Marlowe Starter-Kit: Ready-to-use Components - NEXT & TS-SDK

[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)

Develop a Marlowe Starter-Kit using Next framework, with ready-to-use smart contracts controlled by React Components, and educational tools to simplify blockchain integration and boost adoption.

[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.”

TS-SDK and Marlowe Runtime are the foundational blocks to use Marlowe and the Cardano Blockchain. They are the base layer for developing a Starter-Kit.

[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

Our project is dedicated to full transparency and active collaboration with the community. We are committed to open-source development to foster innovation and trust within the ecosystem.

• License Details: We have chosen the MIT License for all components of our project. This permissive license allows others to freely use, modify, and redistribute our software, including for commercial purposes. It supports open innovation while preserving the original copyright.

• Scope of Open Source: The entire project, including smart contract templates, integration logic, and user interface components, will be made open source. This approach ensures that developers can freely contribute to and utilize our tools, enhancing their applications without legal barriers.

• Community Engagement: By making our project fully open source, we aim to encourage community-driven development and ensure our solutions are continually refined and expanded to meet diverse needs. This commitment aligns with our goal to simplify the adoption of smart contract technology and to enhance the functionality and security of business platforms.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our project strategically leverages the cutting-edge advancements of the Marlowe platform, aligning closely with the visionary goals outlined in the Marlowe 2025 roadmap. Over a carefully planned 12-month timeline, we aim to incorporate the latest features as they are released, utilizing Marlowe's domain-specific language (DSL) and robust infrastructure components such as indexers and transaction builders. This approach is designed to bridge the knowledge gap for developers who may not be deeply versed in blockchain technology. By simplifying the complexities associated with blockchain development, our project makes it more accessible, enabling developers to easily create and deploy secure, sophisticated smart contracts on the Cardano blockchain.

We introduce a transformative layer tailored to rapid development and integration: a framework using Next along with standardized, programmable smart contracts controlled by React components for seamless UI integration. This "plug-and-play" model is designed to let developers focus on business logic rather than blockchain complexities, supported by comprehensive documentation and educational tutorials initially available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, with plans to expand language options.

Our approach includes continuing our collaboration with the Marlowe core team to ensure our solutions remain progressive and aligned with the latest advancements in the Cardano ecosystem. This first year of development focuses on integrating five strategic smart contracts using the latest release from Marlowe (Runtime v1.0 and TS-SDK v.0.4.0):

1. Certificates Marketplace – Facilitates secure trading and verification of certificates.
2. Flexible Vesting Contract – Supports customizable token vesting arrangements.
3. Secured Escrow Service with Custom Auditor – Ensures trustless transactions for high-value exchanges.
4. Betting App with Custom Oracle – Provides a robust platform for betting applications with reliable data verification.
5. Contract to be Defined – To be selected in consultation with Brazilian companies, ensuring relevance to local business needs.

Engagement and Impact:

This proposal is crafted to attract developers new to blockchain by greatly simplifying the process of integrating Marlowe-based solutions. Comprehensive documentation and step-by-step tutorials, initially available in three key languages, ensure that even developers with minimal blockchain experience can successfully use and integrate these tools. We plan to collaborate with Cardano ambassadors to translate and make these materials accessible in many other languages, further broadening our reach and fostering global engagement.

Demonstrating Success:

We will gauge our impact by assessing user satisfaction and integrating feedback through GitHub and Discord. Success will be evidenced by shortened development cycles and an increase in the number of non-blockchain developers successfully deploying applications on Cardano.

Why This Matters to Cardano:

Our project supports Cardano’s mission to develop high-assurance and accessible business applications. By lowering entry barriers and simplifying smart contract usage, we help maintain Cardano’s position as a leader in blockchain innovation, encouraging a wider community of developers and businesses to engage with the platform.

