Cross-Platform SDK: Empowering Blockchain Integration

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

DataScience plc

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Mahlet Duressa

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

5

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

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will develop a cross-platform SDK that simplifies blockchain integration, offering a unified toolset for seamless development across various platforms, boosting efficiency and reducing complexity.

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

Yes

[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.”

The SDK will depend on various external data sources to retrieve Cardano-related information, which is essential for providing real-time, accurate blockchain data and ensuring comprehensive integration capabilities. This reliance will enhance the SDK's robustness, utility, and reliability.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

The SDK will be released under the MIT License, ensuring complete openness and freedom for developers to use, modify, and distribute the code without restrictions. The code will be available on GitHub, providing a transparent and accessible platform for collaboration and community engagement. Beyond releasing our code, we will actively contribute to the Cardano Development Library by documenting our integration processes and sharing custom widgets that can be directly utilized by other projects.

[METADATA] Horizons

Developer Tools

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution is to develop a Cross-Platform SDK that facilitates seamless integration of Cardano blockchain functionalities into various applications.

The Cardano Cross-Platform SDK is meticulously crafted to cater to developers' needs, offering more than just seamless integration. It serves as a comprehensive toolkit, empowering developers with custom widgets and versatile data retrieval methods. Here's a detailed breakdown of its key features:

1. Custom Widgets:
2. Tailored widgets are meticulously designed to elegantly present real-time Cardano market data, news updates, network information, and analysis. These widgets seamlessly integrate, offering developers a visually cohesive and customizable solution for their projects.
3. Data Retrieval Methods:
4. The SDK provides robust methods enabling developers to effortlessly retrieve desired data for integration into their new products. Whether fetching market data, news updates, or detailed network information, our methods prioritize flexibility and ease of use, empowering developers to tailor the data to their application's needs.

1. Seamless Integration:
2. Developers can seamlessly incorporate the custom widgets and data retrieval methods into their projects. This not only saves time and effort but also enhances the overall user experience. The goal is to simplify the development process for those working on new Cardano-related products.
3. Extensibility:

• Designed with future growth in mind, the solution ensures extensibility. As the Cardano ecosystem evolves, developers can easily adapt and expand their products with the evolving capabilities of the Cardano SDK. This flexibility is crucial in staying aligned with the dynamic nature of blockchain technology.

Data-Driven Features:

Real-Time Active ADA Markets List:

• Dynamically fetching real-time market data from sources that provide free api, our custom widget empowers developers to display an up-to-date list of active Cardano markets. Users gain insights into prices, trading volumes, and trends, facilitating informed decision-making.

Crawled News:

• Utilizing advanced web crawling techniques, the dependency aggregates the latest Cardano-related news from reputable sources. Developers can seamlessly integrate a dedicated widget, ensuring users stay well-informed about developments and announcements within the Cardano ecosystem.

Analysis by Holdings:

• Introducing a powerful method for developers to analyze their Cardano holdings, this feature utilizes data from various sources. Developers can create insightful visualizations and reports within their applications, empowering users to make informed decisions about their Cardano assets and investments.

Held Metrics:

• The dedicated widget enables developers to present metrics related to held assets on the Cardano network. This feature offers users valuable insights into the distribution and composition of assets, enhancing their understanding of the Cardano network's dynamics.

Average Transaction Fee:

• Real-time data on the average transaction fee. The customizable widget allows developers to seamlessly integrate this information into their applications, enabling users to monitor current transaction fees and optimize their transactions efficiently.

By amalgamating these data-driven features, the Cardano SDK is poised to be the go-to toolkit for developers, facilitating the creation of enriched and user-friendly applications within the dynamic Cardano ecosystem. The use of free and scalable APIs ensures the solution's seamless support for a large user base.

Future Plans (Phase 2):

1. Integration of Advanced AI Capabilities: We plan to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) functionalities into the SDK to enhance data analytics and predictive modeling. AI-driven features will include:

• Predictive Analytics: Utilize machine learning algorithms to forecast market trends, price fluctuations, and network activity. This will help developers and users make more informed decisions based on predicted outcomes.
• Sentiment Analysis: Analyze news articles, social media posts, and community forums to gauge the sentiment around Cardano and related projects. This can provide valuable insights into public perception and potential market movements.
• Personalized Recommendations: Use AI to provide personalized recommendations for users based on their transaction history and asset holdings. This can help users optimize their portfolios and discover new investment opportunities.

