Harar Studio: Real-World Asset Tokenization

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

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

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

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

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

Harar Studio will pioneer popular Cardano real-world projects by creating tangible use cases for the Cardano blockchain, including an accessible blockchain and Real-World Asset Tokenization.

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

[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?

[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. SDG 4: Quality Education - Target 4.4 aims to substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth - Target 8.5 focuses on achieving full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure - Target 9.3 aims to increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, particularly in developing countries, to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities - Target 10.2 aims to empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - Target 11.4 focuses on strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard the world's cultural and natural heritage.
6. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production - Target 12.5 aims to substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
7. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - Target 17.16 focuses on enhancing the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources to support the achievement of the SDGs in all countries.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution, "Harar Studio," aims to pioneer popular Cardano real-world projects by creating tangible use cases for the Cardano blockchain. public off-chain github code.

Perceiving the Problem: Ethiopia lacks prominent Cardano real-world projects, despite the potential demonstrated by the unrealized ID system. This hinders the growth of the local cardano blockchain ecosystem and limits economic opportunities for its people, particularly artists and creators.

Ethiopia, despite being an early adopter of blockchain technology with initiatives like the ID system on the Cardano blockchain for students, has not yet seen widespread adoption of such projects. This lack of adoption hinders the realization of the full potential of blockchain in the region, particularly in sectors like education and the creative industry.

Approach: Harar Studio will begin by developing an accessible blockchain and Real-World Asset Tokenization platform tailored for Ethiopian community and artists. This platform will enable them to tokenize their creations, reaching a global audience and securing fair compensation for their work.

Engagement: The project will engage Ethiopian artists, developers, and brands, providing them with the tools and resources to leverage the benefits of blockchain technology and NFTs. By empowering these stakeholders, Harar Studio aims to catalyze the growth of the local blockchain ecosystem and stimulate economic development.

Impact Demonstration: The impact of Harar Studio will be demonstrated through the number of artists and creators who successfully tokenize their assets, the volume of transactions on the platform, and the growth of the local NFT market. Additionally, we will track the platform's ability to generate income for Ethiopian artists and contribute to the overall development of the local creative economy.

Uniqueness: What sets Harar Studio apart is its focus on creating tangible use cases for the Cardano blockchain in a region where such projects are scarce. By targeting the creative industry, Harar Studio not only addresses a pressing need but also showcases the versatility and practicality of Cardano's technology.

Beneficiaries: The primary beneficiaries of Harar Studio are Ethiopian artists and creators who will gain access to a global marketplace for their work. Additionally, the project will benefit the Cardano ecosystem by demonstrating the real-world utility of its blockchain technology and attracting more users and developers to the platform.

Importance to Cardano: Harar Studio is important to Cardano as it demonstrates the platform's ability to empower individuals and drive economic growth in underserved regions. By showcasing successful real-world use cases, Harar Studio will enhance Cardano's reputation and credibility, attracting more users and investors to the platform.

[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. Increased Adoption and Awareness: By showcasing the practical utility of the Cardano blockchain through our platform, we aim to attract new users, developers, and investors to the Cardano ecosystem, thereby increasing its adoption and visibility.
2. Enhanced Reputation: Through our innovative approach and successful implementation, we will contribute to enhancing Cardano's reputation as a leading blockchain platform for driving meaningful and impactful innovation.
3. Economic Growth: Our project will create new economic opportunities for artists, creators, and entrepreneurs within the Cardano community, leading to overall economic growth and prosperity.
4. Community Engagement: We are committed to fostering a strong and engaged community around our project, encouraging active participation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing within the Cardano ecosystem.
5. Technological Advancement: By pushing the boundaries of what is possible with blockchain technology, we will contribute to the overall technological advancement of the Cardano ecosystem, inspiring further innovation and development.
6. Education and Awareness: Through our educational programs and community initiatives, we will help increase awareness and understanding of blockchain technology and its potential, empowering more people to participate in the Cardano ecosystem.
7. Partnerships and Collaborations: Our project will create opportunities for partnerships and collaborations with other projects and organizations within the Cardano ecosystem, leading to a more interconnected and collaborative community.

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:

• 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.

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 project.

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.

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

We are also partners with Emurgo Academy, Smart Blocks, and Ethiopian Blockchain Network serving as their ambassadors.

1. Market Conditions: Our project includes a thorough analysis of current market conditions and ongoing monitoring to adapt to any changes in demand or market trends. This proactive approach ensures that our project remains aligned with market needs, enhancing its feasibility.
2. Execution Risks: We have identified potential execution risks and developed robust mitigation strategies to address them. Our experienced team is well-prepared to handle technical challenges, navigate regulatory requirements, and manage unexpected delays, ensuring smooth project execution.
3. Budget Contingencies: Our budget includes a contingency plan to account for unexpected costs or budget overruns. This approach ensures that we can respond to financial challenges promptly, maintaining the project's feasibility without compromising on quality or scope.
4. External Factors: We have considered external factors such as changes in technology, legal frameworks, and economic conditions in our project planning. By staying informed and adaptable, we can effectively respond to external changes, minimizing their impact on the project's success.
5. Community Adoption: Community adoption is a key focus of our project, and we have developed a comprehensive strategy to engage and involve the Cardano community. By actively seeking feedback, addressing community needs, and fostering a sense of ownership, we aim to ensure high levels of adoption and engagement.

