Supporting Student Blockchain Startups through Catalyst

[GENERAL] Name and Surname of Main Applicant

Al-hassan Adamah

[GENERAL] Email address of Main Applicant

alhazadamah@gmail.com

Additional Applicants

Dr. Abdul Raheem Mohammed

arm.raheem@gmail.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fidelia-atampoaka-ayaabilla-b3411224b

Fidelia A. Ayaabilla

fidelia14@gmail.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fidelia-atampoaka-ayaabilla-b3411224b

[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 will be fully open source.

[METADATA] Category of proposal

Incubation

[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

10 - Reduce inequality within and among countries

11 - Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

12 - Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

16 - Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

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

SDG Subgoals

8.2 - Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors

9.3 - Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, in particular in developing countries, to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets

Key Performance Indicator (KPI)

8.2.1 - Annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person

9.3.1 - Proportion of small-scale industries in total industry value added

9.3.2 - Proportion of small-scale industries with a loan or line of credit

Universal Human Rights Index (UHRI)

No UHRI indexes selected

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

Our proposed solution aims to have a significant impact on the student blockchain startup ecosystem by addressing the challenges they face and providing them with the necessary support to thrive.

We recognize that students often lack access to resources, mentorship, and funding to turn their innovative blockchain ideas into successful ventures.

Our approach focuses on three key aspects:

1. Empowerment: We will empower students by providing educational resources, organizing events, and cultivating partnerships with universities, student organizations, and blockchain clubs. This will enable students to gain knowledge, develop skills, and confidently participate in the blockchain ecosystem.
2. Support: We will provide funding through Catalyst to student-led blockchain startups, enabling them to overcome financial barriers and kick-start their ventures. Additionally, we will establish an incubation and acceleration program tailored to student startups, offering mentorship, workspace, and networking opportunities to foster their growth.
3. Collaboration: Our solution emphasizes community engagement, connecting student proposers and blockchain engineers through an online platform. This platform will facilitate collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and mentorship, fostering a supportive ecosystem for student innovators.

The uniqueness of our solution lies in its focus on students, recognizing their potential as future leaders in the blockchain industry. By providing them with the necessary support, we are nurturing a new generation of blockchain entrepreneurs and talent.

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

Our proposed solution directly addresses the challenge of supporting student blockchain startups and brings several benefits to the Cardano ecosystem:

1. Fostering Innovation: By empowering and supporting student blockchain startups, our solution will bring fresh ideas and innovation to the Cardano ecosystem.
2. Building a Talent Pipeline: Our solution aims to cultivate a larger pool of blockchain engineers through educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and hackathons.
3. Increasing Community Engagement: By actively involving students and universities, our solution will attract new participants to the Cardano community.
4. Expanding Adoption: Student-led blockchain startups have the potential to become early adopters of Cardano's technology. By providing funding and support to these startups, our solution will enable them to build and deploy real-world applications, showcasing the practical value and benefits of Cardano's blockchain platform.

Quantifying the impact is dependent on several factors, including the number of students engaged, the success rate of student-led startups, and the adoption of Cardano's technology by these startups. However, within a reasonable timeframe of 12 months, we expect to:

• Increase the number of student Catalyst proposers by at least 50%, showcasing a growing interest and engagement from the student community.
• Support a minimum of 10 student-led blockchain startups with seed funding, mentorship, and resources, contributing to the development of tangible blockchain applications within the Cardano ecosystem.
• Generate a significant increase in the number of active community members, measured through participation in events, discussions on the online platform.
• Foster collaborations and partnerships with a minimum of 5 universities and student organizations,

Overall, our proposed solution will strengthen the Cardano ecosystem by nurturing talent, driving innovation, increasing adoption, and expanding community engagement.

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

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

1. Number of Student Catalyst Proposers: We will track the increase in the number of students who actively propose projects through Catalyst. This metric reflects the growing engagement and interest from students in participating and contributing to the Cardano ecosystem.
2. Number of Supported Student-Led Startups: We will measure the number of student-led blockchain startups that receive funding, and resources through our project and through catalyst.
3. Adoption of Cardano's Technology: We will monitor the adoption of Cardano's technology by the supported student-led startups.
4. Community Engagement and Feedback: We will collect feedback from students, universities, and community members through surveys and interviews to ascertain their satisfaction, opinions, and overall experience with the project.

The realistic nature of these measures stems from the fact that we will actively track and engage with the student community throughout the project. The metrics we have identified are tangible and can be tracked within the proposed 12-month timeframe. While the precise numbers will depend on various factors, we believe that setting realistic targets and regularly monitoring progress will enable us to assess the project's success and make informed adjustments along the way.

