Cardano Research and Education Center

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Jose Iadicicco

[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)

12

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

Yes

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

Establish a blockchain experimentation laboratory open to the community.

By providing hands-on access to blockchain technology, we empower individuals to learn and drive adoption of Cardano blockchain

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[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.”

Yes, our project has a dependency on the availability and support of physical space at UTN for setting up the blockchain laboratory. This collaboration is essential for the success of our project, as it provides the necessary infrastructure and resources to deliver hands-on learning experiences to the community. We have established a partnership agreement with UTN, ensuring access to the required facilities and confirming the necessary permissions for using the physical space for our project.

Signed agreement with the UTN:

[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] SDG rating

SDG goals:

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

SDG subgoals:

By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university

By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations

By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development

Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all

By 2020, substantially expand globally the number of scholarships available to developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States and African countries, for enrolment in higher education, including vocational training and information and communications technology, technical, engineering and scientific programmes, in developed countries and other developing countries

Key Performance Indicator (KPI):

Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months, by sex

Parity indices (female/male, rural/urban, bottom/top wealth quintile and others such as disability status, indigenous peoples and conflict-affected, as data become available) for all education indicators on this list that can be disaggregated

Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment

Universal Human Rights Index (UHRI):

#proposertoolsdg

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

Our proposed solution is the establishment of a Blockchain Education Center in collaboration with UTN. We aim to address the lack of accessible education and practical resources in blockchain technology, specifically focused on Cardano.

The uniqueness of our solution lies in the partnership with UTN, a prestigious public educational institution. This collaboration ensures that our project will have a significant impact by providing high-quality education and practical training opportunities to individuals interested in blockchain and Cardano.

Our project will engage a diverse range of participants, including students, developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking to enhance their skills in blockchain technology. The Blockchain Education Center will offer hands-on training, courses, and a physical laboratory for experimentation, allowing participants to gain practical experience and knowledge in Cardano development and operation.

To demonstrate our impact, we will track metrics such as the number of individuals trained, the projects developed by participants, and the level of community engagement generated through events, workshops, and hackathons. We will also assess the adoption and utilization of Cardano by participants, highlighting the tangible benefits and value added to the Cardano ecosystem.

This solution is crucial for Cardano as it contributes to a robust developer community, fosters innovation, and accelerates the adoption of Cardano within both local and global contexts. It aligns with Cardano's vision of promoting education, accessibility, and practical application of blockchain technology for societal and economic growth.

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

Our proposed solution directly addresses the challenge of limited accessibility to blockchain education and practical resources within the Cardano ecosystem. By establishing the Blockchain Education Center in collaboration with UTN, we bring several benefits to the Cardano ecosystem.

Firstly, our project will attract and engage a diverse range of individuals, including students, developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals, to enter and contribute to the Cardano community. The hands-on training, courses, and experimentation opportunities offered by the center will equip participants with practical skills in Cardano development and operation, expanding the pool of talent and expertise within the ecosystem.

Secondly, the establishment of a dedicated blockchain lab and the availability of quality education resources will foster innovation within the Cardano ecosystem. This will encourage the development of new projects, applications, and smart contracts on Cardano, providing real-world use cases and driving further adoption.

Additionally, our project will enable the Cardano ecosystem to address the critical issue of education and awareness. By offering accessible and practical learning experiences, we will empower individuals to understand Cardano's unique features, capabilities, and potential, strengthening the overall understanding and knowledge base within the community.

In terms of impact, we anticipate attracting a significant number of participants to the Cardano ecosystem through the Blockchain Education Center. During and shortly after the project completion, we aim to train and engage hundreds of individuals who will actively contribute to the growth and development of Cardano. This increased participation will lead to the creation of innovative projects, increased usage, and transactions within a reasonable timeframe, further establishing Cardano as a leading blockchain platform.

Overall, our proposed solution not only provides education and resources but also cultivates a stronger, more knowledgeable, and vibrant Cardano ecosystem, contributing to its long-term sustainability and success.

[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?

