Cardano Center Moldova

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Tudor Cotruta

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

Entity (Incorporated)

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

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)

Moldova Cardano Center - creating a community through a series of events with the aim to spread awareness, increase adoption amongst developers and businesses.

[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

All the materials that will be produced as part of the meetups, conferences and other events hosted within the center, will be openly available on the Cardano Centers website and other social media channels. Licence: Dynamic content with Apache.

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG Goals

4 - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

8 - Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

SDG Subgoals

4.4 - By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship

8.3 - Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services

Key Performance Indicator (KPI)

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Following the success of the Cardano Center in Cape Town, we recognize the profound impact that physical spaces have in bridging the virtual blockchain world with real-world onboarding, interactions, growth and learning. Instead of establishing a new location, we will integrate the Moldova Cardano Center within an existing venue. This approach will leverage existing infrastructures to reduce costs and ensure the Center's sustainability.

Onboarding, Onboarding, Onboarding!

On the back of the successful launch and operation of the Cardano Center Cape Town, we will establish Cardano Centers worldwide. These Centers are designed to be pivotal in enhancing Cardano's real-world presence, onboarding a diverse range of participants into the ecosystem, and serving as local hubs for blockchain innovation and community engagement. This is a boring way to say we make Cardano look cool and do so in an authentic manner with good products and solid onboarding & education.

Moldova stands out as an ideal location for our headquarters for a few reasons: its compact size makes it a favorable testing ground for emerging technologies as well as it fosters a vibrant and growing technical / developers community (the IT industry is the top sector by amount of contribution to GDP). This unique position allows us to pilot new applications with small-scale enterprises and pinpoint the exact factors that would accelerate the widespread adoption of Cardano among broader communities as well as it offers significant development potential for nurturing new startups and new applications that would further drive the expansion of the Cardano ecosystem.

This initiative is a strategic move to embed the Cardano community within a vibrant, tech-savvy, and globally connected audience. The community complains about the lack of marketing in Cardano; we’re solving a lot of marketing issues with Cardano Center expansions. 

Engagement and Impact:

The Cardano Center Moldova will focus on:

• Onboarding Businesses: Introduce and integrate local businesses and other blockchain entities into the Cardano ecosystem.

• Onboarding Creators: Promote local cultural events. Educating creators such as artists, photographers, musicians, and authors on engaging and monetizing their art forms utilizing Cardano.

• Onboarding Users: Develop a robust loyalty program using Cardano wallets, tokens, and POS systems to engage and onboard customers.

• Onboarding Developers: Host hackathons and incubators to attract and nurture local developers to integrate Cardano into their solutions.

• Community and Collaboration: The center aims to become a thriving hub for blockchain enthusiasts, hosting meetups, workshops, and hackathons. These events will cultivate a culture of innovation and collaboration, essential for the growth of the Web3 community.

• Education and Certification: Collaborating with educational entities and blockchain organizations, we plan to offer certified courses and practical training programs tailored to the Web3 space. We have had a number of discussions with Emurgo Academy representatives and based on those, there is a significant interest in expending their footprint in the region - we can be the driving force that makes it happen. This will not only elevate blockchain literacy but also assist in job placement and career advancement within the industry.

• Workspace Provision: Providing a conducive environment for creativity and development, the center will offer workspaces to both the local and international Cardano community, fostering project development and networking opportunities.

Unique Aspects and Benefits:

Strategic Location: Moldova is a bilingual nation fluent in both Romanian and Russian. This linguistic advantage enables us to effortlessly engage with Eastern European countries, leveraging shared historical ties and contemporary educational values to find common ground.

Proven Model: Drawing from our experiences in Cape Town, we are confident in our ability to replicate and adapt this successful model to the unique cultural and technological landscape of Moldova.

Community-Centric Approach: The Center is driven by and for the community, managed by local blockchain enthusiasts and tailored to the specific needs of Moldova's dynamic population with an eye on Global expansion.

Alignment with Cardano’s Mission: This expansion is in line with Cardano's goals of fostering a transparent, accessible, and community-driven approach to blockchain technology.

Establishing the Cardano Center in Moldova signifies a pivotal step in expanding the Cardano ecosystem's global reach, especially in the context of no other blockchain setups in the region, this would put Cardano into a driving position. This project represents a commitment to integrating blockchain technology into diverse communities, promoting education, collaboration, and innovation in line with Cardano's core values.

In this initial six-month phase of the project, we will be conducting the following activities:

• Hosting monthly preplanned meetups and events.
• Fostering the growth of Cardano communities across Eastern European nations and promoting local Cardano social meetups in the area
• Conducting a series of industry-specific presentations on Cardano utilities, such as supply chain tracking for the wine and grains industries.
• Engaging in communication and collaboration with government agencies to promote the use of blockchain technology to streamline operations and reduce inefficiencies within various dimensions of government activities.