Validating Feasibility of the Approach

• Iterative Development and Pilot Testing: We will adopt an iterative development approach, beginning with pilot testing of the platform with targeted user groups from the Cardano community. This step is critical for ensuring that the platform's features and functionalities meet the actual needs of developers. Feedback from these initial users will inform necessary adjustments and enhancements before wider deployment.
• Performance Metrics and Continuous Evaluation: We will define clear, quantifiable performance metrics that measure user engagement, learning outcomes, and overall satisfaction with the platform. These metrics will be regularly evaluated against predefined benchmarks to assess the platform’s impact and effectiveness. Regular review meetings will be conducted to analyze these metrics, ensuring the project remains aligned with its educational goals.
• Feedback Loops :We will implement continuous feedback mechanisms to capture user insights and suggestions. These inputs will be essential for ongoing adjustments and enhancements, ensuring the platform evolves in response to actual needs.
• Performance Metrics and Benchmarks: Clear, quantifiable performance metrics will be defined to measure the project’s success. These will include user engagement rates, educational outcomes, and community growth metrics. Regular review meetings will assess these metrics against benchmarks to ensure the project is on track.
• Technical Validation:The feasibility of technical solutions will be validated through rigorous testing.

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.

This structured validation approach ensures that our platform not only adheres to the highest standards of quality and security but also remains deeply responsive to the needs of the Cardano community. By integrating continuous user feedback and expert guidance into our development process, we can confidently deliver a robust and effective tool that enhances the capabilities of Cardano community.

By detailing these strategies, the proposal will demonstrate a robust plan for maintaining high levels of trust and accountability, and a clear, practical method for validating the feasibility of the project approach , the project has High Feasibility and Capability.

Our project's feasibility is grounded in a comprehensive plan, detailed budget, and skilled team. We have outlined clear milestones, identified potential risks with mitigation strategies, and justified budget allocation. Our team's experience and capabilities ensure successful project completion. We are committed to community engagement, have established partnerships, and consider scalability and sustainability integral to our project's design.

Our team, composed of Cardano smart contract developers, seasoned software engineers, and Blockchain and Ai Engineers, has the expertise to deliver the project with trust and accountability,the team have the skills, experience, capability and capacity to complete the project successfully.

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

Project Planning and Research (Duration: 2 weeks)

• Define project objectives and scope.
• Conduct market research on Real-World Asset Tokenization and NFT trends and demand in Ethiopia.
• Identify target audience and user requirements.
• Define key features and functionalities of the tokenized assets and NFT marketplace.
• Create a project plan and timeline.

Front-End Development

Objective: Develop the user interface and experience of the platform. 

Key Activities:

• Technical Architecture Document: Detailed descriptions of the platform's architecture designee.
• Design user-friendly, intuitive UI/UXs.
• Implement responsive web design to ensure accessibility across devices.
• Integrate initial static content and set up navigation for easy access to resources.
• UI/UX Design Document: Detailed wireframes and mockups specifically designed.
• Design Standards: Documentation of color schemes, typography, and layout that align with the technical nature and brand identity of the Cardano community.

Deliverables:

• A functional front-end of the platform, including layout, navigation, and initial content displays.

Platform Development

• Description: Develop the accessible blockchain and Real-World Asset Tokenization platform.
• Implement user registration, authentication, and profile management features.
• Build the back-end infrastructure to support NFT listings, transactions, and payments
• Integrate with external APIs for payment gateways and blockchain interactions
• Acceptance Criteria: Functional platform prototype ready for testing.

Marketplace Development

• Description: Develop the marketplace for buying and selling tokenized assets.
• Acceptance Criteria: Functional marketplace prototype ready for testing.

Community Engagement and Testing

• Description: Engage with Ethiopian artists, developers, and brands to test the platform and marketplace.
• Engage with Ethiopian artists, developers, and brands to test the platform and marketplace, gathering feedback for improvement.
• Acceptance Criteria: Positive feedback from users, identified areas for improvement.
• Collect feedback from users and implement improvements based on user suggestions to enhance platform usability and functionality.

Project Close-out Report and Video

• Description: Prepare a comprehensive report and video documenting the project's outcomes, impact, and lessons learned.
• Acceptance Criteria: Completed report and video approved by the project team and stakeholders.

