Move-to-Earn: Incentivizing Physical Activity Through Decentralized Rewards on Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Leykun Ejigu

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

Entity (Incorporated)

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

8

[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 create a platform rewarding physical activity with points, badges, and NFT's Users can exchange these for real-world items through partnerships creating sustainable motivation.

[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.”

N/A

[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

All outputs of the "Move to Earn on Cardano" project will be fully open source, released under the MIT License. This includes:

1. Codebase: Covering the platform's smart contracts, mobile application, and backend systems.
2. Data Analytics Tools: Any scripts or tools used for tracking and analyzing user activity data.
3. Community Engagement Modules: Features enabling social interaction and reward distribution.
4. Project Documentation: Detailed project plans, design documents, and technical specifications.

By making these components open source, we aim to create a transparent, community-driven platform that allows anyone to contribute to and benefit from the ecosystem. This approach will foster innovation, increase collaboration, and drive the widespread adoption of Cardano-based fitness solutions.

[METADATA] Horizons

Sustainability

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

We perceive the problem as a global health crisis fueled by physical inactivity, where people struggle to maintain consistent motivation and community support for active lifestyles. Traditional fitness apps often fail to provide lasting incentives, leading to decreased user engagement and a return to sedentary behavior.

Our solution is to build a decentralized fitness rewards platform on the Cardano blockchain that motivates users to stay active by rewarding them with points, badges, and tokens. By integrating with wearable devices and fitness apps, we will track users' activities—such as steps, distance, and calories burned—and automatically reward them through smart contracts based on verified data.

Why We Chose This Approach: We believe that combining gamification (points and badges) with tangible rewards (exchangeable tokens) and community support is a powerful strategy to boost motivation and adherence to fitness routines. Leveraging Cardano's secure and transparent blockchain technology ensures fair reward distribution and safeguards user data.

Who Will Benefit from This Project:

• Individuals seeking motivation: People who need an extra push to start or maintain their fitness journey.
• Fitness enthusiasts: Those looking for innovative ways to challenge themselves and earn rewards.
• The Cardano community: Members who will benefit from a use case that highlights the versatility of the Cardano blockchain.
• Partner businesses: Local and global brands offering products or services as rewards.

Measuring and Proving Impact:

• User engagement: Tracking the number of active users and retention rates.
• Activity levels: Measuring increases in physical activity over time.
• Token distribution and exchanges: Monitoring the total amount of tokens earned and redeemed.
• Health outcomes: Gathering testimonials and case studies to showcase improved well-being.

What Makes Our Solution Unique: Our platform uniquely integrates decentralized technology with health and wellness, creating a supportive community where users receive tangible rewards redeemable for real-world items. Features like group challenges, leaderboards, and social sharing will drive engagement and strengthen motivation.

Importance to Cardano:

• Showcasing Utility: Illustrates how Cardano's blockchain can solve real-world challenges beyond financial transactions.
• Ecosystem Growth: Successful deployment will enrich the Cardano ecosystem and inspire future innovations.
• Partnership Network: Establishes connections between the Cardano community and real-world businesses, expanding the blockchain's reach.

In conclusion, our decentralized fitness rewards platform aims to address physical inactivity by providing lasting motivation through a gamified system with tangible rewards and a supportive community, all built on Cardano's secure and scalable infrastructure.

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

The success of our Move-to-Earn platform will bring substantial value to the Cardano community in several key ways:

1. Ecosystem Growth and Adoption:
2. By onboarding potentially thousands of fitness enthusiasts to the Cardano ecosystem, we'll significantly expand the user base.
3. This influx of new users will create demand for wallets, exchanges, and other Cardano-based services.
4. Real-World Utility Showcase:
5. Our platform demonstrates a practical, non-financial use case for blockchain technology, highlighting Cardano's versatility.
6. This can attract developers and entrepreneurs to build more diverse applications on Cardano.
7. Tokenomics Innovation:
8. The project will introduce novel token models that blend fitness achievements with digital rewards, potentially inspiring other projects.
9. Community Health and Engagement:
10. By promoting physical activity, we'll contribute to the overall well-being of the Cardano community.
11. The social features of our platform will foster connections among community members.
12. Partnership Opportunities:
13. Collaborations with fitness brands and local businesses will expand Cardano's reach into new markets.

