Cardano Culinary (Blockchain-Enabled Recipes)

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Mahlet Amenu

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

Entity (Incorporated)

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

8

[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)

We will integrate Cardano blockchain to enable recipe NFT minting and a token reward system, empowering creators with ownership and monetization.

[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 will utilize the MIT License for all blockchain integration code, ensuring transparency, free access, and broad usage potential. This includes smart contracts for NFT minting and the token reward system, fostering community contributions and improvements.

[METADATA] SDG rating

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth - Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The project supports this through enabling culinary creators to monetize their recipes and potentially create new economic opportunities in the digital and culinary sectors.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. By integrating blockchain technology into the platform, we're fostering innovation and contributing to the development of new digital infrastructure.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production - Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. The ability for users to create, trade, and own their culinary content can promote a more sustainable model of digital content creation and consumption.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Traditional digital cooking platforms do not offer creators tangible ownership or ways to monetize their contributions effectively. This limitation stifles innovation and reduces engagement from potentially creative individuals who could contribute to diverse culinary experiences. 

Our proposed solution

1. NFT Recipe Minting

• Feature: Users can mint their original recipes into NFTs on the Cardano blockchain, establishing irrefutable ownership and authenticity.
• Impact: This empowers culinary creators by providing them with a unique way to protect their intellectual property and potentially profit from their creativity through a transparent and secure digital ledger.

2. Token Tip System:

• Feature: We’ll utilize ADA to tip users for their contributions to the platform, such as submitting recipes, providing valuable feedback, or participating in community events.
• Impact: Enhances user engagement by incentivizing participation, which not only boosts platform activity but also fosters a more vibrant and collaborative community.

3. Blockchain-Verified Dietary Achievements:

• Feature: Record and verify users’ dietary milestones and achievements using blockchain technology, ensuring they are tamper-proof and verifiable.
• Impact: Builds trust with the platform, as users can reliably share their dietary accomplishments with health professionals or within their social circles, enhancing the app's utility and personal value.

4. Decentralized Voting on Content Quality:

• Feature: Implement a decentralized system where users can vote on content quality using tokens, influencing which content gets promoted or featured.
• Impact: Encourages high-quality submissions and active community involvement, ensuring that the best content is recognized and rewarded, thereby continuously improving the platform's content standard.

5. Recipe Trading and Auctioning Platform:

• Feature: Create a marketplace where users can buy, sell, or trade their recipe NFTs using Cardano's secure and scalable blockchain technology.
• Impact: Opens up new economic opportunities for users, allowing them to monetize their culinary skills and creations in a dynamic market environment.

6. Smart Contract-Managed Subscriptions:

• Feature: Utilize Cardano smart contracts for handling subscriptions to premium content, ensuring an automated, transparent, and fair process.
• Impact: Reduces administrative overhead while providing a seamless and trustless experience for premium content access, making the platform more attractive and easy to use.

We will initially launch our MVP with four foundational features, focusing on core functionalities to ensure robustness and user engagement. The advanced features, including Recipe Trading and Auctioning Platform and Smart Contract-Managed Subscriptions, will be seamlessly integrated once the platform reaches production level, guaranteeing scalability and enhanced value to our users as we expand.

Benefits to Cardano:

By integrating these features, the project not only enhances the real-world utility of the Cardano blockchain in new and innovative ways by diversifying its application beyond typical financial transactions but also promotes broader adoption by demonstrating practical use cases in everyday activities like cooking. This initiative aligns with Cardano's vision of fostering blockchain use beyond traditional financial applications, supporting small economies, and enhancing user engagement through technology, will also highlight Cardano's adaptability and scalability, serving as a valuable case study in the application of blockchain technology in everyday life.

Our Unique Approach:

We chose the Cardano blockchain for its robust capabilities in handling smart contracts and its commitment to sustainability, making it an ideal platform for our solution. By enabling users to mint their recipes as NFTs, we provide them with undeniable proof of ownership and the potential for monetization through trade or exclusive access mechanisms.

Demonstrating Impact:

We will measure our impact through user engagement metrics such as the number of recipes minted as NFTs, the volume of transactions involving our tokens, and user feedback on the platform. Success will also be demonstrated by the adoption rate of the platform among the target audience and the active participation in the token economy.