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

Bringing Value to Cardano:

Our project will significantly enhance the Cardano ecosystem by making it more accessible to a broader range of developers, including those without deep blockchain expertise. By simplifying the integration of secure, standardized smart contracts through our Starter-Kit, which include framework-specific control components and comprehensive documentation in multiple languages, we facilitate the rapid development and deployment of diverse applications. This democratization of technology will lead to increased innovation and usage of the Cardano blockchain, thereby strengthening its position as a leading platform for developing high-assurance applications across various industries.

Measuring Impact:

User feedback will play a crucial role. Through integrated feedback mechanisms on GitHub and Discord, we will collect insights directly from developers about their user experience and areas for improvement. Case studies of specific deployments and educational outreach effectiveness will also help assess the qualitative impact of our tools.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

• Open-Source Repository: All code, documentation, and development tools will be made available in our GitHub repository, maintaining full transparency, and encouraging community contributions.
• Documentation and Tutorials: We plan to host educational sessions in English, Spanish, and Portuguese to showcase the capabilities of our Marlowe Starter-Kit and teach developers how to effectively use them.
• Partnerships and Collaborations: By collaborating with other developers and organizations within the Cardano community, and by continuing our cooperation with the Marlowe core team, we will promote the use of Marlowe and encourage its integration into various projects.
• Community Updates and Blogs: Regular updates through blogs, forums, and social media will keep the community informed about our progress and how they can benefit from our project.

Long-Term Benefits:

The success of our project promises not only immediate improvements in application development on Cardano but also long-term benefits such as enhanced community engagement and an elevated reputation as a versatile and developer-friendly blockchain platform. This will attract more developers and businesses to Cardano, promoting sustained growth and innovation.

[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?

Established Track Record:

Our team has successfully secured Catalyst funding for a key project focused on testing the Marlowe TypeScript SDK, enhancing web integration, and smart contract manipulation (https://milestones.projectcatalyst.io/projects/1100190). This ongoing work not only establishes a solid foundation for our current efforts but also demonstrates our adeptness in managing funded initiatives within the Cardano ecosystem.

Comprehensive Blockchain Expertise:

Our team, led by Erick Romero and Taina Bugs, brings deep knowledge and hands-on experience in blockchain application and web development. We have developed Dapps prototypes using Aiken and Lucid for renewable energy compensation ( https://preprod.karbonity.com/), showcasing our technical proficiency. Erick’s involvement in both the Plutus and Marlowe Pioneer programs, along with his ongoing collaboration with the Marlowe core team, provides us with strategic partnership and access to cutting-edge features for Marlowe integration.

Validation and Collaboration:

The insights and tools gained from our previous ongoing Catalyst-funded project have significantly prepared us for advancing our current proposal. Our continual engagement with the Marlowe core team ensures that our solutions are aligned with the latest technological advancements and the broader goals of the Marlowe team.

Financial Management and Accountability:

Erick Romero brings a robust background in project and product management, underpinned by a master’s degree in renewable energy and an MBA. This academic and professional experience ensures our project is managed with strict adherence to budgetary discipline and transparency, aligning with best practices.

Expanding Impact and Open-Source Commitment:

Our work with Brazilian companies and the potential for global partnerships underscore our commitment to expanding the application of blockchain solutions. By open sourcing our tools and fostering community collaboration, we are setting the stage for decentralized innovation and widespread adoption of blockchain technology.

See some of the latest interviews and development here: https://linktr.ee/erick__romero

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

Starter-Kit Foundation and Initial Smart Contract

Duration: 3 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• Establish the GitHub repository for the Next-based Marlowe Starter-Kit including plug-and-play smart contracts.
• Develop the "Certificates Marketplace" smart contract, ensuring it is modular, adheres to a defined standard, and includes both on-chain logic and off-chain components.
• Develop front-end Control React components to enable direct configuration of the smart contract from the UI.
• Create comprehensive documentation and tutorials detailing the setup, use of the smart contracts, and integration of the "Certificates Marketplace," emphasizing its modular structure and configurability. All materials will be available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• The repository for the Starter-Kit is fully operational.
• The "Certificates Marketplace" smart contract demonstrates modularity, standardization, and functional on-chain and off-chain components.
• Control React components effectively allow for direct front-end configuration.
• Documentation and tutorials are complete, instructive, and available in three languages.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• The code for the smart contract and components will be available on GitHub.
• Demo video demonstrating the functionality and configuration of the "Certificates Marketplace.”
• Accessible, published documentation on GitHub detailing each component of the setup in multiple languages.

