Blockchain-Driven Supply Chain & Logistics Transformation

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Mrs. Kassanesh Ayalew

[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)

10

[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)

enhance supply chain transparency, automate processes with smart contracts, reduce delays, and increase security and efficiency for all stakeholders.

[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

The project will be fully open source under the MIT License, ensuring accessibility and collaboration. All core elements, including the blockchain integration, smart contracts, and supply chain tracking modules, will be open and available in a public repository. This allows for community contributions and ensures transparency throughout the project's lifecycle

[METADATA] Horizons

Business Services

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution addresses the core challenges faced by the logistics, construction, and supply chain industries, specifically the issues of inefficiency, lack of transparency, and security risks. These industries rely heavily on manual processes, fragmented systems, and paper-based contracts, which lead to significant delays, fraud, and higher operational costs. Additionally, supply chains often suffer from poor visibility, making it difficult for stakeholders to track goods, payments, and contracts in real-time.

We aim to solve this problem by leveraging the Cardano blockchain to create a decentralized, transparent, and secure platform for supply chain and logistics management. Blockchain offers an immutable and decentralized ledger that can track the movement of goods, record transactions, and execute contracts without the need for intermediaries. This ensures transparency across all stakeholders, including suppliers, contractors, logistics companies, and end-users.

Why Our Approach?

We believe that blockchain, particularly on Cardano, is uniquely positioned to address the challenges of supply chain management. Cardano's proof-of-stake model offers scalability, security, and low energy consumption, making it a sustainable choice for long-term deployment. Unlike traditional solutions, which rely on centralized systems prone to manipulation or inefficiency, our decentralized platform eliminates single points of failure and ensures trust among stakeholders.

By integrating smart contracts, we can automate key processes such as payment releases, contract enforcement, and milestone tracking. For example, smart contracts can automatically release payments when goods are delivered, ensuring faster transactions and reducing the chances of disputes. This approach streamlines operations, cuts down on administrative overhead, and minimizes human error.

We’ve chosen Cardano for its strong emphasis on security, formal verification, and its commitment to decentralization, which aligns perfectly with our goal of creating a robust, transparent, and community-driven solution.

Key Benefits & Stakeholders

Our project will engage a broad range of stakeholders, including:

1. Suppliers – who will benefit from real-time visibility and automated payment systems.
2. Contractors – who will experience reduced delays in material deliveries and milestone payments.
3. Logistics Providers – who will gain a transparent view of the entire supply chain, enabling them to optimize routes, reduce delivery times, and enhance operational efficiency.
4. End-users/Clients – who will have full transparency of the supply chain process, increasing trust and satisfaction.

The use of blockchain technology offers the unique advantage of trustless interactions, where each stakeholder can verify transactions and data independently without needing to rely on a centralized authority. This will significantly reduce cases of fraud, eliminate unnecessary intermediaries, and create a more efficient supply chain ecosystem.

Proving Impact

We will measure the success of this project through key performance indicators such as:

• Reduction in transaction and delivery delays.
• Cost savings in administration and contract management.
• Increased accuracy in tracking goods and materials.
• Improved trust and collaboration among stakeholders, as demonstrated by user adoption and satisfaction.

We plan to initiate pilot programs with partners in logistics, construction, and supply chain management to showcase the platform's capabilities. The results of these pilots will be shared with the community, demonstrating real-world impact and validating the effectiveness of blockchain in supply chain applications.

Why This is Important to Cardano

This solution is important to the Cardano ecosystem because it highlights a real-world application of blockchain technology beyond the financial sector. It serves as a prime example of how Cardano’s advanced features—like smart contracts and low-cost transactions—can be used to disrupt and enhance traditional industries.

By showcasing Cardano’s potential to improve global supply chains, we aim to drive broader adoption of its blockchain and solidify its position as a leading platform for decentralized applications. The success of this project will not only benefit supply chain stakeholders but also contribute to the growth of the Cardano ecosystem by fostering innovation and bringing more developers and businesses into the fold.

Moreover, this project aligns with Cardano’s mission of creating solutions that are scalable, sustainable, and accessible to all, ensuring that even industries like logistics and construction can benefit from blockchain’s transformative potential. In doing so, we hope to drive greater visibility and engagement within the Cardano community and beyond.