2. Interoperability with Other Blockchain Platforms: To foster a more inclusive blockchain environment, we will expand the SDK to support multiple blockchain platforms beyond Cardano. This will include:

• Multi-Blockchain Integration: Develop modules that enable seamless interaction with other popular blockchains like Ethereum, Polkadot, and Solana. This will allow developers to create cross-chain applications and broaden their user base.
• Unified API: Provide a unified API that abstracts the complexities of interacting with different blockchains. Developers can leverage this API to integrate various blockchain functionalities without worrying about the underlying differences.
• Cross-Chain Data Aggregation: Enable the aggregation of data from multiple blockchains, providing a comprehensive view of the crypto market. This will help developers build more robust and data-rich applications.

3. Enhanced Security Features: Security is paramount in blockchain applications. We will enhance the SDK's security features to ensure the safety and integrity of data. These features will include:

• Secure Key Management: Implement advanced key management solutions to securely handle private keys and other sensitive information. This will include support for hardware wallets and multi-signature transactions.
• Data Encryption: Ensure all data transmitted through the SDK is encrypted using industry-standard encryption protocols. This will protect user data from potential breaches and unauthorized access.
• Smart Contract Auditing: Provide tools for auditing smart contracts to identify vulnerabilities and ensure they adhere to best practices. This will help developers deploy secure and reliable smart contracts.

4. User-Friendly Developer Tools: To further simplify the development process, we will introduce a suite of user-friendly tools and resources, including:

• Visual IDE Plugins: Develop plugins for popular Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) like Visual Studio Code and IntelliJ IDEA. These plugins will provide features like code autocompletion, syntax highlighting, and debugging support.
• Comprehensive Documentation: Create detailed documentation and tutorials that cover every aspect of the SDK. This will include step-by-step guides, code examples, and video tutorials to help developers get started quickly.
• Community Support: Establish a vibrant community forum and dedicated support channels where developers can seek help, share ideas, and collaborate on projects. Regular webinars and Q&A sessions with the SDK development team will also be organized.

5. Scalable Infrastructure: To support a large and growing user base, we will ensure the SDK is built on scalable infrastructure. This will involve:

• Cloud-Based Services: Leverage cloud computing platforms to provide scalable and reliable backend services. This will ensure the SDK can handle high volumes of data and user requests without performance degradation.
• API Rate Limiting: Implement rate limiting and load balancing mechanisms to prevent abuse and ensure fair usage of the SDK's resources. This will help maintain optimal performance even during peak usage periods.
• Monitoring and Analytics: Incorporate monitoring and analytics tools to track the SDK's performance, identify bottlenecks, and optimize resource allocation. This will ensure the SDK remains efficient and responsive under varying workloads.

By incorporating these advanced features, the Cardano Cross-Platform SDK will become an even more powerful and indispensable tool for developers. These enhancements will not only improve the impact and usefulness of the project but also contribute to the broader adoption and success of the Cardano ecosystem.

Problem Perception and Approach: We perceive the problem as a lack of straightforward, efficient methods for developers to integrate Cardano blockchain features across multiple platforms. Our SDK aims to simplify this process, providing a uniform interface for developers.

Engagement and Impact: Our project will engage developers across different platforms, enabling them to easily incorporate Cardano's capabilities into their applications. We will demonstrate impact by showcasing integration examples, collecting user feedback, and measuring adoption rates.

Uniqueness and Benefits: Our solution is unique because it offers platform-independent tools, ensuring broad accessibility and ease of use. This is crucial for Cardano as it encourages wider adoption, fosters innovation, and strengthens the ecosystem. By making blockchain integration more accessible, we enable a broader range of applications, enhancing the overall utility and reach of the Cardano network.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Our Cross-Platform SDK aims to significantly enhance the Cardano ecosystem by providing developers with a robust, versatile, and user-friendly toolkit for integrating Cardano blockchain functionalities into various applications. This initiative will have several positive impacts on the wider Cardano community:

