TicketFlow: Secure, Transparent Event Ticketing Powered by Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Accra Resource Center

[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)

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)

Create a decentralized event platform on Cardano, offering secure ticketing via smart contracts, transparent pricing, privacy through DID, and rewards for user engagement, without high platform fees.

[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?

No

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

The codebase is proprietary and involves already existing IP that the team has worked on. While a part of the code e.g. the Blockchain integration can be made open, the entire project cannot

[METADATA] Horizons

Marketplace

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Proposed Solution

We propose to build a decentralized event management platform on the Cardano blockchain that addresses key problems in event ticketing, including fraud, lack of transparency, high fees, and data privacy concerns. The platform will leverage blockchain technology to offer a secure and transparent system for both event organizers and attendees while empowering users with greater control over their event experiences.

Key Features:

1. Decentralized Ticketing:

• Tokenized Tickets: Tickets will be issued as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), ensuring verifiable ownership and transparency. Attendees can purchase and store these tickets directly on the blockchain, preventing counterfeiting and allowing for easy resale or transfers.
• Dynamic Pricing: Event organizers can implement flexible pricing models such as early bird discounts, while attendees can transparently track ticket availability and purchase history.

1. Transparent and Low-Cost Operations:

• Direct Transactions: All transactions, including ticket purchases, will be conducted using ADA, allowing for low-cost, fast, and secure payments. This removes the need for intermediaries and reduces the overall cost for organizers and attendees.
• Reduced Platform Fees: By decentralizing the process, the platform will offer lower fees compared to traditional event platforms, making it a more cost-effective solution for organizers.

1. Decentralized Identity (DID) for Privacy and Security:

• Attendees can register and purchase tickets using Decentralized Identity (DID), ensuring privacy while maintaining secure access to events. Users can control how much personal data they share, eliminating the need for centralized data storage.
• Privacy-First Approach: With no central entity holding user data, the risk of data breaches is minimized, addressing privacy concerns faced by attendees on traditional platforms.

1. Incentivized Engagement and Rewards:

• The platform will introduce a rewards system that incentivizes user engagement. Users can earn tokens for attending events, purchasing tickets early, or referring others. These tokens can be redeemed for future tickets or used within the Cardano ecosystem.
• Community Governance: The platform could allow users to vote on platform features, event formats, or other decisions, empowering the community to help shape the platform’s evolution.

1. Seamless Event Management for Organizers:

• Event organizers will have access to an intuitive dashboard for creating and managing events, tracking ticket sales, and engaging with attendees. The platform will streamline the event management process, making it simple for organizers to host events.
• Integrated Services: The platform will offer optional integrations with third-party services, such as event promotion, live streaming, and merchandise sales, giving organizers the tools to deliver a complete event experience.

Technology Stack:

• Backend: FastAPI/Django Rest Framework will manage event data, user accounts, and interaction with the Cardano blockchain.
• Blockchain: The Cardano blockchain will be used for ticket tokenization and decentralized identity management.
• Frontend: The platform will feature a user-friendly mobile and web interface, enabling easy access to ticketing, event creation, and community engagement.

This platform will showcase the capacity of blockchain technology to be integrated into everyday services, with Cardano leading the way in providing a decentralized, user-friendly solution for event management.

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

The decentralized events management platform is designed to deliver significant benefits to the Cardano ecosystem, both in terms of adoption and innovation. Here’s how:

1. Boosting Cardano Adoption for Real-World Use Cases:

• By leveraging Cardano’s blockchain for ticketing and event management, the platform will encourage the everyday use of ADA. Every ticket purchase or event interaction will create real-world on-chain transactions, demonstrating ADA’s utility beyond speculative investments.
• The use of tokenized tickets (NFTs) will introduce event organizers and attendees to blockchain technology, broadening Cardano’s user base and driving transaction volume within the network.

2. Expanding Cardano’s Real-World Applications:

• This project showcases how blockchain can improve real-world services like event management, providing transparency and security while removing intermediaries. This positions Cardano as a leader in demonstrating the scalability of decentralized solutions for mainstream industries.
• The project will also inspire other developers and organizations to explore how they can integrate Cardano into their business models, further promoting innovation within the community.

3. Fostering Decentralization and Empowerment:

• Through decentralized identity (DID) and tokenized tickets, users will gain full control over their event participation and personal data. This aligns with Cardano’s core vision of decentralizing power and promoting user sovereignty.
• By allowing the community to vote on platform changes and features, users will be directly involved in the platform’s evolution, fostering a decentralized governance model that empowers users and developers alike.

