Cardano-ID: Decentralized Identity Management for Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Surafel Nigusie

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

Entity (Not Incorporated)

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

11

[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)

Cardano-ID will create a decentralized identity management system on Cardano, giving users control over their data and enhancing privacy and security.

[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

Cardano-ID project intends to make its outputs open source-available throughout its entire lifecycle. We plan to use an open-source license such as the GNU General Public License (GPL) or the Apache License, Version 2.0, to ensure that our codebase remains accessible and transparent to the community.

By adopting an open-source approach, we aim to encourage collaboration, peer review, and contributions from developers and researchers within the Cardano ecosystem and beyond.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Cardano-ID proposes a solution to the prevalent issue of centralized identity systems, which often lead to data breaches and privacy infringements due to the lack of user control. Leveraging Cardano's blockchain and smart contracts, our project aims to create a decentralized identity management system.

Features of Cardano-ID

1. Identity Creation : Users create a unique Cardano-ID, which serves as a secure and verifiable digital identity anchored on the Cardano blockchain.
2. Verification: Users can verify their identity using their Cardano-ID when accessing dApps.
3. Access Control: Developers can manage user access to specific features and data within their applications based on verified identities.
4. Data Sharing: Users can selectively share their identity information with different dApps as needed.

This system will empower users by providing them with control over their data, ensuring secure and private interactions across digital platforms. Our engagement will span developers, blockchain enthusiasts, and individuals concerned with privacy and security.

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

Cardano-ID is a decentralized identity solution that leverages the blockchain technology of Cardano to provide a secure, immutable, and user-controlled way of managing identities. It ensures that users have full control over their identity data while allowing developers to integrate this functionality into their applications for various purposes such as authentication, access control, and more.

Features and Benefits

1. Security: By using blockchain, Cardano-ID ensures that identity data is secure, tamper-proof, and resistant to unauthorized access.
2. Decentralization: Unlike centralized identity systems, Cardano-ID does not rely on a single authority or server, reducing the risk of data breaches.
3. User Control: Users have full control over their identity information, deciding what data to share and with whom.
4. Interoperability: Cardano-ID can be integrated with various dApps and platforms, facilitating seamless interactions within the Cardano ecosystem and beyond.

To measure impact quantitatively through metrics like user adoption rates and transaction volumes, coupled with qualitative feedback from users and stakeholders regarding improved security and privacy experiences.

Our outputs, including progress reports, security audit results, and user feedback, will be shared transparently with the community through forums, social media, and industry events, fostering collaboration and showcasing opportunities for innovation and growth within the Cardano ecosystem.

[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?

I am capable of completing the project with a high degree of trust and accountability.  

My goal in submitting this grant application is to address the identity management system in the blockchain sector (KYC) by offering the necessary technical know-how and proficiency in the blockchain and web 2.o domains. 

In addition, I have a track record of completing projects for both clients and myself. I have extensive programming experience in Python, Java, Haskell, Rest, Java Script, React, Next Js, and Solidity, in addition to full stack development in a variety of EVM-compatible blockchains.

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

Research and Design Phase (Month 1-2)

• A: Milestone Outputs
• Detailed technical specifications and architecture design for the decentralized identity system.
• Market research report outlining demand, competitor analysis, and regulatory considerations.
• B: Acceptance Criteria
• Approval of technical specifications by the development team and project stakeholders.
• Completion of market research report validated by industry experts or advisors.
• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
• Submission of technical documentation and architecture diagrams.
• Presentation of the market research findings and validation feedback.

Prototype Development and Testing (Month 3-4)

• A: Milestone Outputs
• Functional prototype of the decentralized identity system with core features implemented.
• Initial round of user testing and feedback gathered.
• B: Acceptance Criteria
• Demonstration of the functional prototype to project stakeholders for validation.
• Positive user feedback indicating usability and feature satisfaction.
• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
• Demo video showcasing the prototype in action.
• User feedback survey results and analysis report.