In addition to our existing capabilities, we have further demonstrated credibility and accountability through our involvement in significant events and accomplishments within the Cardano community:

1. Co-organization of Cardano Summit: We have co-organized the prestigious Cardano Summit for consecutive years, including 2021 and 2022. Being selected to organize the upcoming Cardano Summit in 2023 reflects the trust and confidence placed in our team by the Cardano community.
2. Expertise within the team: Our team members bring diverse expertise and accomplishments to the project. Yang Kehua holds a Master's degree in education, ensuring the application of proven pedagogical techniques. Jose Iadicicco's track record includes being the creator of the first physical Cardano stake pool in Latin America and the discoverer of a significant bug in Cardano's layer 0. Such accomplishments highlight our commitment to the Cardano ecosystem's security and development.
3. Partnership with UTN: Our collaboration with UTN, a reputable public educational institution, further strengthens our accountability and trustworthiness. UTN's oversight and involvement ensure that the project is executed to the highest standards of quality, transparency, and accountability.
4. Prior projects and collaborations: Our successful execution of the first Cardano hackathon in Latin America, in collaboration with UTN, demonstrates our capability to manage and deliver impactful initiatives. We have consistently delivered on our commitments, fostering trust within the Cardano community and beyond.

These notable achievements further reinforce our capability to deliver the project with trust and accountability. We have proven experience in organizing and managing large-scale events, coupled with the expertise of our team members. We remain committed to ensuring transparent financial management and open communication with stakeholders, building on our past achievements to successfully execute this project.

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

Our project, the "Blockchain Education Center," will be implemented through a structured plan with key milestones and associated tasks to reach each milestone. Here is a detailed breakdown of the project milestones, tasks, expected timeline, success criteria, and projected costs:

Establish the physical blockchain experimentation laboratory Tasks:

• Procure necessary equipment and resources
• Set up network infrastructure and security measures
• Create dedicated workstations and installation of Cardano nodes Timeline: 2 months Success criteria: Completed procurement, functional laboratory setup, and successful testing of Cardano nodes for experimentation
• Projected cost: 60,000

Develop comprehensive blockchain educational programs and courses Tasks:

• Design a curriculum for various target audiences (students, developers, professionals)
• Create course materials, including lectures, assignments, and practical exercises
• Collaborate with UTN to integrate blockchain education into their existing programs Timeline: 4 months Success criteria: Completed curriculum design, educational materials ready for use, and integration plan with UTN confirmed
• Projected cost: 35,000

Foster innovation through practical exercises and projects Tasks:

• Provide guidance and support for participants to develop blockchain projects
• Organize hackathons and events to promote innovation and collaboration
• Facilitate mentorship and networking opportunities for participants Timeline: 6 months Success criteria: Successful completion of blockchain projects, positive feedback from participants, and demonstrated real-world applications
• Projected cost: 35,000

Collaborate with the Cardano community for workshops and events Tasks:

• Engage with the Cardano community to organize workshops and seminars
• Collaborate with industry experts for guest lectures and panel discussions
• Organize community-driven events, such as meetups and conferences Timeline: 8 months Success criteria: Successful organization of workshops, positive participant feedback, and active engagement with the Cardano community
• Projected cost: 35,000

Strengthen long-term partnership with UTN Tasks:

• Develop a roadmap for ongoing collaboration and joint research
• Integration of blockchain education into UTN's curriculum
• Facilitate internship programs and placement opportunities for students Timeline: 10 months Success criteria: Ongoing collaboration plan established, blockchain education integrated into UTN's curriculum, and successful internship placements
• Projected cost: 35,000

Our project management approach will involve a combination of agile methodologies and stakeholder engagement. Regular meetings will be held with the project team to track progress, address challenges, and ensure alignment with project objectives. The project manager will oversee the implementation, monitor milestones, and maintain clear communication with stakeholders, including UTN and the Cardano community.

These milestones provide a clear roadmap for the project, ensuring measurable progress at key stages. They will serve as evidence of project advancement and will be reported regularly to the community and Cardano Catalyst, demonstrating transparency and accountability.

The projected costs for each milestone are estimates based on our research and initial budgetary considerations. Actual costs may vary based on factors such as procurement prices, labor costs, and unforeseen circumstances.

Please note that a statement of milestones confirming these details will be submitted as required for funded proposals.