Conclusion

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

Value to the Cardano Community:

1. Showcasing Real-World Use Cases: Our project will demonstrate the power of Cardano’s blockchain in solving real-world problems beyond finance, specifically in supply chain and logistics management. By providing a tangible example of how Cardano can increase transparency, security, and efficiency in complex industries, we will inspire developers and businesses to explore new ways of leveraging the platform.
2. Expanding the Developer Ecosystem: Our open-source approach will foster a community of developers who can contribute to and build on our solution. This creates opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and the sharing of knowledge within the Cardano ecosystem, ultimately strengthening the community.
3. Encouraging Business Adoption: As businesses in logistics and supply chain sectors witness the benefits of blockchain integration through our project, we expect more industries to explore and adopt Cardano for their operations. This adoption will drive demand for Cardano’s blockchain services, helping to secure the network and grow the ecosystem.

Measuring Impact:

We will measure both quantitative and qualitative impacts:

• Quantitative:
• Reduction in Delays and Costs: Track and report reductions in delivery times, contract processing times, and overall operational costs for our partners.
• Adoption Metrics: Monitor the number of users, businesses, and developers engaging with our platform. We will track the number of transactions processed through our blockchain system.
• Increased Transparency: Use blockchain data to measure the improvement in the transparency of transactions and supply chain processes.
• Qualitative:
• Stakeholder Feedback: Gather feedback from stakeholders, including suppliers, contractors, and logistics partners, on how the platform improves their business operations.
• Community Engagement: Assess engagement and collaboration within the developer community through contributions, partnerships, and discussions generated by our open-source platform.

Sharing Outputs:

1. Open-Source Repository: We will publish our code under an open-source MIT license, making all components available to the community. This will be hosted on platforms like GitHub, allowing developers worldwide to access, contribute, and improve upon the project.
2. Reports and Case Studies: We will create and share detailed reports on the success of pilot programs, highlighting key outcomes, challenges faced, and lessons learned. These case studies will be shared with the Cardano community via blogs, forums, and social media platforms to encourage further adoption and refinement of the solution.
3. Workshops and Webinars: We will organize workshops and webinars to educate the Cardano community, developers, and businesses about the implementation of blockchain in supply chains. These events will help spread knowledge, spark new ideas, and drive collaborative efforts.

[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 has a proven track record in blockchain development, supply chain management, and decentralized applications, which positions us well to deliver this project with a high level of trust and accountability. We have successfully delivered similar projects in the past and have a deep understanding of both the technological and operational challenges involved in integrating blockchain with real-world systems.

Existing Capabilities:

1. Experienced Blockchain Developers: Our core team consists of developers with extensive experience in blockchain technologies, particularly Cardano. We have built and deployed decentralized applications (dApps), smart contracts, and blockchain-integrated solutions in industries ranging from finance to logistics. This technical expertise ensures that we are well-equipped to handle the complexities of this project.
2. Supply Chain and Logistics Expertise: Our team includes supply chain professionals with years of experience in managing logistics and operations across various industries. This ensures that we understand the pain points of the industry and can design blockchain solutions that are practical and impactful for real-world use.
3. Project Management and Execution: We follow established project management practices, using agile methodologies to ensure timely and efficient delivery. Our team has successfully managed large-scale projects, ensuring that deliverables are met according to scope, timeline, and budget.
4. Open-Source Collaboration: We have a history of contributing to and leading open-source projects. This experience positions us to manage the open-source elements of this project effectively, ensuring transparency, collaboration, and accountability.

Feasibility Validation:

1. Pilot Programs: To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will run pilot programs with selected partners in the logistics and construction industries. These pilots will provide us with real-world data on how the blockchain platform performs and how well it addresses the identified problems. The insights gained from these pilots will help us refine the platform before full-scale deployment.
2. Technical Audits: We will conduct regular audits of our smart contracts and blockchain infrastructure to ensure they function as expected. These audits will be performed by trusted third-party firms to ensure unbiased assessments of our technology's security and efficiency.
3. Community Feedback and Testing: Since the project is open-source, we will engage the developer community for continuous testing and feedback. This collaborative approach will ensure that our solution remains robust, adaptable, and secure as it evolves.
4. Fund Management Process: We will implement a transparent fund management process that includes:

• Regular Reporting: We will provide regular updates on the use of funds, including a breakdown of expenses, milestones achieved, and upcoming deliverables. This will ensure accountability and give stakeholders confidence in the management of resources.
• Multisig Wallets: To manage project funds securely, we will use multisignature wallets, ensuring that no single individual has control over project resources. This will add a layer of security and prevent any misuse of funds.
• Milestone-Based Releases: We will allocate funds based on the completion of key project milestones. This approach ensures that funds are only used when significant progress has been made, providing a safeguard against mismanagement.

