[BUTC] Master DApp Development Course Cardano: From Beginner to Expert!

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Khuat Dinh Thanh

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

Entity (Not Incorporated)

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

7

[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)

In-depth training on smart contracts, CIPs, and comprehensive DApp development on Cardano, building a vibrant learning community, and connecting learners with top experts.

[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’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

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

The course materials, including code samples and learning resources, will be shared as open source on GitHub. Students and participants are encouraged to contribute and improve the resources collaboratively.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

We propose an in-depth and comprehensive training program designed to equip learners with the necessary skills to develop and deploy decentralized applications (DApps) on the Cardano platform. Recognizing that current Cardano courses lack practical application and many projects have short lifespans, coupled with the growing demand for skilled blockchain professionals, especially in the Cardano ecosystem, our program aims to:

• Target audience: The program is designed for developers, IT students, and individuals interested in blockchain technology who want to explore the potential of Cardano.
• Unique points: Our course stands out by focusing on advanced Cardano features such as smart contracts, dApps, CIPs, audits, and security. Additionally, we foster a vibrant learning community where students can exchange experiences, share knowledge, and receive support from industry experts.

Our solution:

• Address the shortage of skilled professionals: Cultivate a new generation of Cardano developers capable of building and deploying decentralized applications (DApps) professionally.
• Meet market demands: Provide a high-quality talent pool for businesses and organizations seeking to leverage blockchain technology.
• Overcome redundancy: Develop a distinctive training program focused on in-depth and practical aspects to create added value for learners and the Cardano community.

The program's key activities include:

1, In-depth training content: Focusing on the core knowledge and skills required to develop applications on Cardano, including:

• Blockchain: Mastering foundational knowledge about the Cardano Blockchain.
• Smart Contracts: Building and developing the Aiken programming language from basic to advanced.
• CIPs: Understanding and applying Cardano improvements.
• Building DApps on Cardano from A to Z: This module guides learners in creating a complete decentralized application on Cardano.
• Enhancing security:
• Smart contract auditing: Using tools and methods to ensure contract security.
• Private key management: Guiding learners on secure private key protection methods.
• Preventing attacks: Introducing common attack types and countermeasures.

2, Real-world projects: Allowing learners to independently implement real-world applications, from ideation to deployment.

3, Community connection: Creating opportunities for learners to interact, share knowledge, and receive support from the Cardano community.

4, Enterprise collaboration: Inviting enterprises to share experiences and case studies, providing learners with opportunities to work on real-world projects.

5, Instructor training: Training a team of experienced instructors with in-depth knowledge of Cardano.

6, Content updates: Continuously updating the curriculum to keep pace with the latest developments in Cardano.

Impact:

• Practicality: Focusing on solving real-world industry problems.
• Differentiation: Addressing the limitations of existing training programs.
• Sustainability: Building a long-lasting learning community.

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

1, Measuring Impact:

• Quantitative:
• Number of students enrolled in the course
• Number of projects developed during the course
• Number of projects submitted to the Project Catalyst fund
• Number of projects awarded prizes in research, hackathons, etc.
• Number of open-source codes
• Qualitative:
• Surveys: Positive feedback after course completion
• Interviews: Interviews with representatives of participating groups to gather feedback, share experiences, and lessons learned.

2. How we share opportunities from the project:

• Publish results: We will publish the project results on social media channels, forums, and Cardano conferences.
• Collaborate with organizations: Collaborate with organizations, businesses, and the Cardano community to share knowledge and development opportunities.
• Facilitate networking: Facilitate connections for new developers with projects and opportunities within the Cardano community.

3. Value brought to the Cardano ecosystem:

• Foster future Cardano developers
• Promote student creativity
• Increase the number of high-quality open-source codes
• Increase product diversity
• Enhance Cardano's position compared to other blockchains

[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?

We are on the board of the University of Transport and Communications Blockchain Club

We have successfully organized previous cardano hackathons (Cardano Blockchain Hackathon Vietnam 2024 -22/9/2024- Recap)

Our team consists of experienced developers and blockchain educators with a strong background in Cardano and decentralized technologies. We will validate feasibility through hands-on workshops, participant feedback, and collaboration with industry professionals. Transparent reporting and open-source contributions will ensure trust and accountability throughout the project.

As proof of knowledge and research skills, some of our current proposals funded are attached:

The project has been funded by fund 10:

• Proposal funded 1: “🇻🇳 Vietnam Cardano Catalyst - NFT Exchange testing and development environment helps young people approach with the Web3.0 platform”
• Proposal funded 2: "Study guide for Marlow"

The project has been funded by fund 11:

• Proposal funded 1: “Tamper-proof Certificate System”
• Proposal funded 2: “CareBlock: Empowering secure healthcare transactions by Cardano”
• Proposal funded 3: “Dualtarget for ADA-Holders (Staking and increasing assets) with a decentralized automated trading bot”
• Proposal funded 4: “🇻🇳 The Complete Aiken Course Cardano: From Zero to Expert!”

