Cardano Credentials: Make skills visible, impactful and usable

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Robin Hellmann

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Franzi Schmid

Dr. Julia Kleeberger

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

4

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

Yes

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

Research and identify Cardano specific key skills, develop a foundational skill tree for Cardano badges, integrate into OpenEducationalBadges, and empower entities to issue Cardano badges.

[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

GNU AFFERO GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE

Version 3, 19 November 2007

https://github.com/mint-o-badges/badgr-ui/blob/main/LICENSE

[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

9 - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

SDG Subgoals

4.3 - By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university

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

4.5 - By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations

4.7 - By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development

8.2 - Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors

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

9.1 - Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all

9.5 - Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Understanding the Challenge

In the dynamic world of blockchain, navigating, developing, and implementing concepts requires a diverse set of skills that are currently fragmented and decentralized. The absence of a clear infrastructure to define, showcase, and leverage these necessary skills creates significant barriers. This leads to a fundamental problem: it's challenging to collaborate effectively when potential partners cannot easily identify each other's capabilities. Furthermore, those with the requisite skills often lack a platform to make these abilities visible, which hampers the development of effective working relationships within the Cardano ecosystem.

Our Strategic Approach

Addressing such a multifaceted problem necessitates a decentralized framework that operates beyond the confines of a single managing entity. To tackle this, we are initiating the development of skill trees and badge sets. This initiative aims to lay the groundwork within the Cardano ecosystem, encouraging the creation of further badges. This approach will not only facilitate a structured learning environment but also foster synergistic relationships by rewarding engagement and expertise.

Engaging the Community

Our project is designed to activate a vast number of community members who possess the skills necessary for blockchain innovation but have had no means to display them. By integrating with the Moodle plugin from OpenEducationalBadges, we extend our reach to those outside the traditional blockchain circles. This integration helps individuals previously unengaged with blockchain technologies to discover which skills are in demand, evaluate their own skill sets, and potentially engage with the Cardano community.

Measuring Our Impact

The true measure of our project's success will be the adoption rate of the badges and the tangible growth of community engagement they foster. We plan to monitor and report on key metrics such as the formation of new working groups, the onboarding of new resources, and the activation of community members over time. These insights will not only demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach but also guide future enhancements to ensure continuous improvement and engagement within the ecosystem.

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

Positive Impact on the Cardano Community

Our project is set to significantly enhance the Cardano ecosystem by introducing a structured framework for skill recognition and development. By developing and implementing skill trees and badge sets, we aim to clarify and standardize the skills necessary for blockchain innovation. This will facilitate more efficient and targeted collaboration among community members, reducing the time and effort currently wasted on searching for and verifying potential collaborators with the required expertise. As community members showcase their verified skills via badges, it fosters a more transparent and meritocratic environment, encouraging continuous learning and contributing.

Additionally, integrating with the OpenEducationalBadges system via the Moodle plugin enables us to tap into new demographics outside traditional blockchain spaces. This expansion not only broadens the Cardano community but also enhances its diversity, bringing fresh perspectives and skills into the ecosystem.

Measuring Impact

To measure the impact of our project, we will employ both quantitative and qualitative metrics:

• Quantitative Metrics:

• Adoption Rate: Tracking the number of community members who obtain and display badges.

• Engagement Metrics: Analyzing activities such as the formation of new working groups, participation in community challenges, and contributions to collaborative projects.

• Learning Progression: Assessing the advancement in skill levels within the community.

• Qualitative Metrics:

• Community Feedback: Regular surveys and forums to gather insights on the usability and effectiveness of the skill trees and badges.

• Case Studies: Documenting specific instances where the badge system directly facilitated successful collaborations and projects.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

The results and benefits derived from our project will be shared widely with both the Cardano community and the broader public:

• Community Updates: Regular updates via Cardano community forums, newsletters, and such to keep all members informed about new developments and opportunities.

