Self Sustainable Cardano Student Incubator Sri Lanka

[GENERAL] Name and Surname of Main Applicant

Nishen Menerapitiya

[GENERAL] Email address of Main Applicant

siencegood@gmail.com

Additional Applicants

N/A

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

12

[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.”

Project is fully open source.

[METADATA] Category of proposal

Incubation

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG goals:

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

SDG subgoals:

By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship

By 2020, substantially expand globally the number of scholarships available to developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States and African countries, for enrolment in higher education, including vocational training and information and communications technology, technical, engineering and scientific programmes, in developed countries and other developing countries

Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women

Key Performance Indicator (KPI):

Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill

Universal Human Rights Index (UHRI):

Education, including vocational training and guidance

38. While noting with appreciation the near-universal enrolment of girls and boys in primary education and the raising of the age until which children must remain in education from 14 to 16 years, the Committee, with reference to its general comment No. 1 (2001) on the aims of education, recommends that the State party:

(a) Address, with the necessary budget allocation, the regional disparities in school infrastructure and quality teaching, including by ensuring the availability of qualified school personnel, providing quality education in all languages, aligning curriculum contents and improving technical and infrastructural facilities;

(b) Protect children, in particular girls, from harassment, abuse and violence in schools and on their way to and from school, and combat discriminatory gender stereotypes in education programmes ;

(c) Ensure that pregnant girls and adolescent mothers are under no circumstances pressured into dropping out of school and are supported in continuing their education in mainstream schools;

(d) Address the significant school dropout rate in rural areas and long-term absences, including by making available adequate transportation systems, and develop and promote quality vocational training to enhance the skills of children, especially those who drop out of school and children in street situations;

(e) Strengthen efforts to eradicate all hidden costs of schooling, in particular the practice of donations for school admittance that constitute de facto bribes;

(f) Provide school re-entry programmes for victims of child marriage.

#proposertoolsdg

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

Proposed Solution: Establishing the Sri Lanka Cardano Incubator

Our proposed solution is to establish the Sri Lanka Cardano Incubator, a pioneering initiative that addresses the lack of blockchain education and opportunities for Sri Lankan university students. Our approach involves hosting workshops, providing comprehensive training on the Cardano ecosystem, and offering entrepreneurship programs to foster self-sustaining ventures.

We perceive the problem as a significant gap in knowledge and exposure to blockchain technology, hindering innovation and socio-economic progress in Sri Lanka. By specifically focusing on the Cardano ecosystem, we aim to harness its potential for social impact and empowerment.

Our project will engage top university students from across Sri Lanka, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the blockchain industry. Through workshops and practical training, we will equip them with blockchain development skills and nurture their entrepreneurial spirit.

We will demonstrate our impact by tracking the number of students trained, successful venture creations, and the subsequent societal benefits generated. We will leverage partnerships with universities, industry experts, and the global Cardano community to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of our incubator.

What makes our solution unique is its focus on Cardano, a platform built on the foundation of social change and empowerment. By nurturing talent, fostering entrepreneurship, and addressing the specific needs of Sri Lankan students, our solution aligns with Cardano's vision of inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The beneficiaries of our solution will be Sri Lankan university students, who will gain valuable blockchain knowledge, practical experience, and the skills needed to create meaningful ventures. Additionally, the broader Sri Lankan community will benefit from the innovative solutions and positive impact generated by these ventures.

Furthermore, through the equity sharing agreement with the ventures, my proposed incubator will be a self sustaining incubator further driving innovation and venture building in the cardano ecosystem.

By supporting blockchain education and entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka, we aim to contribute to the growth and adoption of Cardano, expanding its global footprint while empowering local communities. Our solution reflects Cardano's commitment to fostering social change and building a better future for all.

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

Our proposed solution addresses the challenge of limited awareness and adoption of Cardano in Sri Lanka by creating awareness among the best youth in the country. This initiative aims to attract talented students who can contribute to the growth and development of the Cardano ecosystem. 

The benefits this brings to the Cardano ecosystem are twofold. Firstly, it brings a large cohort of students who have the ability to develop on the ecosystem and contribute innovative solutions. This influx of talented individuals will strengthen the ecosystem by expanding the pool of skilled developers and entrepreneurs. Secondly, it provides Cardano with the opportunity to establish a presence and following in Sri Lanka, a market that has not been tapped by other blockchains.