The project has been funded by fund 12:

• Proposal funded 1: "Open source dynamic assets (Token/NFT) generator (CIP68)"

Other activities

• Article 1: "Students Scientific Research with Cardano Blockchain"
• Article 2: "Students Scientific Research with Cardano Blockchain"
• Article 3: "Scientific research results of students of the University of Transport and Communications 2024"
• Article 3: "Cardano Blockchain Hackathon Vietnam 2024”

Validation of Feasibility

To ensure effective financial management, we will adopt the following strategies:

• Budget Planning: We will meticulously allocate funds for development, operations, and marketing activities.
• Transparent Cost Tracking: Maintaining clear records of all expenses will promote accountability and visibility.
• Regular Reporting: Regular reports will help us evaluate financial performance and guide our decisions.

To validate the viability of our approach, we will use both quantitative and qualitative measures:

Quantitative Validation:

• Track the number of modules upgraded and added via GitHub.
• Track the number of tasks exported from Jira
• Track user engagement through the number of active users on the platform.

Identity Validation:

• Conduct user satisfaction surveys to gather insights.
• Measure the level of excitement in project presentations to gauge interest.

Transparency and communication are fundamental to us. We prioritize open dialogue with all stakeholders, provide regular updates, and foster a collaborative atmosphere so that everyone is involved in the project’s progress.

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

Milestone 1: Planning and Preparation

Deliverables:

• Create a realistic project timeline.
• Form a teaching team and knowledge-sharing experts.
• Develop learning materials and lectures.
• Choose appropriate tools and platforms.
• Build a social media community.
• Design a detailed learning pathway.
• Partner with organizations and businesses.
• Effectively manage the project.

Acceptance Criteria:

• The project timeline is approved by all relevant stakeholders.
• The teaching team is complete, with at least 3 members having relevant expertise.
• Learning materials are finalized and ready for the first session.
• Tools and platforms are identified and tested.
• The community has a minimum of 100 members.
• A detailed learning pathway is published.
• At least 2 organizations/businesses have committed to collaborating.
• The project is monitored, and progress is reported regularly.

Evidence of Completion:

• A signed project timeline document.
• A list of team members and their qualifications.
• Learning materials distributed to learners.
• An evaluation report on selected tools and platforms.
• A social media page with member statistics.
• A ready-to-use detailed learning pathway.
• A Memorandum of Understanding or confirmation email.
• Progress reports and meeting minutes.

Milestone 2: Foundation 

Deliverables:

• Introduce blockchain and Cardano's operation mechanism.
• Provide in-depth training on smart contracts with Aiken.
• Explain Cardano's practical CIP standards.

Acceptance Criteria:

• 100% of learners complete the initial knowledge assessment.
• The course is completed with at least 80% of learners meeting the requirements.
• Learners can explain CIP standards in group discussions.

Evidence of Completion:

• Assessment results and learner feedback.
• Learning outcome report.
• Discussion minutes with instructor feedback.

Milestone 3: The Complete DApp Course Cardano: From Zero To Expert Phase 1

Deliverables:

• Detailed step-by-step guidance for creating a complete DApp.
• Practical hands-on exercises.
• Encouragement for learners to build and propose startup ideas.

Acceptance Criteria:

• All learners complete an individual or group DApp.
• 90% of learners complete at least 4 practical exercises.
• At least 5 new ideas are presented and reviewed.

Evidence of Completion:

• DApp presentation at the evaluation session.
• Submitted and graded assignments.
• Documentation of ideas.

Milestone 4: The Complete DApp Course Cardano: From Zero To Expert Phase 2 | Advanced

Deliverables:

• Strengthen smart contract security: Enhance the security layer for smart contracts.
• Conduct smart contract audits: Perform audits on smart contracts.
• Connect learners with businesses and organizations: Create internship and job opportunities for learners.
• Guide learners on secure private key management: Provide guidance on how to securely manage private keys.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Smart contracts have been audited and security improved.
• Smart contracts have passed audits without critical errors.
• At least 10 internship opportunities have been created for learners.
• Learners can practice proper private key management.

Evidence of Completion:

• Security audit report.
• Certification from the auditing entity.
• List of opportunities and feedback from learners.
• Private key management assessment.
• Project documentation and analysis report.

Milestone 5: Build, Evaluate, and Develop the Project Team

Deliverables:

• Students will build and execute projects individually or in groups.
• Organize the Cardano Hackathon 2025.
• Provide rewards for outstanding project teams.
• Evaluate and plan for course improvements.
• Complete instructional materials and videos.

Acceptance Criteria:

• 100% of students complete their projects.
• The competition is successfully held with at least 10 participating teams.
• Award-winning teams are publicly recognized.
• Conduct at least one student feedback session.
• Completed learning materials and videos are released.

Evidence of Completion:

• Project documentation and evaluation from instructors.
• Meeting minutes and competition results.
• List of award-winning teams and event photos.
• Meeting minutes and course improvement report.
• Finalized materials and videos.

