Andamio Purpose Sidechain / Layer 2 Concept

[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)

Implementing a purpose sidechain Cardano network with Layer 2 solutions to streamline and secure educational transactions and data management.

[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.”

We will use Cardano Node as well as tooling like Mesh SDK and Yaci or other tooling that speeds up sidechain creation and maintenance.

[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

The project is currently closed source. As it is a concept prototype, the findings and results will be shared openly with the Catalyst Community.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

We will create and host a Purpose Cardano Sidechain (a sidechain for Cardano that is build for a specific purpose) to facilitate the mechanics of the Andamio network, where the network purpose is to store on-chain records and users can interact with on-chain activities with ease on a side chain. Andamio smart contracts and data will be migrated to this side chain, which will be using Cardano Node software to create a purpose sidechain that is compatible with existing Cardano smart contracts. This will be the test environment in which we will test the concept of a side chain. We will look at leveraging tooling from Mesh and Bloxbean’s in order to speed up our prototype development.

Approach:

We would like to develop a Purpose Sidechain Cardano network that leverages Layer 2 solutions to minimize transaction fees, reduce data size, increase performance and enhance privacy. This approach allows for the scalability of educational transactions without compromising the security and decentralization benefits of the Cardano blockchain. By maintaining the integrity of student data and reducing operational costs, our solution makes blockchain technology a more viable option for many organizations. 

Engagement:

The project will showcase how to build, develop and deploy a Cardano sidechain and attract developers and people interested in this kind of Cardano usecase.

Demonstration of Impact:

The impact of our project will be demonstrated through the successful migration of Andamio infrastructure and smart contracts to utilize a sidechain instead of mainnet.

Uniqueness and Importance to Cardano:

Our solution is unique in its use of a purpose sidechain Cardano network combined with Layer 2 technologies specifically tailored for the education and credential and contribution management. This not only demonstrates a noble use case for Cardano but also contributes to the ecosystem by showcasing how Cardano's technology can be adapted for high privacy and low-cost applications outside of traditional financial systems. The success of this project could serve as a model for other sectors looking to harness the power of Cardano for similar purposes.

Benefits:

This project will benefit the ecosystem by providing a proof of concept and demonstrate the benefits of using sidechain technology.

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

Our project will bring value to the Cardano community by demonstrating a practical, innovative non-financial application of Cardano's blockchain technology. By solving the challenges of high transaction costs and privacy concerns, we enhance the feasibility of blockchain solutions in settings beyond traditional financial transactions.

Impact on the Cardano Community:

Expansion of Use Cases: By successfully implementing a purpose sidechain Cardano network with Layer 2 solutions for educational purposes, we illustrate the versatility of Cardano. This expansion into education, a sector ripe for blockchain integration, showcases Cardano's potential to a wider audience and diverse industries.

Increased Adoption: Our project serves as a real-world implementation of Cardano's blockchain, potentially leading to increased adoption of ADA as more institutions recognize its benefits for managing secure, private, and cost-effective transactions.

Community Growth: As we engage projects, organizations and students, we bring new users into the Cardano ecosystem, fostering growth and increasing the network's value.

Measuring Impact:

Quantitative Measures: We will track the number of transactions processed on our purpose sidechain, the adoption rate among educational institutions, and reductions in transaction costs and verification times.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

Publications and Reports: We will publish detailed reports and analysis of our project’s impact, highlighting how Cardano's technology was utilized and the benefits realized.

Open Demonstrations and Workshops: To directly engage with the community and stakeholders, we will host workshops and live demonstrations of our technology. These events will be opportunities to educate about Cardano’s capabilities and discuss potential expansions and adaptations.

Collaboration with Other Projects: By sharing our findings and technical insights, we aim to collaborate with other Cardano-based projects, fostering a culture of innovation and mutual growth within the ecosystem.

The success of our project will not only validate the application of Cardano in a new domain but also actively contribute to the community by enhancing the blockchain's visibility, encouraging its adoption, and providing valuable insights into its scalable use in diverse contexts.