Additional Smart Contracts Development

Duration: 4 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• Develop two additional smart contracts within the Starter-Kit: "Flexible Vesting Contract" and "Secured Escrow Service with Custom Auditor," both featuring modular design and compliance with defined standards.
• Create corresponding Control React components for intuitive front-end configuration.
• Update and expand documentation and tutorials to encompass the new smart contracts, stressing their modularity and ease of configuration, available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Each new smart contract is fully functional, with distinct on-chain and off-chain parts that are easy to understand and integrate.
• Control React components enable straightforward front-end adjustments and customizations.
• Documentation and tutorials provide clear, detailed guidance on using and configuring the new smart contracts and their components, in multiple languages.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• All code will be available on GitHub.
• Demonstrations or tutorials illustrating the setup, configuration, and operation of the new contracts, available in multiple languages.

Expansion of Smart Contract Library

Duration: 4 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• Develop two additional smart contracts within the Starter-Kit: 'Betting App with Custom Oracle,' and another contract defined through ongoing discussions with established Brazilian businesses. These consultations aim to gather a broad range of business needs and feedback.
• Each contract will maintain modularity and include both on-chain logic and off-chain components.
• Develop Control React components for these contracts to enable front-end configurability.
• Update documentation and tutorials to cover these new smart contracts, focusing on their modular design and standard compliance, in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Both contracts are functionally effective, modular, and feature comprehensive on-chain and off-chain components.
• Control React components facilitate straightforward customization and adjustments directly through the UI.
• Documentation and tutorials provide clear, detailed guidance on the setup, configuration, and integration of the new smart contracts, available in multiple languages.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• All code will be available on GitHub.
• Recorded demonstrations showcasing the functionality and configurability of the new contracts.

Project Consolidation and Documentation

Duration: 1 month

A: Milestone Outputs

• Compile a comprehensive close-out report detailing the development process, learnings, and outcomes, with a focus on the collaborative efforts with Brazilian companies and the feedback integrated into the smart contract development.
• Produce detailed tutorial videos and enhance documentation for the entire Starter-Kit, ensuring all smart contracts and their components are easy to understand and implement, in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
• Conduct final reviews of all documentation and tutorials to ensure they meet high standards of quality and user-friendliness.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• The close-out report includes detailed discussions on each project phase, emphasizing collaborative efforts and the integration of feedback from various stakeholders.
• Tutorial videos and documentation provide clear, easy-to-follow instructions that enable developers to effectively use the Starter-Kit and its components.
• All elements of the Starter-Kit, including their control UI components, are validated for accuracy, functionality, and ease of use.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• All project materials, including the close-out report, tutorial videos, and documentation, will be available on GitHub.

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

Erick Romero | Blockchain & Full-Stack Developer & Business Strategy

Background: Engineer

LinkedIn: Erick Romero

Twitter: @ErickRomeroEdda

Github: https://github.com/Erickrs2?tab=repositories

As the Blockchain & Full-Stack Developer, Erick plays a pivotal role in designing the technical architecture for the Next-based Marlowe Starter-Kit. His responsibilities include overseeing the development of smart contracts, ensuring they are modular, secure, and fully integrated with the latest features of the Marlowe TS-SDK. Erick combines his deep expertise in blockchain technology, software development, and project management to strategically guide the project, ensuring technical excellence and alignment with blockchain advancements. Participated in the Plutus Pioneer Program, Marlowe Pioneer Program, and Cardano-Foundation Blockchain Course.