This is the initial, inception phase within a bigger journey aiming to drive the Cardano ecosystem adoption in the region, in continuation looking to dive deeper into the Cardano ecosystem intricacies and to explore more exotic use cases by hosting more targeted meetups and events, including industry specific presentations for onboarding businesses.

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

Answer:

Establishing the Cardano Center in Moldova marks a significant step in broadening the scope and influence of the Cardano ecosystem. Recognized as a tech hub with hundreds of IT companies having presence, Moldova offers an ideal setting for this innovative venture. This initiative goes beyond mere geographic expansion; it represents an effort to enhance Cardano's global presence and foster a community centered around technological innovation and collaboration.

Tracking numbers in web3 isn't a walk in the park. It's a lot more manual than you'd think, especially since the web3 world thrives on anonymity and decentralization. Right now, we're doing things the old-school way, manually tracking our metrics using VESPR wallets. It's hands-on work, but we're getting the hang of it. Plus, we're in close contact with the VESPR team, working together to figure out smarter ways to keep tabs on our impact and engagement. 

Fostering Education and Professional Growth:

Aligned with Cardano's ethos of education and empowerment, the center will focus on providing blockchain education and practical training. These programs, designed to cater to varying levels of expertise, will not only elevate blockchain literacy but also nurture a skilled workforce ready to contribute to the Cardano ecosystem's growth and innovation.

Community Empowerment through Inclusive Space:

The Center aims to be an inclusive space welcoming both seasoned blockchain professionals and those new to the field. Hosting diverse events, workshops, and gatherings, will encourage active participation from all community members, fostering a vibrant, collaborative environment.

Showcasing Practical Blockchain Applications:

By demonstrating real-world applications of blockchain technology, the center in Moldova will make Cardano more tangible and relatable. Showcasing how Cardano's technology can be integrated into everyday scenarios will help demystify blockchain and attract a broader audience.

Scalable and Replicable Success:

Drawing inspiration from the success of the Cape Town center, the Moldova Cardano Center will also follow an open-source model, making it a scalable and replicable framework for future global expansions. This approach will facilitate the creation of a network of hubs, each adding unique value to Cardano's decentralized global community.

Measuring and Sharing Impact:

Commitment to transparency and accountability will be a cornerstone of the Moldova center. We will actively track and share key metrics like visitor numbers, participation in educational programs, and engagement in community events. This data will provide insights into the center's impact and guide its continuous evolution to meet community needs.

Vision for a Global Network:

The Cardano Center Moldova is more than a single hub; it's part of a broader vision to establish a network of global centers that embody Cardano's principles of accessibility, collaboration, and innovation. This expansion marks a significant step in nurturing a robust, interconnected global Cardano community.

Ultimately, our vision is to make the hub a self-sustainable entity that could exist based on coaching and consulting services with regards to the broader Cardano ecosystem which would be provided to a growing number of parties interested in adopting the tech and building blockchain based solutions. As we lay this groundwork, we anticipate a ripple effect that will inspire widespread use of Cardano in the area.

By engaging a new wave of developers and users in this region, we are positioning Eastern Europe prominently on the expansive Cardano map. Currently, the Americas, Western and Central Europe, the Far East, Africa, and Australia have established vibrant communities with groups of thought leaders. Meanwhile, countries like Moldova, Romania, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, and Slovakia are either catching up or have yet to engage in collaborative initiatives.

Our project will serve as a catalyst, bridging this gap by integrating these nations into the global Cardano ecosystem. Through our concerted efforts, we aim to transform Eastern Europe into a hub of innovation and collaboration, contributing to the diverse and rich tapestry of the Cardano community.

[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?

Proven Track Record:

Drawing from our success in establishing the Cardano Center in Cape Town, we are fully equipped to bring this model to Moldova. The ongoing success of this initiative provides a strong foundation and a replicable blueprint for the project. Our ability to execute with high trust and accountability is supported by detailed strategic planning and the strength of our local team in Moldova. We have valuable insights from overcoming challenges in creating a community-focused center, which we will adapt to Moldova's unique cultural and technological landscape.

Local Team and Network:

Our Moldova team consists of individuals deeply embedded in the Cardano ecosystem and in the digital/tech communities. Their knowledge of Moldova's unique dynamics and existing networks is crucial for finding a suitable location and ensuring the center resonates with local needs while remaining cost-effective.

Strategic Use of Resources:

We have carefully planned our budget to align with Moldova's operational costs, ensuring each ADA is efficiently utilized towards establishing a vibrant and impactful center. This includes investments in the physical space, operational expenses, community events, and educational initiatives.

Feasibility and Validation:

Our approach will be validated through:

• Regular Assessments: We will regularly review operational efficiency, community engagement, and educational program effectiveness.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Robust feedback channels will be established to gather insights from the community, participants, and our local team, allowing us to continuously refine our operations.
• Measurable Outcomes: We will track visitor numbers, event participation, program enrolments, and community feedback to gauge our impact.

Collaborative Approach:

Recognizing Moldova's vibrant community dynamics, our strategy includes forming partnerships with local entities and digital creators. This collaborative approach will aid in cost management and enhance our integration within the local ecosystem.