1. Fostering Innovation: By offering a comprehensive and easy-to-use SDK, we empower developers to build innovative applications that leverage Cardano's blockchain capabilities
2. Lowering Barriers to Entry: Our SDK will simplify the development process, making it accessible even to those with limited blockchain experience. This will lower the barriers to entry for new developers and encourage a more diverse group of contributors to the Cardano ecosystem, fostering a more inclusive and collaborative community.
3. Enhancing Ecosystem Integration: The SDK's cross-platform nature will facilitate seamless integration of Cardano with other blockchain networks and traditional systems. This will promote interoperability and enhance the utility of Cardano within the broader blockchain ecosystem, attracting more projects and partnerships to the network.\
4. Improving User Experience: The inclusion of custom widgets and real-time data retrieval methods will enable developers to create more engaging and informative user interfaces. This will improve the overall user experience of Cardano-based applications, driving higher user retention and satisfaction.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

1. Open Source Release: All SDK components, including documentation, will be released as open-source under the MIT License. This ensures that anyone can access, use, and contribute to the project, fostering a collaborative development environment.

2. Community Engagement: We will actively engage with the Cardano community through various channels:

• Developer Forums: Establishing dedicated forums and support channels for developers to share knowledge, ask questions, and collaborate on projects.
• Webinars and Workshops: Hosting regular webinars, workshops, and Q&A sessions to demonstrate SDK usage, share best practices, and gather feedback.
• Hackathons and Competitions: Organizing hackathons and coding competitions to encourage developers to build innovative applications using the SDK.

3. Documentation and Tutorials: We will provide comprehensive documentation, including tutorials, code examples, and video guides, to help developers get started with the SDK and explore its full potential.

4. Showcasing Projects: We will create a dedicated section on our website and community platforms to showcase projects built with the SDK. This will highlight successful use cases, inspire new ideas, and promote the visibility of developers' work.

Measuring Impact:

We will measure the impact of our project using both quantitative and qualitative metrics:

Quantitative Metrics:

• Number of SDK Downloads: Tracking the number of downloads and installations will provide insight into the adoption rate of our SDK.
• Active Developer Usage: Monitoring the number of active developers utilizing the SDK in their projects will help gauge ongoing engagement.
• dApps Developed: Counting the number of decentralized applications built using the SDK will indicate its effectiveness in fostering innovation.
• User Engagement: Analyzing user engagement metrics within applications that use our SDK, such as active users, session duration, and user retention rates, will provide a measure of the SDK's impact on end-users.

Qualitative Metrics:

• Developer Feedback: Collecting feedback from developers through surveys, forums, and direct interactions will help us understand their experiences, challenges, and satisfaction with the SDK.
• Case Studies: Documenting case studies of successful projects built with the SDK will illustrate its practical benefits and real-world applications.
• Community Sentiment: Monitoring discussions and sentiment on social media, forums, and community channels will provide qualitative insights into the broader community's perception of the SDK.

By implementing these strategies, we aim to maximize the positive impact of our Cross-Platform SDK on the Cardano community, driving innovation, inclusivity, and growth within the ecosystem.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

• Established Track Record:
• Our previous experience with blockchain integration projects funded by Catalyst previous funding round, including the "Cardano for 100,000+ students", “Universal DevTools for Real-time Tracking for 45%+ of Global Websites Support”, and “Enhancing cardano developer ecosystem with open source tooling” projects, highlights our commitment and proven ability to deliver impactful projects.

“Cardano for 100,000+ students” project with over 100,000 downloaded on google play. Project closeout report document Click here

“Universal DevTools for Real-time Tracking for 45%+ of Global Websites Support” A comprehensive closeout document covering project objectives, scope, milestones, challenges, impact, and future recommendations. Click here

“Enhancing cardano developer ecosystem with open source tooling” user-friendly tools and standardized solutions to streamline Cardano development, optimizing the workflow for a more efficient and enjoyable developer experience.

