Turkish Cardano Initiation

[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)

We will produce engaging, educational videos on Cardano to boost its visibility and understanding across Turkey, fostering adoption by demonstrating its unique advantages and applications.

[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.”

No

[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, "Turkish Cardano Initiation," is committed to being fully open-source, promoting transparency and collaboration within the community. We will make all video content, educational materials, and any software tools or scripts used for editing and publishing these resources available under the permissive MIT License. This license allows anyone to freely use, modify, distribute, and even sell the original or modified version of the work, as long as they give credit to the original creation.

Here are some additional details about our open-source approach:

• Video Content and Educational Materials: All video scripts, educational guides, and related digital assets will be stored in a public GitHub repository, making them easily accessible and editable by the community.
• Software Tools and Scripts: Any custom tools or scripts developed for video production or community engagement activities will also be open-sourced under the same MIT License.

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG 4: Quality Education

• Sub-goal 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.
• KPI: Increase in the number of individuals in Turkey with blockchain skills as measured by participation in educational sessions and workshops.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

• Sub-goal 5.5: Ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
• KPI: Percentage increase in the number of women participating in educational sessions, workshops, and as contributors or leaders in blockchain projects initiated by the "Turkish Cardano Initiation."

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Sub-goal 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.
• KPI: Number of startups or projects initiated in Turkey as a result of the enhanced understanding and application of Cardano blockchain technology.
• Sub-goal 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
• KPI: Track the employment rates and entrepreneurial involvement of women in the Cardano-related sectors and projects as a direct result of the project's efforts.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• Sub-goal 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, particularly 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.
• KPI: Reports on new technologies or innovations developed in Turkey related to the Cardano ecosystem.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Sub-goal 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation and enhance knowledge sharing on mutually agreed terms, including through improved coordination among existing mechanisms, in particular at the United Nations level, and through a global technology facilitation mechanism.
• KPI: Number of partnerships and collaborations formed with local and international blockchain communities and tech companies to promote Cardano in Turkey.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution, 'Turkish Cardano Initiation,' aims to bridge the gap in awareness and understanding of Cardano's capabilities within Turkey. Despite the country's high engagement with cryptocurrencies, Cardano still needs to be discovered. To address this issue, we plan to develop a comprehensive educational and engagement platform that utilizes high-quality video content. Through this platform, we aim to shed light on the unique benefits and user experience that Cardano offers compared to other blockchains.

We recognize the problem as a shortage of easily accessible, localized information regarding Cardano, which hinders Turkish speakers from fully embracing and adopting this advanced blockchain technology. This gap restricts the potential growth of Cardano within a significant demographic that is otherwise highly involved in the cryptocurrency industry.

We have chosen video content as our primary tool for education and engagement because it is one of the most effective mediums to showcase technical concepts. Videos offer clarity and a dynamic way to demonstrate Cardano's features interactively, which is crucial for highlighting its superior user experience.

Our project aims to engage a broad audience, with a focus on cryptocurrency enthusiasts, potential investors, developers, and students interested in blockchain technology. We plan to collaborate with local universities, tech hubs, and online platforms to reach a diverse group of people. We particularly want to involve women in the tech community to promote gender equality in the sector.

We will demonstrate the impact of our project through measurable outcomes. This will include the number of video views, engagement rates on social media, feedback from community events, and an increase in the number of active users and developers on the Cardano blockchain in Turkey. To assess changes in understanding and perception of Cardano, we will conduct pre- and post-engagement surveys.

Our solution stands out because it offers more than just education. It also aims to promote the widespread adoption of Cardano in Turkey, in line with Cardano's global vision of being a transformative ecosystem, rather than just a technology. By increasing local understanding and usage of Cardano, we hope to contribute to its growth and success on a global scale. We aim to establish Cardano as not just a blockchain but a community-driven revolution in digital finance. This project aligns with Cardano's mission to build a strong and knowledgeable community that can drive innovation and adoption on the platform.

Alper, the founder of the "Turkish Cardano Initiation" project, has a rich experience and a proven track record. He has served as an anchorman for a national TV broadcasting channel, which has honed his skills in media production and public communication. With his exceptional expertise in content creation, he is the perfect person to lead the content creation efforts for this initiative.

Alper produced 40 podcasts during the previous project. This experience has not only demonstrated his ability to create engaging content but also his understanding of the technical and educational requirements of the audience regarding emerging technologies such as Cardano.

