A1. The final deadline is 30 September 2026.
A2. No - free to enter due to our non-profit mandate and sponsor firewalls.
A3. Yes, if your project genuinely fits multiple categories (e.g., a security token with a strong utility layer). Each nomination requires its own submission (free). We recommend selecting the single best-fit category for the strongest application.
A4. The project must be launched or in pilot phase within 12 months before nomination. No illegal or fraudulent activity. Nominees must provide at least one verifiable metric.
A5. Anyone - self-nomination or third-party (colleague, partner, advisor).
A6. Yes - through the Student Merit pathway. Proof of enrolment required.
A7. Yes - through the Rising Stars pathway.
A8. Use the closest match or contact us at info@datsawards.org for guidance.
A9. Not required for nomination, but may be requested during due diligence for finalists.
A10. Yes, by emailing nomination@datsawards.org before shortlisting begins.
A11. The independent DATS Council - 20-25 global experts. No Coinstreet employee or sponsor participates in scoring or winner selection.
A12. Yes. Council members are invitation-only, serve 2-year terms, have no commercial ties to Coinstreet or sponsors, and act in personal capacity.
A13. The Awards Execution team removes company names, logos, and team names before Council scoring. Council members never see nominee identities until after scoring.
A14. Council members must disclose any financial, employment, or advisory relationship with a nominee. If disclosed, they are excluded from scoring that entire category. Non-disclosure leads to removal and invalidation of past votes.
A15. The DATS Council Chair casts the deciding vote, based on the entry's score in the first (most heavily weighted) judging pillar. The tie and rationale are documented in the audit trail.
A16. Yes - download it from the Judging page. You can use it to self-assess before nominating.
A17. The top 5 scores per category become finalists. Tie-breaker: higher score in the first pillar.
A18. Finalists present live (5 minutes each) virtually. The Council discusses, then votes confidentially (simple majority). One winner per category.
A19. Yes - all voting records and anonymised scores are retained for 3 years.
A20. Decisions are final, but procedural errors can be raised to the Steering Committee.
A21. The Core Winner's Package: bespoke trophy, NFT badge, winner profile page, press release distribution (50+ media), feature interview, 3-min Summit spotlight, ecosystem fast-track, capital introduction, 50% CDAC discount, alumni network, 12-month logo display.
A22. Shipped within 2 weeks after the Gala.
A23. Yes - Premium Amplification Packages: Amplified Impact ($5,000), Strategic Partnership ($15,000), Global Domination ($35,000), or à la carte services.
A24. Optional packages for nominees and finalists: Nominee Recognition ($1,500), Finalist Spotlight ($5,000), Finalist Plus ($12,000). These provide immediate recognition but do not affect judging.
A25. Yes - if fraud or materially false information is discovered, the award may be revoked, and the winner must return the trophy and cease using DATS branding.
A26. Yes - at the Gala (18-19 February 2027). Winners are notified confidentially 1 week before, under embargo.
A27. Yes - winners receive complimentary tickets. Additional tickets available for purchase.
A28. 50% off one CDAC-F (Foundations) or CDAC-P (Professional) enrollment per winning team.
A29. Yes - lifetime access to a private winner-only community (Slack/Discord).
A30. 12 months from the Gala date.
A31. Diamond ($80,000, exclusive), Gold ($28,000), and custom packages.
A32. Diamond: 3-6 months (board level); Gold: 2-4 months (senior management); others: 1-3 months.
A33. Yes - 50% on signing, 50% 60 days before the Summit (15 December 2026). Early payment discounts available.
A34. Naming rights, Steering Committee seat, keynote slot at Summit, presents the top award.
A35. Lead a key initiative (CDAC, DA100, Summit Reception), speaking role, premium exhibition space, co-branded marketing.
A36. Yes - domain-specific sponsorship (legal, custody, exchange, research, etc.). Contact partners@datsawards.org.
A37. Yes - for media partners and some functional partners. Value exchange: promotion for content and tickets.
A38. Contact media@datsawards.org - in-kind exchange for promotion.
A39. Yes - government agencies, trade associations, tourism boards. Contact partners@datsawards.org.
A40. Yes - custom packages available. Contact partners@datsawards.org.
A41. Yes - all revenue is reinvested; no dividends or profit extraction.
A42. Coinstreet Group is the co-organiser, but governance is independent (Council). Sponsors have no influence over judging.
A43. The gala, research reports (DA100), winner amplification packages, community programs, and operational costs. Full budget transparency available on request.
A44. No - we comply with Hong Kong PDPO and GDPR principles. We do not sell or trade personal data.
A45. Contact privacy@datsawards.org. We will respond within 30 days.
A46. Yes - in-person at Hong Kong Cyberport, 18-19 February 2027. Virtual attendance is also available.
A47. Yes - the Summit is hybrid. Virtual attendees receive live stream access, chat, Q&A, and virtual exhibitor booths. No travel required.
A48. Contact media@datsawards.org at least 30 days before the Summit.
A49. For sponsors and selected winners - contact events@datsawards.org.
A50. info@datsawards.org - we respond within 2 business days.
A51. Yes - the Summit is hybrid. Virtual attendees receive live stream access, chat, Q&A, and virtual exhibitor booths. No travel required.
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