Enhancing Cardano Developer Ecosystem with Open Source Tooling

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Tadesse Duressa

[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)

6

[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)

Developing user-friendly tools and standardized solutions to streamline Cardano development, optimizing the workflow for a more efficient and enjoyable developer experience.

[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 project will be fully open source under the MIT License. All code, documentation, and associated elements will be publicly accessible, allowing the community to copy, inspect, and contribute to the development. The chosen license ensures transparency, collaboration, and adherence to open source principles.

[METADATA] SDG rating

• Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• Sub-goal: Enhance scientific research, upgrade infrastructure, and support innovation in the blockchain development sector.
• Goal 4: Quality Education
• Sub-goal: Contribute to education by providing open-source documentation, fostering learning resources for developers in the Cardano community.
• Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
• Sub-goal: Foster collaboration by developing open-source tools, promoting transparency, and encouraging contributions to the Cardano developer ecosystem.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

• Problem Perception:
• Identified bottlenecks in the Cardano smart contract generation process, impeding the seamless development experience for coders.
• Approach:
• Pioneering an advanced platform designed to revolutionize smart contract creation on Cardano. This entails harnessing cutting-edge technologies for optimal efficiency and user-friendliness.
• Engagement:
• Actively involving Cardano developers, seeking community input, and engaging stakeholders throughout the platform's development lifecycle.
• Impact Demonstration:
• Providing transparent progress updates, achieving significant milestones, and delivering comprehensive open-source documentation to highlight tangible advancements in smart contract generation.
• Uniqueness:
• The platform stands out as a groundbreaking solution solely dedicated to refining and simplifying the intricate process of generating smart contracts within the Cardano ecosystem.
• Beneficiaries:
• Empowering Cardano developers by furnishing them with a state-of-the-art tool that not only expedites but also enriches the smart contract development experience.
• Importance to Cardano:
• Elevates Cardano's stature by introducing an innovative, user-centric solution, thereby fostering a dynamic, efficient, and highly competitive smart contract ecosystem within the Cardano blockchain.

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

• Value Proposition:
• Significantly enhances the Cardano developer experience by providing an innovative smart contract generation platform, fostering increased engagement and participation.
• Measuring Impact:
• Quantitative: Tracking increased adoption of the platform, number of smart contracts generated, and community engagement metrics.
• Qualitative: Gathering feedback through surveys, developer testimonials, and observing improvements in the overall efficiency of Cardano smart contract development.
• Sharing Outputs:
• Regular project updates via official Cardano channels, including blog posts, social media, and community forums.
• Hosting webinars and workshops to showcase the platform's capabilities and gather real-time feedback.
• Collaborating with Cardano development communities to share insights, code snippets, and best practices.
• Opportunities Resulting from the Project:
• Spurring innovation in the Cardano ecosystem with a streamlined smart contract generation process.
• Attracting new developers to the Cardano community through enhanced development tools and experiences.

The success of the project not only enriches the developer landscape on Cardano but also contributes to the growth and sustainability of the ecosystem as a whole.

[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?

• Track Record: Successful development of an app with 100,000+ downloads
• Collaboration: Our project has joined Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub.
• Experience and Expertise:
• Leveraging extensive experience in blockchain development, particularly in Cardano, with a track record of successful projects.
• Proven expertise in smart contract development, platform architecture, and developer tooling.
• Validation of Feasibility:
• Prototyping: Conducting a comprehensive prototyping phase to validate the technical feasibility of the smart contract generation platform.
• Pilot Testing: Implementing a pilot phase involving key stakeholders to assess the platform's performance and gather feedback.
• Iterative Development: Adopting an agile development approach, allowing for continuous improvement based on real-world testing and user input.
• Trust and Accountability:
• Transparent Budgeting: Clearly defining budget allocations with detailed breakdowns to ensure transparent fund utilization.
• Regular Reporting: Providing regular progress reports, including milestones achieved, challenges faced, and adjustments made.
• Community Involvement: Actively engaging with the Cardano community through open forums, Q&A sessions, and seeking input on decision points.
• Risk Mitigation:
• Contingency Planning: Developing contingency plans to address potential challenges or setbacks during project execution.
• Community Oversight: Encouraging community oversight by allowing transparent access to project repositories, encouraging code reviews, and fostering a collaborative development environment.