Alper went above and beyond the project's KPIs by independently creating eight additional YouTube videos that increased the project's outreach and impact.

In the "Turkish Cardano Initiation" project, We will produce weekly YouTube videos based on his expertise. These videos will also be adapted into podcasts, ensuring maximum reach and accessibility for different audience preferences and increasing engagement levels across platforms.

Alper's deep experience in the press and proven track record in multimedia content creation are critical assets to the project. This ensures that the educational content produced is not only informative and technically sound but also engaging and professionally presented. This combination is vital for capturing and maintaining the audience's interest, which is essential for fostering a deeper understanding and adoption of Cardano in Turkey.

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

Positive Impact on the Wider Cardano Community:

The "Turkish Cardano Initiation" project aims to bring substantial value to the Cardano community by increasing awareness and understanding of Cardano's capabilities within Turkey, a country that is showing growing interest in cryptocurrencies. By educating and engaging a large demographic previously untapped, this project will contribute to the growth of a knowledgeable and active Cardano user base. This will enable them to innovate and participate more comprehensively in the Cardano ecosystem.

Impact Measurement:

Quantitative Measures:

1. Engagement Metrics: Track views, likes, comments, and shares on weekly video content to gauge interest and interaction levels.
2. Community Growth: Monitor the increase in subscribers or followers on YouTube and other social media platforms as direct indicators of growing interest.
3. User Feedback and Surveys: Conduct pre and post-engagement surveys to measure changes in understanding and perception of Cardano among viewers.

Qualitative Measures:

1. User Testimonials: Collect and analyze qualitative feedback from viewers to assess the perceived value and applicability of the information provided.
2. Community Engagement: Evaluate the nature and depth of discussions in community forums and social media to understand how the content is influencing community knowledge and activities.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

The outputs, primarily educational videos and related content, will be made freely available to the entire Cardano community through multiple channels:

1. YouTube: All videos will be posted weekly on a dedicated YouTube channel, accessible globally.
2. Podcasts: Audio versions of the videos will be available as podcasts on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts to reach a broader audience.
3. Social Media: Regular posts on platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook will promote the videos and encourage community discussion and engagement.
4. Cardano Forums and Community Hubs: Content links and discussions will be shared in Cardano-specific online forums and community hubs to integrate directly with the global Cardano community.
5. Collaborations: Partner with other Cardano community influencers and educators to cross-promote content and increase reach.

The project aims to maximize its reach by making use of various platforms to share its outputs with the Cardano community. This approach ensures that the project's benefits are not limited to a specific group of people and it contributes to the larger developmental and educational efforts in the Cardano community. By sharing the project's outputs in this way, the impact is amplified, and it creates a more informed and engaged global community around Cardano.

[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?

Capability & Feasibility:

Existing Capabilities:

Our team's expertise is anchored by Alper's extensive experience in media production. His track record of creating engaging and impactful content includes producing 40 podcasts and eight additional YouTube videos in previous projects. Ada Raimova complements our team with her social media and project management skills. She ensures that our project is well-promoted across various social media platforms and meticulously organized and efficiently managed.

Ada has a proven track record in managing multiple projects. Her role includes overseeing project timelines, coordinating team activities, and ensuring that all project deliverables are met on schedule and within budget. Ada is proficient in using social media tools and strategies which significantly boosts our project's visibility and engagement. She connects with a broader audience and fosters a vibrant community around our content.

Validation of Approach:

1. Content Quality and Engagement: Monitoring engagement metrics and viewer feedback allows us to continually refine our content to meet community needs, with Alper's creative direction ensuring high-quality production value
2. Regular Reporting and Transparency: Our commitment to transparency is demonstrated through regular and detailed reports on financial and project progress, which Ada oversees, ensuring stakeholders are well-informed and can see the tangible impacts of their investment
3. Adaptive Project Management: Ada's project management skills enable us to adapt our strategies and workflows in response to community feedback and changing market dynamics, ensuring the project remains relevant and effectiv

Trust and Accountability:

1. Transparent Financial Management: All transactions are meticulously documented and reported, with Ada managing the audit trails to guarantee accountabilit
2. Project Milestones and Deliverables: Ada ensures that each project milestone is met with the expected deliverables, with funds disbursed based on these verified achievement
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Both Alper and Ada actively engage with the community, gathering insights and feedback to align the project closely with user expectations and need
4. Demonstrated Success: The combined experience of Alper in content creation and Ada in project and social media management underpins our capability to deliver this project with integrity and high standard

Together, Alper and Ada form a dynamic team whose complementary skills ensure the "Turkish Cardano Initiation" project will be delivered with excellence, significantly impacting the wider Cardano community.