Measuring Impact:

We will track and report on the following metrics:

1. User Growth and Engagement:
2. Total number of registered users
3. Daily and monthly active users
4. User retention rates
5. Physical Activity Metrics:
6. Total steps taken by all users
7. Calories burned
8. Minutes of activity per user
9. Economic Impact:
10. Total tokens minted and distributed
11. Volume of token transactions within the ecosystem
12. Number and value of rewards redeemed
13. Cardano Network Effects:
14. Number of new Cardano wallets created through our platform
15. Increase in Cardano transactions related to our project
16. Community Engagement:
17. Number of social connections made within the app
18. Participation rates in group challenges and events
19. Health Outcomes:
20. User-reported improvements in fitness levels and overall well-being (via surveys)
21. Ecosystem Growth:
22. Number of partnerships established with fitness brands and local businesses
23. Developer interest and contributions to the project's open-source components

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

We are committed to transparency and knowledge sharing within the Cardano community. We will:

1. Publish Monthly Reports:
2. Detailed analytics on user growth, activity levels, and token economics
3. Highlights of community achievements and success stories
4. Open-Source Code Contributions:
5. Release key components of our platform as open-source, allowing other developers to build upon our work
6. Community AMAs and Webinars:
7. Host regular sessions to share insights, gather feedback, and discuss future developments
8. Cardano Summit Presentations:
9. Showcase our project's progress and impact at Cardano community events
10. Academic Collaborations:
11. Partner with researchers to study the effectiveness of blockchain-based incentives on physical activity
12. Developer Workshops:
13. Organize events to teach others how to build similar applications on Cardano
14. Social Media and Content Creation:
15. Maintain active presence on platforms like Twitter, YouTube, and the Cardano Forum to share updates and engage with the community

By implementing these measures and actively sharing our progress, we aim to create a ripple effect of positive impact throughout the Cardano ecosystem, driving adoption, innovation, and community well-being.

[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 combines extensive experience in blockchain development and mobile and web app creation, making us uniquely qualified to deliver this project. We have worked on secure applications that handle real time user data and blockchain integrations, demonstrating our commitment to trust and accountability.

Team Composition:

Blockchain Development:

• Team members with 4-5 years of hands-on experience in blockchain development, specifically on the Cardano platform.
• Deep understanding of Cardano's architecture, smart contract functionality, and ecosystem intricacies.

Real time data integration and Analytics:

• Specialists with 3-4 years of experience in Real time data aggregation and building pipelines.

APP and Full Stack Development:

• Seasoned full stack developers with 3-4 years of experience in building robust, scalable web applications and Mobile applications.

Project Management and Marketing:

• Experienced project managers well-versed in agile methodologies and blockchain project lifecycles.
• Track record of delivering complex technical projects on time and within budget.

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will:

• Develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Create a basic version of the platform to test core functionalities and user engagement.
• Conduct Pilot Testing: Run a controlled pilot with a select group of users to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments.
• Iterate Based on Data: Use insights from the MVP and pilot to refine the platform for scalability and wider adoption.

To ensure proper management of funds, we will:

• Maintain Transparent Accounting: Keep detailed financial records and provide regular reports to stakeholders.
• Use Secure Smart Contracts: Implement audited smart contracts on Cardano for transparent and tamper-proof ADA distribution.
• Adhere to Best Practices: Follow industry standards for fund management and data security.

By leveraging our proven expertise and adhering to rigorous validation and financial management processes, we are well-equipped to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability.

