Establishing a Network of Interconnected, Interest-Based Clubs Across Universities

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Tsedeniya Fikadu Mulugeta

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

Individual

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

12

[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)

digital platform to connect interest based university clubs across campuses, enabling collaboration, idea sharing, & cross-campus projects. This will foster innovation & broaden student experiences.

[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.”

Our project does not rely on any external organizations, third-party suppliers, or external resources. All development and management of the platform will be handled in-house, ensuring full control over project timelines and delivery. Any third-party software used will be open source or properly licensed with permissions, ensuring no delays due to external factors

[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, and all code will be made available throughout the project lifecycle in a declared open-source repository, such as GitHub. We intend to use the MIT License, which allows for wide usage, modification, and distribution while ensuring that the original work is credited.

All core components of the platform, including the digital platform infrastructure, user collaboration tools, and project management features, will be open source. This will allow universities and developers to modify and extend the platform to meet their unique needs, fostering collaboration and innovation within the community.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Perception of the Problem:

University clubs are often isolated within their own campuses, limiting collaboration, knowledge exchange, and exposure to different perspectives. As a result, students miss valuable opportunities to engage in cross-campus collaborations that could significantly enhance their learning experiences and lead to innovative project outcomes. There is no standardized system for forming interconnected clubs, leading to missed opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking, and skill development across universities.

Proposed Solution:

We propose creating a digital platform that will connect interest-based university clubs across multiple campuses. The platform will enable students to form, manage, and participate in clubs while also fostering cross-campus collaboration. This will break down barriers between universities, allowing students to work together on projects, share ideas, and participate in events that are both campus-specific and network-wide.

Key Features of the Solution:

1. Digital Platform Integration:

• The platform will serve as a hub for all clubs across different universities, allowing students to create profiles, join interest-based groups, and participate in shared projects.
• Features will include:
• Discussion forums for idea-sharing.
• Project management tools for collaborative cross-campus projects.
• Events calendar for club meetings, workshops, and hackathons.
• Direct messaging to facilitate communication among members.

1. Standardized Framework for Clubs:

• We will develop a standardized framework that any university can adopt to form and manage clubs. This framework will provide guidelines for club creation, governance, membership management, and cross-campus engagement.
• The framework will include:
• Leadership roles and structures (e.g., president, vice president, project coordinators).
• Club member management tools.
• Resources on best practices for running clubs and promoting active participation.

1. Cross-Campus Events:

• The platform will support the organization of cross-campus events, such as:
• Hackathons, where students from different universities can collaborate on challenges.
• Workshops and webinars, led by experts and industry professionals.
• Project showcases, allowing students to present their work to a broader audience.

1. Global Collaboration:

• The platform will establish partnerships with international universities to promote the global exchange of ideas and cross-cultural collaboration. Students will have the opportunity to work on international projects, exchange knowledge with peers from around the world, and participate in global initiatives.

Who Will Benefit:

1. Students:

• Students will gain access to a wider network, enabling them to work on projects that go beyond their university and benefit from diverse perspectives and skill sets.

1. University Clubs:

• Clubs will have a larger pool of members to draw from, making it easier to recruit talent and work on larger, more impactful projects.

1. Universities:

• Universities will benefit by positioning themselves as part of a broader, innovative ecosystem that fosters collaboration and cross-disciplinary learning.

1. The Cardano Community:

• By using Cardano’s blockchain technology for club governance (e.g., member voting systems and project funding transparency), we will showcase the real-world application of Cardano in a decentralized academic context. This project will also help increase Cardano’s adoption among students, many of whom are future tech leaders and innovators.

Measuring Impact:

We will demonstrate and measure the impact of the platform through:

• Platform Engagement Metrics: Tracking the number of students, clubs, and universities onboarded.
• Collaborative Projects: Monitoring the number of cross-campus projects initiated through the platform and the outcomes of those projects.
• Event Participation: Measuring attendance and engagement in cross-campus events, such as hackathons and workshops.
• Global Reach: Recording partnerships and collaborations with international universities and tracking global participation.

By integrating Cardano’s blockchain technology, we aim to showcase its practical use in a decentralized, global academic environment, ultimately driving adoption within the university ecosystem.

