Community-Led Cardano Summits in Japan

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Seira Yun

[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)

7

[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 Organize three community-led Cardano summits in Japan, which bring together Cardano stakeholders from Japan and abroad, fostering collaboration and encouraging Japanese companies to adopt Cardano.

[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 outputs of our projects will be fully open source and can be freely copied and utilized by anyone. We believe in the power of open collaboration and sharing knowledge to drive innovation and growth within the Cardano ecosystem. By making our outputs open source, we aim to encourage transparency, foster community participation, and enable others to build upon our work to further advance the adoption and development of Cardano in Japan and beyond.

[METADATA] SDG rating

Our project aims to contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and Partnerships for the Goals. By promoting Cardano and fostering collaboration and innovation within the Japanese community, we strive to make a positive impact in these areas.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

We propose organizing three community-led Cardano summits in Japan. These summits will strategically bring together Cardano stakeholders from Japan and around the world. Our vision is to create a dynamic platform for collaboration and encourage Japanese companies to adopt Cardano. By strategically hosting the summits concurrently with other major events, we aim to optimize budget utilization for maximum impact.

Event Integration with Major Industry Gatherings

These events will be seamlessly integrated as key side events alongside Japan's major technology and blockchain events:(Basically as a side event. There is also a possibility of setting up a booth.)

1. April 2024: Adjacent to the Teamz Web3 / AI Summit on April 13-14 2024.
2. July 2024: Coinciding with IVS 4-6 July 2024.
3. August 2024: In conjunction with WebX 28-29 August 2024.

Core Objectives and Impact

Our initiative is driven by three core objectives:

1. Unified Gathering of Cardano Stakeholders: We aim to convene all Cardano stakeholders in Japan, enhancing the event's appeal through the participation of esteemed international speakers. This gathering will serve as a pivotal point for exchanging ideas, sharing insights, and forging new partnerships.
2. Cross-Border Collaboration: By facilitating direct interactions between international and Japanese Cardano stakeholders, we anticipate a surge in collaborative projects and initiatives. This will not only strengthen the global Cardano network but also inject fresh perspectives into Japan's blockchain ecosystem.
3. Promotion of Cardano Adoption in Japan: A critical goal is to increase Cardano's footprint within the Japanese business sector. Through targeted engagement and showcasing Cardano's capabilities, we aim to encourage Japanese companies to adopt and integrate Cardano's blockchain technology, thus expanding its use and influence.

Alignment with Cardano's Vision

Our proposal is in line with the vision of Cardano. We aim to promote the growth of Cardano in Japan by involving a diverse group of stakeholders. This initiative has the potential to be a significant milestone in Cardano's journey towards wider acceptance and utilization, particularly in the historically important Japanese market.

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

How the Project Brings Value to the Cardano Community:

• Strengthen the Japanese Cardano community and encourage active participation in the global Cardano ecosystem.
• Facilitate networking and collaboration among Cardano enthusiasts, developers, and stakeholders.
• Promote the adoption of Cardano among Japanese companies.

Measuring the Impact:

• We will track the increase in membership and activity levels within Japanese Cardano community groups and forums pre- and post-events. Surveys will be conducted to assess changes in community engagement and satisfaction.
• We will track the number of new collaborations and projects initiated during or as a result of the events. Participant feedback will be collected to gauge the effectiveness of networking opportunities.
• We will follow up with participating companies to record instances of Cardano adoption or integration post-event. Attendance by corporate representatives will also be a key metric.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

We will share the outputs and opportunities of our project through the following methods:

• During and after the completion of the project, we plan to spread its outputs. This will include providing monthly and milestone reports, as well as regular town hall meetings.
• We will share information about the project's outputs, impact, and opportunities with community members. The close-out report and video will be publicly available on YouTube. Additionally, we will share updates on our website and social media platforms. Work opportunities for Cardano developers will be listed on our Socious platform, which is a talent marketplace.
• We will also engage with the community through community forums and social media platforms, providing regular updates and insights.

[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 aptly suited and equipped to successfully deliver this project. We possess the requisite capabilities that uniquely position us to execute this project to high standards of trust and accountability.

Socious is a fast-growing impact startup that provides a talent marketplace, making impact work accessible and transparent. We connect purpose-driven professionals with impact organizations through AI matching. We use blockchain to trace impact work and reward contributions.

Socious is supported by 500Global, Microsoft, and Milkomeda Foundation. Our platform lists over 80k jobs, 24k organizations, and has 6.6k registered users. Our team consists of experts in impact measurement, finance, data science, and blockchain development.

Socious has extensive experience in the Cardano ecosystem, having successfully completed five Catalyst-funded projects in Fund 9 and two ongoing projects in Fund 10.