The impact of this project on the Cardano ecosystem extends beyond funding the project team. It will attract a significant number of users to the community, expanding the Cardano user base and increasing adoption in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, it will foster a passionate and committed community of individuals who are dedicated to the Cardano ecosystem, driving innovation, usage, and transactions.

While it is challenging to provide precise quantification, we anticipate attracting around 80 of the best university students to the Cardano ecosystem within the first iteration. The project will facilitate the creation of several high-quality ventures and projects built on Cardano, resulting in a tangible increase in usage and transactions. This growth in users, usage, and transactions will strengthen the Cardano ecosystem, enhance its reputation, and establish a vibrant community in Sri Lanka.

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

We intend to measure the success of our project through various metrics that capture the benefits for the Cardano ecosystem. These metrics include:

1. Number of Participants: We will track the number of students who actively engage in the workshops, training programs, and entrepreneurship initiatives within the Sri Lanka Cardano Incubator
2. Projects Launched: We will measure the number of ventures, applications, and projects developed by the participating students on the Cardano ecosyste
3. User Feedback: We will collect qualitative data by gathering feedback and opinions from the participants regarding their experience, understanding of Cardano, and perceived impact on their knowledge and skill

The measured benefits for the Cardano ecosystem will be the increase in:

a. Developers and Entrepreneurs: The project will contribute to the growth of the developer and entrepreneur community on Cardano, fostering a talent pool that can create innovative solutions and drive ecosystem growth.

b. Adoption and Usage: The initiatives will result in increased adoption of Cardano within Sri Lanka, leading to a larger user base and greater usage of the platform's features and applications.

c. Awareness and Reputation: By establishing a presence in Sri Lanka and engaging top students, Cardano's awareness and reputation will grow, attracting more users, partners, and stakeholders to the ecosystem.

In the short term, the project will lead to a surge in participants, project launches, and user engagement, which will directly contribute to Cardano's productivity and growth. The long-term impact will be a sustainable ecosystem in Sri Lanka, with a vibrant community of developers, entrepreneurs, and Cardano enthusiasts. This will foster continuous innovation, attract investment, and position Cardano as a leading blockchain platform in the region.

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

Our plans to share the outputs and results of our project involve a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. We will spread the project's outputs over a reasonable timescale by utilizing various channels and engaging with different stakeholders. These include:

1. Progress Reports: We will regularly publish progress reports documenting the achievements, milestones, and impact of the project.
2. Community Engagement: We will actively engage with the Cardano community through forums, social media platforms, and online discussion
3. Partnerships and Events: We will seek partnerships with industry stakeholders, local organisations, and blockchain communities to showcase the project's outputs and impact
4. Research and Development: The results generated from the project will serve as a foundation for further research and development activities.

By actively sharing the outputs and impact of our completed project through these channels and collaborations, we aim to maximize its reach and influence. Our intention is to create a ripple effect, inspiring others to adopt similar initiatives, and leveraging the results to fuel further research and development in the blockchain space.

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

My capability to deliver the project with high levels of trust and accountability is demonstrated through my role as the Treasurer of the Oxford Student Cardano Hub. In this position, I have been entrusted with financial responsibilities and have maintained full transparency and accountability within the society. This experience has equipped me with the skills and mindset necessary to ensure that project resources are managed responsibly and ethically.

Additionally, my advocacy for Cardano in the University of Oxford Blockchain ecosystem showcases my dedication to promoting the platform with integrity and credibility. I have actively engaged with students, faculty, and industry professionals, sharing knowledge, organising events, and fostering a positive perception of Cardano.

Furthermore, I have connections through my school network and Sri Lanka Oxford University student - alumni network and student unions and rotract clubs at leading Sri Lankan universities including but not limited to University of Colombo, Peradeniya, Moratuwa and Sri Jayawardane Pura. This would allow me to approach and promote Cardano from a position of trust and get a diverse range of skills and talents into the incubator.

Building on my experience in a trusted position and my commitment to transparency, I will uphold the highest levels of trust and accountability throughout the execution of the project. I will establish clear processes for resource allocation, regularly report progress and outcomes, and provide opportunities for stakeholders to provide feedback and hold me accountable.

By leveraging my demonstrated track record of trust and accountability, I am confident in my ability to deliver the project with integrity and to ensure that all actions and decisions are made in the best interests of the Cardano ecosystem and the stakeholders involved.