Our commitment to transparency, coupled with a robust development strategy and a history of successful blockchain projects, positions us as a reliable and accountable entity capable of delivering this project with a high level of trust.

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

Milestone 1: Prototype Development and Internal Testing (30% Funding)

• Platform Architecture Design:
• Define the architecture and components of the smart contract generation platform.
• Prototype Development:
• Develop a functional prototype of the platform, incorporating core features.
• Internal Feasibility Testing:
• Conduct rigorous internal testing to identify technical challenges and validate the prototype.
• Feedback Gathering:
• Solicit feedback from internal development team members and stakeholders.
• Adjustments and Optimization:
• Implement necessary adjustments based on internal testing and feedback.

Milestone 2: Community Pilot Phase and Iterative Enhancement (32% Funding)

• Pilot Phase Launch:
• Launch a pilot phase, allowing a select group of Cardano developers to access and test the platform.
• Community Feedback Collection:
• Gather comprehensive feedback on user experience, platform functionality, and performance.
• Iterative Development:
• Implement iterative enhancements based on community input and identified issues.
• Bug Fixing and Optimization:
• Address bugs, optimize platform performance, and ensure a smooth user experience.
• Documentation Preparation:
• Begin drafting initial documentation for the platform.

Milestone 3: Full Platform Deployment and Documentation (28% Funding)

• Platform Completion:
• Complete the development of the smart contract generation platform.
• Thorough Testing:
• Conduct thorough testing and debugging to ensure platform stability and reliability.
• Documentation Finalization:
• Finalize and publish comprehensive open-source documentation for the platform.
• Deployment Preparation:
• Prepare for the official deployment of the platform for public use.
• Release Announcement:
• Communicate the official release and availability of the platform to the Cardano community.

Final Milestone: Project Completion Report and Video (5-10% Remaining Funding)

• Report Compilation:
• Compile a detailed project completion report, summarizing achievements, challenges faced, and lessons learned.
• Video Production:
• Produce a video presentation showcasing the key features, impact, and benefits of the developed platform.
• Distribution and Communication:
• Share the project completion report and video through official Cardano channels and community forums.

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

1 Faizur Reshid (PhD) - Open Source Specialist

• LinkedIn: Faizur Rashid (PhD)
• Conducting research, curating resources, and organizing content.
• Assistant professor at Haramaya University

2 Esubalew Amenu - Technical Lead/Blockchain Developer

• LinkedIn Profile: Esubalew Amenu
• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA) - Certificate 64a11f630d345a3a7c07d6cb
• Manages technical aspects of the platform development.

3 Samuel Birhanu Wada - Developer

• GitHub: Samuel Birhanu Wada
• Email: samibre121@gmail.com
• Handles the backend development and integration of the platform.
• Proficient in server-side programming languages.
• Experience in database management and API integration.

4 Mohammed Ibrahim - UX/UI Designer

• Portfolio: Mohammed Ibrahim
• Responsible for creating intuitive and visually appealing user experiences.
• Proficient in user interface design principles and user-centered design methodologies.
• Experience in designing engaging and user-friendly interfaces for mobile and web applications.

5 Tadesse Duressa - Frontend Developer

• Responsible for developing the user interface and user experience.
• Experienced in recent frontend technologies.
• Experienced in creating responsive and intuitive interfaces.

Additional Team Members (to be recruited):

1. Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist:

• Skills: Experience in software testing and QA processes, ensuring the reliability and functionality of the Universal DevTools plugin.

2. Content Validator

• Reviewing and validating the educational content for accuracy and relevance.
• Strong subject knowledge in the relevant academic areas.

