CardanoCodex'23: A Hackathon Aiming to Increase Exposure for Cardano Within a Massive Developer Base

[GENERAL] Name and Surname of Main Applicant

Adnan Khan

[GENERAL] Email address of Main Applicant

21f2000298@ds.study.iitm.ac.in

Additional Applicants

Sricharan G. // charan@nucast.io

Nucast Labs

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

3

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

No

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.” .

No dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project outputs be fully Open Source?

Yes

[GENERAL] If NO, please describe which outputs are not going to be open source. If YES, please write “Project will be fully open source.”

Our project will be fully open source.

[METADATA] Category of proposal

Events

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG Goals

8 - Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

9 - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

17 - Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

SDG Subgoals

17.19 - By 2030, build on existing initiatives to develop measurements of progress on sustainable development that complement gross domestic product, and support statistical capacity-building in developing countries

9.1 - Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all

9.b - Support domestic technology development, research and innovation in developing countries, including by ensuring a conducive policy environment for, inter alia, industrial diversification and value addition to commodities

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

CardanoCodex'23 is a three-month-long hackathon taking place in India. The event aims to empower developers and promote innovation within the Cardano Blockchain ecosystem in a country which boasts the second highest number of developers globally. Participants of all backgrounds, including newcomers, advanced coders, students, working professionals, and blockchain enthusiasts, are invited to join individually or form teams of up to four members. The hackathon consists of three stages: Workshop, Mentoring & Support, and Project Submission.

CardanoCodex'23 is proud to announce its partnership with Nucast Labs, the official community event partner for the Cardano Summit in India. Nucast Labs brings expertise and a commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, making them an ideal partner for the hackathon. The hackathon will commence with the Cardano Summit in India in November 2023.

Structure:

Workshop:

• A series of workshops will be conducted to familiarize participants with Cardano development.
• Workshop topics include smart contract development, token standards, integration libraries, Cardano wallets, and the Cardano Blockchain.
• Full workshop details will be shared with registered participants via email.

Mentoring and Support:

• Mentor support will be provided through the official Discord channel of Cardano India.
• Mentors will guide, assist, and answer questions related to project development.

Project Submission:

• Participants will submit a detailed project relevant to their chosen track.
• Submission guidelines will be shared with registered participants via email.
• Participants must fork the CardanoCodex'23-2K23 repository on GitHub, create a team folder with their team name, and push the code base to the folder.
• A README.md file in the team folder should contain project details.
• Participants must create an issue in the main repository titled "Issue: Team Name: Submission" and provide a glimpse of their project in the issue description.

Submission Guidelines:

• All participants must submit their project repositories on GitHub.
• Participants should fork the CardanoCodex'23-2K23 repository to their own GitHub profile.
• After forking, participants should clone the repository to their PC/desktop and create a team folder.
• The front-end and back-end code base should be pushed to this folder.
• Smart contract code should be included in a separate file and uploaded.
• The README.md file in the team folder should contain project details.
• After pushing the files and code base, participants must create an issue in the main repository titled "Issue: Team Name: Submission" and provide a description of their project.

Prizes and Rewards:

The following prizes will be awarded for each track:

• 4334 ADA prize for the winner.
• 2333 ADA prize for the runner-up.
• 1333 ADA prize for second runner-up.

Track: Disrupt All the Things:

• Participants can showcase a Proof of Concept (PoC) or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) of a disruptive Web3 project built on Cardano.
• The project can fall in one of these categories: Web2 to Web3 integration, DAOs, NFT-Fi, Gaming and Open Track.
• This track is intended for teams with visionary ideas and aims to lay the foundations of major Cardano-based projects.
• Opportunities for internships, Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs), small grants, and other possibilities may arise based on the submissions.

Workshop Details:

A series of workshops will be organized to familiarize participants with Cardano development. The workshops will cover the following topics and activities:

Workshop will commence with a detailed overview of Project Catalyst. The aim is to maximize participation of applicants in upcoming funds.

1. Introduction to Cardano and Blockchain Basics:

• Overview of Cardano and its key features.
• Introduction to blockchain technology and its applications.
• Understanding the fundamentals of decentralized finance (DeFi).

