Developing a Self Sovereign On-chain Identity (SSOI)

[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)

Develop a decentralized identity solution on Cardano that grants users full control over their identity while leveraging the blockchain's security and transparency.

[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 dependencies

[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

While the SSOI we will develop will be fully open source, not all the validator logic will be.

[METADATA] SDG rating

This proposal aligns primarily with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. 

This goal emphasizes promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels.

Relevance to SDG 16:

• Promotion of Inclusion and Access to Services: Self-sovereign identities can enhance access to legal and social services by providing secure and verifiable digital identities, especially for those who are currently underserved or lack traditional forms of identification.
• Strengthening Institutions: The proposal could strengthen institutions working towards Peace and Justice by using blockchain technology, which is inherently secure and transparent. This would reduce fraud, increase transparency, and improve the efficiency of identity management processes.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this Proposal:

1. Number of Identities Issued: The number of digital identities that have been successfully created and are actively used on the platform.

2. Adoption Rate: The percentage of the target population that has adopted these blockchain-based digital identities for accessing services.

3. Reduction in Identity Fraud Cases: The percentage decrease in fraudulent activities related to identity theft or misuse after implementation.

4. Institutional Efficiency Gains: The percentage increase in speed and cost of identity verification processes before and after implementation, indicating efficiency improvements.

6. Interoperability with Existing Systems: The extent to which the new digital identities can be integrated with existing governmental and non-governmental service platforms.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Understanding the Problem

Integrating Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) solutions with on-chain smart contracts on blockchain platforms like Cardano is no easy feat. There are some challenges like setting up key rotation mechanisms and verifying public key hashes that require a lot of effort. But the biggest issue is finding decentralized identifiers (DIDs) that are permissionless, non-custodial, and non-fungible. Without these, achieving on-chain approval uniqueness can be tough. We're working on a way to make SSI functionalities inherently trustworthy, secure, and user-controlled, which will make digital identities on the blockchain much more efficient, scalable, and reliable.

Andamio's Evolution Towards a Self-Sovereign On-Chain Identity Solution

Andamio is pioneering the development of a pivotal tool within the Cardano ecosystem, simplifying the creation of educational courses, the onboarding of contributors, and the management of rewards. By enabling organizations to accurately identify and verify the skills of contributors through blockchain technology, Andamio will ensure the authenticity of credentials and streamline the hiring and training processes. This foundation has naturally led Andamio to address critical gaps in existing SSI systems, characterized by issues like centralization, inefficient key rotation, and unverifiable public key hashes.

In response, Andamio is spearheading the development of a Cardano-based Self-Sovereign On-chain Identity (SSOI) solution that integrates blockchain's decentralized, permissionless nature to offer a non-custodial and transparent identity verification system. This initiative aims to develop a new approach to the traditional centralized SSI databases with a blockchain-native framework that not only ensures each identity's uniqueness and security but also allows users comprehensive control over their personal data visibility. The proposed system will leverage Andamio's existing infrastructure to implement a universally applicable SSOI schema, enhancing user trust and ensuring broad compatibility across various platforms within the Cardano network.

By focusing on these innovations, Andamio is advancing its capabilities in secure, verifiable credential management and contributing to the broader evolution of digital identity in the blockchain space. 

Demonstrating Impact

• Research and Design Phase: Upon completion of the research and design phase, which includes researching existing solutions and drafting the SSOI schema, we will assess the innovation and adequacy of our framework against existing solutions like Atala Prism and KERI. The impact will be measured by the completeness and applicability of the SSOI research documentation, ensuring that our schema addresses current gaps in SSI technologies. 

• Development Phase: The development phase focuses on setting up the environment and developing the core components of our SSOI system, including SSI tokens and validator contracts. The prototype's functionality and security features, as documented in our GitHub repository, will measure the system’s impact. The successful creation of a test transaction using the SSOI system will serve as a critical benchmark for assessing the technical viability and initial user acceptance of our solution.

• Implementation Phase: This phase involves building and testing an initial prototype that interacts with the SSI validator and tracks SSI tokens on the Cardano blockchain. We will measure impact through user engagement during closed alpha testing, monitoring how effectively the prototype manages identities and gathers user feedback. 

