted on central servers, the road from concept to product is filled with many of the same challenges: securing funding, gathering user feedback, iterating on design, and scaling for the future.
A Supportive Space to Grow: The EDU Chain Incubator
NewCampus, in partnership with Open Campus, is helping developers through the EDU Chain Incubator programme—a space where developers can pitch their ideas for grants and gain mentorship to take their projects to the next level.
The Open Campus Incubator (OC-I) is a 12-week remote programme created to support early- and mid-stage blockchain builders as they turn their ideas into real, working dApps. It’s a space where creativity meets support—bringing together passionate founders, experienced mentors, and meaningful opportunities to grow.
Since launching, OC-I has become a home for builders ready to take the next step. Many projects have already gone live, supported by a vibrant network of mentors, investors, and community members who genuinely care about helping founders succeed.
Learning Designed for Builders
As the learning partner for design and delivery, NewCampus is deeply involved in shaping the experience for every cohort. The programme is designed with intention and the unique needs of blockchain developers in mind.
Each cohort moves through a thoughtfully designed 12-week journey that includes weekly live Zoom sessions, asynchronous tasks, and a rich library of support materials—all housed in an interactive Notion learning hub.
Builders get access to guides, templates, and actionable resources that help them take the next step with clarity and confidence. Besides the materials, we apply learning and service design principles to ensure that every piece of content is practical, relevant, and directly applicable to the real challenges our builders are facing.
We also place a strong emphasis on mentorship and community. Our team carefully recruits mentors from across the Web3 space—investors, KOLs, liquidity providers, and technical experts—and thoughtfully matches them with teams based on their project goals and development stage.
Through regular check-ins, group workshops, and progress sessions, builders don’t just gain knowledge—they become part of a supportive, collaborative environment where they can exchange ideas, get feedback, and grow together.
Guided by Feedback, Supported by People Who’ve Been There
User feedback is another cornerstone of any successful app, whether decentralised or traditional. The product is only as good as the feedback it receives from those who use it.
Whether you’re testing a mobile app or a blockchain-based platform, understanding how users interact with your product is vital. Iteration based on that feedback is key to refining your product and ensuring it resonates with your audience.
EDU Chain’s access to 20 million learners offers an invaluable resource for gathering insights at scale. This mirrors the feedback loop that traditional apps experience with their beta testers or early adopters.
With such a vast user base eager to engage with new projects, dApp developers have a unique opportunity to gather feedback early and iterate quickly, ensuring that their product isn’t just functional—but truly valuable to its users.
Building for the Long Term
Both decentralised and centralised apps face the same challenge: sustainability. Launching an app is just the beginning. To truly succeed, developers need to create lasting value.
Traditional tech companies know that building a brand and fostering an ecosystem around their product is essential for long-term success. Similarly, EDU Chain’s focus on sustainability ensures that dApp developers are not only building for the present but for the future.
In the same way that traditional companies build communities, dApp developers must take the time to lay strong foundations for scalability, adaptability, and long-term growth. It’s not just about having a great product today; it’s about ensuring your dApp can evolve, scale, and remain relevant over time.