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

1: Eyasu Birhanu : Software developer | Cardano Smart Contract Developer | Lead Developer

• Experienced in programming languages such as Plutus, Haskell, Lucid, Mesh and Marlowe to build and deploy smart contracts.
• Experienced in Cardano blockchain-based projects such as stablecoin development (Cogito), real-world asset marketplace, education platforms for the Cardano blockchain, and payment gateways.
• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA) Certificate 649c48006b7c38011005aeae
• Currently working at SingularityNet.io.
• Email: eyasu.birhanu@singularitynet.io
• Cardano Blockchain Education Ambassador @Emurgo Smartblock.
• Cardano Blockchain community builder.
• Responsible for smart contracts and blockchain related technology's.
• LinkedIn Profile: EyasuBirhanu
• Github: github account

2: Yosef Daniel: Software Engineer | Technical Lead

• Experience: Proficient in server-side programming languages, database management, and API integration.
• Responsible for backend development and platform integration.

Responsibilities:

• Linkedin Profilel: Linkedin
• Proficient in server-side programming languages.
• Experienced in database management and API integration.

3: Wendwossen Dufera: Software developer | Web3 developer | AGI researcher

• Certified Software and Web3 developer.
• LinkedIn Profile: Linkedin
• Github: https://github.com/wendecoder
• Responsible for Blockchain and web development, focusing on Web-development and implementation. brings expertise in creating an intuitive and engaging user interface and Backend development.

4: Lemi Debela: Machine Learning Engineer

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lemi-debela/
• Github: https://github.com/ldebele

5: 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.

6: 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.

7: 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.

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

Project Planning and Research: 15,000 ADA

• Risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
• Setup and maintenance of project management tools
• Conduct market research on Real-World Asset Tokenization and NFT trends and demand.
• Create a project plan and timeline.

Front-End Development: 22, 000 ADA

• Development of user-friendly, responsive interfaces.
• Implementation of initial static content and navigation structures.
• Creation of custom interactive elements and widgets.
• Technical Architecture Document: Detailed descriptions of the platform's architecture designee.
• Design user-friendly, intuitive UI/UXs.
• Implement responsive web design to ensure accessibility across devices.
• Integrate initial static content and set up navigation for easy access to resources.
• UI/UX Design Document: Detailed wireframes and mockups specifically designed.
• Design Standards: Documentation of color schemes, typography, and layout that align with the technical nature and brand identity of the Cardano community.

Platform Development: 39, 000 ADA

• Develop the accessible blockchain and Real-World Asset Tokenization platform.
• Implement user registration, authentication, and profile management features.
• Build the back-end infrastructure to support NFT listings, transactions, and payments
• Integrate with external APIs for payment gateways and blockchain interactions

Marketplace Development: 39, 000 ADA

• Develop the marketplace for buying and selling tokenized assets.
• Functional marketplace prototype ready for testing.

Engagement and Testing: 23,000 ADA

• Engage with Ethiopian artists, developers, and brands to test the platform and marketplace.
• identified areas for improvement.
• implement improvements based on user suggestions to enhance platform usability and functionality.
• Collect feedback from users and implement improvements based on user suggestions to enhance platform usability and functionality.

Close-out Report: 9,030 ADA

[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 the Cardano ecosystem in several ways:

1. Budget Justification: The budget breakdown is detailed and reasonable, aiming to ensure transparency and accountability in resource allocation. Each cost item has been carefully considered and is essential for achieving the project's objectives.
2. Risk Mitigation: While the proposal includes a comprehensive risk management plan, we are committed to implementing specific strategies to mitigate key risks and potential challenges. This includes regular monitoring and adaptation of the risk management plan based on the project's progress. By taking a proactive approach to risk management, we aim to minimize the impact of potential obstacles and ensure the successful delivery of the project.
3. Value Creation: The project aims to create a vibrant marketplace for asset, providing artists with new revenue streams and ownership rights over their creations. This aligns with Cardano's goal of promoting decentralized ownership and fair compensation in digital content.
4. Innovation: By integrating cutting-edge technologies like NFTs and smart contracts, the project pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the music industry, showcasing Cardano's capabilities in fostering innovation and new business models.
5. Community Engagement: The platform's features, such as token tipping and decentralized voting, incentivize active participation and community building. This can lead to a more engaged and committed user base within the Cardano ecosystem.
6. Economic Impact: The project has the potential to create economic opportunities for users, including artists, traders, and investors, thereby contributing to the growth of the Cardano economy.
7. Long-Term Impact: While the project outlines potential long-term impacts, we are dedicated to providing a detailed plan for sustainability beyond the initial project duration. This includes exploring potential revenue models, forming partnerships with relevant organizations, and implementing incentive structures to encourage community contributions for content updates and maintenance. By ensuring the project's long-term viability and continuous improvement, we aim to maximize its impact and value for the Cardano ecosystem.
8. Partnerships and Collaborations: The project creates opportunities for partnerships and collaborations within the Cardano ecosystem, enhancing the global partnership for sustainable development and mobilizing resources to support the achievement of the SDGs.

The funding for this project represents a strategic investment in the growth and development of the Cardano ecosystem, providing significant value for both the Treasury and the community.

Efficient Use of Funds

Detailed Sustainability Plan: 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.

Return on Investment (ROI) Analysis: 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.

Overall, the project's cost represents value for money by delivering innovative solutions, fostering community engagement, and creating economic opportunities, all of which contribute to the long-term success and sustainability of the Cardano ecosystem.