Mexico Local Node proposal [Region's approval state]

[HumbertoBesso]

The following is the first stage for a local node proposal to be approved. The live document is available here.

Feedback is required from both the Mexican representatives and the broader Scroll community. After a week of feedback, endorsements are required to pass the region approval and then dive deeper on the details of how that local node will be managed.

Proposal Title: Mexico Mobile Scroll Node: A Founder-focused Onboarding and Support program

Proposal Type: Local Node - Community

Authors: @Humberto Besso

Status: Draft for Region’s approval

Category: Community

Following the Framework for local nodes this is a 1st stage proposal required to get approval from the Foundation and the DAO to then draft a comprehensive proposal on running a local node in México.

Web3 Adoption

Mexico has emerged as a promising market for Web3 technologies, with significant growth in blockchain adoption across industries:

• Crypto Ownership. Approximately 10.1% of the adult population is expected to actively own or use cryptocurrencies by 2025, up from 3.9% in recent years [1].
• Blockchain Market Growth. The Mexico blockchain market size reached USD 226.50 Million in 2024. It is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.8%, reaching $1.17 billion by 2033 [1].

Regulatory Landscape

Mexico’s regulatory framework for blockchain and cryptocurrencies is moderately favorable but still developing:

• Fintech Law. Mexico’s Fintech Law regulates cryptocurrency exchanges and requires compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) protocols and licensing from the Bank of Mexico (Banxico)[1].

• Government Initiatives. The National Electorate Institute used it already with Hyperledger to count votes coming from Mexicans in the US [2]. The Mexican government has supportive measures including recognizing blockchain data for legal purposes [3] and promoting its use for the financial sector [4].

• No blockchain-specific laws. Initiatives need to comply with data protection laws and sector-specific regulations regarding consumer protection (e.g., health, commerce)[5].

Adoption Challenges

Despite the promising outlook, challenges remain:

• Accessibility. The industry needs to simplify its use and focus on providing solutions instead of emphasizing on teaching how the underlying blockchain technology works. This requires evangelists with a business and people-oriented perspective rather than only technical promoters [6].
• Security. Designing and offering risk mitigation solutions is going to allow the businesses to have a lot more confidence when adopting web3 tech [6].
• Lobbying. Dialogue with legislative bodies is needed. Fortunately, there is already awareness on the topic from the National Congress as a hackathon on blockchain for digital voting was carried out with deputees in 2024 [7].
• Alliances. Players from regulated sectors must become participants of the decentralised economy and contribute with the values that consumers are looking for: confidence and guarantees to users. [6]

Centralized Exchanges

Top platforms operating in Mexico (2025):

• Bitso

• Binance*

• Bando*

• KuCoin*

• Bitfinex*

• Kraken

• Trubit

• Domitai

• MEXC

• OKX

• support Scroll.

Local Ecosystem

Top active blockchains operating in México:

• Ethereum: Several local communities (Mexico City, Monterrey, Mérida, Puebla, Veracruz, etc), most of them work along with other blockchains such as the ones below.

Some key facts of other EVM blockchains operating locally:

• Solana: 473 hackers in the latest Mexico City hackathon [8].
• Polkadot: Leading hackathons with 2,000+ registrations [8].
• StarkNet: BBVA-backed incubator and Spanish-language SDKs [8].
• ICP Hub LatAm: TV outreach and university workshops [8].
• NEAR Protocol: University partnerships [8].
• Celo México: Just starting.

Crypto-Friendly Businesses

A small list of merchants listed based on use-cases:

• Digital credentials. Professional titles, diplomas and credentials can be registered through blockchain technology, allowing users to share their qualifications directly. One of the most influential universities in the country – the Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey – founded Mostla, a platform that allows students to access their electronic qualifications registered on the blockchain [9].
• Digital signatures. Blockchain technology introduced a solution to the certain issues presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. WeeTrust [10] and TRATO [11] are examples of platforms that provide blockchain certificates for the validation of signatures.
• Payments. MercadoPago now accepts crypto [12]. Bitso is promoting Bitcoin acceptance in businesses [13], also their debit card allows paying in real time with crypto without even asking the vendor. ChipiPay allows paying utilities and mobile credit with crypto [14].
• Real estate. The mayor’s office of Tulum, Quintana is testing blockchain network for the land registry [15].
• Art. Morton Auctions auctioned VIVA, a digital painting by Mexican artist Juan Carlos del Valle, the first non-fungible token (NFT) executed in collaboration with the Artereum platform [15].
• Sports. Club Chivas and Club Necaxa in Mexico are generating NFTs for fans [15].

Communities & Events

Active networks include:

• Polkadot Mexico: Workshops and hackathons
• StarkNetEs: 15K+ members on Spanish GitHub
• Solana Mexico: Meetups

Notable 2024-25 events:

• Ethereum México 2024 in Mérida, 2025 edition in Monterrey [16].
• Ethereum Cinco de Mayo 2024 in Cholula, 2025 in CDMX [17].
• Solana APEX: México [18].
• ICP at major national TV channel [19].
• Vara hackathon [20].
• StarkNet Meetup [21].

