Catalyst Mentors Accelerator- Empowering Teams to success

[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] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Zvika guy - Head of UX, wix - zvikag@wix.com

[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)

Establishing a structured accelerator with expert-led sessions in various topics to enhance project execution and collaboration among Cardano product teams.

[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.”

As for the first stages, we would use third-party platforms for organising events,

And allocating experts.

We will collaborate with technology partners that will provide tools, frameworks, or services relevant to blockchain development and deployment. This may include partnerships with cloud service providers, development frameworks, and blockchain protocol developers.

We will need to build a landing page, forms, and gathering spaces (virtual or even physical later on).

We plan to collaborate with academic institutes, media outlets, influencers, and marketing partners to amplify the reach and impact of the launchpad.

[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

no

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

This launchpad/accelerator initiative offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by startups entering the blockchain space.

By establishing a robust support ecosystem, the launchpad addresses key issues such as expert guidance, educational gaps and execution.

Experienced mentors will provide invaluable insights, while networking activities and industry-specific support foster collaboration and innovation.

The initiative leverages global reach, connecting startups with a diverse audience. It also addresses regulatory concerns, offering guidance on compliance and legal matters. The launchpad's educational initiatives, including workshops and tutorials, bridge knowledge gaps, ensuring that entrepreneurs and developers have the skills needed for success.

Program Structure:

1. The program is organized around a structured schedule, ensuring that all sessions are planned and executed within a clear framework. This scheduling allows teams to prepare and maximize their engagement with the resources provided.
2. We will use our axpereince in curating a roster of experts specializing in Strategy, Product Development, User Experience (UX), Blockchain Development, and Marketing. Each session is tailored to address specific needs, providing targeted insights that directly benefit each area of project development.

The unique aspects of the proposal:

We will engage experts from within and outside the Catalyst community to provide targeted advice, ensuring that teams have access to top-tier knowledge and experience.

By incorporating structured peer review sessions, teams can receive constructive feedback in a collaborative environment, fostering community support and iterative improvement.

The program will engage not only the product teams but also experts, mentors, and potential investors within the Cardano community, enhancing the ecosystem's overall collaboration and innovation capacity.

Impact Demonstration:

The impact will be demonstrated through the progression of projects from concept to MVP with increased readiness for market challenges. We will measure success by the rate of project advancement, participant feedback, and the subsequent attraction of further funding and support.

Importance to Cardano:

This initiative is vital for Cardano as it ensures that promising projects receive the nurturing needed to succeed, thereby accelerating the development of high-impact use cases on the Cardano blockchain. It enhances the reputation of Cardano as a hub for viable, scalable blockchain solutions, attracting more developers and investors to the platform.

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

The Value:

By improving the execution capabilities of product teams, the program will contribute to a higher rate of successful project launches, increasing the robustness and diversity of applications on the Cardano network. 

Facilitating interactions between new developers and seasoned experts enhances community cohesion and fosters a learning environment that upskills the entire ecosystem.

Successfully accelerated projects are more likely to attract further funding and partnerships, enhancing the economic activity within the Cardano ecosystem.

Impact:

We will track the number of projects that reach MVP status, the subsequent funding these projects receive, and the number of active users or transactions on projects supported by the accelerator.

Feedback from participants and experts will be gathered to assess the effectiveness of the support provided. We will also monitor the level of engagement and satisfaction within the community through surveys and direct testimonials.

Outputs and Opportunities:

Community Updates -

Regular updates will be shared through Cardano community channels, including forums, newsletters, and social media, to keep the community informed about the progress and successes of the accelerator.

Collaboration -

Outputs from the program, such as case studies, best practices, and lessons learned, will be made available to the community, providing valuable resources for future projects.

Showcases-

At the end of the program cycle, a public showcase will be held to demonstrate the advancements made by participating teams, allowing investors, industry partners, and other community members to explore opportunities for collaboration and support.

[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?

As a seasoned product expert with extensive experience in creating apps and digital products, my capability to deliver this project comes from a deep understanding of the product development process, particularly in the tech and blockchain sectors. My previous projects have involved collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver user-centric solutions, ensuring both functionality and market relevance.

