Cardano Governance Incubation

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Innocent Norvinu

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

Individual

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

4

[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)

Organize a workshop session to educate students and entrepreneurs on Cardano's governance roles, empowering them to participate actively in decision-making and promote innovation in the ecosystem

[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

fully open source

[METADATA] Horizons

Governance

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Project Overview

Cardano Catalyst Governance Student Awareness

With the increasing focus on decentralized governance in blockchain, the role of platforms like Cardano in fostering Web 3.0 solutions is pivotal. This project, in partnership with Gateway to Digital Technology Limited seeks to empower Ghanaian cardano students communities and new entrants to the ecosystem by deepening their understanding of Cardano's governance structure, with a specific emphasis on roles within Project Catalyst. These roles include Delegated Representatives (DReps), Proposers, and Voters, all of which are integral to shaping the future of blockchain technology and decentralized decision-making.

Building on Our Foundation

Following our prior work on blockchain advocacy, this initiative seeks to go beyond technology and introduce students to the governance framework within Cardano. In partnership with Students Associations in the entrepreneurship at the various Universities, the project will conduct an educational summit focusing on decentralized decision-making. The summit will emphasize the role students can play in shaping the future of Web 3.0 and decentralized governance by participating in Catalyst roles. Our goal is to empower students with the skills and tools necessary to actively participate in Project Catalyst, Cardano's governance framework, by educating them on key governance roles such as Delegated Representatives (DReps), Catalyst proposers, and voters.

Proposal Fit to the Challenge

This project fits the challenge by offering practical governance education, raising awareness about Project Catalyst, and encouraging student entrepreneurs to actively participate in governance roles. Our objectives include:

• Educating students on the key governance roles within Project Catalyst—Proposers, DReps, and Voters—and the importance of decentralized governance in Web 3.0.

• Mentoring students on how to become active in Catalyst by participating as Proposers, Reviewers, Delegated Representatives (DReps), or Voters, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the platform.

The African Opportunity

Africa, especially Ghana, presents a burgeoning space for blockchain-driven governance innovations. However, active participation in blockchain governance remains low. This project positions Cardano's Catalyst as a critical tool for empowering young entrepreneurs and innovators to take up governance roles. By focusing on students, we aim to build a pipeline of well-informed DReps, Proposers, and Voters who can shape governance decisions, further enhancing Cardano's growth on the continent.

Focus Area

This summit will explore how students can engage with Cardano's governance structure, guiding them through the roles of Proposers, DReps, and Voters. Students will be introduced to tools and strategies to become active participants in governance, empowering them to contribute to Catalyst's decision-making processes and propose solutions that address real-world problems.

Core Presentation Topics

• A detailed overview of Cardano's decentralized governance system, focusing on Catalyst's unique approach to decision-making.
• In-depth sessions on the responsibilities and processes associated with each governance role, emphasizing how students can take up these roles.
• How to submit proposals, vote on Catalyst projects, and represent the community as a Delegated Representative (DRep).

Other Focus Areas

There would be other sessions that would be incorporated into these events to provide an interactive and a networking environment for personal engagements. Among these areas are: 

Interactive Learning and Practical Experience

• Hands-On Workshops:

A series of interactive workshops where students can practice submitting proposals, acting as DReps, and voting on Catalyst projects. This would provide practical insights into the governance processes within Project Catalyst. E.g., Simulated proposal submissions, role-playing as voters or reviewers, and discussing real-world governance scenarios.

• Showcasing Success Stories:

Highlight case studies of successful student-led or community-driven proposals funded by Catalyst. This will help students see the real-world impact of their participation and motivate them to engage. E.g., Presentations on previous Catalyst-funded projects from students or community groups that have created tangible changes.

Outreach and Student Engagement Strategy

• Collaboration with Blockchain/Tech Clubs:

Partner with blockchain and tech clubs within universities, as well as entrepreneurship hubs, to extend the project’s reach. This collaboration will ensure that students with a strong interest in technology and governance are aware of and involved in the event.

Target Audience

The target audience is university students, particularly those with an interest in entrepreneurship, governance, and technology. This project will equip students with knowledge and practical skills to engage in decentralized governance roles within Project Catalyst.

Potential Barriers & Solutions

• Engagement of Students:

We will work with university clubs, entrepreneurship hubs, and technology groups to actively promote the event on social media, making governance participation relatable and practical.

• Incentives for Participation:

To encourage active involvement, attendees will be incentivized with educational materials and rewards, such as tokens for participation in governance activities (voting or proposal submission) post-event.

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

The benefits of the project to Cardano include:

• Increased Participation: Educating students about governance roles encourages active participation in Project Catalyst, leading to a more vibrant and engaged community.

• Talent Development: By empowering students with knowledge and skills, the project cultivates a new generation of leaders who can contribute innovative ideas and solutions within the Cardano ecosystem.

• Enhanced Governance: A well-informed community can make more effective decisions, improving the overall governance process of Cardano and ensuring diverse perspectives are considered.

• Community Growth: The initiative can help expand Cardano's user base by attracting more students and entrepreneurs, fostering a robust ecosystem that supports development and collaboration.

[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?