With three years of active involvement in the Cardano community, our network is extensive and diverse, including developers, project founders, content creators, and ambassadors. This extensive networking ensures that we have the connections necessary to support and validate the feasibility of our ideas as well as gain access to the broader experience available within the community.

Sustainable Long-Term Operation:

Our goal is to develop the Cardano Center Moldova into a self-sustaining, community-driven hub, ensuring its long-term viability and ongoing contribution to the Cardano ecosystem.

Leveraging our proven experience, strategic planning, and the expertise of our local team, we are confident in our ability to successfully establish and grow the Cardano Center Moldova, making it a key component of the global Cardano community.

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

Initial Setup and Engagement

• Location Partnership: Instead of leasing, partner with an existing venue to minimize costs.
• Marketing and Community Engagement: Streamline initial marketing to focus on low-cost, high-impact digital strategies.
• Design and Staffing Plans: Utilize existing resources and volunteer community members to reduce staffing costs.
• Interior Adaptation: Adapt existing interiors instead of extensive fit-outs to reflect the center’s needs with minimal changes.

Infrastructure and Training

• Soft Launch of the Center: Conduct a soft launch with limited, cost-effective events that leverage community involvement.
• First meetup: The first community building meetup directed towards finding the first Cardano Pioneers in Moldova.
• Operational Refinement: Use feedback from initial operations to make adjustments without additional cost.

Grand Opening and Regular Operations

• Grand Opening Event: An opening event that maximizes community participation and media coverage.
• Regular Operations: Maintain a focus on community-driven events and workshops to keep operational costs low. Host following two meetups.

Ongoing Reporting and Feedback: Use in-house resources for continuous reporting and integration of community feedback.

2 developers meetups and project reports

Final Project Completion Report and Video (Included in Milestone 4 Budget)

Comprehensive Impact Report and Video: Utilize internal resources and community volunteers to produce a summary video and final report, minimizing external production costs.

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

Tudor Cotruta is an enthusiastic entrepreneur who has been involved in building multiple businesses from ground up dealing with event organization, tourism branding, catering and logistics. Over the last 3 years he has been fully involved in the Web 3 space and more specifically in the Cardano ecosystem. His role will be to maintain and facilitate the interaction with the Cardano ecosystem, manage the project to ensure deadlines and commitments are met as well as actively contribute to communication with businesses, developers and other entities.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tudor-cotruta-a6661a88/

X: https://twitter.com/cotruta_tudor

Sorin Canter is licensed in applied mathematics and has a master in information technology and has over 20 years experience in the IT industry in various roles like engineer, consultant, teacher and coach, as well as extensive leadership and management experience. Throughout his experience he has worked in various industries like Financial Markets, Banking and Payments, Insurance, Retail and Logistics, Media, Publishing and more. His role will be to provide an analytical flavor to the project, digest and leverage technical matters, and proactively get involved in the events as a speaker and coach. He will also be contributing alongside Tudor to community building by leveraging his broad network both in academical as well as governmental realms.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sorin-canter-21716327/

Razali 'Raz' - Catalyst Advisor 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/razali-samsudin/

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

Venue setup 12k Ada

Rent - 13k Ada

Initial stakeholders engagement - 7k Ada

Infrastructure - 11k ada

2 events (industry, developers) - 8k Ada

Grand opening and regular operations (2 events - general and developers) - 23k Ada

Meetups and project reports (2 events - industry, developers) - 15k Ada

Management 9k Ada

PoA submission - 1.4k Ada

Total: 99.4k Ada

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

Leveraging Past Experience:

Our success with the Cardano Center in Cape Town has equipped us with valuable insights for cost-effective operations and resource allocation. This experience ensures that every ADA invested yields substantial results in community engagement, education, and innovation.

Strategic Resource Allocation:

Allocating resources towards key areas like staffing, marketing, and technological infrastructure is vital to make the Cardano Center Moldova a dynamic and sustainable hub. This investment in skilled personnel and community initiatives will significantly boost Cardano’s adoption and engagement within the region.

Value to the Cardano Ecosystem:

The establishment of the Cardano Center in Moldova brings several advantages:

• Global Visibility: It enhances Cardano's global profile, especially in Eastern Europe, a region with immense potential in blockchain technology.
• Education and Innovation Hub: The center will serve as a focal point for blockchain education and innovation, aligning with Cardano's mission to promote accessible and impactful blockchain solutions.
• Community Growth: By fostering a space for networking and collaboration, the center will catalyze community growth and facilitate the exchange of ideas and projects within the Cardano ecosystem.
• Strategic Outreach: The project's outreach to businesses and government agencies is another key focus area.

The budget for the Cardano Center Moldova represents a calculated and value-driven investment, designed to maximize impact and foster long-term growth within the Cardano community. This center will not only serve the immediate needs of the local and global Cardano enthusiasts but also contribute significantly to the broader adoption and understanding and adoption of blockchain technology.