Decentralized Skill Verification Platform on Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Cristian Jair Rojas Velez

[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)

10

[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)

A decentralized skill verification system, allowing individuals to securely store and share credentials. Institutions can issue trusted certifications on-chain for easy third-party validation.

[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

We are going to use the Joget platform to create the prototype, this platform is Open source to easily build, run and maintain cardano dapps, and we will use the free license Atlassian Confluence Open Source Project granted to Joget Inc.

Info for the open source license

[METADATA] Horizons

Authentication

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Proposed Solution:

The problem we aim to solve is the slow, centralized, and often unreliable process of skill and credential validation. Current systems make it difficult for institutions and companies to efficiently verify credentials, and individuals lack control over their own certifications, leading to issues such as fraud and misrepresentation.

Our approach leverages Cardano’s blockchain to create a decentralized skill verification system. This allows individuals to securely store and share their credentials, while institutions like universities and employers can issue trusted certifications on-chain. Blockchain’s immutability ensures the integrity of these credentials, making them verifiable in real-time by any third party.

Why this approach?

By decentralizing the process, we provide individuals with ownership of their credentials, removing the need for third-party intermediaries. This also eliminates the risks associated with centralized databases, such as tampering or fraud.

Participation:

Our project will initially involve educational institutions and employers, as well as individuals who wish to validate their competencies. We will also explore partnerships with platforms offering online courses and vocational training. Involving both issuers and recipients of credentials ensures holistic adoption of the system.

Proving Impact:

To demonstrate impact, we will measure the number of credentials issued on-chain and the volume of transactions related to credential verification. Success will also be evaluated through user feedback, testing the ease of adoption by institutions and individuals. Additionally, we will track the growth of partnerships with educational institutions and companies.

Unique Value:

Our solution offers trust, transparency, and security in skill verification, benefitting both individuals and organizations. For Cardano, this brings real-world utility by creating verifiable, on-chain transactions, driving adoption across global educational and employment sectors.

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

Positive Impact on the Cardano Community:

Our project will significantly contribute to the Cardano ecosystem by offering a real-world use case that drives adoption and generates on-chain transactions. The decentralized skill verification system will position Cardano as a leader in digital credentialing, attracting a wide range of users, including individuals, educational institutions, employers, and certification bodies. This brings immediate value to the Cardano community by increasing the network's utility and showcasing how blockchain technology can solve real-world problems.

Measuring Impact:

We will measure impact through both quantitative and qualitative metrics:

• Quantitative Metrics:
• Number of credentials issued on-chain: Tracking how many certifications have been successfully issued and verified on Cardano.
• Volume of on-chain transactions: Measuring the number of transactions related to the issuance and verification of credentials.
• Adoption rate: The number of institutions, certification bodies, and employers using the system, as well as the number of individuals storing and sharing their credentials.
• Partnerships: Growth in partnerships with educational platforms, universities, and companies.

• Qualitative Metrics:
• User feedback: We will gather testimonials and insights from individuals, institutions, and employers to assess how the system is solving real-world credentialing challenges.
• Community engagement: We will assess how well the Cardano community adopts and promotes the solution through forums, social media, and events.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

We will openly share the progress and outcomes of our project through various channels:

• Project Catalyst updates: Regular progress reports to the Catalyst community and detailed post-project reports.
• Community involvement: Active participation in Cardano community events, workshops, and forums to share insights and gather feedback.
• Public documentation and guides: We will publish user guides, technical documentation, and case studies that can be used by other projects or developers within the Cardano ecosystem to build similar solutions.
• Open-source code: We aim to make parts of the system open-source, fostering innovation and collaboration within the wider Cardano community.

By generating on-chain transactions, increasing Cardano’s visibility in the education and employment sectors, and encouraging community engagement, our project will create lasting value for the Cardano 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?

Our Team's Capabilities:

We have assembled a team with a diverse range of skills and experience that make us uniquely qualified to deliver this project. Our team includes an expert in low-code/no-code application development using Joget, with successful integrations into Cardano’s blockchain. This allows us to create secure, scalable solutions for credential verification. Additionally, we have experience in project management and building relationships with universities through Cardano community initiatives, giving us a deep understanding of the educational sector’s needs. With these combined capabilities, we are well-prepared to address both the technical and operational aspects of the project.

Blockchain Development Expertise:

Cristian Rojas has extensive experience with Joget, an open-source low-code/no-code application platform for rapid digital transformation. We have successfully integrated Joget with Cardano's blockchain for proof-of-concept projects for example in the catalyst proposal fund7 "Support small farmers in Latam" , leveraging Cardano’s unique features such as embedding form data into transaction metadata. This allows us to create secure, immutable, and always-accessible proofs of existence on the blockchain.