• Public Access to Data: Publishing our findings and data sets on public platforms to ensure transparency and encourage external analyses by academics or other interested parties.

By systematically tracking, analyzing, and sharing the outcomes of our project, we will not only validate its success but also inspire and facilitate further innovations within 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?

Involved Parties

Disruptive Elements GmbH and mycelia gGmbH bring extensive experience in the education sector and digital product development. This collaboration is based on long-standing mutual trust and the synergistic integration of their competencies.

Expertise and background

MyCelia gGmbH

Mycelia, a non-profit organization, draws on significant experience in educational innovation. It designs learning experiences that systematically reshape how we value and utilize skills and competencies in both personal and career development. 

Collaborating with federal institutions and social enterprises, mycelia fosters collective impact through digital tools that empower lifelong learning with disruptive effects on the education system. 

The organization was founded by two successful entrepreneurs who previously launched an educational startup, Junge Tüftler:innen, which now operates across Germany with a team of 40 members.

Disruptive Elements GmbH

Disruptive Elements GmbH is a digital agency and venture builder at the forefront of AI, ED-TECH, Web 3 and blockchain technologies. We thrive on collaborating with NGOs, leveraging our expertise to drive impactful initiatives in this realm.

Composed of visionaries, developers, and project implementers, we empower decision-makers and businesses to navigate the digital landscape by providing comprehensive (IT) methodologies and implementation expertise, leading to market-ready solutions.

Robin Hellmann

Robin Hellmann has been able to demonstrate his skills with internationally acclaimed projects such as the Non-Funible Animals of WWF Germany and a large number of blockchain-related projects.

Experience / Feasibility

MyCelia gGmbH

Klima Campus

Klima Campus is a transformative learning platform that empowers young people to translate knowledge into action. By providing easily digestible information on climate change and climate action, it inspires users to engage in meaningful activities that can evolve from individual actions into collective impact strategies. The platform leverages a Moodle-based web environment enriched with interactive maps and young voices to inspire and guide its users.

To foster a vibrant and active community, Klima Campus is establishing a youth advisory board, ensuring that the platform remains relevant and effective in meeting the needs of its audience. Users can interact with educational materials, use maps to start climate-protective activities, and earn badges that reflect their growing expertise in crucial future skills. This approach not only informs but also motivates young people to recognize their power and harness it effectively.

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, underscoring its importance and national significance in shaping proactive climate action among younger generations.

Open Educational Badges

Open Educational Badges is a digital tool that documents and visualizes skill acquisition in non-formal learning environments using Open Badges (2.0) technology. This platform not only adopts the technical standard but also incorporates a comprehensive competence dictionary to make the badges more relevant for learners. By combining these two standards, Open Educational Badges allows learners to understand their unique skill profiles.

Learners can collect individual badges, which, through the standardized skill taxonomy, can build upon one another, providing a transparent view of individual skill growth. This transparency empowers learners to better understand their potential for career planning and development. 

Badge issuers, such as non-formal learning providers, can also showcase the value and quality of their offerings. Moreover, potential employers can recognize the standardized, machine-readable data sets, gaining a clear understanding of the skills each individual possesses.

This project is being carried out in partnership with two cooperative organizations and is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, along with various foundations. Together, they ensure that Open Educational Badges offers a comprehensive framework that benefits learners, badge issuers, and skill recognizers alike, fostering transparency and standardization in skill recognition.

Disruptive Elements GmbH

Stahlo Stahlservice GmbH & Co.KG

Development of a CO2-tracking system for green steel supply chains. The blockchain-based application ensures traceability and authenticity of green steel throughout the entire steel supply chain, from the steel mill to the end product.

Dibooq: The Network for Vacation Rentals

Development of a blockchain-based notarial layer for the DiBooq platform. This is the first real-time occupancy calendar for vacation rentals, providing agencies and owners with access to current calendar and booking data at any time.