• Close-out Phase: The final phase focuses on preparing comprehensive documentation and final reporting of the project’s outcomes. Impact will be demonstrated through a final GitHub repository update, which includes deployment guides, usage tutorials, and a detailed project summary. 

Uniqueness and Benefits

Our solution stands out by integrating a universal, inclusive SSOI schema that is compatible across various platforms within the Cardano ecosystem. This not only simplifies the user experience but also enhances the interoperability of digital identities across different applications and services. Organizations using Cardano will benefit from a more robust, secure, and efficient means of managing identities, which is crucial for the growing demand for digital services that respect user autonomy and data sovereignty.

Importance to Cardano

Implementing a decentralized identity solution on Cardano aligns with the blockchain's vision of fostering a more secure, transparent, and user-empowered digital world. This project contributes to Cardano's reputation as a leading platform for innovative blockchain solutions, potentially attracting wider adoption and further development within the ecosystem.

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

Value to the Cardano Community

The success of our project will deliver substantial value to the Cardano community by establishing a more reliable and user-empowered framework for digital identity verification. Our solution, an SSOI system, will ensure that each identity is uniquely secured and managed without centralized control, thus reducing fraud and enhancing user privacy.

Measuring Impact

• Research and Design Phase: The initial phase's impact will be evaluated based on the comprehensiveness and applicability of the SSOI research documentation compared to existing solutions such as Atala PRISM and KERI. The quality and innovation of the on-chain data structure and SSOI schema will serve as key metrics.

• Development Phase: During this phase, we will measure the prototype's technical robustness and user interaction by developing and testing SSI tokens and validator contracts. A successful test transaction will mark a pivotal moment, demonstrating the system’s functionality and initial acceptance within the Cardano ecosystem.

• Implementation Phase: The prototype's impact will be gauged by user engagement and feedback during its closed alpha testing. This phase focuses on how effectively the prototype operates within the Cardano blockchain and its usability by end-users.

• Close-out Phase: The final documentation and updates to our GitHub repository will signify the project's completion and readiness for broader dissemination and adoption. The quality and depth of the final deliverables will indicate the project's success and its potential influence on future developments within Cardano.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

• Documentation and Code: While the SSOI will be fully open-source, critical components of the validator logic will remain proprietary to protect the system's integrity and unique features. Essential documentation, schema, and some parts of the codebase will be shared via GitHub, fostering transparency and collaboration within the community.

Uniqueness and Benefits

Our project uniquely integrates a universal, inclusive SSOI schema compatible across various platforms within the Cardano ecosystem, enhancing user experience and interoperability of digital identities. This not only simplifies identity management but also reinforces the security and efficiency of the Cardano blockchain, making it more attractive for developers and users alike.

Importance to Cardano

Implementing this decentralized identity solution aligns with Cardano’s vision of fostering a secure, transparent, and user-centric digital environment. This project will enhance Cardano's reputation as a leader in innovative blockchain solutions, encouraging further adoption and innovation within the ecosystem. By providing a proof-of-concept for a critical blockchain function, our project sets the stage for scaling and additional research and development that could benefit multiple blockchain applications.

[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 to Deliver

Three members from Andamio will be working on the delivery of this proposal. The team, comprising M. Ali Modiri, Adrian Huetter, and Roberto Mayen, brings a robust blend of expertise and experience that uniquely qualifies us to successfully deliver this project. Each member has demonstrated significant capabilities in their respective areas, which collectively cover the entire spectrum needed for the SSOI system's development and implementation on the Cardano blockchain.

1. M. Ali Modiri (often referred to as Mix) is a versatile individual with a rich blend of skills spanning mechatronic studies and a distinguished background in the field of mathematics and experience as a malware analyst and penetration tester. His programming proficiency extends from low-level languages like Assembly and C to high-level languages like Golang and JavaScript. As a proud student of Gimbalabs and an active contributor to the Cardano community, Mix specializes in Plutus smart contract development. He is also the Chair of the Cardano Certification Group and an author of CIP 96, bringing a deep commitment to advancing blockchain technology to transcend humanity's current struggles. His strategic and technical perspectives are instrumental in shaping the innovative approaches to digital identity management in our project.