We have a successful history of developing and deploying mobile applications, including the existing ExpertsWay app on Google Play. This demonstrates our technical expertise and project management capabilities. Link to design click here

• Expert Team:
• Technical Team: Our team includes skilled developers, Cardano blockchain experts, and UX/UI designers with experience in mobile app development and blockchain technology.
• Project Management: We employ structured project management methodologies to ensure timely delivery, adherence to budgets, and effective communication among team members.
• Partnerships and Support:
• We have established relationships with educational institutions and industry experts who can provide valuable feedback and support for the NFT certification feature.
• Collaborations with the Cardano community and other stakeholders will be leveraged to ensure the project aligns with industry standards and user expectations.
• Microsoft collaboration: Our project has joined Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub. We have access to a mix of technical benefits and business resources. (38 microsoft services benefits)

In summary, the combination of technical expertise, blockchain knowledge, project management skills, and a commitment to transparency and community involvement forms a robust foundation for the successful and trustworthy delivery of the Cardano cross-platform SDK. The validation steps and fund management strategies further reinforce the project's feasibility and accountability.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Alpha Version Development

Description: Develop the alpha version of the Cross-Platform SDK, incorporating half of the planned features. This includes implementing custom widgets, basic data retrieval methods, and initial integration capabilities.

Milestone Outputs:

1. Functional alpha version of the SDK.
2. Documentation detailing the alpha version features and development process.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. Alpha version of the SDK is tested and functional, demonstrating the initial set of features.
2. Documentation is reviewed and approved by the project team and early testers.

Example Application Development (How to use the SDK guide app)

Description: Develop an example application using the SDK to showcase its capabilities and provide a practical demonstration for developers. This application will serve as a reference implementation, highlighting how to integrate and utilize the SDK.

Milestone Outputs:

1. Functional example application.
2. Documentation detailing the development process of the example application.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. Example application is fully functional and demonstrates key features of the SDK.
2. Documentation is reviewed and approved by the project team and external reviewers.

Full SDK Development and Documentation

Description: Complete the development of the full Cross-Platform SDK, including all planned features and functionalities. Develop comprehensive documentation to support developers in integrating the SDK into their applications.

Milestone Outputs:

1. Fully functional Cross-Platform SDK.
2. Comprehensive SDK documentation, including integration guides and examples.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. SDK is fully functional and includes all planned features.
2. Documentation is complete, reviewed, and approved by the project team and external reviewers.

Community Launch, Support, Pilot Testing and Feedback Collection

Description: Launch the SDK and example application to the Cardano community and provide ongoing support. This includes promoting the SDK, offering integration support, and gathering community feedback for future improvements. Engage a select group of developers to pilot test the SDK and the example application. Gather feedback on usability, performance, and any issues encountered. Use this feedback to refine and improve the SDK and example application.

Milestone Outputs:

1. Public launch of the SDK and example application.
2. User support channels established (e.g., telegram, support email).
3. Pilot test report summarizing feedback from testers.
4. Updated version of the SDK and example application incorporating feedback and improvements.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. SDK and example application are publicly available and promoted to the Cardano community.
2. Support channels are active and responsive to user inquiries.
3. Pilot test report includes feedback from at least 20 developers.

Updated SDK and example application are reviewed and approved by the project team and pilot testers.

Project Completion Report and Video based on Catalyst guideline

Description: Prepare a comprehensive project completion report and a video summarizing the project journey, achievements, and impact on the Cardano community.

Milestone Outputs:

1. Project completion report.
2. Summary video.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. Project completion report is detailed, accurate, and approved by the project team.
2. Summary video is professional, informative, and approved by the project team.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

DataScience Labs plc

DataScience Labs plc is a reputable development firm known for its expertise in blockchain solutions, including Flutter development, mobile apps, and web systems. Our team has a proven track record of contributing to various Cardano-related projects, showcasing a deep understanding of blockchain technology and innovative development practices.

The development team behind our previously funded proposals such as "Universal DevTools for Real-time Tracking for 45%+ of Global Websites Support", "Enhancing Cardano Developer Ecosystem with Open Source Tooling", and "Cardano for 100,000+ students" will be working on this project as well, in conjunction with the below development team.