SmartPlaces

Strategic consulting and whitepaper development for the startup Smart Places. Smart Places incentivizes real social interactions. By introducing "Connect2Earn," users are rewarded for interacting with others in the ecosystem. Through the use of blockchain technology, data can be monetized in a decentralized zero-knowledge environment.

Welthungerhilfe

We were proud to have supported #innolab2023TechEdition by Welthungerhilfe (WHH) as a tech partner, with a focus on Blockchain Technologies. Last year's #innolab2023 explored cutting-edge tech like AI, robotics, VR, Blockchain, and classic apps. In collaboration with an excellent team from Bangladesh (one out of five), we developed innovative solutions for Zero Hunger. Teams worked tirelessly online and in the field to refine their ideas. Following this, they came to Berlin to work with us for a 3-day innovation sprint. Afterwards, all five teams met in Bonn for the Welthungerhilfe #Innolab2023 #SharkTankEvent. We express our gratitude to our exceptional team from Bangladesh. With their support, we showcased an impressive prototype, leaving a significant impact with our peer-to-peer #priceOracle for Bangladesh. Our team was immensely proud of everyone's contribution, and we extended special thanks to the Cardano Foundation for their unwavering support. Together, we could turn dreams into reality and work towards a brighter, hunger-free future.

In addition to the aforementioned clients, our portfolio includes esteemed companies such as:

Volkswagen AG

HERE Technologies, ADAC, Continental in the field of mobility and autonomous driving

Roland Berger

In the area of agile project development and prototyping (Bank of the Future LBB / ADAC,)

Condé Nast, Funke Mediengruppe, and RTV media solutions GmbH

In the areas of digital publishing and digital product development

United Soft Media (USM)

In the field of entertainment / game development

Sparwelt AG, remind me GmbH

In the areas of e-commerce and FinTech

Teletax GmbH, UBS AG, Sparkassenstiftung, and LearnIO

In the area of learning portal, blended learning

Sparwelt, Stahlo, L | EARN

In the area of blockchain and AI

Hamburger Volksbank

In the area of Data Unios

Management of funds

MyCelia gGmbH has received funding from German federal ministries (Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection) as well as the Deutsche Telekom Foundation and Next Generation EU. It is in the nature of publicly funded projects that they are subject to particularly strict reviews. Funding from government support programs and foundations demonstrates the project's capabilities and trustworthiness.

Disruptive Elements GmbH, as a full-service tech agency, can look back on many years of successful collaboration with large companies, publicly funded projects, and NGOs.

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

Team Onboarding, Project Planning, and Introduction to Cardano Catalyst

Description:

This initial milestone aims to assemble a qualified project team, define project goals and plans, and introduce the team to the Cardano Catalyst program.

Milestone Output:

• A fully staffed project team with defined roles and responsibilities.
• Detailed project plan with timelines and resource allocation.
• Introduction workshop to the Cardano Catalyst program for all team members.

Acceptance Criteria:

• All team positions are filled with qualified individuals.
• The project plan is approved by all stakeholders.
• Successful completion of the introduction workshop, confirmed by participant feedback.

Mapping the Cardano Ecosystem

Description:

Analyze and document the existing Cardano ecosystem to identify relevant stakeholders, existing structures, and previous initiatives.

Milestone Output:

• Detailed report on the Cardano ecosystem focusing on existing skill requirements and educational initiatives.
• Visualization of the ecosystem showing the various stakeholders and their interrelations.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Completeness and accuracy of the ecosystem report, verified through peer review.
• Clarity and utility of the ecosystem visualization, confirmed by stakeholder feedback.

Identification of Needed Skills, Creation of Initial Skill Trees and Badges

Description:

Determine the specific skills required within the Cardano ecosystem and develop corresponding skill trees and badge designs.

Milestone Output:

• List of required skills based on ecosystem analysis.
• Initial drafts of skill trees and badges representing these skills.