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

Milestone 1: Project Planning and Technical Design

A. Milestone Outputs:

1. Comprehensive Project Plan
2. Technical Design Document
3. Smart Contract Architecture
4. UI/UX Wireframes

B. Acceptance Criteria:

• Project Plan:
• Detailed timeline with all major phases and tasks identified
• Resource allocation plan
• Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
• Stakeholder communication plan
• Technical Design Document:
• System architecture diagram
• Database schema
• API specifications
• Security measures outlined
• Scalability considerations addressed
• Smart Contract Architecture:
• Detailed specifications for token minting and distribution
• Logic for activity verification and reward issuance
• Gas optimization strategies
• UI/UX Wireframes:
• Mobile app interface designs (minimum 10 key screens)
• User flow diagrams
• Accessibility considerations documented

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Project Plan:
• Project plane, milestones, resource allocation.
• Team roster with roles and responsibilities

• Technical Design Document:
• Comprehensive technical design document In Pdf format
• Architecture diagrams in standard notation (e.g., UML)
• API documentation in OpenAPI/Swagger format
• Smart Contract Architecture:
• Pseudocode or flow diagrams for key smart contract functions
• Gas estimation analysis for main contract operations
• UI/UX Wireframes:
• High-fidelity mockups for all key app screens
• Interactive prototype Figma

Milestone 2: MVP Platform Development

A. Milestone Outputs:

1. Functional Smart Contracts
2. Backend API Development
3. Mobile App Alpha Version
4. Integration with Fitness Tracking Devices/Apps
5. Basic Admin Dashboard

B. Acceptance Criteria:

• Functional Smart Contracts:
• Ability to mint and distribute reward tokens
• Implementation of activity verification logic
• Successful deployment on Cardano testnet
• Backend API Development:
• User authentication and authorization system
• Activity data processing and storage
• Reward calculation and distribution logic
• Integration with Cardano node for blockchain interactions
• Mobile App Alpha Version:
• User registration and login functionality
• Activity tracking and visualization
• Reward claiming interface
• Basic social features (friend adding, activity sharing)
• Integration with Fitness Tracking Devices/Apps:
• Successful data import from at least two major fitness platforms (e.g., Fitbit, Apple Health)
• Real-time syncing of activity data
• Basic Admin Dashboard:
• User management interface
• Activity and reward monitoring tools
• Simple analytics dashboard

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Functional Smart Contracts:
• GitHub repository with smart contract code
• Backend API Development:
• API documentation using OpenAPI/Swagger
• Mobile App Alpha Version:
• Source code in the GitHub repository
• Video demonstration of key app features
• User guide documenting all implemented features
• Basic Admin Dashboard:
• Screenshots and Video Demonstration of all dashboard views

Milestone 3: Beta Testing and Community Engagement

A. Milestone Outputs:

1. Beta Version of the Platform
2. Comprehensive Testing Suite
3. Community Feedback Mechanism
4. Initial Marketing and Outreach Materials

B. Acceptance Criteria:

• Beta Version of the Platform:
• All core features implemented and functional
• Integration with Cardano testnet (using test tokens)

• Comprehensive Testing Suite:
• User acceptance testing (UAT) plan and execution

• Community Feedback Mechanism:
• In-app feedback tool for beta testers
• Community forum or Discord server set up
• Regular AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions scheduled

• Initial Marketing and Outreach Materials:
• Project website with clear value proposition
• Social media accounts (Twitter, Telegram, etc.) established
• Promotional video explaining the platform concept

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Beta Version of the Platform:
• Updated source code in GitHub repository

• Comprehensive Testing Suite:
• Test coverage reports
• UAT results and feedback summary
• Performance test results and analysis
• Community Feedback Mechanism:
• Analytics report from in-app feedback tool
• Recordings or transcripts of AMA sessions

• Initial Marketing and Outreach Materials:
• Live project website URL
• Social media account handles and initial follower metrics

Final Milestone: Deployment, Documentation, and Project Close-out

A. Milestone Outputs

• Deploy mobile app and web app being accessible to the community.
• Prepare and submit the Project Close-out Report and a summary video showcasing the project’s features and achievements.