Why This Matters:

By providing a platform that enhances visibility, ownership, and profitability for culinary creators, we encourage more high-quality content production and engagement. This aligns with Cardano’s mission of promoting economic empowerment and driving the adoption of blockchain technology through practical, innovative solutions.

Great! It sounds like you've made significant progress with your app. Given this current status, here's how we can incorporate this information into your proposal, especially in the sections discussing the project's current state and readiness for the next steps:

Current Status

1. Backend Development

   - We have already developed most of the backend APIs necessary for the app's functionality.

   - A comprehensive Postman collection is prepared, facilitating easy testing and integration for further development.

2. Design

   - The app's design is fully laid out in Figma, ensuring a cohesive and user-friendly interface across all features. Link - click here 

3. App availability 

• Google Play Deployment: The app is currently available for public testing on Google Play. This availability allows us to gather real-world feedback from users, which is critical for ongoing improvements and ensuring that the app meets the needs of a diverse user base. Interested users can download and test the app, providing valuable insights that will inform the integration of blockchain functionalities. Click here to access the app on Google Play.
• Code Availability on GitHub: The source code is openly available on GitHub. This transparency not only fosters a community of developers who can contribute to and enhance the app but also ensures that our development processes are accessible for review and collaboration. This open-source approach aligns with the values of transparency and community-driven development within the Cardano ecosystem. Click here to view the repository on GitHub.

4. Implemented Features

   - Authentication System: Allows users to sign in as guests or through an authentication process, enhancing user experience and security.

   - Ingredient Input: Users can enter ingredients by categories such as vegetables, dairy, fruits, and meat, optimizing the recipe search process.

   - User Configuration: Includes options for gender, age, height, and weight, integrating personal health management into the culinary experience.

   - Recipe Management: Features for creating, saving, and interacting with recipes are fully functional, including detailed pages for each recipe that provide comprehensive cooking guides.

   - User Interaction: Users can comment on recipes, reply to comments, and manage their profile settings, enhancing community engagement.

   - Additional Features: Includes onboarding, settings, and social features like forums and inviting friends.

5. Pending Features

   - Personalized User Experience: Still to implement features like diet selection, cooking time preferences, allergy information, fitness goals, and ideal water intake.

   - Health and Management Tools: BMI summary, notifications, and user-centric features such as "My Fridge", "My Health", "My Meal Planner", and "My Goals" are under development.

This detail of the app’s current features and pending developments provides a clear picture of our project's progress and preparedness for integrating blockchain technology. This groundwork ensures that we can effectively implement the proposed blockchain functionalities with minimal disruption and maximum leverage of existing capabilities.

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

Our project will demonstrate the practical and diverse applications of Cardano blockchain technology beyond its traditional use in finance. By integrating NFT minting and a token reward system within the culinary field, we showcase the adaptability and utility of the Cardano platform in everyday activities, thereby promoting broader adoption and understanding of blockchain technology.

Measuring Impact

• Quantitative Metrics:
• User Adoption: Track the number of users who mint recipe NFTs and participate in the token reward system.
• Transaction Volume: Monitor the number and value of transactions occurring through the trading and auctioning of recipe NFTs.
• Community Growth: Measure the increase in community members and active participants on forums and through app engagement metrics.

• Qualitative Metrics:
• User Feedback: Collect and analyze user feedback to gauge satisfaction and the practical utility of blockchain features in the app.
• Market Innovation: Assess the emergence of new business models or practices within the culinary and blockchain communities as a direct result of our platform.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

• Open Source Code: All blockchain-related code, including smart contracts for NFT minting and token operations, will be available under an MIT License on our GitHub repository. This promotes transparency, allows other developers to learn from, enhance, or adapt our work, and fosters collaboration within the Cardano developer community.
• Community Engagement: Regular updates, discussions, and results will be shared through dedicated channels. These updates will highlight milestones, feature tutorials on how to use the platform, and encourage community feedback and participation.
• Workshops and Webinars: Host online events that educate on the intersection of culinary arts and blockchain, demonstrating the use cases of Cardano technology in non-traditional sectors. These will be aimed at both culinary and tech audiences.
• Collaborations: Engage with other Cardano ecosystem projects to explore interoperability and cross-promotion opportunities, further integrating our project within the broader Cardano community.