Why We Are Best Suited:

Our combination of technical blockchain expertise, deep industry knowledge, and experience in managing large projects makes us uniquely qualified to deliver this project successfully. Additionally, our commitment to transparency, open-source collaboration, and rigorous validation processes will ensure that we maintain trust and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.

In summary, we are confident in our ability to deliver this project due to our experienced team, clear project management processes, and a solid plan for fund management and feasibility validation. By leveraging our past successes and strong expertise, we will bring this blockchain-powered supply chain solution to life with the highest levels of trust and transparency.

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

 Research & Initial Design (1 month)

• Objective: Complete research and define the technical and operational requirements of the blockchain platform for logistics and supply chain management.
• Key Activities:
• Conduct in-depth research on blockchain integration into logistics and supply chains.
• Define the platform architecture and smart contract requirements.
• Identify pilot partners from the logistics and construction sectors.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Delivery of a detailed platform design document.
• Securing partnerships with at least two pilot companies.
• Funding Requirement: Initial setup, research, and pilot agreements.

 Platform Development & Smart Contract Creation (3 months)

• Objective: Develop the core blockchain platform and smart contracts.
• Key Activities:
• Build the blockchain infrastructure using Cardano’s tools and integrate smart contracts for logistics tracking and automation.
• Develop key modules for payment automation, goods tracking, and contract execution.
• Create a basic front-end for user interaction.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Deployment of smart contracts on the Cardano testnet.
• Initial version of the platform ready for testing with pilot partners.
• Funding Requirement: Platform development, smart contract coding, and testing.

 Pilot Testing and Feedback (2 months)

• Objective: Run pilot programs with selected partners to test the blockchain platform in real-world logistics and supply chain operations.
• Key Activities:
• Test the platform’s performance in tracking goods, automating payments, and verifying contracts.
• Collect data on performance, efficiency gains, and stakeholder feedback.
• Iterate and make improvements based on the results.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Successful completion of pilot programs with measurable outcomes, such as reduced delays and cost savings.
• User feedback and initial impact assessment report.
• Funding Requirement: Pilot implementation, data analysis, and improvements.

Full Platform Deployment & Expansion (3 months)

• Objective: Refine and deploy the blockchain platform for full-scale use with partners and onboard new participants.
• Key Activities:
• Finalize the platform based on pilot results and deploy it on the Cardano mainnet.
• Onboard additional partners in logistics and construction industries.
• Launch educational webinars and workshops to train users and developers.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Platform live on Cardano mainnet with active users.
• At least three new partners onboarded and using the platform.
• Funding Requirement: Mainnet deployment, training sessions, and onboarding.

: Project Close-out Report and Video (1 month)

• Objective: Finalize the project by delivering a comprehensive report and video detailing outcomes, lessons learned, and future plans.
• Key Activities:
• Prepare a final project report summarizing key achievements, impacts, and next steps.
• Create a video showcasing the platform and its benefits.
• Share open-source code and documentation with the community.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Project Close-out Report and Video submitted to the Cardano community.
• Code and project outputs shared in a public repository.
• Funding Requirement: Reporting, video production, and open-source sharing.

Total Duration: 10 months

This roadmap provides a clear timeline with specific objectives, deliverables, and criteria for each milestone, ensuring accountability and demonstrating the capability to deliver the project successfully.

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

Kasannesh Ayelew: Co-Founder and General Manager. Kasannesh oversees the overall project execution, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and timelines. She plays a critical role in decision-making and guiding the project’s strategic direction.

• LinkedIn: [Insert Link]

Helen Kebede: HR Manager. Helen manages human resources and administration, ensuring that the project is staffed with qualified professionals and that team members are supported throughout the project lifecycle.

• LinkedIn: [Insert Link]

Serkalem Manaye: Finance. Serkalem supports the financial management of the project, focusing on financial planning, budgeting, and analysis to ensure proper allocation and management of funds.

• LinkedIn: [Insert Link]

Tariku Tesema: Computer Technical Specialist. Tariku specializes in computer systems and network management, providing technical support and ensuring the integration of blockchain technology with existing systems. He ensures that the platform is robust and secure.