I have successfully managed multiple projects from conception through to launch, including conducting workshops similar to those proposed here. My expertise in UX design, product strategy, and prototype testing has been recognized within professional circles, and I have facilitated several training sessions and seminars focused on these disciplines.

I was helping HUNDREDS of startups and companies deliver successful products, some of them are well known as Waze, AT&T, T-mobile, MLB league, Alcatel lucent, HP and major Banks.

In the last 5 years i an the director of Visual communication department,

Delivering classes, managing a team of 120 teachers and 450 students.

My career path was focused on delivering services and mentoring, while practising myself as an entrepreneur, helping me to be aware of the challenges and decisions in the field of innovation,funding and.

I'm an educator, and im an initiator of systems and frameworks

Based on my proven experience in building collaboration and knowledge support.

I was on the board member of early stage startups and founded some of my own. Raising capital, took ownership of product strategy, branding and visual identity, and ux/ui and experience director.

I am currently a mentor and part of the founding team of Google for a startup accelerator in Israel.

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

Program Setup and Initial Expert Recruitment

Objective: Establish the foundational structures and recruit key experts needed for the accelerator sessions.

Outputs:

Development and launch of the program

landing page.

Framing needs.

Recruitment of experts in Strategy, Product Development, UX, Blockchain Development, and Marketing.

Acceptance Criteria:

Landing page goes live with functional registration and information sections.

Agreements with at least five key experts, one from each area of focus.

First Accelerator Session

Objective: Conduct the inaugural session of the accelerator, focusing on strategy and product development.

Outputs:

Execution of the first multi-day session, including workshops and expert office hours.

Compilation of feedback forms and session recordings.

Acceptance Criteria:

At least 80% participant satisfaction rate on post-session feedback.

Successful delivery of workshops and expert interactions as planned.

Mid-Program Review and Second Session

Objective:

Implement feedback from the first session to improve and conduct the second session, focusing on UX and development challenges.

Outputs:

Conducting the second session with adjustments based on the first session’s feedback.

Detailed report on the session’s outcomes and participant progress.

Acceptance Criteria:

Implementation of at least 70% of actionable feedback from the first session.

Positive advancements in participant projects, as evidenced by progress reports.

Program Closure and Impact Assessment

Objective:

Conclude the program with a comprehensive review of the impacts and prepare a final showcase event.

Outputs:

Final accelerator session focusing on marketing and scaling strategies.

Comprehensive impact report and a showcase event for participants to present their projects to the community and investors.

Acceptance Criteria:

Successful organization and execution of the final showcase event.

Documentation of program impacts, including advancements in participant projects and feedback on the overall program effectiveness.

Project Completion Report and Video

Objective:

Produce a detailed project completion report and a video highlighting the program’s achievements and participant testimonials.

Outputs:

A comprehensive project report detailing the methodology, impact, and lessons learned.

A professional video featuring highlights from the sessions, expert insights, and participant testimonials.

Acceptance Criteria:

Approval of the completion report and video by the Catalyst community review team.

Distribution of the video on Cardano community channels to enhance visibility and promote future iterations of the program.

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

Zachi diner -

Zachi is a designer by profession and at heart, a UX evangelist and the head of the interactive department at HIT School of design and Technology.

He is the co-founder and the Creative Director of Balora, a design, UX, and development services studio (acquired by Ngsoft at 2010).

These days, Along with his freelance Creative and visual services, he his VP creative and product at Artbit. A revolutionary and disruptive startup in the field of visual recognition and the art world.

He is a highly experienced designer and a visual thinker.

Used to hold high-level positions such as VP of Creative and Innovation position at NGsoft and Director of Design at various studios.

During the last 18 years, he worked in all areas of User Experience Design - Information Architecture, Interaction Design, Visual Design, Product Strategy, marketing, technology etc.

He offered his product and design expertise to hundreds of projects for major companies in Israel and abroad and led entrepreneurial initiatives from seed ideas to big successes.

