Mobility and Transportation Sidechain

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Oussama Benmahmoud

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

100000

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

6

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

No

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

An EVM sidechain, PeakChain, with Cardano as its root of trust, focused on mobility, offering scalability, privacy and GDPR compliance.

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

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

No

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

The decision to keep some components of our project non-open source is also driven by our ambition to establish a commercially viable product. This serves a two-fold purpose. Firstly, it allows us to generate revenue as a company to fund our activities, ensuring the project's ongoing development and maintenance. Secondly, it acts as a testament to the potential of the Cardano ecosystem to facilitate not just community-driven, open-source projects, but also commercially viable solutions.

Our goal is to create real value within the Cardano ecosystem that extends beyond the typical open-source community projects. By building a successful commercial application on Cardano, we hope to showcase the potential of Cardano to drive growth in the capital market and foster a new wave of enterprise-level adoption. This would not only help us monetize our project but also contribute to the overall value of the Cardano ecosystem.

We believe that demonstrating the successful commercialization of projects within the Cardano ecosystem can inspire other entrepreneurs and businesses to leverage the technology, thus driving the ecosystem's growth and expanding its influence. While open-source projects are crucial for the collaborative growth of the ecosystem, commercially viable projects prove the practical utility and economic viability of the technology to a broader audience. It's this balance between collaboration and commercialization that we believe will ultimately drive the sustained success of the Cardano ecosystem.

[METADATA] SDG rating

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: PeakChain, as an innovative sidechain for the mobility sector, promotes resilient infrastructure, sustainable industrialization, and fosters innovation by encouraging blockchain technology adoptio
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: By providing an infrastructure that supports smart, sustainable mobility solutions, PeakChain indirectly contributes to creating safer, inclusive, and more sustainable cities and communitie

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Number of mobility sector enterprises adopting PeakChain as a measure of industry adoption and integration.
• Amount of traffic or transactions PeakChain can handle as a measure of scalability and efficiency.
• The role of PeakChain in the development or enhancement of sustainable mobility solutions as a measure of societal impact.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution, in its simplified proof of concept form, is a basic Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) sidechain, compatible with the Cardano blockchain, specifically designed for a single, focused application within the mobility sector. The key features of this proof of concept include:

1. Basic EVM Sidechain: We will develop a simple sidechain using EVM, ensuring compatibility with Cardano's main chain. This initial version will have minimal features, serving as a foundational platform for future expansion.
2. Targeted Use-Case in Mobility Sector: Instead of covering the entire mobility sector, we will concentrate on a single use-case, such as vehicle tracking or ride-sharing. This narrowed focus allows us to tailor the sidechain's features specifically to meet the requirements of this selected application.
3. Core Features: The sidechain will initially focus on essential features such as transaction speed and basic privacy norms. Full GDPR compliance and enterprise-grade scalability, while part of our long-term vision, will not be the primary focus at this stage.
4. Limited Stakeholder Engagement: We plan to engage with a small group of stakeholders from the Cardano ecosystem, particularly those in the mobility sector interested in piloting our solution. This approach ensures manageable feedback loops and targeted development.
5. Measurement of Basic Metrics: The proof of concept will be evaluated based on simple yet essential metrics like the rate of adoption within our pilot group and the performance of transactions on the sidechain.
6. Scalable Model Demonstration: We aim to demonstrate that our sidechain has the potential to be scaled and adapted for other use-cases within the mobility sector in the future.

This proof of concept is a critical first step in realizing our vision for a dedicated, enterprise-grade EVM sidechain for the mobility sector within the Cardano ecosystem. By starting with a focused and manageable scope, we can effectively demonstrate the feasibility and potential of our solution before expanding to more complex features and broader applications.

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

Value to the Cardano Community:

1. Simplified User Experience: By focusing on a single use-case within the mobility sector, our proof of concept aims to create a user-friendly application. This approach enhances the overall user experience in the Cardano ecosystem by demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted solutions.
2. Reliability in a Focused Scope: While emphasizing software quality within a narrower scope, PeakChain will contribute to the reliability and robustness of applications specifically designed for the mobility sector within the Cardano ecosystem.
3. Community Engagement and Growth: By showcasing a practical application in the mobility sector, we expect to attract a niche but engaged group of developers and businesses to the Cardano ecosystem, contributing to its diversity.
4. Empowering with a Targeted Solution: Our project, in its proof of concept phase, will demonstrate how addressing specific needs in a focused manner can enhance the Cardano ecosystem's versatility, potentially attracting interest from other industry sectors.