By executing these strategies, our project will contribute to the Cardano community's growth, not only in size but also in the scope of blockchain's applications, driving innovation and fostering a more diverse and robust 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?

Our team, developers of the "Millions Recipes" app, possesses a unique combination of expertise in software development, culinary content, and blockchain technology. This blend of skills uniquely positions us to deliver the project with high levels of trust and accountability:

1.Experienced Development Team: Our developers have extensive experience in mobile and web application development, including prior projects that integrate blockchain technologies. This technical prowess ensures robust and secure implementation of blockchain features within the app.

2.Track Record: Our successful projects demonstrate our ability to build vibrant communities with 100,000+ downloads (50k+ active users per month)

3.Community Trust and Endorsement:The community's continued trust and endorsement of our proposals underscore our proven ability to meet and exceed expectations. Our past funded projects such as "Cardano for 100,000 students", "Universal DevTools for Real-time Tracking for 45%+ of Global Websites Support", and “Enhancing Cardano Developer Ecosystem with Open Source Tooling” have received strong support from the Cardano community, reflecting their confidence in our team's capacity to deliver on promises and contribute meaningfully to the ecosystem's growth and development.

4.Collaboration: We’re trusted by Microsoft! Our project has joined Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub with a mix of technical benefits and business resources. (38 microsoft services benefits - see the below account)

5.Blockchain Expertise: We have in-house blockchain experts who have previously worked on several successful Cardano-based projects. Their deep understanding of Cardano's architecture and smart contract programming ensures that our blockchain integration is both innovative and aligned with best practices.

Feasibility and Validation

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

1. Prototype Development: Before full-scale implementation, we will develop a prototype to test the NFT minting process and token tip system. This will allow us to gather early feedback and make necessary adjustments.

2. Beta Testing: Engage with a select group of users from our existing app community to test the new features. Their feedback will be crucial in refining our approach and ensuring the platform is user-friendly and meets the community's needs.

3. Continuous Monitoring and Iteration: Post-launch, we will monitor the system's performance continuously, using data analytics to track engagement and transaction metrics. This will help us quickly identify and resolve any issues.

Trust and Accountability in Managing Funds

1. Transparent Budgeting: All budgeting details will be openly shared with the community through regular updates. We will provide breakdowns of how funds are being allocated and spent.

2. Regular Reporting: We commit to regular progress reports that include financial accounting, which will be shared with our backers and the broader Cardano community through our project's website and Cardano forums.

By implementing these measures, we aim to establish a high level of trust and accountability, ensuring that we manage both the project and its funds with integrity and in alignment with our community's expectations.

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

Finalization of Non-Blockchain Mobile App Features (4 weeks)

Description: Complete the development and refinement of all non-blockchain mobile app features, ensuring a solid foundation for subsequent blockchain integrations.

Outputs: Fully functional mobile app with all non-blockchain features completed.

Acceptance Criteria: User acceptance testing confirms all non-blockchain features are operational and meet specified user requirements.

NFT Recipe Minting (8 weeks)

Description: Develop and integrate the NFT minting functionality, allowing users to create and own NFTs of their recipes on the Cardano blockchain.

Outputs: NFT minting feature integrated into the app, with backend and frontend support.

Acceptance Criteria: Successful minting of recipe NFTs demonstrated in a test environment; feedback from beta testers confirms the feature's usability and functionality.

Token Tip System Implementation (6 weeks)

Description: Implement a token reward system that enables users to earn and spend tokens within the app for contributing content and participating in community activities.

Outputs: Token reward system fully integrated into the app, with functionalities for earning and spending tokens.

Acceptance Criteria: Completion of token transactions in a test environment confirms system functionality and security; user feedback indicates satisfaction with the usability of the token system.

Blockchain-Verified Dietary Achievements (6 weeks)

Description: Develop a feature to record and verify users’ dietary achievements using blockchain technology, enhancing the app’s value in health and wellness tracking.

Outputs: Blockchain-verified dietary achievements feature implemented, with appropriate UI components and backend logic.

Acceptance Criteria: Accurate recording and verification of dietary achievements using blockchain; positive user feedback on the feature's reliability and usefulness.