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

We have a comprehensive plan to share the outputs and results of our project to maximize its impact and create opportunities within and beyond the Cardano ecosystem. Our plans include:

1. Documentation and Reports: We will create detailed documentation and reports that capture the project's initiatives, activities, and outcomes. This will include information on the number of student Catalyst proposers, supported startups, funding allocated, mentorship provided, and partnerships established.
2. Case Studies and Success Stories: We will develop case studies and success stories highlighting the achievements and impact of the supported student-led startups. These stories will showcase the real-world applications built on Cardano's technology and how they address specific challenges or industries and in Cardano's ecosystem.
3. Presentations and Workshops: We plan to organize presentations and workshops at relevant conferences, events, and meetups to share our project's outputs and insights. This will provide an opportunity to engage with a wider audience, including blockchain enthusiasts, industry professionals, and potential collaborators to reach aspiring blockchain entrepreneurs.
4. Collaborations and Partnerships: We will actively seek collaborations and partnerships with organizations, both within and outside the Cardano ecosystem. By sharing our project's outputs and impact with these entities, we can explore potential synergies, co-develop solutions, and expand the reach and adoption of Cardano's technology.
5. Research and Development: The results generated from our project will serve as valuable insights for further research and development activities. We will analyze the outcomes, lessons learned, and feedback received to identify areas for improvement, refine our support mechanisms, and enhance the effectiveness of future initiatives.

By leveraging these dissemination strategies, we aim to share the outputs, impact, and opportunities arising from our completed project with a diverse audience.

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

We have a proven track record and possess the necessary capabilities to deliver our project with high levels of trust and accountability. Here are the key factors that demonstrate our suitability to deliver this project:

1. Expertise in Blockchain and Entrepreneurship: Our team comprises individuals with extensive knowledge and experience in the blockchain industry and entrepreneurship. Dr A.R Mohammed as a lecturer has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by student startups and possess the expertise to provide effective support and guidance.
2. Track Record of Successful Initiatives: We have a history of delivering projects and initiatives that have yielded positive results. Our past successes with numerous NGOs such as, HAP GH, GstXPals Union etc demonstrate our ability to effectively plan, execute, and achieve the intended outcomes within the allocated timeframe.
3. Financial Management and Accountability: We have robust financial management processes in place to ensure proper handling of funds. Mr.Joseph Ayaabilla an accountant and auditor by profession will ensure we follow strict budgeting, transparent reporting, and adherence to financial regulations and best practices. We will establish clear guidelines and procedures for fund allocation and ensure regular reporting to the relevant stakeholders.
4. Governance and Oversight: We believe in the importance of governance and oversight to maintain trust and accountability. Our team leader Mr.Al-hassan Adamah a project manager will ensure we have a dedicated governance structure that includes oversight committees or individuals responsible for ensuring adherence to project goals.
5. Collaboration with Cardano Community: We have a strong connection and collaboration with the Cardano community, including partnerships with key stakeholders, community members, and organizations.

To demonstrate our trustworthiness in managing funds properly, we will follow a set of steps and processes:

1. Clear Budgeting and Resource Allocation: We will create a detailed budget plan that clearly outlines the allocation of funds, including the support provided to student-led startups, educational programs, events, and administrative costs.
2. Transparent Fund Management: We will establish a dedicated financial account specifically for this project. All funds received and spent will be meticulously tracked and recorded to ensure transparency.
3. Accountability and Reporting: We will provide regular progress reports on the project's activities, milestones achieved, and outcomes attained. These reports will include financial updates, impact assessment, and key learnings.
4. Compliance with Regulatory Requirements: We will comply with all applicable financial regulations, legal obligations, and reporting requirements.

By leveraging our expertise, track record, financial management processes, governance structures, and collaboration with the Cardano community, we are confident in our capability to deliver this project.

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

The main goals for our project are as follows:

1.Goal: Increase the number of student Catalyst proposers.

• Validation: We will measure the increase in the number of student Catalyst proposers by tracking the submissions and approvals of student-led project proposals through Catalyst. The measurable outcome will be the percentage increase in student proposers compared to the baseline.

2.Goal: Cultivate a larger pool of blockchain engineers.

• Validation: We will measure the success of this goal by monitoring the participation and engagement of students in blockchain education programs, mentorship opportunities, and hackathons. The measurable outcomes will include the number of students enrolled in blockchain courses, the number of students who successfully complete mentorship programs, and the number of projects developed during hackathons.

3.Goal: Support a minimum number of student-led blockchain startups.

• Validation: We will track and measure the number of student-led startups that receive funding, mentorship, and resources through our project. The measurable outcome will be the number of successfully supported startups, demonstrating the direct impact of our support initiatives.