4. Lower Fees, Greater Access:

• Traditional event platforms often impose high fees on organizers and attendees. By using Cardano’s blockchain, we can offer a low-cost alternative that eliminates intermediaries, making the platform more accessible, particularly in emerging markets where cost is a barrier to entry.
• This lower fee structure will not only benefit users but also create more opportunities for event organizers, expanding the scope and reach of events that are hosted on the platform.

5. Scaling to Global Audiences:

• As the platform grows, it will demonstrate Cardano’s ability to scale to accommodate large, global audiences. By supporting both small local events and large international conferences, the platform will highlight the network’s capacity to handle diverse use cases and large transaction volumes.
• This scalability will help strengthen Cardano’s global adoption as the platform reaches users from different regions, expanding its reach far beyond traditional blockchain use cases.

Measuring Impact

We will measure the platform's success and impact on the Cardano ecosystem through several key metrics:

• Transaction Volume:
• Tracking the number of on-chain transactions (e.g., ticket purchases and transfers) will help gauge how much ADA is being used within the platform, providing insight into the platform’s contribution to Cardano’s transaction volume.
• User Growth and Retention:
• We will measure the growth in the number of active users (event organizers and attendees) on the platform. Monitoring retention rates and user satisfaction will help determine the platform’s long-term viability.
• Event Participation and Ticket Sales:
• The number of events created and tickets sold will be key indicators of engagement. We will also track repeat event organizers and attendees to understand how well the platform is serving its community.
• Governance Participation:
• We will monitor how actively the community engages in voting and decision-making through governance features. High participation rates in governance will indicate strong community involvement and trust in the platform’s decentralized nature.
• Revenue and ADA Utilization:
• Measuring the total revenue generated in ADA from ticket sales will provide a clear picture of the economic impact within the Cardano ecosystem. This will show the practical use of ADA for real-world services.
• User Feedback:

Regular user surveys and feedback will be collected to gauge satisfaction levels and identify areas for improvement. User testimonials and feedback will also serve as qualitative indicators of the platform’s value.

[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 is highly capable of delivering this project, thanks to our extensive experience in building and testing event management platforms. We have already built and tested a functional event management application with traditional payment systems integrated, allowing for secure ticket sales, event tracking, and user management. This successful testing phase demonstrates our ability to create and manage reliable, scalable systems that meet the needs of both event organizers and attendees.

As we transition into the blockchain space, we are enhancing this existing app by integrating Cardano’s blockchain technology. We are focused on implementing features such as NFT-based tickets and ADA payments to replace traditional payment methods, bringing greater transparency, security, and decentralization to the platform. This upgrade is based on a robust foundation, ensuring a seamless shift from traditional payment models to blockchain-based solutions.

Validating Feasibility

To ensure the success and feasibility of this integration, we will follow a structured approach:

1. Blockchain Integration Testing:
2. We will conduct rigorous testing of the blockchain features, particularly NFT ticketing and ADA payments, on the Cardano testnet. This will allow us to verify transaction functionality, security, and performance in a controlled environment.
3. User Acceptance Testing (UAT):
4. Once blockchain integration is complete, we will engage both event organizers and attendees in user acceptance testing, ensuring that the platform meets usability standards and delivers a seamless experience for all users.
5. Real-World Pilot Program:
6. We will run a pilot program with selected event organizers who have used our traditional app. This real-world testing will provide critical feedback on how the blockchain integration works under real usage conditions, helping us fine-tune the system before full deployment.
7. Engaging the Cardano Community:
8. By collaborating with the Cardano developer community, we will ensure that we follow best practices for blockchain integration, security, and scalability. Feedback from experienced developers will help us address potential challenges early on.

Our prior experience with event management technology, combined with our focused blockchain integration efforts, ensures that we can deliver this project with high levels of trust, accountability, and technical excellence.

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

Milestone 1: Blockchain Integration and Ticketing System Design

Timeline: Month 1 - 2

A. Milestone Outputs

• Completion of the blockchain integration design, focusing on how to implement NFT-based tickets and ADA payments.
• Development of a basic prototype for the tokenized ticketing system within the existing app.

B. Acceptance Criteria

• A functioning prototype that allows the creation of tokenized tickets and interaction with the Cardano blockchain on a testnet environment.
• Technical documentation detailing the blockchain architecture and how NFTs and ADA transactions are managed.