2. Smart Contract Development:

• Introduction to Plutus, the smart contract development platform for Cardano.
• Building smart contracts using Plutus Playground.
• Exploring the syntax and features of Plutus smart contracts.
• Testing and debugging smart contracts.

3. Token Standards:

• Understanding different token standards on Cardano, such as Cardano Native Tokens (CNTs) and Cardano Asset Tokens (CATs).
• Creating and managing tokens using token standards.
• Implementing token functionalities in smart contracts.

4. Integration Libraries:

• Introduction to Cardano integration libraries, such as Aiken, Blockfrost, Cardano Client Library, Cardano-cli, and Cardano-multiplatform-lib.
• Exploring the features and functionalities of integration libraries.
• Hands-on exercises for integrating Cardano functionalities into applications.

5. Building Wallet Connect:

• Understanding Wallet Connect protocol and its role in connecting decentralized applications with wallets.
• Introduction to CardanoSharp Wallet and its capabilities for creating/managing wallets and building/signing transactions.
• Implementing Wallet Connect in Cardano applications.
• Testing and verifying wallet connectivity.

6. Transaction Building:

• Exploring transaction building on Cardano.
• Understanding the structure and components of a Cardano transaction.
• Introduction to Cardano Client Library and its capabilities for transaction signing and address generation.
• Building transactions using cardano-cli and Cardano Client Library.
• Validating and submitting transactions on the Cardano blockchain.

7. Mesh SDK:

• Introduction to Mesh SDK, an open-source library by Martify Labs for easier DApp development on Cardano.
• Understanding the features and capabilities of the Mesh SDK.
• Hands-on exercises for building DApps using the Mesh SDK.

These workshops will encourage active participation, questions, and engagement in hands-on exercises. They will provide comprehensive knowledge of Cardano development, including smart contracts, token standards, integration libraries (Aiken, Blockfrost, Cardano Client Library, Cardano-cli, and Cardano-multiplatform-lib), building Wallet Connect functionality, transaction building using Cardano-cli and Cardano Client Library, and utilizing the Mesh SDK for DApp development. These skills will empower participants to build innovative projects during the hackathon.

Partnerships:

CardanoCodex'23 will be actively seeking partnerships with various colleges, DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations), and newsletters to extend the reach and impact of the hackathon. Collaborations are being established with the following organizations:

• IIT Madras
• IIT Roorkee
• OG Club
• Web3 Jaipur
• Hyderabad DAO
• Blockchained India
• Pune DAO
• Madras DAO
• Web3 Chennai
• Kerala DAO
• IGDC Hyderabad
• Doodhwala

These partnerships aim to leverage the expertise, networks, and resources of esteemed institutions and communities to create a vibrant ecosystem for the hackathon. Joint events, workshops, and awareness campaigns will be organized, ensuring widespread participation and impactful outcomes for CardanoCodex'23. The future partnerships hold exciting potential and opportunities for the hackathon.

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

CardanoCodex'23 addresses the challenge by introducing a new category of activities to encourage student Catalyst proposers and blockchain engineers. By organizing workshops, mentoring sessions, and providing a platform for project submissions, the hackathon actively engages students and aspiring blockchain engineers and brings more awareness to the Cardano ecosystem. It empowers them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to participate in the ecosystem through Catalyst proposals and contributing to the growth and development of Cardano. 

• Empowering Developers: CardanoCodex'23 provides comprehensive workshops, mentoring, and support to equip participants with the skills needed to excel in Cardano development and increase their participation in Project Catalyst.

• Real-World Applications: The hackathon encourages the creation of projects relevant to Cardano, driving the development of practical applications, smart contracts, and integrations.

• Prizes and Recognition: Cash prizes and rewards are offered to incentivize participants, attracting top talent and fostering high-quality projects.

• Tapping into India's Developer Community: CardanoCodex'23 leverages India's vast pool of talented developers to contribute to the growth and success of the Cardano ecosystem.

• Impactful Partnerships: Collaborations with institutions, DAOs, and newsletters extend the hackathon's reach, fostering a vibrant and collaborative ecosystem.

• Fueling Growth: By empowering developers, promoting innovation, and encouraging adoption, CardanoCodex'23 actively contributes to the growth, awareness, and development of the Cardano ecosystem.