For this specific project, the following members will be involved:

• Seira Yun

Title: Founder and CEO

Role: Project Management, Research, Reporting

Commitment: Full-time

Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/seirayun/

Bio: Seira Yun is the Founder and CEO of Socious.io, a talent marketplace that makes impact work accessible and transparent. Socious connects purpose-driven professionals with impact organizations through AI matching, and uses blockchain to trace impact work and reward contributions.

Seira is a serial impact entrepreneur with years of experience in the sector. He has led teams within the ICRC, UNHCR, and social ventures. Drawing from personal experiences as a migrant, an autistic person, and a proud pansexual queer, Seira is driven to make the world a better place through social innovation. As a full-stack developer with a Master's in Social Innovation from the University of Cambridge, he enjoys blending technology with purpose. Seira is also an impact angel investor, a member of Hustle Fund's Angel Squad, and a mentor for 4WARD.VC's Climate Accelerator. When not working, he enjoys shooting hoops, running, reading, spending quality time with the kids, or embracing the adventure of getting lost during travels. He is also a long-term member of the Cardano community and has completed the Atala PRISM Pioneer Program.

• Minh Douangprachanh

Title: Lead Designer

Role: Design

Commitment: Full-time

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michel-douang/

Bio: With more than a decade of experience specializing in product design, Minh is a multidisciplinary artist who has always believed art has a language of its own. As a neurodiverse individual, Minh is passionate about helping people and creating sustainable and inclusive solutions.

• Madi Lommen

Title: Advisor

Role: Project Management, Research

Commitment: Part-time

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/madi-lommen-394940b0/

Bio: Madi has 10+ years experience in social entrepreneurship, impact investing, and partnership building. Madi is passionate about interdisciplinary learning / problem-solving that leverages entrepreneurship and multilingual teamwork for community development. In recent years, she founded Madibanani Co. to champion refugee youth, designed a data collection program on the Jordan-Syrian border, and coordinated military-like training for Emergency & Disaster volunteers of La Cruz Roja (Red Cross) in Ecuador. After completing a thesis on medieval Arabic poetry at Yale-NUS College in Singapore, she worked with a network of angel investors scaling women-led SMEs tackling poverty in Southeast Asia. She has experience working in four languages (English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese) and has lived in Singapore, Jordan, Ecuador, the UK, South Africa, the USA, and Japan.

To supplement our core team, we maintain a reserve of skilled freelancers, ready to contribute at short notice. Our talent marketplace, Socious, is a hub for over 6,600 individuals, many of whom could potentially assist in this project, if required.

Our ability to deliver is not just theoretical but backed by an impressive track record. We have successfully completed five distinct Catalyst projects funded in Fund 9, all within the projected timelines and budget. These accomplishments bear testament to our capabilities and our commitment to deliver projects as proposed.

The Fund 9 projects we’ve completed are as follows:

1. Recognize Impact through DIDs https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/9/f9-dapps-products-and-integrations/recognize-impact-through-dids
2. Atala Integration with Milkomeda https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/9/f9-dapps-products-and-integrations/atala-integration-with-milkomeda
3. Decentralized Escrow for Remote Job https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/9/f9-developer-ecosystem/decentralized-escrow-for-remote-job
4. Impact lending for the unbanked https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/9/f9-dapps-products-and-integrations/impact-lending-for-the-unbanked
5. Scoring Social/Environmental Impact https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/9/f9-catalyst-natives-x-cardashift-demonstrating-and-monetizing-impact/scoring-socialenvironmental-impact

We’ve also been funded two projects in Fund 10:

1. Work History as Verifiable Credentials https://cardano.ideascale.com/c/idea/102247
2. Decentralized Referral System for DAOs https://cardano.ideascale.com/c/idea/103005

The trustworthiness in our fund management processes is grounded in our serious adherence to legal and financial compliance. Each transaction conducted is meticulously documented with tangible evidence and audited internally for accuracy. To bolster our commitment to financial transparency, we have established collaborations with external accounting firms that assure compliance. Our Japanese entity works with Tatsumi Accounting Firm (https://kessan-online.jp/company), while our Singaporean entity partners with BBCIncorp (https://bbcincorp.com/offshore/accounting-and-auditing).

Additionally, we liaise with an external law firm, Enlighten Law Group (https://www.enlightenlaw.com/), to ensure full legal compliance. This meticulous, multilayered approach to fund management reflects our dedication to maintaining high levels of trust and accountability.

For this specific project, we will create a new wallet to manage the funds. We will also keep all the receipts and invoices.

・Yuta (Yuki Oishi)

1. Understanding Cardano technology

・Cardano Ambassador ・SPO ・Eastern hemisphere town hall management ・Create content including summary translations of almost all of Charles' videos

1. Connect with the Japanese community

・I am a moderator of the Cardano Japanese community on LINE, Facebook, and Telegram.

1. Track record of event planning, implementation, and execution

・Host or instructor: Online meetups twice a month, offline meetups every month ・Cardano meetups irregularly ・Cardano summit every year ・Support: Blockchain EXPO held once every six months.

Other titles and skills: CPA/CEO of ZZZ Co., Ltd.

The final team supporting this proposal is zenGate Global; a technology company with operational headquarters in Osaka, Japan. The flagship project is the Palmyra Platform, which is a tokenized commodity trading platform, connecting underserved producers with buyers around the world. The core members of the team that will spearhead this proposal include:

• Daniel Friedman, the CEO of zenGate is known for being an early team member of IOG and supported the launch of Cardano from the Osaka office. As the former Business Develop Manager for IOG, he has spent a number of years developing relationships, entering new jurisdictions and deploying national-level solutions. He is a reputable voice in the Cardano community and has been a key member of the Japanese community since the inception of the ecosystem. Dan has been living in Japan for over 10 years and is a critical member of this proposal in increasing awareness of Cardano in the Japanese business ecosystem.
• Sam Lambert, the COO of zenGate has management consulting experience, working with executives from some of the largest global institutions from banks, insurance and telecommunication companies. His ability to run workshops and manage stakeholders are essential skills to deliver on this project. Also, based out of Osaka, Japan - his project management and operational expertise will be core as he works closely with Yuta and Siera on the delivery of this proposal.
• • Theodore Morisis: Head of Biz Ops at zenGate Global and community educator in the Cardano ecosystem. Theodore will support the project with market outreach and coordination to ensure the connectivity between Japanese and non-Japanese Cardano community - ensuring the Japanese community leveraging growth strategies and learnings from successes in other markets.

The zenGate core team is made up of members with deep expertise in operational delivery and have also played an important role in not only the Japanese community but the broader growth of the Cardano ecosystem. The team have a number of experiences organizing events globally (including various meet-ups in the past globally and a premiere kick-off event and workshop throughout their operations in Sri Lanka for Palmyra). They are well positioned to ensure this proposal is a success and delivered effectively.

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

Milestone 1: Preparation for April Cardano Summit in Japan

Outputs

This milestone includes the following key activities:

1. Selecting Venues

• Research and Shortlist Venues: Identify suitable locations based on event size, accessibility, and facilities.
• Negotiate Terms and Costs: Work with venue providers to agree on rental terms, costs, and any included services (e.g., catering, security, AV equipment).
• Book Venue: Finalize the booking, ensuring all contractual details are clear.

2. Setting an Agenda

• Define Key Themes and Topics: Identify the main areas of focus relevant to the audience and objectives of the event.
• Call for Speakers and Presentations: Open a call for speakers, setting clear guidelines and deadlines for submission.
• Develop a Detailed Schedule: Allocate time for keynotes, panels, workshops, networking sessions, and breaks.

3. Manage Event Registration and Participants

• Define Target Audience: Identify the expected demographic, including industry professionals, academics, stakeholders, and enthusiasts.
• Create Registration Process: Set up an online registration platform. Consider early bird, standard, and late registration phases.
• Plan for Accommodation and Travel: Provide information on nearby hotels and travel options.
• Manage Participant Communication: Regularly update participants on event details, and provide essential information like schedules, and maps.

Additional Considerations

• Marketing and Promotion: Develop a marketing plan to promote the event through various channels like social media, email campaigns, and industry partnerships.
• Sponsorship and Partnerships: Seek sponsorship opportunities and partnerships to enhance the event's reach and resources.
• Technology and Equipment: Ensure all necessary tech and equipment are available, including AV systems, Wi-Fi, and translation services if needed.
• Catering and Hospitality: Arrange for meals, refreshments, and any special dietary requirements.
• On-site Logistics: Plan for registration desks, signage, seating arrangements, and emergency procedures.
• Cultural Considerations: Be mindful of cultural differences, including language barriers. Providing materials in multiple languages or hiring interpreters can be beneficial.
• Accessibility: Ensure the venue and event are accessible to all attendees, including those with disabilities.
• Post-Event Activities: Plan for follow-up activities, such as thank-you notes to speakers and attendees, post-event surveys, and sharing presentations or recordings.

Acceptance criteria

The acceptance criteria for this milestone are as follows:

1. The event venue is booked: Provide the name and address of the venue, along with a document proving that it has been booked for the event. This document will be saved on our Google Drive and will be publicly viewable.
2. The event’s agenda is confirmed: Share the event's agenda, including a list of speakers. This agenda will also be saved on our Google Drive and made publicly viewable.
3. The event registration link is available: Share the event's registration link, which will be publicly available for any community member to register.

Evidence of Milestone completion

As evidence of milestone completion, we will submit the following:

1. Provide the name and address of the venue, along with a document proving that it has been booked for the event. This document will be saved on our Google Drive and will be publicly viewable.
2. Share the event's agenda, including a list of speakers. This agenda will also be saved on our Google Drive and made publicly viewable.
3. Share the event's registration link, which will be publicly available for any community member to register.

Expected timeline for the delivery

Month 1

Cost

32,500 ADA

% Completion

16%

Milestone 2: Delivering April Cardano Summit in Japan and Reporting

Outputs

This milestone include the following activities:

Event Delivery Activities

• Event Setup and Decoration:Arrange and set up signage, stages, seating, and any special displays.
• Ensure proper placement of branding materials.
• Registration and Welcome:Set up registration desks and welcome attendees.
• Distribute event materials like badges, schedules, and welcome packs.
• Speaker and Presentation Management:Coordinate with speakers for any last-minute needs or changes.
• Manage presentation logistics, such as AV setup and timing.
• Conducting Sessions and Workshops:Oversee the smooth running of keynotes, panels, workshops, and networking sessions.
• Facilitate transitions between different segments of the event.
• Catering and Hospitality:Coordinate meal and refreshment times.
• Address any special dietary needs and ensure guest comfort.
• On-Site Support and Troubleshooting:Provide assistance to attendees and speakers.
• Address any technical issues or other unforeseen challenges.
• Event Closing and Thank Yous:Facilitate the closing ceremony or final remarks.
• Thank participants, speakers, sponsors, and staff.

Post-Event Feedback and Reporting Activities

• Collecting Feedback:Distribute post-event surveys to attendees, speakers, and sponsors.
• Collect informal feedback during and immediately after the event.
• Data Analysis and Report Creation:Analyze feedback data to assess satisfaction, engagement, and areas for improvement.
• Compile a comprehensive event report, including metrics like attendance, engagement levels, and survey results.
• Debrief with Team and Stakeholders:Conduct a debriefing session with the organizing team to discuss successes and challenges.
• Share insights and lessons learned with key stakeholders and sponsors.
• Publicizing Success Stories and Outcomes:Highlight successful outcomes, collaborations initiated, and any significant achievements from the event.
• Share stories and outcomes through media releases, social media, and community channels.
• Future Planning and Follow-Up:Identify opportunities for future events based on feedback and outcomes.
• Follow up on connections made and projects initiated during the event.

Acceptance criteria

This milestone’s acceptance criteria are as follows:

1. Photos of the event space showing signage, stages, and seating arrangements. The files will be saved on our Google Drive and will be viewable by the public.
2. If the speakers agree to be filmed, videos of the presentations will be recorded. The files will be saved on our Google Drive and will be viewable by the public.
3. Copies of the distributed surveys. The files will be saved on our Google Drive and will be viewable by the public.
4. The final event report, including analysis of feedback and key metrics will be produced. The reports will be publicly viewable on Notion and/or Google Drive.
5. Copies of media releases and social media posts. Public links will be shared.

Evidence of Milestone completion

As evidence of milestone completion, we will submit the following:

1. Photos of the event space showing signage, stages, and seating arrangements. The files will be saved on our Google Drive and will be viewable by the public.
2. If the speakers agree to be filmed, videos of the presentations will be recorded. The files will be saved on our Google Drive and will be viewable by the public.
3. Copies of the distributed surveys. The files will be saved on our Google Drive and will be viewable by the public.
4. The final event report, including analysis of feedback and key metrics will be produeced. The report will be publicly viewable on Notion and/or Google Drive.
5. Copies of media releases and social media posts. Public links will be shared.

Expected timeline for the delivery

Month 2

Cost

32,500 ADA

% Completion

33%

Milestone 3: Preparation for July Cardano Summit in Japan

Outputs

This milestone includes the following key activities:

1. Selecting Venues

• Research and Shortlist Venues: Identify suitable locations based on event size, accessibility, and facilities.
• Negotiate Terms and Costs: Work with venue providers to agree on rental terms, costs, and any included services (e.g., catering, security, AV equipment).
• Book Venue: Finalize the booking, ensuring all contractual details are clear.

2. Setting an Agenda

• Define Key Themes and Topics: Identify the main areas of focus relevant to the audience and objectives of the event.
• Call for Speakers and Presentations: Open a call for speakers, setting clear guidelines and deadlines for submission.
• Develop a Detailed Schedule: Allocate time for keynotes, panels, workshops, networking sessions, and breaks.

3. Manage Event Registration and Participants

• Define Target Audience: Identify the expected demographic, including industry professionals, academics, stakeholders, and enthusiasts.
• Create Registration Process: Set up an online registration platform. Consider early bird, standard, and late registration phases.
• Plan for Accommodation and Travel: Provide information on nearby hotels and travel options.
• Manage Participant Communication: Regularly update participants on event details, and provide essential information like schedules, and maps.

Additional Considerations

• Marketing and Promotion: Develop a marketing plan to promote the event through various channels like social media, email campaigns, and industry partnerships.
• Sponsorship and Partnerships: Seek sponsorship opportunities and partnerships to enhance the event's reach and resources.
• Technology and Equipment: Ensure all necessary tech and equipment are available, including AV systems, Wi-Fi, and translation services if needed.
• Catering and Hospitality: Arrange for meals, refreshments, and any special dietary requirements.
• On-site Logistics: Plan for registration desks, signage, seating arrangements, and emergency procedures.
• Cultural Considerations: Be mindful of cultural differences, including language barriers. Providing materials in multiple languages or hiring interpreters can be beneficial.
• Accessibility: Ensure the venue and event are accessible to all attendees, including those with disabilities.
• Post-Event Activities: Plan for follow-up activities, such as thank-you notes to speakers and attendees, post-event surveys, and sharing presentations or recordings.

Acceptance criteria

The acceptance criteria for this milestone are as follows:

1. The event venue is booked: Provide the name and address of the venue, along with a document proving that it has been booked for the event. This document will be saved on our Google Drive and will be publicly viewable.
2. The event’s agenda is confirmed: Share the event's agenda, including a list of speakers. This agenda will also be saved on our Google Drive and made publicly viewable.
3. The event registration link is available: Share the event's registration link, which will be publicly available for any community member to register.

Evidence of Milestone completion

As evidence of milestone completion, we will submit the following:

1. Provide the name and address of the venue, along with a document proving that it has been booked for the event. This document will be saved on our Google Drive and will be publicly viewable.
2. Share the event's agenda, including a list of speakers. This agenda will also be saved on our Google Drive and made publicly viewable.
3. Share the event's registration link, which will be publicly available for any community member to register.

Expected timeline for the delivery

Month 4

Cost

32,500 ADA

% Completion

49%

Milestone 4: Delivering June Cardano Summit in Japan and Reporting

Outputs

This milestone include the following activities:

Event Delivery Activities

• Event Setup and Decoration:Arrange and set up signage, stages, seating, and any special displays.
• Ensure proper placement of branding materials.
• Registration and Welcome:Set up registration desks and welcome attendees.
• Distribute event materials like badges, schedules, and welcome packs.
• Speaker and Presentation Management:Coordinate with speakers for any last-minute needs or changes.
• Manage presentation logistics, such as AV setup and timing.
• Conducting Sessions and Workshops:Oversee the smooth running of keynotes, panels, workshops, and networking sessions.
• Facilitate transitions between different segments of the event.
• Catering and Hospitality:Coordinate meal and refreshment times.
• Address any special dietary needs and ensure guest comfort.
• On-Site Support and Troubleshooting:Provide assistance to attendees and speakers.
• Address any technical issues or other unforeseen challenges.
• Event Closing and Thank Yous:Facilitate the closing ceremony or final remarks.
• Thank participants, speakers, sponsors, and staff.

Post-Event Feedback and Reporting Activities

• Collecting Feedback:Distribute post-event surveys to attendees, speakers, and sponsors.
• Collect informal feedback during and immediately after the event.
• Data Analysis and Report Creation:Analyze feedback data to assess satisfaction, engagement, and areas for improvement.
• Compile a comprehensive event report, including metrics like attendance, engagement levels, and survey results.
• Debrief with Team and Stakeholders:Conduct a debriefing session with the organizing team to discuss successes and challenges.
• Share insights and lessons learned with key stakeholders and sponsors.
• Publicizing Success Stories and Outcomes:Highlight successful outcomes, collaborations initiated, and any significant achievements from the event.
• Share stories and outcomes through media releases, social media, and community channels.
• Future Planning and Follow-Up:Identify opportunities for future events based on feedback and outcomes.
• Follow up on connections made and projects initiated during the event.

Acceptance criteria

This milestone’s acceptance criteria are as follows:

1. Photos of the event space showing signage, stages, and seating arrangements. The files will be saved on our Google Drive and will be viewable by the public.
2. If the speakers agree to be filmed, videos of the presentations will be recorded. The files will be saved on our Google Drive and will be viewable by the public.
3. Copies of the distributed surveys. The files will be saved on our Google Drive and will be viewable by the public.
4. The final event report, including analysis of feedback and key metrics will be produced. The reports will be publicly viewable on Notion and/or Google Drive.
5. Copies of media releases and social media posts. Public links will be shared.

Evidence of Milestone completion

As evidence of milestone completion, we will submit the following:

1. Photos of the event space showing signage, stages, and seating arrangements. The files will be saved on our Google Drive and will be viewable by the public.
2. If the speakers agree to be filmed, videos of the presentations will be recorded. The files will be saved on our Google Drive and will be viewable by the public.
3. Copies of the distributed surveys. The files will be saved on our Google Drive and will be viewable by the public.
4. The final event report, including analysis of feedback and key metrics will be produeced. The report will be publicly viewable on Notion and/or Google Drive.
5. Copies of media releases and social media posts. Public links will be shared.

Expected timeline for the delivery

Month 5

Cost

32,500 ADA

% Completion

66%

Milestone 5: Preparation for August Cardano Summit in Japan

Outputs

This milestone includes the following key activities:

1. Selecting Venues

• Research and Shortlist Venues: Identify suitable locations based on event size, accessibility, and facilities.
• Negotiate Terms and Costs: Work with venue providers to agree on rental terms, costs, and any included services (e.g., catering, security, AV equipment).
• Book Venue: Finalize the booking, ensuring all contractual details are clear.

2. Setting an Agenda

• Define Key Themes and Topics: Identify the main areas of focus relevant to the audience and objectives of the event.
• Call for Speakers and Presentations: Open a call for speakers, setting clear guidelines and deadlines for submission.
• Develop a Detailed Schedule: Allocate time for keynotes, panels, workshops, networking sessions, and breaks.

3. Manage Event Registration and Participants

• Define Target Audience: Identify the expected demographic, including industry professionals, academics, stakeholders, and enthusiasts.
• Create Registration Process: Set up an online registration platform. Consider early bird, standard, and late registration phases.
• Plan for Accommodation and Travel: Provide information on nearby hotels and travel options.
• Manage Participant Communication: Regularly update participants on event details, and provide essential information like schedules, and maps.

Additional Considerations

• Marketing and Promotion: Develop a marketing plan to promote the event through various channels like social media, email campaigns, and industry partnerships.
• Sponsorship and Partnerships: Seek sponsorship opportunities and partnerships to enhance the event's reach and resources.
• Technology and Equipment: Ensure all necessary tech and equipment are available, including AV systems, Wi-Fi, and translation services if needed.
• Catering and Hospitality: Arrange for meals, refreshments, and any special dietary requirements.
• On-site Logistics: Plan for registration desks, signage, seating arrangements, and emergency procedures.
• Cultural Considerations: Be mindful of cultural differences, including language barriers. Providing materials in multiple languages or hiring interpreters can be beneficial.
• Accessibility: Ensure the venue and event are accessible to all attendees, including those with disabilities.
• Post-Event Activities: Plan for follow-up activities, such as thank-you notes to speakers and attendees, post-event surveys, and sharing presentations or recordings.

Acceptance criteria

The acceptance criteria for this milestone are as follows:

1. The event venue is booked: Provide the name and address of the venue, along with a document proving that it has been booked for the event. This document will be saved on our Google Drive and will be publicly viewable.
2. The event’s agenda is confirmed: Share the event's agenda, including a list of speakers. This agenda will also be saved on our Google Drive and made publicly viewable.
3. The event registration link is available: Share the event's registration link, which will be publicly available for any community member to register.

Evidence of Milestone completion

As evidence of milestone completion, we will submit the following:

1. Provide the name and address of the venue, along with a document proving that it has been booked for the event. This document will be saved on our Google Drive and will be publicly viewable.
2. Share the event's agenda, including a list of speakers. This agenda will also be saved on our Google Drive and made publicly viewable.
3. Share the event's registration link, which will be publicly available for any community member to register.

Expected timeline for the delivery

Month 6

Cost

32,500 ADA

% Completion

82%

Milestone 6 (Final): August Cardano Summit in Japan and Close-out report/video

Outputs

This milestone include the following activities:

Event Delivery Activities

• Event Setup and Decoration:Arrange and set up signage, stages, seating, and any special displays.
• Ensure proper placement of branding materials.
• Registration and Welcome:Set up registration desks and welcome attendees.
• Distribute event materials like badges, schedules, and welcome packs.
• Speaker and Presentation Management:Coordinate with speakers for any last-minute needs or changes.
• Manage presentation logistics, such as AV setup and timing.
• Conducting Sessions and Workshops:Oversee the smooth running of keynotes, panels, workshops, and networking sessions.
• Facilitate transitions between different segments of the event.
• Catering and Hospitality:Coordinate meal and refreshment times.
• Address any special dietary needs and ensure guest comfort.
• On-Site Support and Troubleshooting:Provide assistance to attendees and speakers.
• Address any technical issues or other unforeseen challenges.
• Event Closing and Thank Yous:Facilitate the closing ceremony or final remarks.
• Thank participants, speakers, sponsors, and staff.

Post-Event Feedback and Reporting Activities

• Collecting Feedback:Distribute post-event surveys to attendees, speakers, and sponsors.
• Collect informal feedback during and immediately after the event.
• Data Analysis and Report Creation:Analyze feedback data to assess satisfaction, engagement, and areas for improvement.
• Compile a comprehensive event report, including metrics like attendance, engagement levels, and survey results.
• Debrief with Team and Stakeholders:Conduct a debriefing session with the organizing team to discuss successes and challenges.
• Share insights and lessons learned with key stakeholders and sponsors.
• Publicizing Success Stories and Outcomes:Highlight successful outcomes, collaborations initiated, and any significant achievements from the event.
• Share stories and outcomes through media releases, social media, and community channels.
• Future Planning and Follow-Up:Identify opportunities for future events based on feedback and outcomes.
• Follow up on connections made and projects initiated during the event.

1. Close-out**:**

• Produce a close-out report
• Produce a close-out video

Acceptance criteria

This milestone’s acceptance criteria are as follows:

1. Photos of the event space showing signage, stages, and seating arrangements. The files will be saved on our Google Drive and will be viewable by the public.
2. If the speakers agree to be filmed, videos of the presentations will be recorded. The files will be saved on our Google Drive and will be viewable by the public.
3. Copies of the distributed surveys. The files will be saved on our Google Drive and will be viewable by the public.
4. The final event report, including analysis of feedback and key metrics will be produced. The reports will be publicly viewable on Notion and/or Google Drive.
5. Copies of media releases and social media posts. Public links will be shared.
6. Close-out report is produced and shared with the community reviewers
7. Close-out video is produced and shared with the community reviewers

Evidence of Milestone completion

As evidence of milestone completion, we will submit the following:

1. Photos of the event space showing signage, stages, and seating arrangements. The files will be saved on our Google Drive and will be viewable by the public.
2. If the speakers agree to be filmed, videos of the presentations will be recorded. The files will be saved on our Google Drive and will be viewable by the public.
3. Copies of the distributed surveys. The files will be saved on our Google Drive and will be viewable by the public.
4. The final event report, including analysis of feedback and key metrics will be produeced. The report will be publicly viewable on Notion and/or Google Drive.
5. Copies of media releases and social media posts. Public links will be shared.
6. Close-out report is produced and shared with the community reviewers
7. Close-out video is produced and shared with the community reviewers

Expected timeline for the delivery

Month 7

Cost

35,500 ADA

% Completion

100%

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

Our team is aptly suited and equipped to successfully deliver this project. We possess the requisite capabilities that uniquely position us to execute this project to high standards of trust and accountability.

Socious is a fast-growing impact startup that provides a talent marketplace, making impact work accessible and transparent. We connect purpose-driven professionals with impact organizations through AI matching. We use blockchain to trace impact work and reward contributions.

Socious is supported by 500Global, Microsoft, and Milkomeda Foundation. Our platform lists over 80k jobs, 24k organizations, and has 6.6k registered users. Our team consists of experts in impact measurement, finance, data science, and blockchain development.

Socious has extensive experience in the Cardano ecosystem, having successfully completed five Catalyst-funded projects in Fund 9 and two ongoing projects in Fund 10.

For this specific project, the following members will be involved:

• Seira Yun

Title: Founder and CEO

Role: Project Management, Research, Reporting

Commitment: Full-time

Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/seirayun/

Bio: Seira Yun is the Founder and CEO of Socious.io, a talent marketplace that makes impact work accessible and transparent. Socious connects purpose-driven professionals with impact organizations through AI matching, and uses blockchain to trace impact work and reward contributions.

Seira is a serial impact entrepreneur with years of experience in the sector. He has led teams within the ICRC, UNHCR, and social ventures. Drawing from personal experiences as a migrant, an autistic person, and a proud pansexual queer, Seira is driven to make the world a better place through social innovation. As a full-stack developer with a Master's in Social Innovation from the University of Cambridge, he enjoys blending technology with purpose. Seira is also an impact angel investor, a member of Hustle Fund's Angel Squad, and a mentor for 4WARD.VC's Climate Accelerator. When not working, he enjoys shooting hoops, running, reading, spending quality time with the kids, or embracing the adventure of getting lost during travels. He is also a long-term member of the Cardano community and has completed the Atala PRISM Pioneer Program.

• Minh Douangprachanh

Title: Lead Designer

Role: Design

Commitment: Full-time

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michel-douang/

Bio: With more than a decade of experience specializing in product design, Minh is a multidisciplinary artist who has always believed art has a language of its own. As a neurodiverse individual, Minh is passionate about helping people and creating sustainable and inclusive solutions.

• Madi Lommen

Title: Advisor

Role: Project Management, Research

Commitment: Part-time

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/madi-lommen-394940b0/

Bio: Madi has 10+ years experience in social entrepreneurship, impact investing, and partnership building. Madi is passionate about interdisciplinary learning / problem-solving that leverages entrepreneurship and multilingual teamwork for community development. In recent years, she founded Madibanani Co. to champion refugee youth, designed a data collection program on the Jordan-Syrian border, and coordinated military-like training for Emergency & Disaster volunteers of La Cruz Roja (Red Cross) in Ecuador. After completing a thesis on medieval Arabic poetry at Yale-NUS College in Singapore, she worked with a network of angel investors scaling women-led SMEs tackling poverty in Southeast Asia. She has experience working in four languages (English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese) and has lived in Singapore, Jordan, Ecuador, the UK, South Africa, the USA, and Japan.

To supplement our core team, we maintain a reserve of skilled freelancers, ready to contribute at short notice. Our talent marketplace, Socious, is a hub for over 6,600 individuals, many of whom could potentially assist in this project, if required.

Yuta(Yuki Oishi)

His role is to lead one of the three events and help execute the others.

He moderates several Cardano Japan communities and encourages community participation in events through them.

The core members of the zenGate team that will spearhead this proposal include:

• Daniel Friedman (zenGate Lead for Proposal), the CEO of zenGate is known for being an early team member of IOG and supported the launch of Cardano from the Osaka office. As the former Business Develop Manager for IOG, he has spent a number of years developing relationships, entering new jurisdictions and deploying national-level solutions. He is a reputable voice in the Cardano community and has been a key member of the Japanese community since the inception of the ecosystem. Dan has been living in Japan for over 10 years and is a critical member of this proposal in increasing awareness of Cardano in the Japanese business ecosystem.
• Sam Lambert (Event Organizer and Project Manager for zenGate), the COO of zenGate has management consulting experience, working with executives from some of the largest global institutions from banks, insurance and telecommunication companies. His ability to run workshops and manage stakeholders are essential skills to deliver on this project. Also, based out of Osaka, Japan - his project management and operational expertise will be core as he works closely with Yuta and Siera on the delivery of this proposal.
• • Theodore Morisis (Community Outreach and Event Organization support): Head of Biz Ops at zenGate Global and community educator in the Cardano ecosystem. Theodore will support the project with market outreach and coordination to ensure the connectivity between Japanese and non-Japanese Cardano community - ensuring the Japanese community leveraging growth strategies and learnings from successes in other markets.

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

Please see below for a detailed breakdown of our budget. The current base conversion rate for ADA-USD is 0.37, and for ADA-JPY it is 58.

Executive summary:

Total Cost: 198,000 ADA ($73,260; JPY 11,484,000)

Milestone 1: 32,500 ADA ($12,025, JPY 1,885,000)

Milestone 2: 32,500 ADA ($12,025, JPY 1,885,000)

Milestone 3: 32,500 ADA ($12,025, JPY 1,885,000)

Milestone 4: 32,500 ADA ($12,025, JPY 1,885,000)

Milestone 5: 32,500 ADA ($12,025, JPY 1,885,000)

Milestone 6 (Final): 35,500 ADA ($13,135, JPY 2,059,000)

Please find the details of the breakdown here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1spWL0C2s-OuU-lg5OONQdJg_G4eECXI9W7slehYP9RI/edit?usp=sharing

Regarding Teamz/IVS/WebX events, if the event is held cheaper than expected or if the ADA rate increases, the following may be implemented.

・Funding for the Cardano Summit Japanese community event hosted by the Cardano Foundation

・Supporting funds for Cardano meetups, Catalyst meetups, etc.

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

Our project budget has been meticulously planned, keeping in mind the prevailing market rates and economic context of Japan. We have benchmarked our costs against:

1. Venue and Logistical Costs: The costs associated with venue booking, logistics, and technology are based on extensive market research and comparisons.
2. Benchmarking with similar projects: We have conducted a benchmarking analysis of our project against a similar Catalyst project. This project is relevant to us because it also involves organizing three events in Japan. The main differences are that our project includes international speakers and has a budget of 198,000 ADA, while the other project has a budget of 267,024 ADA.

Value for Money:

1. Strategic Investment in Community Building: By investing in these events, the Cardano ecosystem is not just funding a series of gatherings but is strategically investing in community building and networking. This strengthens the ecosystem's foundations and fosters long-term growth.
2. Promotion and Adoption of Cardano in Japan: The project is pivotal in promoting Cardano's adoption among Japanese businesses and professionals. This opens up new avenues for Cardano's utilization in a significant market, potentially leading to increased demand and valuation.
3. Creating a Hub for Innovation and Collaboration: The events will serve as a hub for innovation, where ideas can be exchanged, and new projects can be initiated. This is invaluable for the dynamism and continuous evolution of the Cardano ecosystem.
4. Long-Term Ripple Effects: The benefits of this project extend beyond the immediate outcomes of the events. The collaborations, projects, and relationships initiated here have the potential to create long-term ripple effects, contributing to the ecosystem's resilience and adaptability.

Supporting Evidence for Cost Justification:

Detailed Budget Breakdown: We have provided a comprehensive budget breakdown, showing how each cost element is crucial for the project's success.

Please find the details of the breakdown here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1spWL0C2s-OuU-lg5OONQdJg_G4eECXI9W7slehYP9RI/edit?usp=sharing

In conclusion, our project, while mindful of costs, is focused on delivering substantial value to the Cardano ecosystem. The strategic allocation of resources, combined with the expected outcomes, makes this an investment into the future growth and vibrancy of the Cardano community.

[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