[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 team's capability to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability is grounded in our extensive experience in blockchain technology, software development, and educational technology. We have a proven track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget, ensuring transparency and stakeholder engagement throughout the project lifecycle.

Team Expertise:

• Our core team includes blockchain developers who have previously worked on successful Cardano projects, educational technologists with experience in digital credentialing systems, and project managers skilled in agile methodologies.
• We have previously collaborated on projects that involved complex stakeholder environments in educational settings.

Validation of Approach:

• Feasibility Studies: Prior to launching the project, we will conduct feasibility studies that include technical assessments and pilot testing with a mock setup to ensure that the proposed technology solutions are practical and effective.
• Prototype Development: Early in the project, we will develop a prototype to test the core functionalities of the purpose sidechain Cardano network and Layer 2 solutions in a controlled environment. This will allow us to address potential issues before full-scale implementation.

Trust and Accountability Measures:

• Regular Stakeholder Updates: Stakeholders will receive regular updates on project progress, including milestones reached, issues encountered, and adjustments made. These updates will be supplemented by open Q&A sessions and community presentations at Gimbalabs Playground and After Town Hall breakout sessions

Community Engagement and Feedback:

• We plan to actively engage with the Cardano community through forums, workshops, and social media to gather feedback and refine our approach based on community insights.

By combining our technical expertise, proven project management practices, and commitment to transparency and community engagement, we are uniquely positioned to deliver this project successfully, validating our approach and ensuring that it contributes positively to the Cardano ecosystem.

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

Milestone 1: Startup and Research

Description:

• Ramp up the project by forming the team, aligning processes, and defining goals.
• Conduct an initial investigation to identify potential solutions, challenges, and methods to address these challenges.

Outputs:

• Detailed project plan
• Team roles and responsibilities defined
• Initial research report on potential solutions and challenges

Acceptance Criteria:

• Project plan approved by all team members
• Team members assigned and onboarded
• Research report reviewed and validated by the team

Milestone 2: Design a Solution in a Purpose Sidechain Environment

Description:

• Set up the infrastructure for the purpose sidechain network.
• Design the sidechain architecture, ensuring it meets the requirements for educational credentialing and contribution management.

Outputs:

• A purpose sidechain Cardano network infrastructure established on cloud servers
• Detailed sidechain architecture design document

Acceptance Criteria:

• Infrastructure is operational and tested for basic functionality
• Sidechain architecture design approved by the technical team and stakeholders

Milestone 3: Experimentation on Sidechain

Description:

• Conduct experiments with the migration of existing smart contracts and data to the purpose sidechain environment.

Outputs:

• Migrated smart contracts and data on the purpose sidechain
• Report on the results of migration

Acceptance Criteria:

• Successful deployment and functionality of migrated smart contracts on the purpose sidechain or documentation why it does not work

Milestone 4: Testing Phase

Description:

• Perform extensive testing on a public Cardano testnet (pre-production/preview testnet) with selected testers.
• Collect feedback and make necessary adjustments based on testing results.

Outputs:

• Test reports documenting performance, issues, and feedback
• Updated sidechain and smart contract implementations based on test results

Acceptance Criteria:

• Critical issues identified during testing are resolved or documented for further investigation
• Positive feedback from testers indicating the sidechain meets performance and functionality expectations, or issues discovered documented

Final Milestone: Project Closeout and Reporting

Description:

• Produce a comprehensive final report detailing the project's outcomes, lessons learned, and next steps.
• Create a closeout video summarizing the project and its impact.