CardanoCodex'23 offers developers an exceptional opportunity to engage with Cardano, gain valuable knowledge, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and create a meaningful impact within the Cardano ecosystem.

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

The success of CardanoCodex'23 can be measured through various key indicators:

• Number of Teams and Developers: The participation rate in the hackathon, including the number of teams and individual developers joining, will provide an indication of the event's success. A higher number of participants demonstrates the level of interest and engagement within the developer community.

• Number of Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) Developed: The quantity and quality of MVPs developed during the hackathon will showcase the innovation and creativity fostered by CardanoCodex'23. Successful completion of viable projects reflects the effectiveness of the workshops, mentoring, and support provided.

• Partnerships Established: The number of partnerships formed with institutions, DAOs, newsletters, and other organizations indicates the level of recognition and collaboration that CardanoCodex'23 has achieved. These partnerships will contribute to the event's impact and sustainability, extending its reach and resources.

• Media Mentions and Publicity: The visibility and media coverage garnered by CardanoCodex'23 serve as indicators of its success. Media mentions, articles, and social media buzz generate awareness about the hackathon and its impact on the Cardano ecosystem.

By tracking these metrics and evaluating the overall engagement, quality of projects, partnerships, and media attention, the success of CardanoCodex'23 can be effectively measured and assessed.

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

To share the outputs and results of CardanoCodex'23, we have planned the following activities:

Hackathon Portal: We will create a dedicated hackathon portal where participants and the broader community can access real-time updates on the metrics and progress of the event. This portal will provide information about the number of teams, developers, projects, and partnerships. It will serve as a central hub for sharing the outputs and results of the hackathon.

Community Engagement: We will actively engage with the Cardano community through various channels, including social media platforms, forums, and community-driven websites. Regular updates about the hackathon's progress, success stories of participating teams, and highlights of innovative projects will be shared to foster a sense of community and involvement.

AMA (Ask Me Anything) Sessions: We will organize AMA sessions on platforms like Reddit or dedicated Cardano community forums. These sessions will provide an opportunity for participants, mentors, experts, and organizers to engage in open discussions, answer questions, and share insights about the hackathon. This will help disseminate the outputs and results of the projects and provide a platform for knowledge sharing.

Twitter Spaces: We will utilize Twitter Spaces, a feature on Twitter that allows for live audio conversations, to host interactive sessions related to the hackathon. These sessions can include project showcases, panel discussions with industry experts, and Q&A sessions. By leveraging the power of real-time conversations, we aim to reach a wider audience and generate engagement around the outputs and results of CardanoCodex'23.

Through these initiatives, we will ensure that the outputs and results of CardanoCodex'23 are widely disseminated and accessible to the Cardano community, the broader blockchain ecosystem, and the general public. By sharing the outcomes and success stories, we aim to inspire, educate, and promote the growth and adoption of Cardano within the global developer community.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

We have a strong capability to deliver CardanoCodex'23 with high levels of trust and accountability. Our team (http://nucastlabs.com/) consists of experienced developers who have been actively building on Cardano for the last two years. We have gained significant knowledge and expertise in Cardano development, enabling us to organize and execute the hackathon effectively.

Additionally, our team takes pride in its track record of trust and accountability. We have successfully delivered projects on Cardano, showcasing our commitment to quality and timely execution. We prioritize transparency and open communication, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed about the progress and updates related to the hackathon.

Furthermore, we have a proven track record of fostering talent and supporting the development community. We have onboarded over 10 interns from different colleges, providing them with valuable hands-on experience and mentoring them in Cardano development. This commitment to nurturing young talent showcases our dedication to building a robust ecosystem and ensuring the long-term success of Cardano.

With our expertise, experience, and commitment to accountability, we are well-equipped to deliver CardanoCodex'23 with high levels of trust and responsibility. We will prioritize the needs of participants, provide timely and accurate information, and ensure that the hackathon is conducted in a fair, transparent, and accountable manner.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

CardanoCodex'23 addresses the challenge category of activities to foster student Catalyst proposers and blockchain engineers. By organizing workshops, mentoring sessions, and providing a platform for project submissions, the hackathon actively engages students and aspiring blockchain engineers. It empowers them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to participate in the Cardano ecosystem through Catalyst proposals and contribute to the growth and development of Cardano. 