Leadership/Team

Core Team (Pilot Phase)

→ Community

• @HumbertoBesso as Community Leader. Oversees operation, budget, venue logistics, event organization, social media sharing, stakeholder/ally relations, KPI, and reporting. Carries out the events and works as the spokesperson. Is the accountable person to the DAO for the Local Node. $1,250 usd/month.
• Alejandra Verde as Event organization support. Design event materials & logistics, contact providers. $550 usd/month.
• Dorian P. as Public relations support. Mentor onboarding, allies onboarding, cohort onboarding. $700 usd/month.

→ Education

• ____ as Builder Program Manager. Designs cohort program, manages participant engagement and mentor coordination identifies allies that add value to the program, reports back with results based on KPIs. $1,200 usd/month.
• Mentors (Contract). ~5-10 experts (Legal, Marketing, Admin, Tech [ZK/DeFi/RWA/Scroll], AI). Paid $50-$60/hr for Masterclass creation and on-demand support. $1,250 usd/month.

→ Social media

• LiberMedia as Comms manager. Social media posting, content creation, engagement reporting. $500 usd/month.

Proposed initiatives

A Mobile Local Node for extended outreach and a hybrid Builder program. High-level details:

• National outreach: Onboarding activities are carried out locally throughout Mexico via local allies and a Scroll-themed bus that holds the necessary infrastructure to carry out events at will.

• Builder Program (Hybrid VS/Grant-Prep Model):

  • Sourcing & Onboarding: Recruitment via the mobile local node outreach activities, ally referrals, and direct applications through social media. Selected participants join the pilot hybrid cohort.

  • Commitment: Participants agree to build exclusively on Scroll for at least one year post-program. No equity is taken.

  • Curriculum: Designed based on insights from “Research to inform a builder support strategy” and “Insights from Mexican and LatAm founders during Cinco de Mayo” (Note: Access to these research documents is required for curriculum finalization). Topics may include Scroll tech, ZK, smart contracts, DeFi, RWA, governance, AI, product development, legal, marketing, admin, pitching, and specifically preparing for Scroll Grant/Open applications.

  • Delivery: Uses a Flipped Classroom approach. Mentors provide study materials/homework beforehand; class time focuses on Q&A, practical application, and collaborative problem-solving. Delivered via online Masterclasses (recorded for reuse) and mentorship sessions, plus IRL work sessions/networking hosted in free spaces provided by allies (universities, corporate offices, etc.).

  • Support: Allies provide resources (connections, expertise, potential partnerships) and mentorship. The program explicitly aims to prepare founders to apply for Scroll Grants, Scroll Open, and Scroll Campus resources post-cohort.

• Pilot Tour (4 Months):

  • Months 1-2: CDMX. Setup, ally outreach, launch, recruitment, cohort selection. Begin online modules & IRL sessions in ally spaces. Announce Puebla visit.

  • Months 3-4: Puebla. Continue recruitment (if applicable), host IRL workshops/mentorship, engage local hubs. Final pilot sessions, performance review, data collection, reporting, planning.

Support needed

• People with Venture Studio / Builder Program experience (e.g., RnDAO, Frutero).
• Urbanika partnership for the bus to become the mobile local node.
• Co-created design for the Scroll theme on the bus.
• Insights from the specified research documents and the Ethereum Cinco de Mayo interview activity.
• List of potential allies (initial list provided above).
• Access to Scroll educational resources.
• Support from Scroll Foundation with introductions.
• A budget of $36,000 for 4 months.

Why Mexico for Scroll?

Mexico presents a significant opportunity for the expansion of the Scroll ecosystem. It boasts a vibrant and growing tech community, a strong university system with a keen interest in blockchain technologies, and a strategic geographic location within Latin America. Establishing a local Scroll node in Mexico will:

• Drive Adoption and Innovation. Solidify Scroll’s presence in a key market within Latin America where instead of Web3 adoption being blocked by regulations local and state governments are experimenting with it.
• A large market. Mexico has a remittances market of $64,745M USD which 99.1% happen by digital means.
• A DeFi market beachhead. Statista projects that Mexico will reach 973.70k DeFi users by 2025.
• STEM-focus national strategy. The current government is pushing for more STEM-based graduates, as they’ll be needed to develop the Mexican government mega projects and to reach a more technological sovereignty.

–

The proposal is in draft mode, please enrich with your questions and suggestions.

[Juansito]

Humberto and Mexico stakeholders,

Thank you for your comprehensive Regional Evaluation Proposal for establishing a Scroll Local Node in Mexico. We commend the work put into outlining this initiative and are excited about the potential for Scroll to grow its presence in Mexico. The proposal demonstrates a strong understanding of the local Web3 landscape and an effective approach to engaging founders and builders in the region.