Outputs:

• Final project report
• Closeout video
• Documentation of next steps and future action plans

Acceptance Criteria:

• Final report reviewed and approved
• Closeout video completed and shared with the community
• Next steps and future plans for sidechain development documented and agreed upon by the team

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

Nori Nishigaya, is a Senior Advisor and Software Development Expert 

Nori is is a co-founder the Andamio and ODIN (Open Decentralized Innovation Network). He is also the founder of the Salmon Nation Decentralised Alliance (SANADA) and co-founder of Bridge Builders. He organizes meetups and events as a Cardano Ambassador, and is a serially funded proposer. Nori brings over 30 years of experience in software development, agile methodologies, leadership in managing teams, and founding and running technology startups. His passion is discovering governance and organizational best practices for radically decentralized and self-managed communities through experimentation and hands-on practice.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishigaya/  

Nelson Kshetrimayum, Software Engineer is a driven individual who transitioned from being an early student of Gimbalabs to becoming a valuable contributor to Gimbalabs' open-source projects. Having recently obtained a Master's Degree with a major in Physics and a minor in Computer Science from a prestigious research institute, he possesses a solid foundation in Python for Data Science. He has been actively learning Typescript and emerging smart contract languages in Cardano. His passion lies in exploring innovative educational structures and advocating for the principles of Free and Open-Source Software.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nelson_ksh

Adrian Hütter Smart Contract Developer is a career changer from the field of civil engineering. He taught himself programming, which now helps him leverage the rapidly changing Cardano smart contract platform. He began his Cardano journey with the first cohort of the Plutus Pioneer Program and shortly after discovered Gimbalabs, where he has been a member ever since. Adrian specializes in plutus smart contracts and is always looking for new ways to use them. He strongly believes in open source and the power of small communities with the right tools.

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

Detailed Allocation

Project Management (12,000 ADA)

• Facilitation and project management: 10,000 ADA
• Catalyst milestone reporting 2,000 ADA

Infrastructure Setup (14,000 ADA)

• Cloud Server Hosting and Maintenance: 8,000 ADA
• Network Configuration and Security: 5,000 ADA
• Development Tools and Software Licenses: 1,000 ADA

Education and Training (13,000 ADA)

• Workshops and Training Sessions: 5,000 ADA
• Educational Content Development: 5,000 ADA
• Community Outreach and Engagement: 3,000 ADA

Andamio Network Implementation (22,000 ADA)

• Smart Contract Development and Deployment: 11,000 ADA
• Migration of Existing Systems to a purpose sidechain Network: 8,000 ADA
• Testing and Quality Assurance: 3,000 ADA

Sidechain Technical Implementation (38,000 ADA)

• Investigation and Integration with tools like Mesh and Yaci: 10,000 ADA
• Development and Customization: 20,000 ADA
• Support and Maintenance: 8,000 ADA

Contingency funds: 1000 ADA

Total: 100,000 ADA

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

The cost of our project represents excellent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem through strategic investments that leverage Cardano's unique capabilities, demonstrating its versatility and driving wider adoption across new sectors. Here’s how our project delivers value:

Showcasing Cardano’s Capabilities:

• By using Cardano for an educational credentialing and contribution management system, we highlight its applicability beyond typical financial use cases. This not only showcases Cardano's adaptability and efficiency but also attracts interest from diverse sectors, potentially leading to broader adoption and increased demand for ADA.

Innovation and Technological Advancement:

• Our project contributes to the Cardano ecosystem by developing a model for purpose sidechain combined with Layer 2 solutions. This model can be replicated or adapted by other projects within the ecosystem, sparking further innovation and providing a blueprint for scalability and privacy.

Community Engagement and Growth:

• We allocate funds for marketing, outreach, and community engagement. These efforts help to educate and bring new users and developers into the Cardano ecosystem, fostering a larger, more vibrant community.

Long-term Sustainability:

• By focusing on a scalable and economically viable solution for projects using Layer 2 technology, the project ensures that the infrastructure and applications developed are sustainable in the long term. This sustainability supports ongoing use and development within the Cardano ecosystem, reinforcing its economic model.

Educational Impact:

• The project directly contributes to educational enhancements by providing a secure, transparent, and efficient system for managing credentials. This not only benefits the educational sector but also demonstrates the social impact potential of Cardano, enhancing its appeal to socially conscious investors and users.

The proposed budget is designed to maximize each ADA spent towards achieving tangible outcomes that benefit both the immediate stakeholders and the broader Cardano community. The investment into this project thus goes beyond mere monetary expenditure, fostering technological advancement, community growth, and enhanced visibility and reputation of the Cardano ecosystem.