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

Milestone 1: Launch and Initial Project Engagement

A: Milestone Outputs

1. Set up the project-specific marketing materials. Initiate project management.
2. Production and release of the first 8 educational videos on Cardano, focusing on:

• Introduction to Cardano and its ecosystem.
• Detailed video on TapTools – a useful Cardano project.
• Introduction to jpeg.store – a notable NFT project on Cardano.
• Overview of Dexhunter – a Dex aggregator.
• Feature on SundaeSwap v3 – a popular Cardano DEX.
• Introduction to INDY – a finance project on Cardano.
• Creation of marketing materials to support video content.
• Publish 2 monthly articles related to the videos produced.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. Successful launch of YouTube channel and social media accounts, tailored to the project’s themes.
2. All 8 videos produced and released, meeting predefined quality standards and content accuracy.
3. Articles are well-received, evidenced by engagement metrics (likes, shares, comments).

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Links to YouTube channel and social media profiles.
2. Links to the published videos with accompanying viewership analytics.
3. Copies or links of the two articles published.

This first milestone is designed to kick off the project with a strong start, establishing the digital presence necessary to reach a broad audience and begin detailed discussions on various aspects of the Cardano ecosystem.

Milestone 2: Expanding Cardano Community Engagement

A: Milestone Outputs

1. Production and release of the next 8 educational videos, focusing on:

• Detailed exploration of WMT – a real use-case project on Cardano.
• Introduction to revolutionary DEX Axo Trade
• Exploring the features and benefits of meme coins and their impact on an ecosystem, specifically SNEK.
• Overview of IAG – a distributed storage solution on Cardano.
• Follow-up video on any updates or advancements in projects introduced in Milestone 1.
• Creation of additional marketing materials to enhance viewer engagement.
• Continued engagement on social media platforms to grow viewer base.
• Publish 2 new articles related to the videos produced, focusing on community feedback and insights.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. All 8 videos are produced with clear, accurate content and high production quality.
2. Two articles will be published each milestone.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Links to the published videos along with detailed viewership and engagement analytics.
2. Screenshots or links to social media posts and interactions related to the videos.
3. Published articles online with metrics on readership and engagement.

Milestone 3: Diversifying Content and Deepening Engagement

A: Milestone Outputs

1. Production and release of the next 8 educational videos on Cardano, focusing on:

• Deep dive into LENFI – a significant finance project on the Cardano blockchain.
• Introduction to Nuvola from the Depin project – the first dePIN project on Cardano
• A comprehensive review of BANANAClips – exploring the new gaming platform on Cardano.
• Continued coverage of new developments in projects previously introduced (like TapTools or jpeg.store).
• A feature on another significant DEX on Cardano, enhancing understanding of the ecosystem’s diversity.
• Discussion on the role and impact of meme coins, expanding on SNEK with new entrants in the space.
• Creation of engaging marketing materials tailored to the video content.
• Publish 2 in-depth articles related to the videos produced, focusing on technological advancements and user experiences.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. Production of all 8 videos to high standards, ensuring each is comprehensive and educative.
2. Social media engagement shows increased interaction, indicating successful community growth and retention.
3. Positive reception of articles, demonstrated through analytics of reads and interactions, providing deeper insights into the community’s needs.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Links to all published videos, with detailed viewership and engagement statistics to track reach and impact.
2. Evidence of social media growth and engagement, including metrics from platforms like Twitter and YouTube.