Using Joget’s extensive plugin architecture, we have developed applications that take advantage of Cardano’s ability to transfer real-world value while ensuring data integrity. Key applications include:

• Validation and verification: Metadata is used to validate external products or institutions, such as verifying the authenticity of educational credentials.
• Authentication and attribution: Paired with physical identifiers, metadata ensures the authenticity of certifications or products.
• Secure record-keeping: Metadata attached to transactions provides tamper-proof records, like storing invoice IDs to verify the purchase of goods and services.
• Timestamping: Transaction metadata allows for verifiable timestamps, useful in tracking the time and date of certifications, transactions, or any other event.

This hands-on experience with Joget and Cardano positions us to build secure, scalable applications that integrate blockchain solutions into real-world use cases efficiently and reliably.

Education and partnership Experience:

Our team has worked on several Cardano-related initiatives, primarily focusing on building community relationships with universities. Through these collaborations, we have gained a deep understanding of the challenges educational institutions face in verifying skills and certifications. This experience positions us well to leverage blockchain technology to address these problems effectively, ensuring that universities can issue trusted, verifiable credentials using the Cardano blockchain.

This is the list of Universities initiatives successfully completed:

• Host the CIP-1694 workshop at UPT - evidence
• Representing Latam Cardano Community at Cardano Days by IOG at ITESO - evidence
• Conduct Masterclass Blockchain in UNAM - evidence
• Conduct Masterclass Blockchain in ITSL - evidence
• Conduct Masterclass Blockchain in ITT - evidence
• Give a lecture during the EXPO DIE, a major event in UNAM - evidence
• Host the Constitutional workshop at Mexico City
• Organizing the AMM Intersect in Mexico City

Project Management:

We have successfully managed and delivered projects using Joget in both blockchain and technology sectors, including initiatives that integrate Cardano’s blockchain with real-world applications.

Our team has also led university-focused initiatives within the Cardano community, helping build partnerships that support education.

Additionally, we have experience managing Catalyst proposals and events funded by Intersect (mentioned above), ensuring proper fund allocation and timely delivery of objectives.

Approach Validation and Feasibility:

We are committed to validating the feasibility of our approach through a structured and transparent process:

1. Early Research and Design: We will conduct research into existing credentialing systems and blockchain solutions, ensuring that our approach is viable and addresses the specific pain points in the education and employment sectors.
2. Pilot Testing: We will validate the system by running pilot tests with a small group of educational institutions and individuals to gather feedback and optimize the platform before full deployment.

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

Research and Design Phase (Months 1-2)

A. Milestone Outputs:

• Detailed research on current skill verification systems and potential integration of Cardano's blockchain.
• Design and architecture blueprint for the decentralized skill verification platform using Joget.

B. Acceptance Criteria:

• Completion of research report identifying key challenges and requirements for the system.
• Submission of the platform design blueprint outlining the integration of Joget with Cardano, including workflow diagrams and metadata handling.

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Research report document.
• Design blueprint and architecture diagrams, shared via GitHub or a similar platform.

Prototype Development (Months 3-5)

A. Milestone Outputs:

• Development of the initial Joget-based prototype for credential issuance and verification, integrated with Cardano’s blockchain.
• Functionality to embed form data into Cardano transactions using metadata.
• User interface for institutions to issue credentials and individuals to manage their verifiable credentials.

B. Acceptance Criteria:

• A working prototype deployed in a test environment where institutions can issue credentials, and users can store and share their certifications.
• Cardano transactions with embedded metadata, verifiable through the blockchain explorer.

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Live demonstration of the prototype functionality.
• Test transaction records on the Cardano blockchain showing credential metadata.

Pilot Testing with Institutions (Months 6-8)

A. Milestone Outputs:

• Pilot testing of the prototype with selected universities and certification bodies.
• Collection of feedback and adjustments based on pilot results.

B. Acceptance Criteria:

• At least two educational institutions successfully issuing and verifying credentials on Cardano.
• User feedback and system adjustments documented for further refinement.

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Feedback reports from participating institutions.
• Evidence of issued credentials and transactions stored on Cardano.

Project Close-out Report and Video (Months 9-10)

A. Milestone Outputs:

• Final adjustments to the prototype based on pilot testing.
• Comprehensive project close-out report, including project outcomes, challenges, and next steps.
• Video presentation showcasing the project, the prototype, and its impact.

B. Acceptance Criteria:

• Final prototype demonstrating seamless credential issuance and verification.
• Project close-out report submitted to Project Catalyst.
• Video presentation published and shared with the Cardano community.

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Submission of final project report and video.
• Final working prototype available for demonstration.
• Recorded issuance and verification of credentials on the Cardano blockchain.

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

Project Team and Roles

Cristian Rojas – Project Leader / Lead Developer

Cristian is the leader of this proposal and brings extensive experience in Joget and blockchain integrations. He will oversee the overall project execution, particularly leading the technical development of the prototype. Cristian will be responsible for:

• Designing and developing the decentralized skill verification platform using Joget.
• Overseeing the integration of Cardano's blockchain, including the embedding of credential metadata in transactions.
• Ensuring that all technical milestones are met according to the timeline.