He designed TV applications, web applications, PC and mobile services (feature phones, smart phones, and tablets) for Pelephone, AT&T, Verizon, MTV, Alcatel lucent, HP, Waze, Microsoft, orca, channel 10, and many more.

Specialties: Design Strategy, Product Research, Customer Experience Management, Business Consulting, Lead Creative Teams.

Web, mobile, and PC Application Interface Design, TV/IPTV/OTT UX and innovative concepts, Visual Design, Brand Strategy, and development.

Zvika Guy

A product and UX manager, experienced in leading product and UX teams across the product's lifecycle.

I lead a UX team at Wix, teach at jolt.io, and mentor at www.startupdesigners.co.

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

Milestone 1:

Program Setup and Initial Expert Recruitment

Total Estimated Cost: 12k ADA

Landing Page Development: For design and hosting services. Expert Recruitment: For the recruitment process, including interviews and selection.

Milestone 2:

First Accelerator Session

Total Estimated Cost: 20k ADA

Expert Fees: Partial payment for experts participating in the first session.

Virtual Meeting Infrastructure:For tools and technology to host the session.

Materials and Resources: For session-specific materials.

Project Management: For coordination and management of the first session.

Publicity and Promotion: For initial marketing and outreach activities.

Milestone 3: Mid-Program Review and Second Session

Total Estimated Cost: 23k ADA

Expert Fees: (second payment for continued expert participation). Virtual Meeting Infrastructure: For continued platform usage. Materials and Resources: For additional digital resources.

Project Management:For ongoing coordination and management.

Publicity and Promotion: For sustained marketing efforts.

Final Milestone: Program Closure and Impact Assessment

Total Estimated Cost: 25k ADA

Expert Fees: (final payment for expert involvement).

Final Showcase Event: For hosting a comprehensive closing event.Project Management: For final project wrap-up and coordination.

Documentation and Reporting: For creating final detailed reports.

Final Report and Video Production:For professional documentation of the program’s outcomes and impacts.

Additional Costs Across Milestones:

Community Engagement and Reporting - Included in the costs of Milestones 2, 3, and Final are allocations for ongoing community engagement and detailed reporting to ensure transparency and community involvement throughout the project lifecycle.

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

Allocating budget for expert ensures that the program attracts high-caliber professionals with specialized knowledge in strategy, product development, UX, blockchain development, and marketing.

1/ These experts typically command high consultancy rates in the industry, averaging $100-$200 per hour. By securing their involvement at a rate that respects their expertise while remaining budget-conscious, we ensure top-tier guidance for program participants, thus elevating the quality and potential of emerging projects within the Cardano ecosystem.

2/ Infrastructure and Technology: The budget is for virtual meeting infrastructure and digital resources across the project timelin

These costs are aligned with market rates for premium digital communication tools necessary for hosting interactive, global virtual workshops and sessions. Investing in robust technology platforms ensures a seamless and professional experience for all participants, crucial for maintaining engagement and effectiveness in a virtual setting.

1. Project Management and Administration: is dedicated to support across the project lifecycle for project management and administrative tasks are critical for maintaining organizational integrity and effectivenes.
2. Marketing and Community Engagement: Is budgeted for marketing and community engagemen. This investment is vital for maximizing participation and impact, ensuring that the program reaches a broad audience within the Cardano community and beyond. Effective marketing helps attract a diverse group of participants, enriching the program’s collaborative potential and fostering a vibrant, innovative community atmosphere.
3. Documentation and Reporting: The $11,000 allocated for documentation and the production of a final report and video serve to transparently showcase the program’s outcomes. This not only provides accountability to founders and stakeholders but also serves as a valuable promotional and educational resource that highlights the tangible benefits and successes achieved through the program.
4. Value Proposition: By focusing on these key areas, the program promises to significantly enhance the skills, knowledge, and effectiveness of project teams within the Cardano ecosystem, leading to more successful projects and a stronger, more vibrant blockchain community. This in turn drives innovation, attracts further investment, and enhances the overall reputation and utility of the Cardano blockchain, providing substantial long-term value for the investment made.