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

The main goals of the project are as follows:

1.Education: The primary goal is to educate Sri Lankan students about Cardano and its ecosyste

2.Talent Identification: Another goal is to identify students who have the potential to become skilled developers on the Cardano platform

3.Development Experience: The project aims to provide selected students with practical development experience on the Cardano platform

4.Venture Development: The project seeks to support and guide students in developing their own ventures on the Cardano platform

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

1.Attendance and Participation: We will track and measure the attendance and active participation of students throughout the program

2.Successful Ventures: We will evaluate the number and success of ventures developed by the participating student

3.Feedback and Surveys: We will gather feedback from students, mentors, and stakeholders involved in the project

By focusing on these goals and employing these validation measures, we aim to assess the feasibility of our approach and ensure that we are effectively educating students, identifying talent, and nurturing successful ventures within the Cardano ecosystem in Sri Lanka.

[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.

The implementation plan for the project consists of several milestones and activities, each with a specific timeline. Here is a detailed breakdown of the project's milestones and their respective tasks or activities:

Milestone 1: Course Development (4 months)

• Identify course requirements and curriculum design
• Research and gather educational materials on Cardano
• Develop course modules and lesson plans
• Create educational resources, presentations, and assignments
• Review and refine the course content

Success Criteria: Completed course curriculum and educational materials for the program

Estimated Cost: Budget allocated for course development

Milestone 2: Candidate Recruitment (2 months)

• Define candidate criteria and requirements
• Advertise and promote the program to universities and relevant channels
• Conduct application reviews and interviews
• Select high-quality candidates for the program

Success Criteria: A cohort of qualified candidates selected for the program

Estimated Cost: Budget allocated for recruitment activities

Milestone 3: Program Commencement (6 months)

• Finalize the selection of candidates for the program
• Organize an orientation session for selected candidates
• Start the educational program, including workshops, lectures, and practical training
• Provide ongoing mentorship and support to the students

Success Criteria: Program initiation with active participation from selected candidates

Estimated Cost: Budget allocated for program delivery and mentorship

Milestone 4: Venture Formation Support (3 months)

• Guide and mentor groups of students in developing their ventures
• Assist with business planning, market research, and project management
• Provide resources and networking opportunities for venture formation
• Foster collaboration and team building within the groups

Success Criteria: Formation of viable ventures by participating student groups

Estimated Cost: Budget allocated for venture support activities

Milestone 5: Progress Monitoring (6 months)

• Regularly track and monitor the progress of the ventures
• Conduct follow-up meetings and progress reviews with the teams
• Provide guidance and support to address any challenges or obstacles
• Ensure teams are on track with their development and implementation

Success Criteria: Ongoing progress and growth of the ventures

Estimated Cost: Budget allocated for progress monitoring activities

Milestone 6: Venture Review and New Cohort (2 months)

• Evaluate the performance and impact of the existing ventures
• Provide further support and guidance to the successful ventures, negotiating equity split
• Review lessons learned and gather feedback from the participating students
• Plan for the next cohort and initiate the recruitment process

Success Criteria: Successful review of ventures and readiness for the next cohort

Estimated Cost: Budget allocated for review activities and planning for the next cohort

Overall Project Management Approach:

• Establish a project team with clear roles and responsibilities
• Regular team meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and decisions
• Effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders and partners
• Timely monitoring and reporting of project milestones and activities
• Continuous evaluation and adaptation of the project plan as needed

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

Milestone 1: Course Development

Deliverables:

• Completed course curriculum
• Educational materials on Cardano
• Lesson plans, presentations, and assignments

Outputs:

• Well-structured and comprehensive course modules
• Engaging educational resources for students
• Clear learning objectives and outcomes

Intended Outcomes:

• A robust educational program that provides students with in-depth knowledge of Cardano
• Well-prepared course materials to facilitate effective learning and understanding of blockchain technology and Cardano's ecosystem

Milestone 2: Candidate Recruitment

Deliverables:

• Candidate criteria and requirements
• Application review and interview documentation
• Selected cohort of high-quality candidates

Outputs:

• Defined criteria and requirements for candidate selection
• Efficient application review and interview process
• Well-selected candidates who meet the program's criteria and have the potential to excel

Intended Outcomes:

• A diverse and talented cohort of students who demonstrate the ability and potential to contribute to the Cardano ecosystem
• Ensuring that the selected candidates align with the goals and expectations of the program

