Colombo Cardano Hackathon

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Azeem Ashraf

[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

1. jaje@niftron.com
2. sharmilan@niftron.com

[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

No

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

Empower Cardano adoption: Host workshops, mentorship, hackathon, and ongoing support for Dapp development.

[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

Our project outputs will be open source. We will use the MIT License for our codebase, ensuring accessibility and collaboration within the Cardano community.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution aims to drive Cardano adoption by fostering community-driven Dapp development. We recognize the challenge of expanding the Cardano ecosystem and believe that empowering developers through hands-on initiatives is crucial. By hosting workshops, mentorship programs, and hackathons, we provide the necessary resources and support for individuals and teams to build innovative Dapps on Cardano.

Our approach is unique in its emphasis on community engagement and collaboration. We aim to involve developers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals, creating a diverse and inclusive environment. This not only accelerates Dapp development but also strengthens the Cardano community as a whole.

Through this initiative, we aim to demonstrate the potential of Cardano as a platform for decentralized applications. By showcasing the creativity and ingenuity of developers, we prove the viability and relevance of Cardano in the broader blockchain ecosystem. Ultimately, our solution benefits both developers seeking opportunities to contribute and innovate, and Cardano as a platform striving for widespread adoption and impact.

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

Our project will have a significant positive impact on the wider Cardano community by fostering increased participation, innovation, and adoption of the platform. We will measure impact through both quantitative metrics, such as the number of developers engaged, Dapps developed, and community participation rates, as well as qualitative feedback gathered through surveys and testimonials.

The success of our project will bring tangible value to the Cardano community by:

1. Empowering Developers: Providing resources, mentorship, and support to developers, enabling them to build high-quality Dapps on Cardano.
2. Expanding Ecosystem: Growing the number and diversity of Dapps available on Cardano, attracting users and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
3. Strengthening Community: Fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and networking opportunities within the Cardano community, enhancing its cohesion and resilience.

We will share our outputs and opportunities through various channels, including:

1. Public Repositories: Hosting open-source repositories containing code, documentation, and resources for Dapp development on Cardano.
2. Community Events: Organizing workshops, hackathons, and meetups to showcase projects, share learnings, and facilitate networking.
3. Online Platforms: Utilizing social media, forums, and newsletters to disseminate project updates, success stories, and opportunities for collaboration.
4. Collaboration with Stakeholders: Partnering with universities, businesses, and organizations to promote Cardano adoption and provide avenues for collaboration and innovation.

Through these efforts, we aim to catalyze growth and advancement within the Cardano ecosystem, driving broader awareness, adoption, and impact.

[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?

Our capability to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability stems from our experience in organizing similar initiatives, our deep understanding of the Cardano ecosystem, and our commitment to transparent and efficient project management practices.

As a team, we have a track record of successfully executing community-driven projects, including workshops, hackathons, and educational programs. We have established relationships with key stakeholders within the Cardano community, including developers, educators, and community leaders, which enables us to leverage resources and expertise effectively.

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will undertake the following steps:

1. Conduct a thorough needs assessment: We will engage with the Cardano community to understand their needs, preferences, and challenges related to Dapp development and adoption.
2. Develop a detailed project plan: Based on the needs assessment, we will create a comprehensive project plan outlining the objectives, activities, timeline, and budget for the initiative.
3. Secure partnerships and resources: We will leverage our network and expertise to secure partnerships with relevant organizations, sponsors, and stakeholders who can provide support, funding, and resources for the project.
4. Establish clear accountability mechanisms: We will implement transparent reporting and communication channels to ensure that project progress, expenses, and outcomes are effectively tracked and communicated to stakeholders.
5. Implement risk management strategies: We will identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to address them, ensuring that the project stays on track and delivers results as planned.

In terms of managing funds, we will adhere to strict financial management practices, including:

• Establishing a dedicated bank account for project funds
• Implementing dual authorization for financial transactions
• Maintaining detailed records of expenses and receipts
• Providing regular financial reports to stakeholders
• Conducting independent audits of financial records to ensure transparency and accountability

Through these measures, we are confident in our ability to deliver this project with the highest levels of trust, accountability, and integrity, ultimately driving positive impact within the Cardano community.

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

A: Define event format, criteria, secure logistics.

B: Finalized format, logistics confirmed.

C: Event format doc, venue booking.

A: Promote event, open registration.

B: Launched campaign, started registration.

C: Promo materials, registration records.

A: Confirm arrangements, finalize materials.

B: Confirmed logistics, closed registration.

C: Confirmation emails, prep checklist.

A: Conduct training sessions.

B: Successful training, provided resources.

C: Training agenda, participant feedback.

A: Host hackathon, facilitate projects.

B: Organized event, supported teams.

C: Event documentation, project presentations.

A: Gather feedback, evaluate outcomes.

B: Collected feedback, evaluated impact.

C: Feedback results, impact report.

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

Azeem (CTO) - Technical Lead

• Role: Overseeing technical aspects of the project, including Dapp development, workshop content, and mentorship.
• Azeem's expertise in technology and blockchain development makes him well-suited to lead the technical aspects of the project, ensuring that participants receive high-quality training and support.

Sharmilan (CEO) - Project Lead

• Role: Overall project coordination, strategic planning, stakeholder management, and outreach.
• As the CEO, Shrmilan will provide leadership and direction for the project, ensuring that it aligns with the organization's goals and objectives. He will oversee strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and resource allocation to drive the project's success.

Jaje (CPO) - Marketing and Outreach Coordinator

• Role: Promoting the event, managing communication channels, engaging with sponsors and partners.
• Jaje's role as Chief Product Officer equips him with strong communication and marketing skills, making him well-suited to lead promotional efforts for the event. He will oversee marketing campaigns, manage communication channels, and cultivate relationships with sponsors and partners to maximize participation and support for the event.

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

1. Event Preparation & Venue Logistics: 18000 ADA
2. Venue rental for specific event days: 8000 ADA
3. Audio-visual equipment: 5000 ADA
4. Catering services for workshops and hackathon: 10000 ADA
5. Signage and promotional materials: 2000 ADA
6. Prizes and Awards: 12000 ADA
7. Cash prizes for hackathon winners: 7000 ADA
8. Gift cards or vouchers: 4000 ADA
9. Trophies or medals: 1000 ADA
10. Technical Support: 9000 ADA
11. Technical staff for setup and assistance: 12000 ADA
12. IT support during the event: 10000 ADA
13. Emergency technical assistance: 2000 ADA
14. Promotion and Marketing: 5000 ADA
15. Online advertising: 2000 ADA
16. Printed promotional materials: 1500 ADA
17. Social media promotion: 1500 ADA
18. Hackathon Materials: 4000 ADA
19. Branded items & giveaways: 2000 ADA
20. Printed materials and handouts: 1000 ADA
21. Participant gift bags: 1000 ADA
22. Judges and Speakers: 3000 ADA
23. Honorarium for judges: 2000 ADA
24. Speaker fees or honorarium: 1000 ADA
25. Contingency Fund: 3000 ADA
26. Reserved for unforeseen expenses.

Total: 65000 ADA

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

The project's budget is strategically distributed to ensure maximum value for the Cardano ecosystem:

• A prosperous hackathon can ignite continued projects, partnerships, and enduring interest, generating a sustained and beneficial influence on the Cardano ecosystem.
• Expenditure on marketing, branding, and materials enhances Cardano's visibility and standing in the blockchain domain.
• The hackathon acts as a pivotal venue for community expansion, attracting developers, enthusiasts, and potential collaborators.
• Resources are channeled towards stimulating innovation and showcasing the practical utility of Cardano, fostering ecosystem development.