4.Goal: Foster collaborations and partnerships with universities and student organizations.

• Validation: We will document and quantify the number of partnerships established with universities, student organizations, and blockchain clubs. The measurable outcome will be the number of formal collaborations and the level of engagement achieved with these entities.

The project goals will rely on qualitative measures and feedback to assess participant achievement. This includes gathering feedback from students, universities, and community members regarding the impact of the project, satisfaction levels, and improvements in the ecosystem's support for student blockchain startups.

[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.

Milestone 1: Awareness and Engagement

• Key Activities:Develop marketing campaigns to promote Catalyst among students.
• Organize educational events and workshops at universities.
• Foster partnerships with student organizations and blockchain clubs.
• Timeline: Month 1-2
• Success Criteria: Increased awareness of Catalyst among students, at least 10 educational events/workshops conducted, and establishment of partnerships with a minimum of 5 student organizations.

Milestone 2: Blockchain Education Programs

• Key Activities:Collaborate with universities to establish blockchain-focused educational programs or courses.
• Develop curriculum and learning materials.
• Launch the education programs.
• Timeline: Month 3-6
• Success Criteria: Successful establishment of blockchain education programs in at least 3 universities, enrollment of a minimum of 50 students in these programs.
• Projected Cost: $20,000

Milestone 3: Funding and Incubation Support

• Key Activities:Allocate seed funding to student-led blockchain startups through Catalyst.
• Establish an incubation and acceleration program for supported startups.
• Provide mentorship, workspace, and resources to startups.
• Timeline: Month 4-9
• Success Criteria: Support a minimum of 5 student-led startups with seed funding, successful implementation of the incubation program, and demonstrable progress in the growth and development of supported startups.

Milestone 4: Online Community Platform

• Key Activities:Develop and launch an online platform for student proposers and blockchain engineers to connect and collaborate.
• Facilitate discussions, mentorship opportunities, and resource sharing.
• Timeline: Month 7-10
• Success Criteria: Successful launch and functionality of the online platform, active user engagement, and positive feedback from community members.

Milestone 5: Evaluation and Refinement

• Key Activities:Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the initiatives.
• Collect feedback from students, universities, and community members.
• Analyze outcomes and achievements.
• Make adjustments and improvements based on feedback and evaluation.
• Timeline: Month 9-12
• Success Criteria: Completion of evaluation reports, implementation of necessary adjustments and improvements based on feedback, and documentation of lessons learned.

Project Management Approach:

Our project will follow a structured project management approach with clear timelines, milestones, and deliverables. We will establish a project management team responsible for overseeing and executing the project. The team will regularly meet to assess progress, address challenges, and ensure timely completion of activities.

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

Milestone 1: Awareness and Engagement

• Deliverables: Marketing campaigns materials, event/workshop documentation, partnership agreements.
• Outputs: Increased awareness of Catalyst among students, engagement through event participation and partnership collaborations.
• Intended Outcomes: Increased student participation in Catalyst proposals, elevated understanding of the opportunities provided by Catalyst.
• Measurement: Number of student Catalyst proposers, attendance and feedback from events/workshops, number of established partnerships.

Milestone 2: Blockchain Education Programs

• Deliverables: Curricula and learning materials, agreements with universities, student enrollment records.
• Outputs: Established blockchain education programs in universities, enrolled students.
• Intended Outcomes: Equipped students with blockchain knowledge and skills, increased interest and enrollment in blockchain courses.
• Measurement: Number of universities with established programs, number of students enrolled in blockchain courses.

Milestone 3: Funding and Incubation Support

• Deliverables: Fund allocation records, incubation program guidelines, progress reports of supported startups.
• Outputs: Seed funding provided to student-led startups, functioning incubation and acceleration program, mentorship and resources delivered.
• Intended Outcomes: Empowered student startups with necessary resources, guidance, and support for their ventures.
• Measurement: Number of supported startups, progress and growth of startups, feedback and success stories from supported startups.

Milestone 4: Online Community Platform

• Deliverables: Fully functional online platform, documentation of platform features and guidelines.
• Outputs: Launched platform connecting student proposers and blockchain engineers, facilitation of discussions and resource sharing.
• Intended Outcomes: Increased collaboration and knowledge-sharing among students and blockchain engineers.
• Measurement: Platform usage metrics, user engagement and feedback.

Milestone 5: Evaluation and Refinement

• Deliverables: Evaluation reports, adjustments and improvement plans.
• Outputs: Reports documenting project evaluation findings, identified areas for improvement, and lessons learned.
• Intended Outcomes: Enhanced effectiveness and impact of the initiatives, improved support for student blockchain startups.
• Measurement: Completion of evaluation reports, implementation of adjustments and improvements, feedback and satisfaction surveys.