• LinkedIn: [Insert Link]

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

1. Personnel Costs (70,000 ADA)

• Kasannesh Ayelew (General Manager): 15,000 ADA
• Oversees the overall project execution and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Helen Kebede (HR Manager): 8,000 ADA
• Responsible for staffing and administration support throughout the project.
• Serkalem Manaye (Finance): 7,000 ADA
• Manages the project’s financial planning, analysis, and budgeting.
• Tariku Tesema (Computer Technical Specialist): 10,000 ADA
• Ensures the integration of blockchain technology with existing systems and provides technical support.
• Blockchain Developer: 15,000 ADA
• Develops the Cardano blockchain infrastructure and smart contracts for the platform.
• Smart Contract Developer: 10,000 ADA
• Responsible for designing and auditing smart contracts to automate key processes.
• Front-end Developer: 5,000 ADA
• Develops the user interface and ensures its integration with blockchain data.

2. Third-Party Services (25,000 ADA)

• Smart Contract Auditing: 10,000 ADA
• External audit service for smart contract security and compliance.
• Legal and Compliance Services: 5,000 ADA
• Legal consultation on smart contract terms, compliance, and regulatory requirements.
• Accounting Services: 5,000 ADA
• Professional accounting services for fund management and financial reporting.
• Platform Hosting and Infrastructure: 5,000 ADA
• Costs for cloud services, platform hosting, and other necessary infrastructure to run the blockchain system.

3. Marketing, Community Engagement, and Reporting (15,000 ADA)

• Marketing & Promotion: 8,000 ADA
• Publicity, community engagement, webinars, and promotional materials to raise awareness of the project and onboard stakeholders.
• Workshops & Webinars: 3,000 ADA
• Hosting workshops to educate the community on using the platform and engaging the developer ecosystem.
• Documentation & Reporting: 4,000 ADA
• Development of user guides, technical documentation, and regular project reports to ensure transparency and knowledge sharing with the Cardano community.

4. Miscellaneous & Contingency (10,000 ADA)

• Contingency Fund: 10,000 ADA
• Reserve for unexpected costs or adjustments needed during project execution (up to 10% of the total budget).

Additional Funding Sources

If the project exceeds 120,000 ADA, we will seek external sources of funding, including:

• Partnerships with Industry Stakeholders: Businesses in the logistics and construction industries may contribute to the development and testing of the platform.
• Cardano Developer Grants: Apply for additional Cardano Foundation or IOHK funding to support extended development efforts.

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

Proportional to Industry Standards

• The personnel costs are aligned with the typical wages and freelance rates in our region. For example, blockchain developers and smart contract specialists command premium rates due to the high level of expertise required, and the rates we’ve listed are competitive compared to industry averages. This ensures we attract and retain highly skilled professionals to deliver a high-quality product.
• The third-party services like legal, auditing, and accounting costs are essential to ensure compliance and security, especially in a project that deals with automated contracts and financial transactions. The costs are in line with professional service fees in our industry, ensuring that we maintain high standards of security and regulatory compliance.

2. Scalable Impact

• This project’s impact extends far beyond the logistics sector—it will showcase how Cardano can be used to solve real-world problems, encouraging wider adoption and integration of Cardano blockchain across industries. By demonstrating tangible benefits like reduced fraud, greater transparency, and process automation, this project will encourage other businesses and sectors to explore Cardano solutions, driving growth in the ecosystem.

3. Open Source Contribution

• The project’s open-source nature provides long-term value for the Cardano community. Developers across the world will have access to the code, enabling them to build on our work and apply it to other sectors. This collaboration will fuel further innovation within the ecosystem at no additional cost, making the initial investment even more valuable over time.

4. Pilot Program to Maximize Efficiency

• By running pilot programs before full deployment, we ensure that any potential issues are identified and addressed early. This approach minimizes risks and maximizes the efficiency of resources. The pilot results will also provide measurable data to demonstrate the project’s success, which helps ensure that future investments from Cardano or other stakeholders are well-justified.

5. Long-Term Benefits to the Cardano Ecosystem

• This project not only improves logistics and supply chain management but also drives adoption of Cardano's blockchain technology across industries. By offering a real-world solution that improves transparency, security, and efficiency, we will drive interest in Cardano's use for decentralized applications in various fields. This increases demand for ADA, boosts developer interest, and solidifies Cardano's position as a leader in blockchain innovation.

The cost of this project represents excellent value for money because it is proportional to the wages and services in our region, while also delivering a high-impact solution for both the logistics industry and the Cardano ecosystem. By providing scalable, open-source solutions that encourage adoption and innovation, this project will contribute to the long-term growth and success of the Cardano platform.