B. Acceptance Criteria

• Functional mobile app and web app with real time integration with selected fitness apps.
• Close-out report and summary video meet Catalyst’s submission requirements and clearly demonstrate project outcomes and impact.
• 
  

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Link to mobile app and web app
• Submission of the Project Close-out Report and the summary video as per Catalyst’s guidelines.

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

1: Dawit Mekonnen - Blockchain Developer,Web Developer and Project Manager

• Fullstack developer | Node.js | React | svelte | Next.js | sveltekit | Postgress | Typescript | Docker
• LinkedIn Profile: LinkedIn account
• GitHub: github account
• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA)

• projects:
• Svelte faces
• Canvas Text
• Role: Responsible for web development, focusing on Web-development, UI/UX design and implementation. Dawit brings expertise in creating an intuitive and engaging user interface.

 2: Lekun Ejigu - Blockchain Developer, Backend and Devops | Top Talent Freelancer

• Back-end development.
• LinkedIn Profile: LinkedIn account
• Upwork account
• Github account
• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA)

• Role: Leykun is responsible for the Smart contract development, DevOps aspects within the project.

3: Rufael Fekade - Machine Learning Researcher and Engineer with Machine Learning Major at MBZUAI

• Linkedin Profile: Linkedin account
• Role: Rufael is responsible for the Real time data processing and Analytics aspect of the project.

4: Yeabesera Derese - Developer Advocate

• LinkedIn Profile: LinkedIn account
• Role: Responsible for preparing videos, marketing and community engagement

5. Michael Hailu - Management and Operations

• Role: Responsible for Managing day to day operations, and scope out project plans

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

Project Planning and Technical Design (Milestone 1):

Cost: 20,000 ADA

Details:

• Research on existing Move-to-Earn platforms
• Defining project scope and requirements
• Creating technical design documents and diagram
• Smart contract architecture planning,
• UI/UX wire framing,
• Initial partnership outreach.

Core Platform Development (Milestone 2):

Cost: 45,000 ADA

Details:

• Development of smart contracts
• Backend API, mobile app alpha version, integration with fitness tracking devices/apps,
• Basic admin dashboard, and initial Cardano ecosystem integrations (wallets, DEX).
• Includes deployment on Cardano testnet and early partnership integrations.

Beta Testing and Community Engagement (Milestone 3):

Cost: 30,000 ADA

Details:

• Comprehensive testing suite development, beta version refinement, community feedback mechanism implementation.
• Reward marketplace integration, enhanced token utility features (NFTs),
• Includes initial marketing efforts and community governance framework implementation.

Launch, Community Handover, and Project Close-out (Final Milestone):

Cost: 25,000 ADA

Details:

• Mainnet deployment
• Comprehensive documentation creation
• Establishment of strategic partnerships
• Project close-out report, and demo video production.

Total Cost: 120,000 ADA

Additional Budget Considerations:

1. Marketing and Community Engagement: Integrated into Milestones 3 and the Final Milestone, covering social media campaigns, community events, and promotional materials.
2. Project Management: Costs distributed across all milestones, ensuring efficient coordination and timely delivery.
3. Documentation: Emphasized in the final milestone, but ongoing throughout the project.
4. Third-party Services:

• Security Audit: Budgeted in Milestone 3
• Cloud Infrastructure: Costs included in development milestones
• Legal Services: Allocated from contingency if needed for partnership agreements

Budget Justification:

• Resource Allocation: Funds are distributed to prioritize critical aspects of the project, including development, AI integration, and community engagement.
• Team Expertise: Competitive compensation ensures we attract and retain skilled professionals essential for delivering a high-quality platform.
• Sustainability: Investment in marketing and community management is crucial for user adoption and long-term success.
• Transparency: Detailed breakdown provides clarity on how funds will be utilized, reinforcing trust with the Cardano community.