• Empower Developers: The hackathon aims to empower developers of all backgrounds, skill levels, and experience in the Cardano Blockchain ecosystem. Our goal is to provide them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to excel in Cardano development.

• Foster Innovation: We aim to foster innovation within the Cardano ecosystem by encouraging participants to create real-world applications, smart contracts, and integrations that leverage the unique features of Cardano. The goal is to drive the development of practical and impactful projects

• Promote Collaboration: CardanoCodex'23 strives to foster collaboration among participants, mentors, and experts. We aim to create an environment where knowledge sharing, networking, and meaningful connections can take place, enhancing the overall developer community within Cardano.

• Drive Adoption: By empowering developers and promoting the creation of innovative projects, the hackathon seeks to contribute to the adoption of Cardano as a blockchain platform. We aim to showcase the capabilities of Cardano and demonstrate its potential for real-world applications.

CardanoCodex'23 offers developers an exceptional opportunity to engage with Cardano, gain valuable knowledge, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and create a meaningful impact within the Cardano ecosystem.

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will consider the following:

• Resource Availability: We will assess the availability of necessary resources such as skilled mentors, workshop materials, and a robust technical infrastructure to support the hackathon activities.

• Partner Collaboration: The partnerships with institutions, DAOs, and newsletters will play a crucial role in the success of CardanoCodex'23. We will ensure effective collaboration and engagement with partners to leverage their expertise, networks, and resources.

• Participant Engagement: The interest and active participation of developers, students, and blockchain enthusiasts will validate the feasibility of our approach. We will monitor the registration numbers, participant feedback, and overall engagement throughout the hackathon to ensure its success.

• Project Quality and Impact: The quality and impact of the projects developed during the hackathon will serve as a key validation of our approach. We will evaluate the submissions based on predetermined criteria to ensure that participants have created innovative and meaningful projects on Cardano.

By continuously monitoring and assessing these factors, we will be able to validate the feasibility of our approach and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the successful delivery of CardanoCodex'23.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the milestones and main tasks/activities for CardanoCodex'23, along with the expected timeline for delivery:

Milestone 1: Preparations, Outreach, and Partnerships (Month 1)

• Form partnerships with institutions, DAOs, and newsletters
• Develop the hackathon website and registration system
• Launch promotional campaigns and create awareness
• Set up communication channels, including a dedicated Discord server for support

Projected Cost: 12732.66 ADA

Milestone 2: Workshop and Mentoring Stage (Months 1-2)

• Plan and organize workshops on Cardano development
• Provide workshop materials and conduct interactive sessions
• Offer ongoing mentorship and support through Discord
• Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants

Projected Cost: 14,993.94 ADA

Milestone 3: Project Submission, Evaluation Stage and Results announcement (Month 3)

• Share detailed submission guidelines with participants
• Set up the CardanoCodex'23-2K23 repository on GitHub
• Monitor and validate project submissions
• Review and evaluate projects based on predefined criteria
• Evaluate projects and select winners for each track
• Organize a virtual event for results announcement and prize distribution
• Share project outcomes and success stories
• Update the hackathon portal with final results and project highlights

Projected Cost: 8000 ADA

The timeline:

• Milestone 1: Preparations, Outreach, and Partnerships (Month 1)
• Milestone 2: Workshop and Mentoring Stage (Months 1-2)
• Milestone 3: Project Submission, Evaluation Stage and Results Announcement (Month 3)

Please note that the timeline can be adjusted based on the specific needs of the hackathon, allowing for a three-month duration to accommodate all the stages, establish partnerships, provide mentorship and support, and ensure a fair evaluation of the submitted projects.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Milestone 1: Preparations, Outreach, and Partnerships

Deliverables:

• Established partnerships
• Functional hackathon website and registration system
• Effective promotional campaigns
• Communication channels, including a Discord server for support

Outputs:

• Collaborative relationships
• User-friendly hackathon website
• Increased awareness and participation
• Active participant community

Intended Outcomes:

• Expanded network and support
• Smooth registration process
• Higher participation and engagement
• Effective communication and support channels

Milestone 2: Workshop and Mentoring Stage

Deliverables:

• Conducted workshops on Cardano development
• Provided workshop materials and resources
• Interactive sessions and hands-on exercises
• Ongoing mentorship and support
• Collaborative knowledge sharing