2. Adrian Huetter has a proven track record as a blockchain developer, with specific skills in smart contract development and system integration. His hands-on experience in developing and testing blockchain applications ensures that all technical aspects of the project, from the development of SSOI tokens to the creation of validator contracts, are executed with precision and align with Cardano's architectural standards.

3. Roberto Mayen oversees project management, ensuring that all phases of the project, from R&D to close-out, are executed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. His role is crucial in maintaining high levels of trust and accountability, with a clear focus on meeting the project's milestones and deliverables as set out in our proposal.

Validating Feasibility

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will employ the following strategies:

• Iterative Development and Testing: Beginning with the R&D phase, we will continually test the SSOI schema against existing solutions such as Atala Prism and Keri, refining our approach based on these benchmarks. Development will progress through stages, with each phase tested extensively in controlled environments before moving to the next stage.

• Closed Alpha Testing: The prototype developed will undergo closed alpha testing within the Cardano Testnet, providing us with detailed feedback on the system’s functionality, security, and user experience. This step is crucial for assessing the practical implementation of the SSOI system and making necessary adjustments before wide-scale deployment.

Managing Funds Properly

Trust and accountability in fund management are paramount for the execution of our proposal. We will implement transparent budgeting and reporting, where all budget allocations will be documented and reported to ensure proper fund management. This includes breakdowns of expenditures and progress reports matching budget spending to project milestones

Conclusion

The combined expertise of our team members, our methodical approach to development and testing, and our transparent approach to fund management provide a strong foundation for delivering the SSOI project with high levels of trust and accountability. We are committed to contributing to the Cardano ecosystem's growth by providing a reliable, secure, and user-centered digital identity solution.

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

Sprint 1: Research and Design

Objective: Establish a foundational understanding of existing SSI solutions within Cardano and design the preliminary framework for the SSOI system.

Milestone output(s):

• Research existing Cardano solutions for Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI), like Atala PRISM and KERI
• Write the first draft of a correct and applicable SSOI schema
• Research and design an on-chain data structure that is fully compatible and synchronized with the SSOI schema
• Investigate the use of Hydra to address potential concurrency issues

Acceptance Criteria:

• A detailed report describing the findings of the research and design phase.
• A draft of the SSOI schema
• Technical documentation outlining the designed on-chain data structure and its interaction with the SSOI schema
• A technical brief on the potential use and implications of Hydra in solving concurrency challenges 

Timeline: 1 month

Sprint 2: Development

Objective: Develop the necessary infrastructure and initial components of the SSOI system to enable early-stage testing and validation

Milestone Output(s):

• Setup and configuration of a development environment tailored for SSOI system integration
• Develop a set of contracts to create and manage SSOI tokens
• Develop a set of SSOI token validator contracts
• Develop the first test transactions for the Cardano-native SSOI system
• Develop an SSOI standard which would lead to a possible CIP
• 
  

Acceptance Criteria:

• A functional development environment
• Successful deployment of SSOI token and validator smart contracts
• Detailed report of test transaction outcomes
• A first draft of an SSOI standard
• Link to a GitHub repository
• 
  

Timeline - 2 months

Sprint 3: Implementation

Objective: Implement and test the SSOI prototype in a controlled environment

Milestone Output(s):

• Build a working prototype that interacts with the SSI validator and tracks SSI tokens through the Cardano blockchain
• Develop an API that tracks the user journey as it obtains the SSOI and builds up their identity
• Conduct closed alpha testing of the SSOI prototype on the Testnet

Acceptance Criteria:

• [Video] Operational prototype demonstrating all intended functionalities
• API documentation and endpoint descriptions
• Comprehensive test report from closed alpha

Timeline - 2 months

Sprint 4: Close-out report

Objective: Finalize the project by evaluating overall outcomes, results, insights, and recommendations for future development.

Milestone Output(s):

• A final evaluation report assessing project outcomes, including an analysis of the SSOI’s impact on the Cardano ecosystem, success metrics, and areas for improvement.
• A closeout video encapsulating the project's journey, its impact, and the lessons learned from start to finish.