Measurement of Impact:

Quantitative Measures:

• Monitoring the adoption rate of PeakChain within our selected mobility use-case.
• Tracking the transaction performance on our sidechain.

Qualitative Measures:

• Gathering user feedback from the pilot group to evaluate satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.
• Observing community reactions and engagement through targeted communication channels.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

1. Focused Community Engagement: We will engage with the Cardano community through targeted webinars, meet-ups, and blog posts, sharing insights and developments specific to our mobility sector application.
2. Promotion within the Mobility Sector: Our outreach efforts will be concentrated on demonstrating PeakChain's capabilities to businesses and developers within the mobility sector.
3. Collaborations for Specific Improvements: We plan to collaborate with research institutions to refine our targeted solution, potentially exploring other use-cases within the mobility sector.
4. Feedback-Informed Development: The insights and feedback gathered from this proof of concept will guide our continued development, laying the groundwork for potential future expansions and enhancements to PeakChain.

In summary, the success of PeakChain as a proof of concept will bring value to the Cardano Community by demonstrating the practical application of a targeted, efficient blockchain solution within the mobility sector. Our strategy for measuring impact and sharing our findings will ensure that the benefits of our project are appropriately communicated and leveraged within 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?

Company Expertise and Background:

• As PeakSoft GmbH, a Germany-based consulting company, we leverage our extensive skills and experiences, particularly in software development and blockchain technology, to efficiently drive this proof of concept.
• Our history of working with prominent clients, especially in the German automotive sector, demonstrates our capacity for delivering high-quality, focused results.

Team Structure and Resources:

• Our team comprises six full-time employees skilled in various disciplines crucial for this project, including software development, quality assurance, and project management.
• We have access to a broader network of external consultants, allowing us to scale our resource allocation as needed to meet project demands.

Technical Expertise:

• Our team's expertise spans both traditional software development (web2) and blockchain technologies (web3), positioning us well to develop this EVM sidechain within the Cardano ecosystem.
• Our experience as Plutus and Atala PRISM Pioneers underlines our deep engagement with and understanding of the Cardano community.

Transparency and Communication:

• We are committed to transparent communication with the community, planning regular updates, webinars, and Q&A sessions to keep stakeholders informed about the project’s progress.
• Our budgeting and auditing processes will ensure responsible and effective use of resources.

Budget and Future Funding:

• While our current budget is aligned with the proof of concept's requirements, we may explore additional funding opportunities in future Catalyst rounds for potential expansion or introduction of new features.

Project Management Approach:

• We will utilize Agile methodologies, particularly Scrum, to manage the project effectively, ensuring clear criteria for each deliverable.
• Tools like Scrum boards and product backlogs will be employed for transparency and regular updates on our progress.

Defining Success:

• Success for us is characterized not only by meeting milestones but also by fulfilling established criteria and user stories within our sprints.
• Our goal is to deliver a product increment that adheres to our high standards and demonstrates tangible value within the Cardano ecosystem, particularly for the selected mobility sector use-case.

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

Milestone 1: Initial Setup and Focused Research (Month 1)

• Essential tasks include establishing the project framework, defining team roles, and conducting targeted research on the selected use-case within the mobility sector.
• Acceptance criteria: A streamlined team is assembled with clear roles, and there's a detailed understanding of the specific mobility sector use-case we aim to address.

Milestone 2: Simplified Architectural Design (Month 2)

• Activities involve outlining a basic architectural design for the PeakChain sidechain, focusing on core functionalities relevant to the selected use-case.
• Acceptance criteria: A concise and clear technical design, specifically tailored to the chosen mobility use-case, is reviewed and approved by the team.

Milestone 3: Prototype Development (Months 3-4)

• We will develop a basic prototype of the sidechain, incorporating essential features identified for the proof of concept.
• Acceptance criteria: Completion of a functional prototype of PeakChain, ready for preliminary testing and evaluation.

Milestone 4: Prototype Testing and Refinement (Month 5)

• This phase includes testing the prototype under realistic scenarios, identifying any issues, and implementing necessary refinements.
• Acceptance criteria: A well-tested and refined prototype, with all major issues addressed and resolved.