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

Our project represents exceptional value for money for the Cardano ecosystem by delivering a high-impact platform that promotes Cardano Blockcahin, showcases Cardano's technological capabilities, and fosters community engagement—all within a carefully considered and reasonable budget of 120,000 ADA.

1. Strategic Investment in Cardano's Growth

• Showcasing Cardano's Capabilities:
• The project leverages Cardano's smart contracts and blockchain efficiency, demonstrating real-world applications beyond financial transactions.
• It positions Cardano as a leader in innovative blockchain solutions, attracting developers and investors to the ecosystem.
• Community Engagement and Health Promotion:
• Fostering a health-conscious community aligns with global well-being initiatives, enhancing Cardano's reputation as a socially responsible platform.
• The social features of our platform encourage user interaction, strengthening the Cardano community.

2. Reasonable and Justified Costs

• Industry-Standard Personnel Costs:
• Our personnel costs are based on typical freelance rates in the blockchain and software development industry.
• For example, blockchain developers are allocated 3,000 ADA/month, which aligns with average rates for skilled professionals in this field.
• By utilizing a lean team of experienced professionals, we ensure high-quality output without unnecessary expenditure.
• Efficient Use of Resources:
• The project maximizes value by integrating with existing fitness data sources, reducing the need to develop proprietary hardware or software.
• Infrastructure costs are minimized by leveraging scalable cloud services and open-source tools where possible.
• Focused Marketing Efforts:
• Allocating funds to marketing and community engagement is essential to achieve widespread adoption.
• These efforts are crucial for onboarding new users to the Cardano ecosystem, providing long-term benefits that outweigh the initial costs.

3. Detailed Budget Planning Ensuring Accountability

• Transparent Cost Breakdown per Milestone:
• Providing a detailed cost breakdown for each milestone demonstrates our commitment to transparency and effective fund management.
• This approach allows for precise tracking of expenses and ensures funds are utilized efficiently at each project stage.
• Contingency Planning:
• Including a contingency fund in each milestone ensures that unforeseen expenses do not derail the project, reflecting prudent financial planning.

4. High Return on Investment

• Scalability and Long-Term Benefits:
• The platform is designed for scalability, allowing for continuous growth without proportionally increasing costs.
• Long-term benefits include sustained user engagement, ongoing Cardano transactions, and continuous promotion of the Cardano ecosystem.

• Minimal Additional Funding Required:
• The comprehensive budget is structured to cover all essential aspects of the project, reducing the need for significant additional funding.
• Post-launch, operational costs are expected to be supported by platform revenues and strategic partnerships.

5. Alignment with Industry Standards

• Competitive Rates and Cost Efficiency:
• The costs for development, design, and management are competitive when compared to industry averages in the tech and blockchain sectors.
• By carefully negotiating rates and optimizing resource allocation, we ensure that every ADA spent contributes directly to project success.
• Leverage of Existing Expertise:
• Our team's existing capabilities in blockchain development and fitness app creation reduce the learning curve and associated costs.
• This expertise allows for a more efficient development process, delivering the project on time and within budget.

6. Supporting Evidence for Cost Justification

• Market Rates Reference:
• According to industry salary surveys and freelance platforms, experienced blockchain developers typically command rates equivalent to 3,000 ADA/month.
• UI/UX designers and frontend/backend developers also have rates consistent with our budget allocations.
• Cost Proportionality:
• The allocation of funds corresponds to the complexity and importance of each task, ensuring that higher-cost items like security and code auditing receive appropriate funding.
• Marketing expenses are proportionate to the goal of achieving significant user adoption and engagement.

7. Additional Value through Open-Source Contributions

• Community Resources:
• By releasing parts of our codebase as open-source, we contribute valuable resources to the Cardano developer community.
• This encourages further innovation and development within the ecosystem at no additional cost.
• Educational Materials:
• Creating tutorials and guides not only assists our users but also serves as a resource for those interested in Cardano and blockchain technology.