Milestone 3: Program Commencement

Deliverables:

• Orientation session materials
• Workshop and lecture materials
• Active participation of selected candidates

Outputs:

• Organized orientation session to introduce the program and its objectives
• Well-prepared workshop and lecture materials for effective learning
• Active engagement and participation of selected candidates in the program activities

Intended Outcomes:

• Engaged and motivated students who actively participate in the educational program
• Effective dissemination of knowledge and practical experience in Cardano development

Milestone 4: Venture Formation Support

Deliverables:

• Guidance and mentorship documentation
• Business planning resources
• Networking opportunities for venture formation

Outputs:

• Structured guidance and mentorship for venture development
• Business planning resources and tools for students to refine their ideas
• Opportunities for networking and collaboration among student groups

Intended Outcomes:

• Formation of viable ventures by student groups that align with the Cardano ecosystem
• Equipping students with the necessary skills and resources to transform their ideas into practical ventures

Milestone 5: Progress Monitoring

Deliverables:

• Progress monitoring documentation
• Review meeting reports
• Support and guidance for teams

Outputs:

• Systematic progress monitoring and documentation of venture development
• Review meeting reports capturing achievements, challenges, and progress
• Ongoing support and guidance provided to venture teams

Intended Outcomes:

• Continual progress and growth of the ventures, ensuring they are on track with their development goals
• Addressing any challenges or obstacles faced by the student teams in a timely manner

Milestone 6: Venture Review and New Cohort

Deliverables:

• Venture review documentation
• Lessons learned and feedback reports
• Planning documentation for the next cohort

Outputs:

• Comprehensive venture review highlighting achievements and impact
• Lessons learned and feedback reports to improve future iterations of the program
• Well-defined plan and documentation for recruiting and onboarding the next cohort

Intended Outcomes:

• Successful review of ventures, highlighting their value and impact
• Continued improvement of the program based on lessons learned and feedback
• Smooth transition to the next cohort, ensuring the sustainability and growth of the initiative

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

Milestone 1: Course Development (4 months)

• Research and Educational Materials: $500

• Curriculum Design and Development: $1,000

• Presentation and Documentation Materials: $500

• Total Budget for Milestone 1: $2,000

Milestone 2: Candidate Recruitment (2 months)

• Advertisement and Promotion: $50

• Application Review and Interviews: $500

• Selection and Onboarding: $250

• Total Budget for Milestone 2: $800

Milestone 3: Program Commencement (6 months)

• Orientation Session: $250

• Workshop and Lecture Materials and resources: $1200

• Mentorship and Support: $1,000

• Total Budget for Milestone 3: $2,450

Milestone 4: Venture Formation Support (3 months)

• Guidance and Mentorship: $1000

• Business Planning Resources: $1050

• Networking Opportunities: $450

• Total Budget for Milestone 4: $2,500

Milestone 5: Progress Monitoring (6 months)

• Progress Monitoring and Documentation: $500

• Review Meetings and Support: $750

• Total Budget for Milestone 5: $1,250

Milestone 6: Venture Review and New Cohort (2 months)

• Venture Review and Lessons Learned: $250

• Planning for Next Cohort: $250

• Total Budget for Milestone 6: $500

Additional Budget Elements:

• Publicity/Marketing/Promotion: $250

• Project Management: $50

• Documentation and Reporting: $200

Revised Total Budget: $10,000

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

The cost of the project, which includes the average wage for a typical educated Sri Lankan, external consultant fees, and other budget allocations, represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem based on several factors:

1.Cost Proportionality: The cost of the project aligns with the average wage for a typical educated Sri Lankan, which is reflective of the local economic context

2.External Consultant Rates: The decision to employ external consultants from countries like the UK and the USA is based on their expertise and specific skills required for certain aspects of the project.

3.Value of Skills and Experience: The expertise and guidance provided by the external consultants bring substantial value to the project

4.Impact on Cardano Ecosystem: The project aims to educate Sri Lankan students about Cardano and develop a talent pool of developers and entrepreneurs within the ecosystem.

5.Equity and self sustainability: When a venture is formed through this incubator, we will ensure that we agree on a minimum 10% equity is shared with the incubator. This will ensure that the incubator will be a self sustaining entity with a clear vision and goal to produce as many high quality cardano ventures as possible.

[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