Milestone 5: Pilot Launch and Initial Feedback Collection (Month 6)

• We will conduct a pilot launch of the PeakChain prototype, targeting a limited user base within the specific mobility sector application.
• Acceptance criteria: Successful deployment of the prototype and collection of initial user feedback, focusing on usability and performance in the targeted use-cas

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

• Oussama Benmahmoud: As CEO and Co-Founder of PeakSoft GmbH, Oussama is a Certified PMP, ITIL, Professional Scrum Master, and Product Owner, and holds an ISTQB Advanced Level Certification. His key roles include Project Management, Software Quality Assurance, and Blockchain Development. His extensive Connected Car Projects experience and achievements as a Plutus Pioneer and Atala PRISM Pioneer make him a valuable asset to the team. LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oussama-benmahmoud-43693926/
• Abderrahim Issaoui: As the CTO and Co-Founder of PeakSoft GmbH, Abderrahim brings over a decade of experience e as a Software Engineer. He is Atala PRISM Pioneer. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abderrahim-issaoui-b3149227/
• Habib Mokni: Habib is our Software Engineer and Frontend Developer. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/habibmokni/
• Mohammed Abdelali: Mohammed is an Electronic and Communication Engineer, focusing on Software Quality Assurance. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammed-abdelali-290b7b101/

Our team roles and responsibilities for the project are:

1. Project Management - Oussama Benmahmoud (Certified PMP, ITIL, Professional Scrum Master, Product Owner)
2. Blockchain Development - Oussama Benmahmoud (Plutus Pioneers)
3. Frontend Development - Habib Mokni
4. Mobility Integration - Mohammed Abdelali

The team is prepared to engage external consultants if necessary, as we are always open to bringing in more expertise. We remain committed to active engagement with the Cardano community and technical-group channels and understand the expectations of proof of life verifications and public proposal availability. Our team's combined skills and experience make us well-suited to execute this project and contribute significantly to the Cardano ecosystem.

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

1. Project Setup and Research (10k ADA): This will cover the initial setup costs, market research, and analysis to understand the mobility sector's requirement
2. Architectural Design (10k ADA): This includes costs associated with designing the architecture of PeakChain and establishing GDPR-compliant privacy protocol
3. Development (40k ADA): This will fund the actual development of the sidechain, including all the defined feature
4. Testing and Debugging (10k ADA): This will cover the costs associated with testing scenarios, bug identification, and resolution
5. Launch and User Feedback (10k ADA): This includes costs associated with deploying the sidechain and gathering user feedback post-launch
6. Marketing and Community Engagement (10k ADA): This includes costs for market research, marketing campaigns, user education, and community engagement initiative
7. Legal & Compliance (10k ADA): This includes consulting fees for GDPR and other legal advisors to ensure compliance

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

Value-Driven Cost Approach for the Cardano Ecosystem:

Our team at PeakSoft GmbH, a Germany-based consulting company, brings a balanced blend of expertise and operational efficiency to this proof of concept, ensuring substantial value for the Cardano ecosystem.

Expertise and Quality Assurance:

• Despite our team's high-level skills in application development, software quality, and blockchain technology, we are focused on delivering a streamlined proof of concept. This targeted approach allows us to leverage our expertise efficiently, ensuring quality outcomes without the extensive costs typically associated with large-scale projects.

Operational Efficiency:

• Our experience with various clients and projects equips us to optimize operations, reducing unnecessary expenditures. By concentrating on a specific use-case within the mobility sector, we can direct our resources more effectively, enhancing cost efficiency.

Focused Team Commitment:

• With dedicated full-time employees working on this project, we assure a high degree of accountability and commitment. This focused team structure contributes to better cost management and ensures high-quality output within the proof of concept's scope.
• If needed, we can augment our capabilities with external consultants, but this will be carefully managed to minimize impact on the overall cost.

Budget Considerations:

• The budget is carefully calculated based on the average wages for software professionals in Germany, reflecting the expertise we bring to this project. However, given the narrowed scope of the proof of concept, the overall financial requirement is adjusted to provide excellent value for the Cardano ecosystem.

Investment in Future Potential:

• By supporting our project, the Cardano community is investing in a solution that addresses a specific need while laying the groundwork for future growth and innovation. Our proof of concept is not just about resolving current challenges but also about exploring new opportunities within the blockchain space.

In summary, our cost-effective approach, combined with our team's expertise and strategic resource management, makes our proof of concept a valuable investment for the Cardano ecosystem. We are committed to delivering a solution that offers both immediate benefits and the potential for future advancements.