Engagement and Communications

We has engaged with relevant technical groups, including Ethiopian Blockchain Network Group and CodeNight to communicate with the Cardano community, seek feedback, and collaborate with other developers and enthusiasts. Direct lines of communication have been established to ensure effective coordination and access to necessary resources

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

Milestone 1: Prototype Development and Internal Testing (30,000 ADA)

• Platform Architecture Design: 5,000 ADA
• Engage experienced architects for the design phase to ensure a robust foundation.
• Prototype Development: 20,000 ADA
• Allocate resources for skilled developers to create a functional prototype.
• Internal Feasibility Testing: 1,000 ADA
• Cover costs associated with internal testing infrastructure and tools.
• Feedback Gathering: 1,000 ADA
• Incentives for internal stakeholders providing valuable feedback.
• Adjustments and Optimization: 3,000 ADA
• Resources for making necessary adjustments based on feedback.

Milestone 2: Community Pilot Phase and Iterative Enhancement (32,000 ADA)

• Pilot Phase Launch: 10,000 ADA
• Cover server costs and other expenses for the pilot phase launch.
• Community Feedback Collection: 2,000 ADA
• Incentives and tools for effective collection of comprehensive feedback.
• Iterative Development: 12,000 ADA
• Allocate resources for ongoing development based on iterative feedback.
• Bug Fixing and Optimization: 5,000 ADA
• Resources for resolving bugs and optimizing platform performance.
• Documentation Preparation: 3,000 ADA
• Cover costs associated with creating initial documentation.

Milestone 3: Full Platform Deployment and Documentation (28,000)

• Platform Completion: 13,000 ADA
• Finalize development and ensure the platform meets all requirements.
• Thorough Testing: 5,000 ADA
• Allocate resources for thorough testing before deployment.
• Documentation Finalization: 2,000 ADA
• Professional editing and finalization of comprehensive open-source documentation.
• Deployment Preparation: 5,000 ADA
• Cover minor expenses related to preparing for the official deployment.
• Release Announcement: 3,000 ADA
• Cover costs associated with communicating the official release to the Cardano community.

Final Milestone: Project Completion Report and Video (5,000 ADA)

• Report Compilation: 2,000 ADA
• Professional writing and compilation of a detailed project completion report.
• Video Production: 2,000 ADA
• Cover costs related to video production, editing, and graphics.
• Distribution and Communication: 1,000 ADA
• Allocate resources for distributing the report and video through various channels.

Contingency Reserve: 5,000 ADA

• Reserved for addressing unforeseen challenges or additional needs during project execution.

Total Budget: 100,000 ADA

Note:

• The budget breakdown provides a detailed allocation for each milestone, enhancing transparency and accountability.
• Each expense item is justified by the specific tasks and objectives associated with it.
• The contingency reserve ensures flexibility to address unexpected challenges or seize unforeseen opportunities during project execution.

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

• Skilled Resource Allocation:
• The costs associated with development, testing, and documentation are reflective of the need for skilled professionals in the blockchain and smart contract development space. We aim to attract and retain top talent to ensure the successful execution of the project.
• Transparent Budgeting:
• Each budget item is meticulously justified based on the tasks and objectives associated with the respective milestone. The transparency in budgeting ensures that the Cardano community can clearly understand how the allocated funds contribute to the project's success.
• Competitive and Fair Rates:
• The project costs are benchmarked against industry standards, ensuring that compensation for skilled developers, architects, and other contributors is competitive and fair. This approach not only attracts top talent but also fosters a commitment to quality and excellence.
• Community Engagement Impact:
• The budget allocation for community engagement, feedback collection, and documentation emphasizes the importance of the Cardano community's involvement. This approach adds significant value by ensuring that the platform aligns with the actual needs and preferences of Cardano developers.
• Risk Mitigation and Contingency:
• The inclusion of a contingency reserve demonstrates a commitment to risk mitigation and adaptability. This reserve provides flexibility to address unforeseen challenges or capitalize on opportunities that may arise during the project, contributing to the overall success and sustainability of the initiative.
• Strategic Communication and Promotion:
• The budget includes resources for communication, video production, and distribution of project outputs. This ensures that the Cardano community is well-informed about the platform's features, benefits, and impact, maximizing its adoption and utilization.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agrees to Fund Rules and also that data in the submission form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept