Cardano Tours

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Tekletsadik Aknaw Tesfa

[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)

5

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

Yes

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will develop a decentralized car booking app using Cardano blockchain for secure, transparent transactions, promoting Cardano adoption and creating economic opportunities.

[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

Yes, our project will be open source throughout its entire lifecycle. We are committed to transparency and community collaboration, and we will maintain an open-source repository accessible to all stakeholders.

Type of License:

We intend to use the MIT License for our open-source project. This license is chosen for its permissiveness, allowing others to freely use, modify, and distribute our code with minimal restrictions, while still providing protection for the original authors.

Open Source Elements:

The following elements of our project will be open source:

1. Core Application Code: This includes the main functionalities of the app such as vehicle selection, booking system, real-time availability, and user profiles.
2. API Integrations: Any custom integrations with third-party services (e.g., payment gateways, GPS services) will be documented and shared.
3. User Interface Components: All UI/UX designs and components will be available, allowing others to build upon or customize the interface.
4. Documentation: Comprehensive documentation covering installation, usage, and contribution guidelines will be provided to facilitate community involvement.

Proprietary Elements:

Certain elements will remain proprietary due to security and privacy concerns:

1. User Data Management: Any code handling sensitive user data will be kept proprietary to ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
2. Backend Infrastructure: Specific configurations and security protocols for our backend servers will not be open-sourced to maintain system integrity and security.

[METADATA] Horizons

Tourism

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our approach focuses on creating an intuitive, scalable mobile app that simplifies the process of booking tour cars. By integrating real-time availability, transparent pricing, and customizable trip options, we aim to provide a comprehensive solution that addresses the pain points of current travel booking systems.

Engagement:

The project will engage:

• Travelers: Individuals and groups looking for reliable and customizable vehicle options for their trips.
• Travel Agencies: Businesses that can list and manage their fleet on the app, reaching a broader audience.
• Drivers: Professional drivers who can offer their services through the platform, including those who can serve as local guides.

Demonstrating Impact:

We will demonstrate our impact through:

• User Feedback: Collecting and analyzing user reviews and ratings to continuously improve the app.
• Usage Metrics: Tracking the number of bookings, user engagement, and repeat customers to measure success.
• Partnerships: Establishing collaborations with local travel agencies and service providers to enhance the app’s offerings and reach.

Unique Aspects of the Solution:

1. Comprehensive Vehicle Selection: Users can choose from a variety of cars (sedans, SUVs, luxury cars, vans) based on their preferences and needs.
2. Real-Time Availability: The app provides real-time updates on car availability, ensuring users can make informed decisions quickly.
3. Customizable Trips: Users can plan multi-day tours, add multiple stops, and request specific services, making the app highly flexible.
4. Driver-Guide Combo: Offering drivers who also serve as local guides enhances the travel experience with guided insights.
5. Transparent Pricing: Clear breakdowns of costs, including any extras, ensure users know exactly what they are paying for.
6. Secure Payments: Integration with secure payment gateways ensures smooth and safe transactions.

Beneficiaries:

• Travelers: Gain access to a reliable, easy-to-use platform for booking tour cars, enhancing their travel experience.
• Travel Agencies: Benefit from a new channel to reach customers and manage bookings efficiently.
• Drivers: Have the opportunity to increase their earnings by offering their services through the app.

Importance to Cardano:

This project aligns with Cardano’s mission of fostering innovation and providing real-world solutions through blockchain technology. By integrating secure, transparent, and efficient booking processes, we leverage Cardano’s strengths to create a trustworthy platform that benefits all stakeholders involved.

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

Value to the Cardano Community:

1. Increased Adoption of Cardano Technology: By integrating Cardano’s blockchain technology for secure and transparent transactions, the app will showcase the practical applications of Cardano, encouraging more developers and businesses to adopt it.
2. Enhanced Trust and Security: Utilizing Cardano’s secure infrastructure will enhance user trust in the app, promoting the broader use of blockchain for everyday transactions.
3. Economic Opportunities: The app will create new economic opportunities for drivers, travel agencies, and local businesses, fostering a thriving ecosystem within the Cardano community.
4. Innovation and Collaboration: The project will serve as a model for innovation, demonstrating how blockchain can solve real-world problems, and encouraging collaboration within the Cardano ecosystem.

Measuring Impact:

• Quantitative Metrics:
• User Growth: Track the number of users signing up and actively using the app.
• Transaction Volume: Measure the volume and value of transactions processed through the app.
• Booking Frequency: Monitor the frequency of bookings made through the app.
• Revenue Generation: Analyze the revenue generated for drivers, travel agencies, and the app itself.
• Qualitative Metrics:
• User Satisfaction: Collect user feedback through surveys and reviews to gauge satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.
• Community Engagement: Measure engagement through social media interactions, community forums, and participation in Cardano-related events.
• Partnership Success: Evaluate the success of partnerships with local businesses and travel agencies based on mutual benefits and growth.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

1. Regular Reports: Publish regular reports on the app’s performance, user growth, and impact on the Cardano community. These reports will be shared on the app’s website, social media channels, and Cardano community forums.
2. Case Studies: Develop case studies highlighting successful use cases and the benefits of integrating Cardano technology, which can be shared with the broader blockchain and travel communities.
3. Community Events: Host webinars, workshops, and meetups to share insights, gather feedback, and foster collaboration within the Cardano community.
4. Open Source Contributions: Contribute to open-source projects and share code repositories, allowing other developers to learn from and build upon the app’s technology.

By focusing on these areas, the project aims to create a significant positive impact on the Cardano community, driving adoption, fostering innovation, and creating economic opportunities.

[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 with Trust and Accountability

1. Experienced Team: Our team comprises seasoned professionals with extensive experience in mobile app development, blockchain technology, and project management
2. Robust Project Management: We employ industry-standard project management tools and practices, such as Agile and Scrum, to ensure transparency, timely delivery, and adaptability
3. Security and Compliance: We prioritize security and compliance, implementing best practices for data protection, secure transactions, and user privacy.
4. User-Centric Design: Our approach is highly user-centric, involving potential users in the design and testing phases to ensure the app meets their needs and expectation

Validating Feasibility

1. Pilot Testing: We will conduct pilot testing with a select group of users to validate the app’s functionality, usability, and performance.
2. Technical Feasibility: Our technical team conducts thorough feasibility studies, including stress testing and performance bench marking, to ensure the app can handle expected loads and transactions efficiently
3. Market Research: We perform comprehensive market research to understand user needs, preferences, and market trend

Existing Capabilities

1. Proven Track Record: We have a history of successfully delivering complex projects on time and within budge
2. Skilled Team: Our team includes experts in software development, blockchain technology, UI/UX design, and project management.
3. Strong Partnerships: We have established partnerships with key players in the travel and blockchain industries, providing us with valuable insights and resources to enhance our projects

Managing Funds Properly

1. Transparent Budgeting: We maintain a transparent budgeting process, with detailed financial plans and regular audit
2. Milestone-Based Funding: Funds are released based on the achievement of predefined milestone
3. Regular Reporting: We provide regular financial and progress reports to stakeholders, ensuring they are informed about the project’s status and any financial expenditure
4. Independent Audits: We engage independent auditors to review our financial management practices and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standard

By leveraging our extensive experience, robust project management practices, and commitment to transparency and security, we are well-equipped to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability.

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

Milestone 1: Planning and Gathering Requirements (Month 1)

Milestone Outputs

• Finalized project scope and defined technical architecture.
• Requirements gathered from potential users.
• Project management tools set up.

Deliverables

• Detailed project plan.
• Finalized project features and user journey maps.

Acceptance Criteria

• Signed-off project plan.
• Clear platform architecture.

Milestone 2: Front-end Development and UI/UX Design (Month 2)

Milestone Outputs

• Built-out user interface focusing on user experience and booking functionalities.

Deliverables

• Completed UI/UX design.
• Functional front-end for booking cars and managing trips.

Acceptance Criteria

• Usable front-end interface with booking and user account features linked to the back-end.
• Beta URL to a demo version of the front-end.
• Screenshots of the front-end interface displaying core functions like car selection, booking, and payment integration

Milestone 3: Back-end and Smart Contract Development (Month 3 )

Milestone Outputs

• Development of a robust back-end.
• Creation and deployment of smart contracts for ADA payments and wallet integration.
• Implementation of secure user authentication and efficient data storage.

Deliverables

• Initial back-end version with core functionalities.
• Fully functional smart contracts.
• Secure user authentication system.
• Optimized database for user and booking data.

Acceptance Criteria

• Smart contracts successfully deployed and tested on the Cardano testnet.
• Back-end capable of handling user accounts, booking management, and secure data storage.
• User authentication system fully operational and tested for security.

Milestone 4: Alpha Testing and Feedback Collection (Month 4)

Milestone Outputs

• Launch of the alpha version for limited users to test key functionalities such as car booking, wallet integration, and payments in ADA.

Deliverables

• Alpha release.
• User feedback reports and bug tracking.

Acceptance Criteria

• Alpha release version shared with test users (link to access).
• Feedback from testers, resolved bugs, and functional ADA payment flow.
• Screenshots of the platform in use by alpha testers.
• List of bugs and fixes completed during the alpha phase.

Milestone 5: Beta Testing and Optimization (Month 4)

Milestone Outputs

• Release of beta version to a larger user base, focusing on user experience, performance, and needed optimizations.

Deliverables

• Beta release.
• User feedback collection and finalized testing reports.

Acceptance Criteria

• Fully functional platform with stable performance and a smooth user experience.
• List of resolved bugs and improvements based on beta feedback.
• Screenshots showing a working platform with end-to-end functionality.
• Beta testers’ transaction records with ADA payments in the testnet environment.

Final Milestone: Final Launch and Close-Out Report

Milestone Outputs

• Launch of the final version of the tour car booking app.
• Close-out report and video outlining achievements and a detailed post-launch support plan.

Deliverables

• Official release of the app.
• Project close-out report and video.

Acceptance Criteria

• App live on Cardano mainnet.
• Final project report with impact metrics and video summary submitted.
• Usage report showing early user engagement and transaction volume.

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

Our project team consists of skilled professionals with expertise in software development, blockchain technology, and Web3 integration.

Below are the key members and their respective roles:

• Semahegn Adugna – Project Lead & Mobile Developer
• LinkedIn: Semahegn's LinkedIn
• Semahegn will oversee the project’s execution and lead the mobile app development using Flutter. He will also manage the Web3 integration for secure payments and decentralized features.
• Tekletsadik Aknaw – Lead Developer & Blockchain Expert
• LinkedIn: Tekletsadik's LinkedIn
• Tekletsadik will handle the back-end architecture, ensuring secure transactions using smart contracts and blockchain technology for transparent car bookings. He will also implement the decentralized data management system.
• Elias Chane – Full Stack Developer
• LinkedIn: Elias Chane
• Elias will handle full stack development, building and maintaining both the front-end and back-end systems for the platform. He will ensure smooth integration between the Web3 elements and the core functionalities of the app.
• Tedy Alemayehu – UI/UX Designer
• LinkedIn: Teddy's LinkedIn
• Tedy will create an elegant and user-friendly interface for both mobile and web applications, focusing on intuitive design and seamless user experience for vehicle booking.
• Biniyam Belihu – Marketing & Partnerships Manager
• LinkedIn: Biniyam's LinkedIn
• Biniyam will be responsible for promoting the app, securing partnerships with travel agencies, and managing community engagement. He will also handle the integration with Cardano's Ideascale platform.

Additional Recruitment:

We plan to recruit:

• Smart Contract Developer: Skilled in Cardano to assist with the Web3 and NFT integration.
• QA Engineer: To test the app across platforms ensuring scalability and flawless functionality.

We have already engaged with all current team members, and they are committed to the project. We are in active communication with the Cardano community through Discord channels for ongoing technical guidance and support.

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

Total Requested Funds: ₳87,770

Planning and Requirement Gathering (Month 1)

• Project Management Tools Setup: ₳5,000
• Tools for tracking milestones and collaboration.
• User Research and Market Analysis: ₳4,000
• Surveys, interviews, and documentation of potential users' needs.

Front-End Development and UI/UX Design (Month 2)

• UI/UX Designer (Tedy Alemayehu): ₳10,000
• Design for both mobile and web applications.
• Mobile App Development (Semahegn Adugna): ₳12,000
• Flutter development focusing on user experience and booking functionalities.
• Design Tools and Software: ₳3,000
• Figma, Adobe Suite, and prototyping software costs.

Back-End and Smart Contract Development (Month 3)

• Blockchain Expert (Tekletsadik Aknaw): ₳15,000
• Cardano smart contract development and backend architecture.
• Full Stack Developer (Elias Chane): ₳12,000
• Integration of front-end with backend, data management.
• Smart Contract Testing (External Auditor): ₳5,000
• Third-party audit of smart contracts.

Marketing, Promotion, and Community Engagement (Months 3-4)

• Marketing Manager (Biniyam Belihu): ₳8,000
• Partnerships with travel agencies and promotional campaigns.
• Social Media and Publicity: ₳5,000
• Ads on social platforms, community events.
• Event Hosting (Cardano Webinars): ₳3,000
• Webinars and workshops for project promotion.

Alpha and Beta Testing (Months 4-5)

• Quality Assurance Engineer: ₳8,000
• Testing app functionality and blockchain security.
• Beta Testing and Feedback Collection: ₳5,000
• Compensation for testers and user feedback collection tools.

Final Launch and Post-Launch Support (Month 6)

• Final Launch: ₳4,000
• Deployment on the Cardano mainnet, closing marketing push.
• Post-Launch Support: ₳5,770
• Monitoring, bug fixing, and continuous app improvement after launch.

  

Alternative Sources of Funding:

• Any shortfall will be supplemented by private investments and potential partnerships with blockchain accelerator programs.

This breakdown ensures that every stage of the project, from planning to launch, is properly funded and resourced. We are committed to transparency, and regular reports will be shared with stakeholders throughout the process.

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

Our proposed budget of ₳87,770 provides significant value for the Cardano ecosystem by delivering a secure, scalable, and user-friendly solution that integrates Cardano blockchain technology. The following points explain how the costs are proportionate and represent value for money:

Competitive Market Rates

We have carefully benchmarked our costs based on competitive rates within our industry and geographic region (Ethiopia). For example:

• Mobile and Full Stack Developers: The average salary for senior developers in Ethiopia ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 per month, which is significantly lower than rates in the U.S. and Europe, but comparable in terms of expertise and deliverables. Our costs for Semahegn Adugna and Elias Chane are proportional to the high quality of work and skills required for both mobile and Web3 integration.
• UI/UX Designer: The rate for a UI/UX designer in Ethiopia typically ranges from $800 to $1,500 per month. Tedy Alemayehu’s fee of ₳10,000 over two months is aligned with this range, considering the scope of the project and the need for both mobile and web design.
• Blockchain Development: The rates for blockchain experts vary widely, but based on freelance rates for Cardano development, ₳15,000 for Tekletsadik’s work on smart contracts and backend is well within industry standards for such specialized skills.

Local Context and Cost Efficiency

By leveraging local talent from Ethiopia, we are able to reduce overall project costs while maintaining high-quality deliverables. For example:

• Marketing and Promotion Costs: We are spending ₳8,000 on marketing, which includes community engagement, social media campaigns, and partnerships. This cost is well below what would be expected in more expensive regions, providing exceptional value for the exposure and community-building efforts within the Cardano ecosystem.

Long-Term Benefits to Cardano

The cost of integrating Cardano technology (such as smart contracts and decentralized payments) ensures the project contributes to:

• Increased Adoption of Cardano: By integrating ADA payments, this project will serve as a showcase of Cardano's real-world utility, driving further adoption by both developers and businesses.
• Economic Opportunities: Through smart contracts, decentralized bookings, and NFT-based certificates, this project opens new avenues for drivers, travel agencies, and other stakeholders in the tourism industry, benefiting the broader economy and promoting Cardano use.

Transparent and Milestone-Based Funding

We have structured our funding request to be milestone-based, ensuring that each stage of development is tracked and measured before funds are released. This ensures:

• Accountability: Funds will only be used once deliverables have been met, reducing risk and ensuring high return on investment.
• Lean Operations: By working with a highly motivated and skilled team, we can operate efficiently, ensuring every ADA spent contributes directly to the success of the project.

Cost-Efficiency Compared to Industry Standards

• A similar blockchain-enabled platform with Web3 integration in Western markets could easily surpass ₳200,000 due to higher labor costs, marketing expenses, and overheads. 
• Our project delivers the same technological innovation and value at less than half the cost, offering significant savings for the Cardano community.

Conclusion:

The proposed budget represents excellent value for money by delivering a robust, scalable solution that directly benefits the Cardano ecosystem at competitive rates. By focusing on local talent and maximizing our resources, we ensure a cost-effective, impactful project that aligns with the broader goals of blockchain adoption and technological innovation.