Tainá Bugs | Full-Stack Developer & UI/UX Design & Product Owner

Background: Engineer

LinkedIn: Tainá Bugs

Twitter: @tainabugs

Tainá is responsible for the full-stack development of the project, utilizing her expertise with Next.js 14 and its App Router to efficiently manage both backend and frontend functionalities. This full-stack framework enhances her ability to deliver integrated solutions swiftly, covering all aspects from the server-side logic to client-side interactivity. Her role includes not only UI/UX design but also the comprehensive development of front-end functionalities that allow for the direct configuration of smart contracts. Additionally, Tainá has enriched her blockchain development skills through participation in the Cardano-Foundation Blockchain Course.

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

Total Budget: 120,400 ADA

You can see the detailed budget here: https://1drv.ms/x/s!Aj-l_yQM34m5j6hlS3vxQx53PI_YWA?e=TyYaaB

Milestone 1: Framework Foundation and Initial Smart Contract (3 months)

Total for Milestone 1: 27,400 ADA (23% of total budget)

Blockchain Developer (Marlowe Smart Contract and TS-SDK off-chain API): 9,000 ADA

Full-Stack Developer & UI/UX Design: 12,000 ADA

Documentation & Tutorials: 6,400 ADA

Milestone 2: Development of two Additional Smart Contracts (4 months)

Total for Milestone 2: 37,900 ADA (31% of total budget)

Blockchain Developer (Marlowe Smart Contracts and TS-SDK off-chain API): 13,500 ADA

Full-Stack Developer & UI/UX Design: 18,000 ADA

Documentation & Tutorials: 6,400 ADA

Milestone 3: Development of Two Final Smart Contracts (4 months)

Total for Milestone 3: 37,900 ADA (31% of total budget)

Blockchain Developer (Marlowe Smart Contracts and TS-SDK off-chain API): 13,500 ADA

Full-Stack Developer & UI/UX Design: 18,000 ADA

Documentation & Tutorials: 6,400 ADA

Milestone 4: Project Consolidation and Documentation (1 month)

Total for Milestone 4: 17,200 ADA (14% of total budget)

Blockchain Developer (Testing and Optimization): 6,000 ADA

Full-Stack Developer & UI/UX Design (Testing and Optimization): 4,800 ADA

Documentation & Tutorials: 6,400 ADA

You can see the detailed budget here: https://1drv.ms/x/s!Aj-l_yQM34m5j6hlS3vxQx53PI_YWA?e=TyYaaB

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

Our budget is strategically allocated to maximize efficiency and competitiveness, ensuring that each ADA invested yields high-quality results. We are committed to developing a user-friendly Marlowe Starter-Kit that significantly simplifies the integration of blockchain technology into diverse applications.

Strategic Impact and Benefits:

For Developers:

By lowering the technical barriers, the Marlowe Starter-Kit enables developers to easily create secure and innovative decentralized applications (Dapps) without needing deep blockchain expertise. This initiative includes comprehensive documentation and tutorials available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, thus broadening the project's accessibility and boosting developer engagement and innovation within the Cardano ecosystem.

For Businesses:

The Marlowe Starter-Kit encourages a greater number of developers to build varied applications using the Cardano blockchain. This expansion in development activity provides businesses with a wider array of blockchain solutions tailored to their specific needs, enhancing operational efficiency, transparency, and security. The ease of integration offered by the Starter-Kit helps businesses adopt blockchain technology more rapidly and effectively.

For the Cardano Community:

This project contributes significantly to the Cardano ecosystem by delivering high-quality, reusable tools and educational resources that support a collaborative development environment. These tools not only meet immediate needs but also bolster Cardano’s reputation as a leading blockchain platform for reliable and sophisticated applications.

Long-Term Impact and Sustainability:

The inclusion of Starter-Kits, along with the focus on multilingual support, prepares the ground for widespread adoption and continuous innovation within the Cardano community. Our project aligns with Cardano's goals of scalability and sustainability, ensuring that as the ecosystem grows, more developers and businesses can easily participate and innovate.