Outputs:

• Engaging workshops
• Accessible workshop materials
• Improved understanding and practical experience
• Dedicated mentorship and support
• Active collaboration among participants

Intended Outcomes:

• Enhanced skills and knowledge
• Increased confidence in Cardano development
• Effective mentorship and guidance
• Strengthened community and collaboration

Milestone 3: Project Submission and Evaluation Stage

Deliverables:

• Detailed submission guidelines
• Repository for project submissions
• Monitoring and validation of submissions
• Review and evaluation of projects
• Selection of winners
• Virtual event for results announcement
• Sharing project outcomes and success stories
• Updated hackathon portal

Outputs:

• Clear submission guidelines
• Organized project repository
• Compliance with submission guidelines
• Thorough project review and evaluation
• Winners in each track
• Celebratory virtual event
• Shared project outcomes and success stories
• Updated hackathon portal

Intended Outcomes:

• Well-documented project submissions
• Fair evaluation process
• Recognition for outstanding projects
• Selection of impactful projects
• Recognition and reward for top projects
• Celebration of participants' achievements
• Increased awareness and inspiration
• Transparent platform for showcasing projects

The milestones aim to establish partnerships, deliver impactful workshops and mentorship, receive high-quality project submissions, and recognize outstanding projects.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

Workshop Expenses: 14,993.94 ADA

• Trainer fees and honorariums: 6,666.67 ADA
• Workshop materials and resources: 3,333.33 ADA
• Venue rental (if applicable): 3,266.67 ADA
• Refreshments and catering: 1,666.67 ADA

Technical Support and Infrastructure: 6,666.66 ADA

• Development and maintenance of the hackathon website: 3,333.33 ADA
• Setup and maintenance of communication channels (Discord, email): 1,666.66 ADA
• Technical support team for troubleshooting and assistance: 1,666.67 ADA

Promotion and Marketing: 6066 ADA

• Digital marketing campaigns: 2,606.07 ADA
• Social media advertisements: 2398.93 ADA
• Printing of promotional materials (flyers, banners): 666.67 ADA
• Sponsored posts and collaborations with relevant platforms: 333.37 ADA

Prizes and Rewards: 8,000 ADA

• 4334 ADA prize for the winner.
• 2333 ADA prize for the runner-up.
• 1333 ADA prize for second runner-up.

The budget ensures that there are sufficient resources allocated to each milestone. The allocation of funds across different categories is for the smooth execution of workshops, technical support, effective promotion, attractive prizes, efficient event management, and necessary contingencies.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The cost of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem in the following ways:

1. Increased Awareness in the Web3 Dev Ecosystem of India: The allocated budget enables effective promotion and marketing campaigns to create awareness about CardanoCodex'23 within the web3 development ecosystem of India. By reaching out to developers, students, and blockchain enthusiasts, the project raises awareness about Cardano's capabilities and fosters interest in the Cardano blockchain. This increased awareness contributes to the growth of the web3 development ecosystem in India and expands the community of developers working with Cardano.

2. More Inflow of Projects to Catalyst and Cardano: By organizing a prestigious hackathon and offering attractive prizes and rewards, the project incentivizes participants to develop projects on the Cardano blockchain. This leads to an increased inflow of innovative projects to Catalyst, the Cardano project funding platform, and the wider Cardano ecosystem. The projects developed during CardanoCodex'23 have the potential to contribute to the development of the Cardano blockchain and its ecosystem, bringing new ideas and solutions to the community.

3. Access to Skillful College Talent from India: The project's focus on engaging college students and establishing partnerships with educational institutions allows Cardano to tap into India's vast pool of talented developers. By providing workshops, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration, CardanoCodex'23 attracts skillful college talent to work with the Cardano ecosystem. This access to talent enhances the development capabilities and knowledge base within the Cardano community, fueling further growth and innovation.

Overall, the cost of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem by increasing awareness in the web3 development ecosystem of India, attracting a greater number of projects to Catalyst and Cardano, and providing access to skillful college talent. These outcomes contribute to the expansion, development, and adoption of Cardano, strengthening its position as a leading blockchain platform and fostering a vibrant and talented developer community.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agreed to Fund10 rules and also that data in the Submission Form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept