Standardized Smart Contract Libraries for Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Henok Gebre

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

Individual

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

176000

[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 will create standardized smart contract libraries for Cardano, streamlining dApp development with tested, reusable code for common use cases.

[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 made available under the MIT License, providing full transparency and allowing developers the freedom to utilize, alter, and share the code without limitations. This code will be hosted on GitHub, offering a clear and open platform for collaboration and engaging the community.

[METADATA] SDG rating

1. Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure - By providing standardized smart contract libraries, the project contributes to building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.
2. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - The project indirectly supports this goal by enabling the development of decentralized applications that could contribute to more sustainable and efficient urban systems.
3. Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - Standardized smart contract libraries can promote transparency and accountability in transactions and governance, aligning with the goal of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Overview:

The proposed solution aims to enhance the development process for decentralized applications (dApps) on the Cardano blockchain by creating standardized smart contract libraries. These libraries will offer a collection of tested, secure, and reusable smart contracts for various common use cases, such as token creation, decentralized exchanges and more. By providing developers with these libraries, the project aims to streamline the development process, reduce duplication of effort, and improve overall efficiency and security in dApp development on Cardano.

Our proposed solution aims to address the current limitations in Cardano's ecosystem by creating standardized smart contract libraries for common use cases. These libraries will provide developers with a set of tested and reusable smart contracts, accelerating dApp development and reducing the risk of errors and vulnerabilities.

We perceive the problem of code duplication and inefficiency in dApp development on Cardano as a significant barrier to the ecosystem's growth. By providing standardized libraries, we aim to streamline the development process and encourage more developers to build on Cardano.

What sets our solution apart is its focus on providing practical tools that directly address the challenges faced by developers on Cardano. By enabling faster and more secure dApp development, our solution will benefit the entire Cardano ecosystem, attracting more users and developers to the platform.

Key Components:

  Standardized Smart Contract Libraries: The project will develop a comprehensive set of standardized smart contract libraries that cover a wide range of functionalities commonly required in dApp development. These libraries will be designed and implemented by experienced smart contract developers, ensuring they adhere to best practices and security standards.

  Documentation and Best Practices: Alongside the libraries, the project will provide thorough documentation and best practices guidelines for developers. This documentation will include detailed explanations of how to use the libraries, code examples, and explanations of best practices for smart contract development on Cardano.

  Community Engagement and Support: The project will actively engage with the Cardano developer community to gather feedback, address issues, and incorporate suggestions for improvement. Regular updates and support will be provided to ensure developers have a positive experience using the libraries.

  Integration with Development Tools: The smart contract libraries will be designed to integrate seamlessly with popular development tools and frameworks used in the Cardano ecosystem. This will further streamline the development process and make it easier for developers to adopt the libraries in their projects.

Expected Outcomes:

  Increased Efficiency: Developers will be able to leverage the standardized smart contract libraries to quickly and efficiently build dApps on Cardano, reducing development time and costs.

  Improved Security: The use of tested and secure smart contract libraries will help mitigate the risk of vulnerabilities and errors in dApps, enhancing the overall security of the Cardano ecosystem.

  Foster Innovation: By providing developers with a solid foundation of reusable smart contracts, the project aims to foster innovation and creativity in dApp development on Cardano.

  Community Growth: The project's focus on community engagement and support will help attract more developers to the Cardano ecosystem, leading to a more vibrant and active developer community.

  Ecosystem Expansion: As more high-quality dApps are developed on Cardano using the standardized libraries, the overall ecosystem will grow, attracting more users and investors to the platform.

In summary, the proposed solution seeks to address key challenges in dApp development on Cardano by providing developers with standardized, tested, and secure smart contract libraries. This approach aims to accelerate the development process, improve security, foster innovation, and drive growth in the Cardano ecosystem.

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

The positive impact of our project on the wider Cardano community includes:

1. Accelerated dApp Development: By providing standardized smart contract libraries, developers will be able to build dApps more quickly and efficiently. This will lead to a greater number of high-quality dApps being developed on the Cardano platform, enhancing its overall ecosystem.
2. Improved Security: The use of standardized libraries will reduce the risk of errors and vulnerabilities in smart contracts, leading to more secure dApps. This will increase trust in the Cardano platform among developers and users.
3. Increased Innovation: Standardized libraries will lower the barrier to entry for developers, allowing more people to contribute innovative ideas to the Cardano ecosystem. This will drive further innovation and growth within the community.
4. Community Engagement and Collaboration: The development of the libraries will involve collaboration with the Cardano community, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement. This collaborative approach will help ensure that the libraries meet the needs of the community.
5. Knowledge Sharing and Education: The project will provide educational resources and documentation for developers using the libraries. This will help spread knowledge about smart contract development on Cardano and attract more developers to the platform.
6. Increased Adoption and Accessibility: The project's user-friendly platform for creating smart contracts without coding skills addresses a critical barrier to entry for non-developers. This could lead to increased adoption of Cardano as more individuals and businesses can easily participate in blockchain applications.
7. Educational Value and Skill Development: The platform serves as an educational tool, introducing users to blockchain concepts in a practical manner. This not only expands the knowledge base of the Cardano community but also encourages skill development and innovation among users.
8. Enhanced Quality of Development and Developer Engagement: By simplifying the smart contract creation process, the project aims to elevate the quality of development on Cardano. This can attract more developers to the ecosystem, leading to the creation of more sophisticated and impactful applications.
9. Skill Development and Accessibility: The smart contract platform will make it easier for individuals with limited programming experience to create smart contracts on Cardano. 
10. Community Collaboration and Growth:The project seeks to foster collaboration within the Cardano community by providing a platform for users to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and contribute to the ecosystem. 
11. Attracting Diverse Talent: By making smart contract creation more accessible, the project aims to attract a more diverse range of talent to the Cardano ecosystem.

Overall, our project aims to have a transformative and lasting impact on the wider Cardano community, contributing to its growth, innovation, and sustainability.It has a high impact on the cardano ecosystem.

[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?

The feasibility and capability to deliver our project with high levels of trust and accountability includes:

1. Experience in Smart Contract Development: Our team includes experienced smart contract developers who have worked on various blockchain projects. They have the technical expertise required to design and develop standardized smart contract libraries for Cardano.
2. Project Management Skills: Our project lead has extensive experience in managing complex projects and ensuring that they are delivered on time and within budget. They will oversee the project and ensure that all milestones are met.
3. Transparency and Communication: We are committed to transparency and will provide regular updates to the community on the progress of the project. We will also seek feedback from the community to ensure that their needs are being met.

Capability to Deliver with Trust and Accountability

• Team Experience and Expertise:

Our project team consists of experts with significant experience in blockchain development, software Development and Engineering , and project management, specifically within the Cardano ecosystem. This expertise ensures that we are well-equipped to handle the technical and organizational demands of the project.

• Track Record

Our project team brings a proven track record in successfully delivering blockchain projects. At the forefront of our accomplishments is our notable participation in a Cardano Catalyst projects.

• Dedicated Development Excellence

Each member of our team brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table. As developers, we have contributed significantly to Catalyst-funded projects, showcasing our dedication to excellence and our capacity to deliver high-quality results. Our collective experience extends beyond Catalyst initiatives, encompassing a diverse range of blockchain projects within esteemed high-tech organizations.

• Community Involvement and Expertise

Our project team not only boasts significant technical experience but also a deep engagement with the Cardano community. We have been integral in organizing and leading seminars and meetups focused on blockchain and Cardano, enhancing community cohesion and knowledge sharing. These activities demonstrate our commitment to the Cardano ecosystem and our ability to mobilize and educate the community effectively.

• Certified Expertise

Our project team's credentials are further reinforced by certifications in blockchain development and machine learning. T

• Active Community Participation

Beyond technical skills, our team actively participates in the blockchain community. Ethiopian Blockchain Network: web3 hub for Ethiopian. Education, Innovative and Advocacy.

• Collaboration with Local and Global Organizations: Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub

Validating Feasibility of the Approach

• Iterative Development and Pilot Testing
• Performance Metrics and Continuous Evaluation
• Feedback Loops
• Technical Validation
• our team has identified potential risks and developed mitigation strategies, ensuring proactive management of challenges. We are committed to regular progress updates, fostering transparency and accountability throughout the project. Our agile development approach allows for flexibility in responding to emerging needs, ensuring timely and effective project delivery.

Risk Management: To address potential challenges and mitigate risks, we have developed a comprehensive risk management plan. This plan outlines key risks such as technical challenges, regulatory changes, and market fluctuations, along with corresponding mitigation strategies. By proactively identifying and addressing these risks, we aim to ensure the successful execution of our project even in the face of unforeseen obstacles.

Community Engagement: We recognize the importance of community engagement in driving the success of our project. To enhance community involvement, we will implement various strategies such as regular updates through community forums, feedback collection mechanisms, and interactive webinars. By actively involving the community in decision-making processes, we aim to foster a sense of ownership and belonging among developers.

Scalability: Our project includes a robust scalability plan to accommodate a growing user base and evolving technology landscape. This plan involves the use of scalable infrastructure and technologies, as well as continuous monitoring and optimization to ensure the platform remains relevant and effective in the long term.

Partnerships: We are actively seeking partnerships and collaborations that can enhance the success of our project. These partnerships include local and global blockchain institutions, industry experts, educational institutions, and other organizations that can provide valuable resources, expertise, and support.

User Acquisition and Retention: To attract and retain users, we have developed a comprehensive user acquisition and retention strategy. This strategy includes targeted marketing campaigns, incentive programs, and partnerships with developer communities to ensure the platform's long-term success.

Budget Justification: Our budget has been carefully considered and is supported by a detailed breakdown of expenses. Each expense has been justified based on its importance to the project's success, ensuring that the budget is realistic and well-considered.

By incorporating these elements into our project proposal, we aim to increase its feasibility and demonstrate our commitment to delivering a successful project.

Further details on technical validation and risk mitigation strategies will be included to enhance the overall feasibility assessment of the project. This will involve conducting thorough technical validation tests to ensure the platform functions as intended and is compatible with the Cardano blockchain. Additionally, a comprehensive risk mitigation plan will be developed to address potential challenges and ensure the successful execution of the project.

Scalability and Sustainability: To ensure the platform's scalability and long-term sustainability, we will implement the following strategies:

1. Continuous Improvement: We will continuously improve the platform based on user feedback and technological advancements. This includes regular updates, bug fixes, and new feature releases to keep the platform relevant and competitive in the market.
2. Partnerships: We will establish partnerships with relevant organizations, such as educational institutions, industry associations, and blockchain projects, to expand our reach and enhance our offerings. These partnerships will provide access to new resources, expertise, and user bases, ensuring the platform's growth and sustainability.

Technical Validation: Our project acknowledges the technical challenges associated with developing a no-code platform for smart contracts on Cardano. To overcome these challenges, we have conducted extensive research and planning. Our technical validation includes:

1. Detailed technical architecture diagrams illustrating how our platform will interact with the Cardano blockchain.
2. Scalability plans to accommodate a growing user base and evolving technology landscape.
3. Integration strategies to seamlessly connect our platform with the Cardano ecosystem, ensuring compatibility and efficiency.

Comprehensive Risk Management: We have developed a comprehensive risk management plan to address potential challenges and ensure the successful execution of our project. This plan includes:

1. Identification of specific technical risks that could impact the project.
2. Detailed mitigation strategies for each identified risk, outlining proactive measures to minimize disruptions.
3. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of risks throughout the project lifecycle, with a focus on timely mitigation and adaptation.

Community Engagement Strategy: Our community engagement strategy is designed to actively involve stakeholders in the development process. This includes:

1. Regular Updates: We will provide regular updates on the project's progress through community forums, social media, and newsletters. These updates will include milestones achieved, upcoming features, and opportunities for community feedback.
2. Feedback Collection: We will set up feedback collection mechanisms, such as surveys and suggestion forms, to gather input from users. This feedback will be used to improve the platform and prioritize new features based on community needs.

Financial Sustainability: We have developed a detailed plan for sustaining the project beyond the initial funding period. This includes:

1. Revenue generation models, such as subscription fees for premium features and partnerships with blockchain companies.
2. Continuous improvement based on user feedback, ensuring the platform remains relevant and valuable to the community.
3. Leveraging partnerships within the Cardano ecosystem to secure additional funding and resources.

Timeline and Milestones: Our timeline and milestones are realistic and achievable, with a focus on incremental progress and continuous improvement. We have broken down the project into smaller, more manageable phases to track progress effectively and ensure timely delivery.

Team Capacity: Our team has the skills, experience, and capacity to complete the project successfully. Each team member brings a unique set of expertise, including blockchain development, software development, Cardano blockchain development, project management, and community engagement, ensuring a well-rounded and capable team. The project has High Feasibility and Capability. By addressing these areas, we aim to strengthen the feasibility of our project and increase its likelihood of success.

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

Research and Planning:

• Conduct research on existing smart contract libraries and common use cases.
• Define the scope and requirements for the standardized libraries.
• Plan the frontend UI/UX design and backend architecture.

Frontend UI/UX Design:

• Design the user interface for the libraries, focusing on usability and accessibility.
• Create wireframes and mockups to visualize the design.

Frontend Implementation:

• Implement the frontend UI/UX design, ensuring that it is user-friendly and responsive.
• Integrate the frontend with the backend to enable seamless interaction with the smart contract libraries.

Backend Development:

• Develop the backend infrastructure for the libraries, including API integration and data management.
• Implement functionality for deploying and interacting with smart contracts.

Library Development:

• Design and develop the smart contract libraries for token creation, decentralized exchanges, and voting mechanisms.
• Ensure that the libraries are well-documented and tested.

Documentation and Integration:

• Create comprehensive documentation for the libraries, including usage guidelines and examples.
• Integrate the libraries with popular development frameworks and tools.

Community Engagement:

• Engage with the Cardano community to gather feedback on the libraries and promote their use.
• Provide support and guidance to developers using the libraries.

Maintenance and Updates:

• Provide ongoing maintenance and updates to the libraries to ensure compatibility with the latest Cardano protocols and standards.
• Monitor and address any issues or bugs that arise post-launch.

Project Completion Report and Video.(4 weeks)

1. Project Completion Report: A detailed document summarizing the entire project.
2. Project Completion Video: A concise video presentation providing an overview of the project, highlighting key achievements and outcomes.

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

1: Tibebe Solomon - Experienced Full stack web Developer | UX/UI Designer

• Linkedin: linkedin profile
• Github: https://github.com/ldebele
• Responsible for Web related tasks.

Licenses & certifications

• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
• User Experience Design: Demonstrates responsibility for creating intuitive and visually appealing user experiences.
• UI Design Proficiency: Proficient in applying user interface design principles and user-centered design methodologies.
• Interface Design Experience: Experienced in designing engaging and user-friendly interfaces for mobile and web applications.

2: Henok Gebere: Project Manager | Customer Service

• Linkedin: linkedin
• Customer Service Executive.
• Management.
• Honored with the highest score and gold medal in Management.
• Oversees project execution, manages resources, and ensures timely delivery.

3: Lemi Debela: Machine Learning Engineer

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lemi-debela/
• Github: https://github.com/ldebele
• Responsible for AI related tasks.

4: Meheret B.: Project Manager/Technical Lead

• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA)
• Email: anulomeheret@gmail.com
• Role: Oversees project execution, manages resources, and ensures timely delivery.

5: Nahom Senay - Backend Developer | Software Engineering Student | Blockchain Developer

• Certified Cardano Blockchain developer
• Linkedin: linkedin profile
• Github: github account

Our team has actively participated in numerous projects closely related to this endeavor. Each team member is fully committed to executing this idea, drawing from our collective experience in implementing similar projects to a high standard of excellence

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

Research and Planning:

• Cost: 10000 ADA
• Description: Includes research on existing smart contract libraries, defining scope and requirements, and planning frontend UI/UX and backend architecture.

Frontend UI/UX Design:

• Cost: 10000 ADA
• Description: Includes designing the user interface, creating wireframes and mockups, and ensuring usability and accessibility.

Frontend Implementation:

• Cost:20000 ADA
• Description: Includes implementing frontend UI/UX design, integrating frontend with backend, and ensuring user-friendliness and responsiveness.

Backend Development:

• Cost: 35000 ADA
• Description: Includes developing backend infrastructure, implementing smart contract deployment and interaction functionality.

Library Development:

• Cost: 49000 ADA
• Description: Includes designing and developing smart contract libraries for token creation, decentralized exchanges, and voting mechanisms.

Documentation and Integration:

• Cost: 10000 ADA
• Description: Includes creating comprehensive documentation and integrating libraries with development frameworks and tools.

Community Engagement:

• Cost: 15000 ADA
• Description: Includes engaging with the Cardano community, gathering feedback, and providing support and guidance to developers.

Maintenance and Updates:

• Cost: 27000 ADA
• Description: Includes providing ongoing maintenance and updates to libraries, monitoring for issues or bugs, and ensuring compatibility with Cardano protocols.

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

The cost of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem due to several factors:

1. Efficiency and Cost Savings: By providing standardized smart contract libraries, developers can save time and effort in developing dApps. This leads to cost savings for developers and accelerates the development of the ecosystem.
2. Quality and Security: The cost includes resources for thorough testing and documentation, ensuring that the smart contract libraries are of high quality and free from vulnerabilities. This investment in quality and security reduces the risk of errors and enhances the overall reliability of the ecosystem.
3. Long-Term Impact: The project's focus on maintenance and updates ensures that the smart contract libraries remain relevant and compatible with future Cardano protocols. This long-term perspective adds value to the ecosystem by providing sustainable and reliable tools for developers.
4. Community Engagement: The cost includes resources for community engagement, such as gathering feedback and providing support. This engagement fosters a strong and active community, which is essential for the long-term success of the ecosystem.
5. Comparative Analysis: The costs have been determined based on comparative analysis with similar projects in the blockchain industry. This ensures that the costs are competitive and represent value for money relative to industry standards.

Financial Projections and Return on Investment (ROI): The project includes detailed financial projections and a clear outline of the expected return on investment. The funding breakdown provides a comprehensive overview of how the funds will be utilized to achieve the project's goals. Cost-benefit analysis demonstrates the potential cost savings and revenue generation opportunities that the project could bring to the Cardano ecosystem. These projections are based on thorough market research and analysis, ensuring a realistic and achievable financial plan.

Sustainability Plan: The project includes a detailed sustainability plan that outlines how the platform will be sustained beyond the initial funding period. This includes strategies for generating revenue, attracting further investment, and leveraging partnerships within the Cardano ecosystem. By focusing on long-term sustainability, the project aims to ensure its continued impact and value to the Treasury and the community.

Impact Assessment: The project provides a comprehensive assessment of its potential impact on the Cardano ecosystem. This includes how it aligns with Cardano's strategic goals, such as increasing adoption, fostering community growth, and driving innovation. The project's impact is expected to translate into tangible returns for the Treasury and the community, making it a valuable investment that provides significant value for money.

Risk Management: The project includes a robust risk management plan that outlines strategies for managing potential risks and ensuring project success despite unforeseen challenges. This includes proactive measures to mitigate risks, such as technical challenges, regulatory changes, and market fluctuations. By addressing potential risks upfront, the project aims to minimize disruptions and maximize its impact and value for money.

We have developed a comprehensive plan outlining strategies to ensure the long-term viability and continuous improvement of the platform. This includes exploring potential revenue models, forming partnerships with relevant organizations, and implementing incentive structures to encourage community contributions for content updates and maintenance.

We will include a quantitative analysis projecting the potential return on investment for the Cardano Treasury and community. This will cover estimated productivity gains, economic impact of fostering innovation, and cost savings achieved through efficient resource utilization.

Risk Mitigation and Contingency Planning: we have provided a detailed risk mitigation plan, identifying potential risks and associated mitigation strategies. Additionally, we will outline contingency plans, including allocating a dedicated contingency budget, to address unforeseen challenges or changes in project scope.

In terms of cost justification, the project's budget is based on industry-standard rates for blockchain development, UI/UX design, and project management. These rates are competitive and reflect the level of expertise required to deliver a high-quality product. Additionally, the budget includes a contingency fund to account for any unforeseen expenses, ensuring that the project stays within its financial limits.

In summary, The cost of the project is justified by the value it brings to the Cardano ecosystem in terms of efficiency, quality, security, long-term impact, and community engagement. The project has high Value for Money to the Treasury. The focus on cardano blockchain paths, community engagement, and continuous improvement aligns with the strategic goals of Cardano, making it a valuable investment that can help secure a leading position in the competitive blockchain space.