Acceptance Criteria:

• The list of skills must be comprehensive and relevant, approved by the community.
• Drafts of skill trees and badges must receive positive feedback of experts and community members.

Creation of the First Set of Cardano Badges and Concept for Decentralized Badge Issuance

Description:

Finalize and implement the first set of Cardano badges, based on the identified skills and develop a concept for the decentralized issuance of these badges by authorized issuers.

Milestone Output:

• Completed first set of Cardano badges.
• Concept for onboarding first issuers of more badges.

Acceptance Criteria:

• The completed badge set is functional and accepted by the Cardano community.
• The concept for the decentralized issuance infrastructure is approved by key stakeholders.

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

Team

Julia Kleeberger / Co-Founder MyCelia gGmbH

https://www.linkedin.com/in/julea/?locale=de_DE 

Dr. Julia Kleeberger has spent over a decade as an expert in bringing innovative ideas to life through strong business cases and technological groundwork. A researcher at heart, she translates current research into exceptional products. She co-founded Form21, Mycelia gGmbH, and Junge Tüftler:innen and is exceptionally well-connected in the education sector.

Franzi Schmid / Co-Founder MyCelia gGmbH

https://www.linkedin.com/in/franzi-schmid/

Franziska Schmid has been actively involved in innovative education since 2015, co-founding and leading Form21, Mycelia gGmbH, and Junge Tüftler:innen. Her strengths lie in planning, conceptualization, and translating digital and analog learning concepts into user experiences. She is well-connected in the education world, with contacts among startups, ministries, and the public sector.

Jürgen Kleeberger / Founder Disruptive Elements GmbH

https://www.linkedin.com/in/j%C3%BCrgen-kleeberger-39449511/

As a strategic thinker and digital product developer, Jürgen Kleeberger successfully digital enhanced industry sectors in different areas, e.g. logistics, media publishing, mobility services etc. Focusing on emerging technologies and having a deep understanding for the companies needs, he was in charge of digitizing communication processes and developing digital product strategies. His ongoing passion for current technology trends and management methods enables him to help companies implement solutions at the pulse of time and to meet the challenges of digital transformation that they face. In short, he supports decision-makers to lead digital initiatives with agile methods and implementation expertise to provide market-ready solutions.

Robin Hellmann / Freelancing M.Sc. Industrial Engineer

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-hellmann-2927b529b/

Robin possesses deep expertise in innovative techniques and sustainability. After successfully obtaining a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from the prestigious RWTH Aachen University, he dedicated himself to projects in the innovation environment, building expertise in areas such as blockchain, AI, and educational technology. He offers consulting, project management, and conceptual work for these sectors. In his work with large NGOs, like WWF Germany, as well as industrial partners, he has proven himself and is always seeking new challenges to make the world a slightly better place.

Dominik Fiolka / CTO Disruptive Elements GmbH

Dominik Fiolka (Development) is a seasoned full-stack developer who brings extensive experience to his role as CTO and Architect at Disruptive Elements. With a background in full-stack development, Dominik has been instrumental in implementing a wide range of projects tailored to meet customer needs. His solution-oriented and pragmatic approach ensures that projects are delivered efficiently and effectively. Dominik has contributed his expertise to various projects, including those for renowned clients such as HERE, Volkswagen, L|EARN, and WIRED Germany. His dedication to delivering high-quality solutions that meet client expectations makes him an invaluable asset to the development team.

Lars Zachowski / UX UI Lead

Lars Zachowski is an extremely experienced UX/UI designer who has been successfully working in our team for years. His expertise particularly lies in developing user-centered solutions and applications. Lars has an impressive track record in managing and developing projects for a variety of clients, including well-known organizations such as Welthungerhilfe. His accomplishments include outstanding projects like L|EARN, Klimacampus, WIRED, and Volkswagen. His profound understanding of user experience and design makes him an indispensable member of our team.

Roles

Julia and Franzi, co-founders of MyCelia gGmbH, initiated this project. They will play a pivotal role in leading its content direction.

