Lugano, Switzerland, September 25, 2025 – Plan Network and Plan VC Fund have announced Cyphertank, a Bitcoin-only pitch series that films real founders and investors negotiations, pairs them with judge panel scoring, and distributes episodes globally.
Filming will be held at Lugano in the semi-finals on October 22nd, and the final on October 27th will be held in the week of the Planning Forum (October 24-25). Edited episodes will be released on YouTube, Rumble and X by the end of 2025.
What’s different about Cyphertank
- For-profit and non-commercial applicants: Both investments and grants are provided.
- Photographed for release: Episodes are recorded and edited for global distribution.
- Actual transaction of cameras: The judges may extend live investments or grants.
- Score by top investors in Bitcoin: Founders are valued by leading voices in the industry.
- Bitcoin-only focus: Builders only sell Bitcoin and adjacent technologies.
Truck and prize pool
- For-profit startups (8 finalists, 4 categories)
- On-chain Bitcoin Tech, Lightning Tech, Peer-to-peer technology, and emerging markets.
- The winner shares a $450,000 pre-approved investment (Capped Safe) from the Plan VC fund and a $200,000 incubation and acceleration service on Lugano Plan₿Hub. The judges may extend additional offers.
- Nonprofit organization (3 finalists)
- Lugano Bitcoin Citadel is a scientific breakthrough and human rights protection.
- The winning nonprofit will receive a $200,000 grant from the Plan Foundation, with potential additional grants with additional grants from the judges.
- Total of prize pool: Over $850,000
Jury panel
- Paolo Aldoino (Tether/Plan₿VC Fund)
- Oleg Michalsky (Fulgur Ventures / Plan₿VC Fund & Foundation)
- Adambak (Blockstream)
- Matt Odell (Ten31, openSats)
- Preston Pisch (Ego death)
- Allen Farrington (axiom)
- Mike Jarmus (Lightning Venture)
- Eric Yeks (epoch)
- Blood Mills (Angel Investor)
schedule
- September 2025 – The application’s global call opens
- October 22, 2025 – Semi-finals recorded on Pow.space (for commercial startups)
- October 27, 2025 – Finals (for-profit organizations + non-profit organizations) have been announced
- November 2025 – Post-production. Episodes released online by the end of the year
Quote
“Cyphertank is designed to provide Bitcoin’s founders with a global stage, not just capital.” said Giacomo Zucco, director of Plan Network.
“By recording actual negotiations, scoring pitches and sharing episodes online, we amplify innovation and bring attention to Lugano as a Bitcoin hub.”
Seek for the application
Applications are currently open for both commercial startups and non-profit projects on Bitcoin. Apply now
About the Plan ₿ Network
Plan Network SA is working to adopt Bitcoin worldwide through education, investment and community initiatives, including the Plan Forum, Lugano Plan Hub, and Plan₿VC Fund.
Media Contact
Giacomo Zucco – Director, Plan Network
me@giacomozucco.com
Mike Jarmuz – Founder, Lightning Ventures
mike@ltng.ventures