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

Members of the University of Transport and Communications Blockchain club:

Mr. Thanh - President

Experiences: 

• Experienced leading and managing the operations of the projects, organizations, and club.
• Project funded at fund 10, 11 in Project Catalyst.
• Project Manager at DEMARKET.
• Experienced 2 years of building an operating on the Cardano Blockchain.
• Blockchain & Sustainability Researcher.

Contact:

Email: khuatthanh456@gmail.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robertkhuat

Github: github.com/thanh2k3zz

Mr. Son - Vice President

Experiences: 

• More than a year of building and operating on the Cardano Blockchain platform.
• 6 months working with Haskell and Plutus languages, 4 months working with Aiken programming language.
• Project funded at fund 10, 11 in Project Catalyst.
• Experience in dApp development and skills in writing smart contracts with Aiken language.
• 2 years of experience developing AI/machine learning/deep learning, data science,...

Contact:

Email: son211204228@lms.utc.edu.vn

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-flynn-a34325283

Github: github.com/sonson0910

Mr. Phung Tien Dung - Head of the professional committee

Experiences: 

• Full-Stack Developer | Blockchain Developer
• Experience: Software engineering expert with 5+ years in Vietnam's tech scene. 2+ years in blockchain
• Programming Language: Php , NodeJS, Python, C, C++, Haskell, Aiken
• Projects: Multiple completed projects funded by Catalyst
• Skills: dApp development with NextJS and smart contract writing with Aiken

Contact

Email: tiendung0325@gmail.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tid-vn

Github: github.com/tidvn

Mr. Minh Le - Head of Communications

Experiences:

• Senior Lecturer at Teky Academy.
• Founder TEX Solution.
• Business Analyst at CareBlock and UTCert.
• Blockchain & Sustainability Researcher.
• Two years of building and operating on the Cardano Blockchain platform.

Contact:

Email: minhld.dev@gmail.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinhminhle

Github: github.com/dinhminhlh

Mr. Bach Trinh - Advisor

Experiences: 

• Software Engineer at GrapeCity.
• Co-Founder TEX Solution.
• Full-Stack Developer and Blockchain Developer at CareBlock and UTCert.
• Blockchain & Sustainability Researcher.
• Two years of building and operating on the Cardano Blockchain platform.

Contact:

Email: txbach.11@gmail.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/trinh-bach

Github: github.com/Bachhsunkid

Mr. Tran Huy Hiep - Advisor

Experiences: 

• Software Engineer at Samsung R&D.
• Co-Founder TEX Solution.
• Technical Lead/Project Manager at CareBlock and UTCert.
• Blockchain & Sustainability Researcher.
• Two years of building and operating on the Cardano Blockchain platform.

Contact:

Email: tranhuyhiep0710@gmail.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tranhhiep

Github: github.com/TranHuyHiep

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

SUMMARY

Milestone 1: Planning and Preparation

Estimated cost for this phase: 9850 ADA ⇔ 23.45%

Milestone 2: Foundation

Estimated cost for this phase: 6000 ADA ⇔ 14.28%

Milestone 3: The Complete DApp Course Cardano: From Zero To Expert Phase 1

Estimated cost for this phase: 9300 ADA ⇔ 22.15%

Milestone 4: The Complete DApp Course Cardano: From Zero To Expert Phase 2 | Advanced

Estimated cost for this phase: 5450 ADA ⇔ 12.97%

Milestone 5: Building, Evaluating, and Developing Project Teams

Estimated cost for this phase: 11400 ADA ⇔ 27.15%

Total Costs: 42000 ADA

A comprehensive breakdown of the project's phases and deliverables can be found at: 

[English] [BUTC] Master DApp Development Course Cardano: From Beginner to Expert!

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

The course fee is calculated based on the average salary of IT professionals in Vietnam. We have strived to optimize costs by utilizing available resources and seeking sponsorship.

The project cost is determined by several factors, including:

• Time and human resources: The time required to design, develop, and implement the course, as well as the labor costs of instructors, teaching assistants, and the organizing team.
• Materials and tools: The cost of purchasing learning materials, software, and tools necessary for the course.
• Infrastructure: The cost of renting classrooms, using computers, and internet access.
• Marketing and promotion: The cost of promoting the course on various media channels.
• Contingencies: Unforeseen costs, such as changes in plans or technical failures.

The value of the cost to the Cardano ecosystem:

• Investment in human capital: The course will train a team of young, creative, and knowledgeable Cardano developers. This is a valuable human resource for the Cardano ecosystem.
• Promoting development: Trained developers will contribute to building and developing applications, services, and solutions on Cardano, making the ecosystem more diverse and rich.
• Enhancing reputation: The course will enhance Cardano's reputation in the global blockchain community, attracting more interest and investment.
• Creating economic value: Applications and services developed on Cardano can create economic value for businesses and individuals.

We believe that the cost of the course is commensurate with the value it brings to the Cardano ecosystem. The course will contribute to the sustainable development of Cardano and create many business and job opportunities in the future.