Core Development Team

• Esubalew Amenu - Linkedin click here
• Role: Blockchain Developer
• Experience:
• Over 8+ years of software development in blockchain and fintech industries.
• Successfully led multiple projects from conception to implementation, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction.
• Expertise in coordinating diverse teams and fostering effective communication.
• Currently working at SingularityNet.io
• Email: esubalew.amenu@singularitynet.io
• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA) - Certificate ID 64a11f630d345a3a7c07d6cb
• BSc in Computer Science, MSc in Software Engineering, BA in Management
• Founder of DataScience computing plc
• Senay Fenta - Linkedin click here
• Role: Programmer and devops
• Experience:
• Over 8+ years of software related experience in blockchain and fintech industries.
• Contributed on previously funded projects
• Expertise in development and devops
• Certified in Oracle logo Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Foundations 2021 Certified Associate, Associate - Information Storage and Management Version 4.0
• Founder and CEO of Awura plc

• Faizur Reshid (PhD) - Linkedin click here 
• Role: Product Lead
• Experience: Product manager and analyst.
• Assistant professor at Haramaya University
• Responsibility: Leading and controlling the research and development processes, ensuring timely delivery and user-friendly features.
• Ermiyas G.Egziabher - GitHub click here
• Role: Developer
• Email: ermi12b@gmail.com
• Experience: Proficient in server-side programming languages, database management and API integration.
• Responsibility: Handles the backend development and integration of the platform.
• Amanuel Gulelat- click here
• Role: Lead Mobile App Developer
• Experience:
• 6+ years of experience in mobile app development with a focus on Flutter.
• Contributed to the development of prominent Flutter-based projects within the blockchain space.
• Proven expertise in creating cross-platform applications with a strong emphasis on user experience.
• Bereket Gebredingle - Linkedin click here
• Role: Blockchain Integration Specialist
• Experience:
• 5+ years of experience in blockchain integration and data synchronization.
• Worked on several projects involving real-time blockchain data updates.
• In-depth knowledge of various blockchain protocols and their integration challenges.

• Mohammed Ibrahim - UX/UI Designer
• Portfolio: Mohammed Ibrahim
• Responsible for creating intuitive and visually appealing user experiences.
• Proficient in user interface design principles and user-centered design methodologies.
• Experience in designing engaging and user-friendly interfaces for mobile and web applications.
• Khalid Abdurahman - Linkedin click here
• Role: Frontend Developer
• Responsible for developing the user interface and user experience.
• Experienced in recent frontend technologies.
• Experienced in creating responsive and intuitive interfaces.
• Mahlet Duressa - Telegram click here
• Role: Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist
• Experience in software testing and QA processes, ensuring the reliability and functionality of the plugin

Engagement with Technical Group Channels

We have actively engaged with technical group channels such as Ethiopian Blockchain Network and CodeNight to connect with developers, blockchain enthusiasts, and potential team members. Our ongoing interactions in these channels ensure a direct line of communication with the community.

This experienced and diverse team is poised to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the development of the Cardano cross-platform sdk, ensuring a successful and impactful outcome for the Cardano ecosystem.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Alpha Version Development

• Developer Salaries: 25,000 ADA
• Total: 25,000 ADA

Example Application Development (To show how to use the SDK)

• Developer Salaries: 15,000 ADA
• UI/UX Design: 7,500 ADA
• Example Application development, Hosting and APIs: 5,000 ADA
• Total: 27,500 ADA

Full SDK Development and Documentation

• Developer Salaries: 30,000 ADA
• Comprehensive SDK Documentation: 1,000 ADA
• Total: 31,000 ADA

Community Launch, Support, Pilot Testing and Feedback Collection

• Marketing and Promotion
• Google play deployment
• Testing and Feedback Collection
• Total: 8,500 ADA

Project Completion Report and Video

• Report Preparation: 1,500 ADA
• Video Production: 1,500 ADA
• Total: 3,000 ADA

Contingency 3,000

Total Budget: 98,000 ADA

Alternative Sources of Funding: In the event of a significant drop in the ADA to USD exchange rate, or if additional funding requirements arise, all necessary supplemental funds will be provided by DataScience plc.

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

The proposed budget is strategically allocated to ensure high value for the Cardano ecosystem. The investment covers essential development phases, including the creation of the alpha version, a reference application, comprehensive SDK, and detailed documentation. It also includes costs for pilot testing, community launch, and ongoing support. These expenses are aligned with industry standards for software development, design, and promotion, reflecting fair compensation for quality work. The robust SDK and accompanying resources are designed to significantly enhance developer engagement and drive adoption, delivering substantial long-term benefits to the Cardano network. This careful budgeting ensures that each phase contributes effectively to the project's success, maximizing value and impact.