Acceptance Criteria:

• A detailed final report that provides a clear and thorough review of the project
• A closeout video summarizing the project and its significance
• Link to a GitHub repository

Timeline: 1 month

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

1. M. Ali Modiri
2. Role: Project Lead and Senior Blockchain Developer
3. LinkedIn Profile: M. Ali Modiri
4. Responsibilities: Overseeing the project's overall direction, designing the SSOI schema, and leading the integration of the blockchain components. Ali's deep experience with blockchain technology and smart contract development, particularly within the Cardano ecosystem, positions him well to steer this project effectively.
5. Adrian Huetter
6. Role: Lead Blockchain Developer
7. Responsibilities: Focused on the development of smart contracts and the technical setup of the SSOI system. Adrian's expertise in blockchain development and system architecture is crucial for the hands-on building and testing phases of the project.
8. Roberto Mayen
9. Role: Project Manager
10. LinkedIn Profile: Roberto Mayen
11. Responsibilities: Managing the project's timeline, resources, and stakeholder communication. Roberto ensures the project adheres to its milestones and that all deliverables are met within the agreed timelines.

Engagement and Capacity

All team members have been fully engaged and have committed their time and expertise to the project. Preliminary discussions and role allocations have been confirmed, ensuring each member is prepared and available to start as soon as the project is funded.

Consent and Disclosure

All team members have consented to their involvement and the disclosure of their roles as described in this proposal. We understand the importance of transparency and accountability, especially in projects funded through Catalyst, and have taken the necessary steps to ensure all participation is compliant with the requirements.

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

1. Personnel costs
2. Project Lead and Blockchain Developer
3. Overseeing the project, drafting SSOI schema, designing data structures
4. 27,000 ADA
5. Blockchain Developer
6. Development of SSOI tokens, validator contracts, and test transactions
7. 27,000 ADA
8. Project Manager
9. Overall project coordination, milestone tracking, and financial management
10. 18,000 ADA
11. Technology costs
12. Technical tools and subscriptions
13. Software licenses and tools for data structure design and schema modeling
14. 1,000 ADA
15. API development and integration
16. Tools to track the user journey
17. 4,000 ADA
18. Miscellaneous
19. Contingency fund
20. Reserved for unforeseen expenses
21. 5,000 ADA
22. Closed alpha testing
23. Facilitation of workshops with alpha testers
24. 3,000 ADA

Total: 85,000 ADA

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

The budget allocation has been meticulously planned to ensure it provides significant value for money to the Cardano ecosystem. The investment directly correlates with both tangible and intangible benefits that will foster innovation, community engagement, and scalability within the ecosystem. Here is a detailed justification of the project costs:

Justification of Costs:

1. Personnel Costs (72,000)

• The majority of the budget is allocated to personnel costs, underscoring the project's reliance on highly skilled professionals.
• The rates for our developers and project managers are competitive and align with the average freelance rates for blockchain development professionals globally. Given the specialized nature of blockchain development and the expertise required for Cardano's Plutus smart contracts, these rates are in line with industry standards. 

2. Technology Costs (5,000)

• Technology costs totaling cover essential software licenses and the development of an API. These tools and services are critical for building and maintaining the infrastructure required to support the SSOI system. The cost is based on standard pricing for developer tools and platforms, which are necessary for ensuring the system's reliability and security.

4. Miscellaneous Expenses (8,000):

• This category includes a contingency fund and the facilitation of workshops to ensure a successful alpha testing of the prototype. 

Value for Money for the Cardano Ecosystem:

• Enhancing Security and Trust: By funding the development of a Self-Sovereign On-Chain Identity system, Cardano will significantly enhance the security and trustworthiness of its ecosystem. The SSOI system aims to mitigate common issues such as centralization risks and inefficient key management, thereby strengthening the overall security posture of the blockchain.

• Driving Adoption and Utility: The SSOI system will increase the utility of the Cardano blockchain by providing a robust framework for managing digital identities. This not only promotes wider adoption of Cardano-based applications but also attracts new projects and developers to the ecosystem, increasing the blockchain’s value and relevance.

Conclusion

The budget for the SSOI project represents a strategic investment into the foundational elements of the Cardano ecosystem that will yield long-term benefits, such as enhanced security, increased adoption, and community growth. Careful planning and allocation of resources demonstrate a high level of responsibility and commitment to delivering value for money.