Security Audits and Iterative Improvements (Month 5-6)

• A: Milestone Outputs
• Comprehensive security audit report with identified vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies.
• Iterative improvements based on user feedback and security audit recommendations.
• B: Acceptance Criteria
• Successful completion of security audits with no critical vulnerabilities identified.
• Implementation of iterative improvements validated by the development team.
• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
• Security audit report from the auditing firm.
• Documentation of implemented improvements and their impact.

Community Engagement and Beta Testing (Month 7-8)

• A: Milestone Outputs
• Community engagement plan executed, including workshops, webinars, and social media campaigns.
• Beta version of the decentralized identity system released for broader testing.
• B: Acceptance Criteria
• Active participation and positive feedback from community members in engagement activities.
• Successful beta testing phase with identified bugs addressed.
• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
• Documentation of community engagement activities and participant feedback.
• Beta testing report highlighting bug fixes and performance improvements.

Final Testing and Documentation (Month 9-10)

• A: Milestone Outputs
• Final version of the decentralized identity system ready for production deployment.
• Comprehensive project documentation including user guides, API documentation, and deployment instructions.

• B: Acceptance Criteria
• Successful completion of final testing phase ensuring system stability and performance.
• Approval of project documentation by stakeholders.

• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
• Test reports showing successful final testing outcomes.
• Documentation repository with approved project documentation.

Project Close-out Report and Video (Month 11)

• A: Milestone Outputs
• Project close-out report summarizing achievements, challenges faced, and lessons learned.
• Video presentation highlighting key project milestones, outcomes, and future plans.
• B: Acceptance Criteria
• Approval of project close-out report by project stakeholders.
• Completion and submission of the project close-out video.
• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
• Project close-out report document.
• Final video presentation shared with the community and stakeholders.

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

I'm Surafel Nigusie, a computer science BSc student with more than 2 year experience in blockchain and full stack development in a variety of EVM-compatible settings. Additionally, I have considerable programming experience with Python, Java, Haskell, Rest, Java Script, React, Next Js, and Solidity.

I have a track record of finishing projects for clients as well as for personal project`s in the web 2.0 and web 3.0 domains.

I'll be handling the project as a full stack Blockchain developer in this situation to ensure that the desired results are achieved.

• LinkedIn: Surafel Nigusie
• email address : surafel.nigusie.dev@gmail.com
• Role: Full Stack Blockchain Developer

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

1, Research and Design Phase (Month 1-2)

• Market Research Report: 2,000
• Technical Specification and Architecture Design: 3,000

Total Cost: 5,000

2, Prototype Development and Testing (Month 3-4)

• Prototype Development: 8,000
• User Testing and Feedback Gathering: 2,000

Total Cost: 10,000

3, Security Audits and Iterative Improvements (Month 5-6)

• Security Audit Services: 5,000
• Iterative Improvements: 3,000

Total Cost: 8,000

4, Community Engagement and Beta Testing (Month 7-8)

• Community Engagement Activities (Workshops, Webinars): 3,000
• Beta Testing Phase: 2,000

Total Cost: 5,000

5, Final Testing and Documentation (Month 9-10)

• Final Testing Phase: 3,000
• Project Documentation: 2,000

Total Cost: 5,000

6, Project Close-out Report and Video (Month 11)

• Project Close-out Report: 1,000
• Final Video Presentation: 1,000

Total Cost: 2,000

Other Expenses

• Marketing and Publicity: 3,000
• Project Management: 2,000
• Miscellaneous (Contingency): 5,000

Total Cost: 10,000

Grand Total Cost: 45,000

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

I have organized the costs for the project so that they reflect value for money within the Cardano ecosystem by aligning with industry-standard rates for skilled professionals in blockchain development, security auditing, UX/UI design, and community engagement.

Additionally, for the project implementation, I will recruit professionals to work on the UI/UX design, the security auditor, and the marketing. Also, after the development of the Cardano ID project, there will be a lot of bug bounty on the code auditing sites to ensure the security and product quality.