Milestone 4: Enhancing Community Knowledge and Technical Understanding

A: Milestone Outputs

1. Production and release of 8 new educational videos on Cardano, with topics including:

• An in-depth look at Cardano's underlying technology and its advantages over other blockchain technologies.
• Detailed coverage of emerging Cardano projects that highlight real-world applications, such as a special feature on new finance projects.
• Exploration of advanced topics in decentralized finance (DeFi) available on Cardano, like advanced DEX features and Plutus v3 smart contract capabilities.
• A specific focus on community-driven projects and how they contribute to the Cardano ecosystem.
• Highlighting the evolution of previously featured projects (such as AGIX) to demonstrate growth and development within the ecosystem.
• Discussing the importance of storage solutions on Cardano, with a follow-up on IAG and its impact. Building an Iagon storage node and start earning IAG.
• Development of targeted marketing materials to reach broader audiences.
• Publication of 2 detailed articles that complement the video content, aiming to provide written deep dives into complex topics for those preferring reading over visual content.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. All videos must be produced to a high standard, ensuring technical accuracy and engaging presentation to cater to both beginners and advanced users.
2. Increased interactions on articles and social media, showing that the content is resonating with and expanding the community.
3. Continued growth in channel subscriptions and followers on social media platforms, as a direct measure of the project's outreach and impact.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Links to the published videos with analytics showing comprehensive engagement details.
2. Published articles online with tracked metrics on readership and interactions, providing insights into the depth of community engagement.

A: Milestone Outputs

1. Production and release of 8 additional educational videos, covering:

• Detailed features and user guides for new and upcoming Cardano DEXes, highlighting user interface improvements and usability.
• A feature on innovative Cardano stable coins starting with DJED & SHEN pair.
• Profiles on emerging Cardano meme coins and their roles in community building and marketing within the ecosystem.
• Continued educational series on Cardano's technology, specifically focusing on enhancements and updates to the blockchain.
• A special segment on community favorite projects, as voted by the viewers, providing deeper insights and updates.
• Development of a special feature on global impacts of Cardano projects, connecting local successes to global trends.
• Creation of engaging and interactive marketing materials to promote widespread community participation.
• Publication of 2 articles that delve deeper into the topics covered in the videos, providing additional resources and reading material.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. All videos must maintain high production quality, with clear, accurate content that is accessible to both newcomers and seasoned Cardano enthusiasts.
2. Positive community feedback on social media and direct interactions, indicating strong community support and engagement.
3. Continued increase in channel subscriptions and social media followings, proving effective outreach and community growth.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Links to the published videos along with analytics demonstrating viewership and interaction levels.
2. Evidence of increased social media activity and engagement metrics (likes, shares, comments).
3. Published articles with analytics on views, time on page, and interactions, reflecting depth of reader engagement and interest.

Final Milestone: Project Close-out and Long-term Impact Assessment

A: Milestone Outputs

1. Production and release of the final set of 8 educational videos, encapsulating advanced topics and summarizing key learnings from the project:

• A comprehensive review of the project's impact on the Cardano community, highlighting significant milestones and community feedback.
• A series on the sustainability and future potential of Cardano projects discussed throughout the series, assessing their long-term viability and impact.
• Videos focusing on advanced integration of Cardano technologies in real-world applications, showcasing success stories.
• Final updates on projects previously covered, providing a full-circle view on their development and impact.
• A special feature on community-driven initiatives and how they have been empowered by the educational content produced.
• Creation of a final comprehensive report summarizing the project outcomes, lessons learned, and recommendations for future initiatives.
• Development of final marketing materials to promote the series' culmination and encourage ongoing community engagement.
• Publishing 2 comprehensive articles that offer in-depth analysis of the entire project's reach and impact.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. High-quality production and comprehensive content coverage in all videos, ensuring they serve as a valuable resource for future viewers.
2. Strong positive feedback from the community, with evidence of real-world application and engagement with the Cardano ecosystem as a result of the educational content.
3. Increased long-term engagement metrics on all platforms, showing that the project has built a lasting foundation for community interaction and growth.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Links to all final videos with comprehensive engagement and viewership analytics.
2. A final report available online, detailing all project activities, audience engagement metrics, and strategic insights.
3. Screenshots and reports from social media and other platforms demonstrating long-term growth and engagement.
4. Published articles with detailed analytics on readership and community feedback.

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

For the "Turkish Cardano Initiation" project, here's a detailed overview of the team members, their roles, and their responsibilities. This includes both current team members and roles we plan to recruit for, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all necessary skills for the project’s success.

Current Project Team Members

Alper Baran Esin - Project Lead and Content Producer

• Youtube channel: Alper Baran Esin
• Role: Alper will lead the project, overseeing the production of all content, including weekly videos and podcasts. His extensive experience as a former regional TV anchorman and a successful podcaster on blockchain topics provides him with the unique ability to convey complex information in an engaging manner. Alper will also be responsible for maintaining the project's overall quality and ensuring that timelines are met.