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Blockchain interaction logs (testnet) showing successful NFT creation and transactions.
• Prototype demo accessible for internal testing.

Milestone 2: Frontend and User Interface Development

Timeline: Month 3 - 4

A. Milestone Outputs

• Development of a user-friendly frontend interface that allows event organizers to create events, manage ticket sales, and attendees to purchase and manage their tokenized tickets.
• Integration of Decentralized Identity (DID) for secure user registration and login.

B. Acceptance Criteria

• A functional user interface (UI) accessible via mobile and web, with features to create events, list tickets, and manage accounts.
• Smooth DID integration ensuring secure and private user onboarding.

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Usability tests with internal stakeholders demonstrating event creation, ticket management, and DID functionality.
• Documentation of the user journey and feedback from initial UI testing.

Milestone 3: Full Feature Integration and User Acceptance Testing (UAT)

Timeline: Month 5 - 6

A. Milestone Outputs

• Full integration of NFT-based tickets and ADA payments into the live application environment.
• Comprehensive testing to ensure the smooth functionality of blockchain features in a controlled UAT phase with real users.

B. Acceptance Criteria

• Test users can successfully purchase NFT tickets using ADA, store them, and transfer them securely.
• Key bugs and usability issues identified and addressed based on UAT feedback.

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion

• User feedback reports from the UAT phase, demonstrating successful transactions and use of all core features.
• Bug tracking and resolution logs.

Milestone 4: Pilot Program Launch

Timeline: Month 7 - 8

A. Milestone Outputs

• Launch of the platform in a pilot phase with select event organizers to test the platform under real-world conditions.
• Collection of performance data, user engagement metrics, and feedback from event organizers and attendees.

B. Acceptance Criteria

• At least 10 live events hosted, with users purchasing NFT tickets and completing transactions using ADA.
• Feedback gathered from event organizers on the ease of use, ticketing system, and event management tools.

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Performance data from pilot events, including number of tickets sold, transaction success rates, and feedback from users.
• Reports summarizing user experience and areas for improvement.

Final Milestone: Full Platform Launch and Expansion

Timeline: Month 9 - 10

A. Milestone Outputs

• Full deployment of the platform for public use, including the onboarding of additional event organizers and users.
• Launch of marketing and outreach campaigns to drive user adoption and grow the platform’s user base.

B. Acceptance Criteria

• Successful onboarding of new event organizers and the hosting of at least 20 events on the platform.
• Demonstrated increase in user registration, event participation, and ticket sales.

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Platform analytics showing growth in user base, ticket transactions, and event hosting.
• Reports detailing the marketing campaign's impact on user engagement and platform adoption.

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

1. Accra Resource Centre (Lead Organization)

Accra Resource Center (ARC) aims to train Africa's future tech leaders through hands-on learning and mentorship from experts. They focus on areas like data science, software development, and blockchain technology, offering programs in app development, data analytics, and decentralized applications (dApps). ARC's goal is to become a top tech education hub in Africa, helping students gain practical skills for the future.

Role:

• Project Leadership and Operations: The Accra Resource Centre will take charge of overall project management, guiding the app from conception to implementation. They will ensure that local event organizers and users are engaged and that the platform aligns with regional needs.
• User Onboarding and Support: The Centre will handle user onboarding, providing training and support to event organizers and attendees, and managing the platform’s operations in Ghana and beyond.

2. Full-Stack Developer

Role:

• Backend & Frontend Development: Responsible for building and maintaining the platform's backend (using FastAPI/Django Rest Framework) and frontend (mobile/web interfaces), ensuring seamless interaction between the user-facing elements and the blockchain.
• Blockchain Integration: Oversees the implementation of NFT-based ticketing and ADA payment systems, ensuring a smooth and secure experience for all users.

3. Mobile Developer

Role:

• Mobile Application Development: Develops and maintains the mobile version of the platform, optimizing for both iOS and Android devices. Ensures that users can easily access and navigate the app, making ticket purchases and event management simple.
• Performance Optimization: Works to ensure that the mobile app is fast, responsive, and user-friendly, providing a seamless experience across devices.

4. Project Manager

Role:

• Project Coordination and Timeline Management: Manages the project’s progress, ensuring all team members are aligned with milestones and deliverables. The project manager will handle the scheduling of tasks, ensure deadlines are met, and maintain clear communication across the team.
• Risk Management and Quality Control: Identifies potential risks, ensures the timely resolution of issues, and guarantees the project is delivered with high-quality standards.