To track the project's progress, we will measure several key indicators aligned with the intended outcomes of each milestone. These indicators include the number of student Catalyst proposers, attendance and feedback from events and workshops, the number of supported startups, enrollment in blockchain education programs, usage metrics of the online community platform, and feedback from students, universities, and community members.

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

Budget Breakdown:

Milestone 1: Awareness and Engagement - Budget: ₳5,000

• Marketing Campaigns: ₳2,000 (design, advertising, social media promotions)
• Event and Workshop Costs: ₳1,000 (venue rental, speaker fees, materials)
• Partnership Agreements: ₳1,000 (legal fees, collaboration agreements)
• Publicity and Promotion: ₳1,000 (website development, content creation, promotional materials)

Milestone 2: Blockchain Education Programs - Budget: ₳10,000

• Curriculum Development: ₳4,000 (content creation, instructional design)
• University Collaborations: ₳2,000 (partnership agreements, administrative costs)
• Learning Materials: ₳2,000 (textbooks, online resources)
• Faculty and Speaker Fees: ₳2,000 (guest lecturers, subject matter experts)

Milestone 3: Funding and Incubation Support - Budget: ₳15,000

• Seed Funding for Startups: ₳10,000
• Incubation Program Management: ₳3,000 (program coordinator, administrative costs)
• Mentorship and Resources: ₳2,000 (mentors, workspace, tools)

Milestone 4: Online Community Platform - Budget: ₳5,000

• Platform Development: ₳3,000 (design, development, testing)
• Hosting and Maintenance: ₳1,000 (server costs, domain registration)
• User Support and Moderation: ₳1,000 (community managers, technical support)

Milestone 5: Evaluation and Refinement - Budget: ₳3,000

• Evaluation Reports: ₳1,000 (data analysis, report writing)
• Adjustments and Improvements: ₳2,000 (implementation costs)

Additional Budget Elements:

• Project Management: ₳3,000 (project management tools, communication tools, team coordination)
• Documentation: ₳2,000 (report writing, milestone documentation, user guides)
• Reporting to the Community: ₳2,000 (community updates, blog posts, newsletters)
• Contingency Fund: ₳3,000 (reserved for unforeseen expenses)

Total Budget: ₳38,000

The proposed budget aligns with the available funding request of ₳38,000. It covers the essential resources and costs for marketing campaigns, events, workshops, curriculum development, funding allocation, incubation support, platform development, evaluation reports, project management, documentation, reporting, and a contingency fund.

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

else that helps to support how the project represents value for money

The cost of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem due to the following reasons:

1. Impactful Results: The proposed project aims to support student blockchain startups, increase the number of student Catalyst proposers, and cultivate a larger pool of blockchain engineers. These outcomes directly contribute to the growth and strength of the Cardano ecosystem. By investing in these initiatives, the ecosystem can benefit from new innovative startups, a larger talent pool, and increased engagement from the student community.
2. Resource Allocation: The budget breakdown reflects a careful allocation of resources to achieve the desired outcomes. The costs are based on realistic estimations of the expenses involved in marketing campaigns, events, curriculum development, funding allocation, platform development, evaluation reports, project management, documentation, and community engagement. The budget ensures that the necessary resources and activities are in place to successfully execute the project's objectives.
3. Proportional Costs: The cost estimations take into consideration industry standards, market rates, and previous experiences. While it may vary depending on the specific country or region, the costs have been allocated in a way that reflects reasonable expenditures within the blockchain industry. We have considered factors such as market research, price quotations, and comparable projects to ensure that the proposed costs are proportionate to the work involved and aligned with industry norms.
4. Value from Experience: The project team comprises experienced professionals with a deep understanding of the Cardano blockchain and relevant expertise in entrepreneurship, project management, community engagement, and blockchain education. Their knowledge and experience enable efficient project execution, minimizing potential risks and ensuring value for money.
5. Tangible and Intangible Benefits: The value for money goes beyond the direct costs incurred. The project aims to generate long-term benefits for the Cardano ecosystem, such as the establishment of blockchain education programs, increased student participation, and the growth of student-led startups. These benefits have the potential to enhance the ecosystem's productivity, attract new talent, foster innovation, and strengthen Cardano's position in the blockchain industry.

In summary, this proposed project's cost represents value for money by strategically allocating resources to achieve impactful outcomes, considering industry standards and expertise, and generating both tangible and intangible benefits for the Cardano ecosystem.

[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