PARTNERSHIP AND CREDEIBILITY & ACCOUNTABILITY

PARTNERSHIP

Our team will establish a Partnership with Gateway to digital technology. Gateway to digital technology, organization is a Non governmental organization which focuses on providing education and mentorship on digital technology to deprived groups. Again, all things equal, our team will also establish a partnership with IdeaFactor–leading student entrepreneurship advocacy association in the University of professional studies, an institution that focuses on the mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. With these partners onboard, we'll leverage on their vast experience and expertise to advance the cardano dream in Africa.

COMMUNITY ACCOUNTABILITY

Our team have been active in the catalyst ecosystem since fund 7. As a project lead, our team member has been engaged as challenge team members in the development and infrastructure. since fund 7, we’ve been active community Advisors, voters and proponent with four community funded, executed and completed projects. From these credentials, it’s worth noting that our contribution to the ecosystem has been immerse especially in spearheading the cardano community goal of scalability and growth via catalyst. 

Apart from our active involvement in the catalyst space, our team brings not only extensive experience but also a profound level of engagement in the Cardano Catalyst space, specifically in terms of project implementation. We have led several initiatives that received funding from the Catalyst community. Through our active involvement in the Catalyst community, we have successfully executed three major projects, all of which are open source and available for community verification.

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

• Event center reservation
• Selection of a suitable event date

Milestone Outcome

• Secure the event center venue for the in-person event.
• A clear event date

Criteria for Acceptance

• Proof of event center been secured
• Defined event date that aligns with the target audience's availability

• To register participants
• To form partnerships and collaborations for event promotion
• To document event activities (Pictures/images of event)

Milestones Outcomes

• Ascertain the exact number of participants
• Establish partnerships and collaborations
• Document events Execution (Pictures/images of event)

Milestones Acceptance Criteria

• At least 40 target audience number count
• Establish partnership with at least one organization for publicity
• Have images of event execution (will be made available to catalyst community catalyst monthly report)

• Host an online event for engagement and collection of feedback from participants
• Provide a close out report
• Provide a close out report video

Milestones outcomes

• Provide a close out report
• Provide a close out report video

Milestone acceptance Criteria

• To provide close out report
• To provide close out video

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

Team members and Roles for the project

Our team members have varied level of experience across various field which is well-cut out for the project. Based on the expertise the team presents, we’re convinced that our team have the capacity to implement the project. However, there will be a few areas where we’ll outsource the services of expertise via collaboration. Below are our team members with their accompanying roles:

Gateway to digital technology –Partner

Innocent Norvinu - Project Manager

Background of team members

PARTNERSHIP

Gateway to Digital Technology

Gateway to Digital Technology (GDT) is an organization dedicated to offering digital education services. Established with the mission of bridging the gap between traditional learning and the demands of the digital age, GDT provides comprehensive training programs, workshops, and resources in various aspects of digital technology.  

Innocent Norvinu

Innocent Norvinu is a blockcbhain enthusiast who holds a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Professional Studies in Ghana. He is the co-founder of Gateway to Blockchain and has previously contributed his expertise as a Marketing Specialist at Tech Markets Solutions. His extensive background, spanning over 7 years in the finance industry, includes roles as a Risk and Compliance Officer. Moreover, Mr. Norvinu is an active member of the community, having served as a Fund 7, 8, and 9 Community Advisor, a voter, and a proponent for two community-funded and executed projects. He participated as a Fund 10 Challenge Team Member.

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/innocent-norvinu-a096931a9

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

Here's a breakdown of the budget for the event:

Venue Rental and Setup:

• - Venue rental: 1000
• - Audiovisual equipment setup: 400

Speaker Expenses (Two speakers):

• - Incentives for Speakers: 3500

Event Promotion:

• - Printing of flyers and posters: 2500
• - Social media advertising: 1500

Catering and Refreshments:

• - Snacks and beverages 50(ADA)*75: 3750
• Event Materials and Supplies:
• - T shirts printing for participants – 50(ADA)*75– 3750
• - Stationery and printing materials: 225

Incentives for Team and participants

• - Organization –975
• - incentive for participants – 25(ADA)*75– 1875
• Miscellaneous:
• - Unexpected expenses contingency: 3000

Total Event Subtotal: 22475 ADA.

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

The value proposition of the project is centered around:

Empowering Young Entrepreneurs with Cutting-Edge Knowledge: The project provides student entrepreneurs with a competitive edge by equipping them with knowledge of Web 3.0 and blockchain technology, areas that are rapidly shaping the future of business, finance, and technology. By introducing them to these advanced tools, the project opens up new avenues for innovation and growth in their entrepreneurial ventures.

Facilitating Entry into the Cardano Ecosystem: By offering mentorship, training, and practical onboarding into the Cardano Catalyst ecosystem, the project enables students to seamlessly transition into the world of decentralized applications (dApps) and blockchain-based governance. This fosters a new generation of innovators within the Cardano network, contributing to its overall growth and sustainability.

Leveraging Africa’s Untapped Market: Africa, particularly Ghana, presents an emerging and largely untapped market for Web 3.0 and blockchain solutions. By focusing on student entrepreneurs in Ghana, the project positions Cardano as a pioneering platform in the region, opening up opportunities for decentralized solutions to address local challenges and drive digital transformation across industries.