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

A. Jose Iadicicco - Project Lead

• Role: Overall project management, coordination, and strategic direction
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseiadicicco
• GitHub link with a Layer 0 BUG discovered, reported and recognized by the Cardano Network Development Team: https://github.com/input-output-hk/cardano-node/issues/4707
• ADA ONE Pool SPO (First Phisical Pool in LATAM) https://adapool.one
• CEO at https://ada.solar

B. Kehua Yang - Master in Education

• Role: Educational content development, workshop facilitation, and mentoring support
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kehua-yang-b3505439/

C. Martin Ungar - Cardano Ambassador - Community engagement and education

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ungarm/

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

Budget Breakdown:

Milestone 1: Establish the physical blockchain experimentation laboratory - 60,000

• Equipment and resources procurement: 30,000
• Network setup and security measures: 20,000
• Installation and configuration of Cardano nodes: 10,000

Milestone 2: Develop comprehensive blockchain educational programs - 35,000

• Curriculum design and development: 20,000
• Course materials creation: 10,000
• Integration plan with UTN: 5,000

Milestone 3: Foster innovation through practical exercises and projects - 35,000

• Guidance and support for projects: 15,000
• Hackathon and event organization: 15,000
• Mentorship and networking initiatives: 5,000

Milestone 4: Collaborate with the Cardano community - 35,000

• Workshop and seminar execution: 15,000
• Industry expert involvement: 10,000
• Community-driven events coordination: 10,000

Milestone 5: Strengthen long-term partnership with UTN - 35,000

• Roadmap development: 15,000
• Integration into UTN's curriculum: 10,000
• Internship program facilitation: 10,000

Total proposed budget: 200,000

The budget elements include various resource requirements at each milestone, such as equipment procurement, curriculum development, event organization, and partnership development.

Third-party resources or services may include:

• Equipment vendors for laboratory setup
• Software licenses for educational tools or specialized software
• Professional services for legal and accounting requirements
• Industry experts for guest lectures and panel discussions
• Event management services for workshops and conferences

If the cost of the project exceeds the funding request, we will actively seek alternative sources of funding through potential collaborations, sponsorships, or grants to ensure the successful completion of the project.

Budget also includes elements for publicity/marketing/community engagement, project management, documentation, and reporting back to the community, which are essential for the project's success and transparency.

It is the responsibility of the project team to manage the funds provided in accordance with the proposed budget, ensuring that the allocated resources are appropriately utilized and accounted for throughout the project's duration.

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

The cost of our project is carefully planned and represents excellent value for the Cardano ecosystem. We have considered various factors in determining the costs, ensuring that they are reasonable and commensurate with the value delivered. Here are the key considerations:

1. Cost-Effectiveness: We believe the proposed budget accurately reflects the costs associated with establishing a physical blockchain education center, developing comprehensive educational programs, fostering innovation, and collaborating with the Cardano community. The costs are aligned with industry standards, considering factors such as equipment procurement, curriculum development, event organization, and partnership development.
2. Proportional to Value: The costs are proportional to the expected outcomes and benefits our project will deliver to the Cardano ecosystem. This includes the creation of a dedicated physical laboratory, comprehensive education programs, innovation and project support, community engagement, and long-term collaboration with UTN. The value generated through enhanced knowledge, skill-building, increased participation, and practical applications within the community justifies the investment.
3. Consideration of Market Rates: We have analyzed industry rates, including educational program development, event organization, and technical expertise, to establish a budget that aligns with market standards. We ensured that the costs are competitive while maintaining the necessary quality and resources for a successful project implementation.
4. Leveraging Partnerships: Our collaboration with UTN allows us to access resources and facilities at a favorable cost and establishes a long-term partnership for sustained support and shared goals. This partnership provides additional value for money as it enables us to leverage existing infrastructure and expertise, resulting in cost optimization.

By carefully considering these factors, we have determined that the proposed budget provides excellent value for money. The costs are justified by the extensive benefits our project will deliver to the Cardano ecosystem, including enhanced education, practical applications, innovation, and a stronger developer community. Our goal is to maximize the impact and value generated within the allocated resources, ensuring a sustainable and valuable project for the Cardano ecosystem.

[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