Decentralized Voting on Content Quality (6 weeks)

Description: Create a decentralized voting system that allows users to vote on the quality of content, influencing which recipes are promoted or featured on the platform.

Outputs: Decentralized voting mechanism active within the app, facilitating user engagement and content curation.

Acceptance Criteria: Successful deployment of the voting system, with user engagement metrics demonstrating active participation; community feedback confirms the system enhances content quality.

Project Completion Report and Video based on Catalyst guideline (2 weeks)

Description: Compile and produce a comprehensive project report and a video detailing the project’s development, impact, and future prospects.

Outputs: Project completion report and a documentary-style video highlighting key features and user testimonials.

Acceptance Criteria: Approval of the report and video by the project steering committee, and positive reception from the Cardano community upon release.

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

Core Team Members

1.Esubalew Amenu - Tech Lead & Blockchain Strategist

-LinkedIn: click here

   - Role: Oversees the entire project, ensuring alignment with the Cardano blockchain's capabilities and the project's objectives.

   - Experience:

• Over 8+ years of project management in blockchain and fintech industries.
• Successfully led multiple projects from conception to implementation, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction.
• Expertise in coordinating diverse teams and fostering effective communication.
• Currently working at SingularityNet.io
• Email: esubalew.amenu@singularitynet.io
• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA) - Certificate ID 64a11f630d345a3a7c07d6cb
• BSc in Computer Science, MSc in Software Engineering, BA in Management
• Founder of DataScience computing plc
• Member of Microsoft for startups founders hub

2.Senay Fenta - Lead Developer

   - LinkedIn:  click here

   - Role: Heads the technical development, focusing on integrating blockchain technology into the Millions Recipes app.

   - Experience: 

• Over 8+ years of software related experience in blockchain and fintech industries.
• Contributed on previously funded projects
• Expertise in development and devops
• Certified in Oracle logo Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Foundations 2021 Certified Associate, Associate - Information Storage and Management Version 4.0
• Founder and CEO of Awura plc

3.Ermiyas G.Egziabher - GitHub click here

• Role: Developer
• Email: ermi12b@gmail.com
• Experience: Proficient in server-side programming languages, database management and API integration.
• Responsibility: Handles the backend development and integration of the platform.

4.Amanuel Gulelat- click here

• Role: Lead Mobile App Developer
• Experience:
• 6+ years of experience in mobile app development with a focus on Flutter.
• Contributed to the development of prominent Flutter-based projects within the blockchain space.
• Proven expertise in creating cross-platform applications with a strong emphasis on user experience.

5.Mahlet Gejo - click here

• Role: Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist
• Experience in software testing and QA processes, ensuring the reliability and functionality of the project

6.Tadesse D. - Telegram click here

• Project Manager/Technical Lead
• Role: Oversees the project's execution, manages resources, and ensures timely delivery.
• Experience: Funded proposer on previous fund. Contributed to 3 Fund11 funded projects, demonstrating a proven track record of successful project management and delivery.
• Co-founder of Herma apps
• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA) - Certificate Number 5353074
• 

7. Markos Muche - Content Research and Curation Specialist

• LinkedIn: click here
• Conducting research, curating educational resources, and organizing content.
• Experience - SingularityNet, iCog Labs, iCardio.io
• Certifications - 
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, Azure Data Scientist Associate, 
• Google Certified: Perform Foundational Infrastructure Tasks in Google Cloud, Migrating MySQL data to Cloud SQL using Database Migration Service, Introduction to AI and Machine Learning on Google Cloud, Google Cloud Essentials, Develop your Google Cloud Network, Create and Manage Cloud Resources, Build Infrastructure with Terraform on Google Cloud, Reliable Google Cloud Infrastructure: Design and Process, Essential Google Cloud Infrastructure: Foundation, Essential Google Cloud Infrastructure: Core Services

8.Samuel Birhanu Wada - Developer

• GitHub: click here
• Contributed on previously funded projects.
• Handles the backend development and integration of the platform.
• Proficient in server-side programming languages.
• Experience in database management and API integration.

Engagement and Verification

• Team Engagement: All listed team members have been engaged and have confirmed their roles and commitment to the project timelines.

• Community and Technical Engagement: We have active communications with Cardano technical groups on Telegram and in person, ensuring that we stay updated with the latest Cardano developments and community feedback.