Ada Raimova - Project Coordinator and Social Media Manager

• LinkedIn Profile: Ada Raimova
• Role: Ada will manage the project's daily operations and coordinate between different stakeholders to ensure smooth execution. Her background in HR, marketing, and finance, along with her experience in managing community-focused projects, makes her ideal for handling the project’s outreach and engagement strategies. Ada will also manage all social media channels to maximize impact and reach.

Roles to be Recruited

Video Editor

• Skills Required: Proficient in advanced video editing software, strong sense of pacing and visual storytelling, ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Role: The Video Editor will be responsible for editing all video content to ensure high production values. They will work closely with Alper to bring creative ideas to life and ensure that each piece of content is engaging and informative.

Technical Advisor (Blockchain Specialist) (Cem Karaca)

• Skills Required: Deep knowledge of the Cardano ecosystem, blockchain technology, and ability to explain complex technical concepts in simple terms.
• Role: The Technical Advisor will provide expert insights and fact-checking for all content related to Cardano's technical aspects. This role is crucial to maintaining the accuracy and reliability of the information presented.

Engagement and Communication

All team members have been engaged through direct communications and have confirmed their roles and availability for the project. Regular meetings via Zoom and ongoing discussions through Slack channels have been established to ensure continuous alignment and adaptability.

We have well communication with various Cardano communities such as Gimbalabs, littlefish Foundation, C4C and Catalyst Swarm on platforms like Discord and Telegram. These connections will be instrumental in gathering feedback, disseminating content, and engaging with the broader Cardano community.

Compliance and Verification

All team members are aware that this proposal will be publicly available and have consented to the disclosure of their roles and participation. 'Proof of life' verifications will be coordinated as required by the Catalyst funding rules.

This comprehensive team structure and engagement strategy underscore our commitment to transparency, accountability, and success in delivering the "Turkish Cardano Initiation" project.

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

Below is a comprehensive cost breakdown of the "Turkish Cardano Initiation" project, detailing all expenses associated with each phase and necessary resource. This budget includes costs for personnel, marketing, software licenses, professional services, and additional project components such as video editing and content creation.

Personnel Costs

• Alper Baran Esin (Project Lead and Content Producer)Monthly: 3,500 ADA
• Total for 12 months: 42,000 ADA
• Ada Raimova (Project Coordinator and Social Media Manager)Monthly: 1,500 ADA
• Total for 12 months: 18,000 ADA
• Cem Karaca (Technical Advisor)Monthly: 2,000 ADA
• Total for 12 months: 24,000 ADA
• Video EditorMonthly: 1,000 ADA
• Total for 12 months: 12,000 ADA

Total Project Costs

• Total ADA required for 12 months: 96,000 ADA

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

The "Turkish Cardano Initiation" project, with its comprehensive educational and community engagement focus, represents significant value for money for the Cardano ecosystem. Here's a detailed justification of the costs and how they align with industry standards, providing a strong return on investment.

Justification of Costs

• Personnel Expenses:Salaries for Content Production and Management: The salaries for personnel like Alper, Ada, and the Video Editor are set based on competitive rates for multimedia content production and project management in the blockchain industry. Given the expertise required to produce high-quality educational content and manage complex projects, these rates are aligned with average freelance rates for similar roles in the tech industry globally. For instance, project leads and content producers in blockchain projects often command premiums due to their specialized skills and the impact of their work.Technical Advisor Costs:Technical Advisory Fees: The cost of engaging a technical advisor like Cem Karaca is based on standard consulting rates for blockchain experts, which are necessary to ensure the accuracy and relevance of technical content. This expertise is crucial for maintaining the integrity of educational content related to Cardano.

Value Proposition

• Educational Impact: By providing high-quality, localized educational content, the project will significantly enhance the understanding and adoption of Cardano in Turkey, a key emerging market for blockchain technologies.
• Community Growth: Investment in community engagement will foster a more robust and active Cardano community, driving network effects that enhance the value and security of the ecosystem.
• Content Reach and Longevity: The content produced will serve as a lasting resource for newcomers and existing community members, promoting sustained growth and engagement within the Cardano ecosystem.

Value for Money

The costs of the project are designed to provide value for money by ensuring that expenses contribute directly to tangible benefits for the Cardano ecosystem. The budget has been strategically allocated to areas that will maximize impact, such as content creation, community engagement, and technical accuracy, all of which are crucial for fostering a knowledgeable and engaged Cardano community. By investing in this project, the Cardano ecosystem is not only funding the spread of knowledge but also investing in the infrastructure necessary to support the adoption and growth of Cardano technologies in strategically important regions.