Observations:

• Mexico as a Leader in LATAM Adoption: Mexico continues to be a frontrunner in Web3 adoption across LATAM, with an even higher potential for user growth. Remittances and payments are particularly strong use cases in Mexico, offering a natural on-ramp for blockchain adoption, further supporting Scroll’s potential to thrive here.
• Thriving Web3 Ecosystem: Mexico has a flourishing Web3 ecosystem and a high level of blockchain engagement, with many dedicated individuals and grassroots communities involved in local projects. These communities have played an instrumental role in fostering adoption and driving innovation, positioning Mexico as a critical hub for the Web3 movement.
• Favorable Regulatory Environment: Mexico has taken a progressive approach toward blockchain regulation, embracing crypto through the licensing of on/off ramps rather than restricting it. This supportive environment is essential for long-term growth and adoption, making Mexico an attractive location for Scroll’s Local Node initiative.
• Founder-Focused Approach: The Founder-focused approach in your proposal is highly aligned with Scroll’s mission. The commitment to sourcing and supporting founders will contribute to building a sustainable ecosystem of builders in Mexico, and we’re excited to see this priority in action.
• Committed Communities: We are encouraged by the dedication and consistency of Mexico’s Web3 communities. Notable initiatives like Frutero, which hosted a mentorship program for LATAM builders as part of our first Scroll Open, continue to deliver strong developer onboarding and support for the Mexican Web3 community. Ethereum Mexico, with its active meetups and events across the country, has always been open to collaboration with Scroll, fostering a strong partnership.
• Local Project Ties: We also value the close relationships with local projects such as Bando, which represents a major milestone as the first on-ramp on Scroll Mainnet. This achievement by Mexican founders is significant and highlights the depth of local commitment to Scroll’s mission. Another shoutout to Chipipay, who started building their product through a Scroll hackathon track and continue their efforts of bringing their product to life.
• Bitso’s Role: Bitso is a prominent player in Mexico, with over $40M in trading volume. As the largest LATAM-based CEX, Bitso could be a valuable partner in driving Local Node activations in Mexico. Their platform’s extensive user base and commitment to crypto adoption make them a key ally for Scroll in the region.
• Support Structure: The proposed support structure for mentoring is a particularly strong aspect of this proposal. By targeting local context and opportunities, it provides a differentiated approach compared to global efforts, which can be incredibly effective in mentoring founders within their own unique ecosystem. The paid mentorship model ensures that high-quality mentors are incentivized, which is a great strategy for driving effective, hands-on support for the local community.
• Humberto’s Contribution: We would like to commend Humberto Besso and Frutero for their efforts and contributions in not only the ideation of a Local Node in Mexico but also their broader input on the potential scope of Local Nodes.

Recommendations:

• We highly encourage the inclusion of insights from the first edition of Scroll Open in developing the curriculum for the Hybrid Builder Program. The Scroll Open content provides valuable resources and insights for teaching hackers how to build products, which will be directly applicable to your target audience. You can find the relevant resources here.
• We recommend maintaining the 3-month duration for the initial phase of the proposal unless there are compelling reasons to extend it. A focused, short-term approach will allow for quicker results and better tracking of progress.
• It’s crucial to leverage Scroll’s existing social media channels to amplify the content generated by the Local Node. Any activities requiring social media amplification should be coordinated with Scroll’s Community Management team to ensure proper distribution through official channels.
• We strongly encourage tight collaboration with other key stakeholders within the Mexican Web3 community when finalizing the proposal. This collaboration will ensure the proposal reflects the needs and strengths of the local ecosystem. We will support efforts to involve other key figures and organizations to maximize the impact of this Local Node.
• As always, the sourcing and supporting of founders should remain a top priority in the proposal’s execution. Ensuring that the right founders are identified and supported will drive long-term success for the local ecosystem and for Scroll.
• As we look toward Scroll Open in July, we hope to see a strong showing from the Mexican dev community. We encourage planning initiatives that will not only engage but actively prepare Mexican projects to participate and potentially take the stage at Scroll Open.
• The draft version of the proposal must be posted on the forum as part of the voting cycle, receiving feedback from delegates and requiring at least 3 endorsements for the proposal to move forward in the next voting cycle.
• If the goal is for the proposal to be voted on in the May cycle, we highly encourage the Mexican teams to post a draft on the forum no later than April 23rd, 2025 to ensure ample time for feedback and endorsements in time for the May 1 voting cycle.
• We would like to emphasize that the Regional Evaluation stage is intended to show support for the creation of a Local Node in Mexico rather than endorsing or approving the specific team to lead or execute the proposed initiatives. The team responsible for operating the Local Node, as well as the specific initiatives it will undertake, will be decided separately during the Local Node proposal stage. This will be a distinct process, and the final decision will be made by the DAO to ensure that the most capable team is selected to drive the Local Node’s success.

Conclusion:

Scroll Foundation supports the creation of a Local Node Proposal for Mexico. We are excited about the opportunities this initiative presents for the growth of Scroll in Mexico, and we look forward to collaborating with the involved communities to bring this vision to life.

Juan Molina
Community Lead
Scroll