Jürgen, founder of Disruptive Elements GmbH, will act as the implementation partner, overseeing the integration of management and technology.

Robin, a project manager with extensive Web3 experience, will supervise the project.

Dominik, serving as the Full-Stack and Technical Lead, will manage the technical execution of the project.

Lars will take the lead when it comes to anything UX/UI related topics.

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

Onboarding the Team to Cardano Catalyst

Duration:

2 weeks

Requested funds:

6976 ADA

Milestone output:

• Onboarding workshop.
• A detailed onboarding document for the team, a project roadmap document describing the integration steps and goals, and a comprehensive project plan developed during the workshop.

----------------------------------------------------

Mapping the Cardano Ecosystem

Duration:

4 weeks

Requested Funds:

30232 ADA

Milestone Output:

• Detailed report on the Cardano ecosystem focusing on existing skill requirements and educational initiatives.
• Visualization of the ecosystem showing the various stakeholders and their interrelations.

----------------------------------------------------

Identification of Needed Skills, Creation of Initial Skill Trees and Badges

Duration:

6 weeks

Requested Funds:

51162 ADA

Milestone Output:

• List of required skills based on ecosystem analysis.
• Initial drafts of skill trees and badges representing these skills.

----------------------------------------------------

Creation of the First Set of Cardano Badges and Concept for Decentralized Badge Issuance

Duration:

4 weeks

Requested Funds:

11627 ADA

Milestone Output:

• Completed first set of Cardano badges.
• Concept for onboarding first issuers of more badges.

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

Investing in the development and implementation of a badge system for the Cardano ecosystem represents significant value for money due to several key benefits that directly enhance the ecosystem's functionality and inclusivity. Here are the ways in which the costs of the project translate into substantial value:

Enhanced Collaboration and Efficiency:

By clearly defining and displaying skills within the ecosystem, the badge system reduces the time and effort needed to identify and assemble teams with the right competencies. This streamlined process can lead to faster and more effective project initiations, ultimately speeding up innovation and reducing redundant efforts within the community.

Skill Visibility and Recognition:

The badge system provides a foundation for a platform for individuals to validate and showcase their skills, encouraging continuous learning and professional development. This visibility not only helps individuals to gain recognition and potentially advance their careers but also helps project leaders in identifying and recruiting the right talent. The increased motivation and retention of skilled individuals provide a direct return on investment through enhanced productivity and innovation.

Community Growth and Diversification:

By integrating with systems like Moodle through the OpenEducationalBadges plugin, the project extends beyond the existing community to engage a broader audience. This engagement brings new members into the Cardano ecosystem, each bringing their unique skills and perspectives. This expansion helps in fostering a more diverse and robust community, thereby enhancing problem-solving capabilities and creativity within the ecosystem.

Scalable and Sustainable Infrastructure:

The decentralized approach to badge issuance ensures that the system is scalable and not reliant on a single controlling entity, reducing ongoing operational costs. Moreover, this system promotes a sustainable model of growth and development within the Cardano ecosystem by enabling the community to take charge of its evolution through self-governance.

Long-term Community Activation and Engagement:

By providing clear pathways for learning and development, the badge system keeps the community engaged and active. This increased engagement is likely to lead to higher productivity and more successful projects, which can attract further investment and interest in the Cardano ecosystem.

Quantifiable Outcomes for Impact Measurement:

The project's focus on measurable impacts (adoption rates, formation of new collaborations, etc.) ensures that the community can see and understand the benefits, justifying the investment. This transparency in benefits helps in gaining and maintaining stakeholder support, crucial for the ongoing funding and expansion of the ecosystem.

In conclusion, the cost of developing and implementing the badge system is justified by the substantial and diverse benefits it brings to the Cardano ecosystem. These benefits not only improve the immediate functionality and appeal of the ecosystem but also lay the groundwork for sustained growth and innovation.