5. Marketing & Community Manager

Role:

• Community Building and Engagement: Develops strategies to promote the platform, attract event organizers and attendees, and engage with the Cardano community. Drives adoption and user growth through social media, events, and partnerships.
• User Growth and Feedback Collection: Works closely with the Accra Resource Centre to gather feedback from users and improve the platform based on their needs and experiences.

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

Here’s a detailed cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources, based on the project milestones and team structure, requesting 120,000 ADA:

• Development Costs:
• Full-Stack Developer: 30,000 ADA
• Responsible for the backend and frontend development, including blockchain integration for NFT ticketing and ADA payments.
• Mobile Developer: 25,000 ADA
• Focused on building and optimizing the mobile application for both iOS and Android, ensuring seamless ticketing and event management for users.
• Project Management & Operations:
• Project Manager: 15,000 ADA
• Ensures smooth execution by overseeing milestones, coordinating team efforts, managing timelines, and ensuring the project meets its objectives.
• Accra Resource Centre:
• Local Operations & User Support: 12,000 ADA
• The Accra Resource Centre manages local operations, including onboarding event organizers and attendees, providing user support, and facilitating training for effective adoption of the platform.
• Marketing & Community Management:
• Marketing & Community Manager: 10,000 ADA
• This role will engage the Cardano community, promote the platform to event organizers and users, and manage user feedback, playing a key role in driving adoption.
• Testing & Pilot Program:
• Pilot Testing and Feedback Collection: 10,000 ADA
• Running a pilot program in select regions to test the platform with real event organizers and attendees, gathering feedback, and improving the platform based on actual user interaction.
• Hosting & Infrastructure:
• Hosting & Maintenance: 8,000 ADA
• This covers the costs associated with hosting the platform, maintaining the servers, and scaling as the user base grows.
• Security & Audits:
• Security Audits: 5,000 ADA
• Ensures that the platform is secure, particularly in handling blockchain transactions and NFT ticketing to prevent vulnerabilities.
• Contingency:
• Reserve for Unforeseen Expenses: 5,000 ADA
• A buffer for any unexpected development, operational, or scaling costs that arise during the project lifecycle.

Total: 120,000 ADA

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

1.Driving Real-World ADA Usage:

• By utilizing ADA payments for event ticketing and management, the platform will contribute to increasing the use of ADA in real-world transactions. This not only promotes ADA adoption but also drives on-chain activity, which helps to strengthen the overall utility and demand for Cardano's native token.
• Each ticket purchase, resale, or transfer will directly increase the network's transaction volume, demonstrating ADA’s practical use beyond speculative trading.

2.Showcasing Blockchain Integration in Everyday Applications:

• The platform will serve as a proof of concept for how blockchain technology can be integrated into everyday services, such as event management. By using NFT-based tickets, users will experience the benefits of transparency, security, and immutability that blockchain offers.
• This positions Cardano as a leader in the adoption of decentralized applications that solve real-world problems, pushing the boundaries of blockchain technology beyond just finance and into daily, widely-used services.

3. Long-Term Scalability and Expansion:

• The project is built with scalability in mind, allowing it to grow across multiple regions and serve various types of events, from small local gatherings to large international conferences. As the platform expands, the number of transactions and users will naturally grow, bringing more value to the Cardano ecosystem in the form of increased ADA usage and engagement.
• The platform’s scalability ensures that the initial 120,000 ADA investment will result in long-term growth as more event organizers and attendees adopt the technology.

4. Empowering Local and Global Communities:

• This project not only supports the global Cardano community but also empowers local event organizers by providing them with a decentralized platform that reduces costs and eliminates reliance on centralized platforms. This boosts local entrepreneurship and provides event organizers with more control over ticketing and event logistics.
• By engaging the Cardano community in governance features, the platform will foster community-driven innovation, allowing users to vote on future updates, ensuring that the platform evolves according to the needs of its users.

5. Efficient Allocation of Resources:

• The cost breakdown demonstrates a lean and efficient use of funds, with the focus placed on core development, marketing, and user engagement. By investing in blockchain technology, the platform reduces the need for high operational costs, such as those seen in traditional event management platforms, which often charge high fees for ticket sales and event hosting.
• Additionally, the investment in security audits ensures that the platform is both safe and reliable, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities and ensuring trust in the system.