Erick Valadez – University Relations & Partnership Coordinator

Erick has experience in university engagement and will play a key role in building and maintaining partnerships with educational institutions. His responsibilities will include:

• Coordinating with universities and certification bodies to ensure successful pilot testing and adoption.
• Managing feedback from educational partners to refine the system during the pilot phase.
• Leading outreach efforts to onboard additional universities for future system expansion.

Victor Hernandez – Graphic Design & Brand Manager

Victor is the team’s graphic designer and brand strategist, responsible for creating the visual identity and user interface design of the platform. His tasks will include:

• Designing a user-friendly interface for both institutions and individuals interacting with the platform.
• Developing branding materials, ensuring the platform’s visual appeal aligns with our goals and resonates with the Cardano community.
• Creating promotional materials and the final project video presentation for Project Catalyst.

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

Budget & Costs Breakdown in ADA

1. Research and Design (Months 1-2)

• Research on current systems and blockchain integration: 9,000
• This includes market research, existing blockchain credentialing solutions, and requirements analysis.
• Design and architecture development (Joget integration): 24,000
• Detailed design of the prototype architecture, workflows, and how Cardano’s blockchain will be integrated with Joget.

Total for Phase 1: 33,000

2. Prototype Development (Months 3-5)

• Joget platform development and customization: 45,000
• Building the platform using Joget’s low-code/no-code tools, integrating the ability to issue and verify credentials on Cardano.
• User interface and user experience design: 18,000
• Designing a simple, intuitive user interface for institutions and individuals, led by Victor Hernandez.

Total for Phase 2: 63,000

3. Pilot Testing with Educational Institutions (Months 6-8)

• Partnership coordination and testing management: 12,000
• Erick Valadez will oversee the pilot testing phase, ensuring educational institutions can effectively issue and verify credentials.
• System optimization based on feedback: 7,500
• Modifying the platform according to feedback from pilot participants to improve functionality and ease of use.
• Technical support and onboarding: 7,500
• Providing assistance to institutions and users during the onboarding and testing process.

Total for Phase 3: 27,000

4. Project Close-out and Final Delivery

• Close-out report and video presentation: 9,000
• Final reporting to Project Catalyst, including a comprehensive report and video showcasing the prototype and its outcomes.

Total for Phase 4: 9,000

Summary of Total Costs

• Research and Design: 33000
• Prototype Development: 63000
• Pilot Testing: 27000
• Project Close-out & Final Delivery: 9000
• Project management: 8000
• Contingency fund: 10000

Grand Total: 150000 ADA

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

The cost of this project represents significant value for the Cardano ecosystem as it addresses a critical real-world use case: decentralized skill verification. By enabling universities, certification bodies, and individuals to issue and verify credentials on Cardano’s blockchain, this project enhances the network’s utility and generates tangible on-chain transactions, contributing to the broader adoption of Cardano.

Cost Justification:

We have carefully structured the budget to ensure efficient use of resources, reflecting the true needs of each project phase:

Development Costs (Joget Integration):

The 63000 allocated for prototype development is essential given the complexity of integrating Joget’s low-code/no-code platform with Cardano’s blockchain. This includes building user interfaces that support secure and verifiable credential issuance. These costs reflect industry-standard rates for blockchain and platform development, particularly for Cardano, which requires specialized knowledge of its architecture and tools.

Project Management and Engagement:

The costs for pilot testing (27000) and community support is reasonable given the need to establish partnerships with universities and ensure successful onboarding. We will utilize established relationships and leverage Cardano community channels, reducing the need for large-scale advertising costs. These costs are consistent with university partnership efforts and community outreach initiatives.

Proportional Costs:

We have ensured that the budget is proportional to industry standards and average costs within our geographic location:

• Developer Rates: The development costs are in line with typical blockchain developer rates in Latin America and the global freelance market. The average rate for a blockchain developer with the necessary skills in smart contracts and integrations ranges from $50 to $100 per hour, and our allocated budget fits within these ranges.
• Marketing and Design: The costs for design and marketing reflect typical rates in the industry, particularly for a project that requires branding, user interface development, and community engagement.

Value for the Cardano Ecosystem:

This project offers long-term value for Cardano by:

• Driving adoption: As educational institutions and certification bodies issue credentials on Cardano, it will increase on-chain activity, bringing real-world utility to the network.
• Expanding Cardano’s reach: By partnering with universities and educational platforms, we are introducing Cardano to a new audience, increasing awareness and usage.
• Providing a scalable solution: Once developed, this decentralized credential verification system can be extended to other sectors, including professional certifications and product verification, creating more use cases for Cardano.

Given the impact potential and the strategic focus on low-cost, high-impact solutions, the project’s cost represents excellent value for money. We are committed to delivering a high-quality, scalable solution that will benefit both the Cardano ecosystem and the broader global education and employment sectors.