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

Milestone 1: Finalization of Non-Blockchain Mobile App Features - 40,000ADA

Development Costs

  - Includes finalizing user interface, user experience enhancements, and backend optimizations.

Quality Assurance and Testing

  - Testing all features to ensure they meet functional and performance standards.

Milestone 2: NFT Recipe Minting - 60,000ADA

Blockchain Integration Development

  - Development of smart contracts for NFT minting and integration with the mobile app.

Minting testing

  - External testers of smart contracts to ensure compliance.

Milestone 3: Token Tip System Implementation - 50,000ADA

System Development

  - Development of the token economy, including mechanisms for earning and spending tokens within the app.

Security Testing

  - Comprehensive security checks to ensure the safety and integrity of token transactions.

Milestone 4: Blockchain-Verified Dietary Achievements - 35,000ADA

Feature Development

  - Development of blockchain-backed features to record and verify dietary achievements.

Testing and Validation

  - Rigorous testing to ensure accurate tracking and blockchain verification.

Milestone 5: Decentralized Voting on Content Quality - 30,000ADA

Development of Voting System

  - Creation of a decentralized system for user voting on content quality.

User Interface Integration

  - Integration of the voting system into the app's user interface, ensuring a seamless user experience.

Final Milestone: Project Completion Report and Video - 35,000

Documentation and Reporting based on Catalyst guideline

  - Compilation of a detailed project report and production of a documentary-style video.

- Marketing and Dissemination

  - Costs for marketing the completed project and distributing the final video to maximize reach and impact.

Total Requested Funds: 250,000 ADA

Explanation of Budget Allocation

• Development Costs: These are allocated towards both blockchain and non-blockchain development efforts, ensuring robust app functionality and integration of new features.
• Quality Assurance: Ensures that all app features function correctly and meet user expectations before release.
• Documentation and Marketing: Essential for effective communication of the project's achievements and engaging the broader community.

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

Cost Justification and Context

1. Development Costs:

   - The costs associated with the development tasks are calculated based on average rates for blockchain developers and UI/UX designers. According to industry standards, the average freelance rate for blockchain developers ranges from $50 to $100 per hour. Given the specialized nature of blockchain development, particularly within the Cardano ecosystem, our budget allocation is aligned with the upper range to ensure we attract qualified talent capable of executing complex integrations.

   - The UI/UX design and implementation costs reflect market rates for high-quality design work, essential for ensuring the app is user-friendly and engaging, thereby increasing adoption rates.

3. Marketing and Community Engagement:

   - Marketing costs are set based on typical digital marketing expenses, including social media advertising, content creation, and community events. These activities are essential for building user engagement and are priced at competitive rates for professional marketing services.

4. Operational and Miscellaneous Costs:

   - These costs cover essential logistical and administrative needs that support the entire project lifecycle. The allocation for unforeseen expenses (contingency fund) is a standard practice in project management, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness throughout the project.

Value for Money for the Cardano Ecosystem:

Innovative Application of Blockchain:

   - The project pioneers the use of blockchain technology in the culinary field, expanding the utility and visibility of the Cardano blockchain beyond traditional financial applications. This innovation opens new markets for Cardano, demonstrating its versatility and robustness.

Community Engagement and Growth:

   - By engaging both culinary and blockchain communities, the project fosters a new user base, potentially increasing the adoption of ADA and enhancing the ecosystem's vibrancy. The interactive features such as NFT minting of recipes and a token reward system encourage continuous community participation and loyalty.

Sustainability and Long-term Benefits:

   - The project’s focus on empowering culinary creators with tools for ownership and monetization contributes to sustainable economic growth within the ecosystem. This aligns with broader goals of decentralization and economic empowerment that are central to Cardano’s mission.

Alignment with Industry Rates:

   - All costs are aligned with or below typical industry rates for similar services and roles. This ensures that the project remains economical while maintaining high standards of quality and execution.

In summary, our project delivers exceptional value for money by leveraging a relatively modest budget to deliver a pioneering platform with significant potential benefits for the Cardano ecosystem. The costs are carefully calibrated to reflect the quality, scope, and impact of the work, ensuring that every ADA spent advances the utility and adoption of the Cardano blockchain.