This solution is important to Cardano as it aligns with its mission to drive decentralization, collaboration, and global impact, while also fostering innovation and education among the future generation of developers and thought leaders.

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

Positive Impact on the Cardano Community

The proposed network of interconnected, interest-based university clubs will create a significant positive impact on the wider Cardano community by

• Increasing Adoption of Cardano: By integrating Cardano’s blockchain technology into the governance and management of clubs, students will be introduced to real-world applications of Cardano, boosting adoption and familiarity within the academic community. Students will experience the benefits of decentralized systems for transparent voting, project funding, and decision-making.
• Fostering Innovation: The platform will provide a space where students from different universities collaborate on projects, share ideas, and create innovative solutions. This cross-pollination of ideas will drive innovation within the Cardano ecosystem.
• Global Outreach: By involving international universities, the project will establish Cardano’s presence on a global scale, facilitating knowledge exchange and increasing awareness of Cardano’s capabilities across different regions and cultures.
• Building the Next Generation of Blockchain Developers: By engaging students in blockchain-powered governance and collaboration, we will cultivate the next generation of Cardano developers, technologists, and entrepreneurs.

How the Success Will Bring Value to the Cardano Community:

1. Adoption of Cardano Technology:

• The platform will use Cardano’s blockchain for secure and transparent decision-making within university clubs, such as member voting, funding allocation, and project management. This showcases the utility of blockchain beyond traditional financial applications.

1. Increased Participation in Cardano’s Ecosystem:

• By introducing students and academic institutions to Cardano’s technology, the project will drive increased participation in the ecosystem through hackathons, workshops, and cross-campus projects that utilize Cardano’s blockchain for real-world problem-solving.

1. Broader Academic and Industry Collaboration:

• The platform will establish partnerships with universities and industries, providing more opportunities for collaboration and application of Cardano-based solutions across various sectors.

Measuring Impact:

We will measure the impact of this project both quantitatively and qualitatively:

1. Quantitative Metrics:

• Number of University Clubs Onboarded: Tracking the number of clubs that join the platform and actively use it for governance and project collaboration.
• Student Engagement: Monitoring the number of students who sign up, participate in discussions, collaborate on projects, and attend events.
• Cross-Campus Projects: Measuring the number of collaborative projects initiated through the platform, as well as their outcomes and real-world applications.
• Event Participation: Tracking the number of students and universities that participate in workshops, hackathons, and other events.
• Global Partnerships: Recording the number of international universities and institutions that join the network, helping to grow Cardano’s global reach.

1. Qualitative Metrics:

• Student and Faculty Feedback: Gathering feedback through surveys and interviews to assess the perceived value of the platform, the quality of collaborations, and user satisfaction.
• Impact on Innovation: Documenting success stories from cross-campus projects that lead to new ideas, ventures, or blockchain-based solutions using Cardano.
• Community Contributions: Measuring the level of contribution by students to the Cardano ecosystem, whether through development, advocacy, or research.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

We will share the outcomes and outputs of this project with the Cardano community through:

• Open-Source Code Repository: All code for the platform will be open-sourced, allowing other developers and communities to build on it, contribute, or modify it for their own use.
• Community Updates: We will regularly publish updates, success stories, and insights from the platform’s progress and the projects it supports via Cardano’s community channels, including Catalyst forums, blogs, and social media platforms.
• Cross-Campus Events and Hackathons: Outputs from events, such as winning project ideas, innovative solutions, and notable collaborations, will be shared widely across the Cardano community, further inspiring adoption and collaboration.
• Research Papers and Case Studies: Documenting and publishing case studies or academic papers on the successful integration of Cardano in university club governance and collaboration, highlighting its impact on student-led innovation and decentralized decision-making.

By engaging the Cardano community in the platform’s development and showcasing the potential of decentralized governance and collaboration within academic settings, we aim to create a long-lasting positive effect on the ecosystem. This project will act as a blueprint for future applications of Cardano technology in education, innovation, and decentralized decision-making.

[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 the Project with High Levels of Trust and Accountability:

Our team is led by Tsedeniya Fikadu Mulugeta, an exceptional leader with extensive experience in team management and project coordination. While not a developer, her leadership skills ensure that all aspects of the project are executed efficiently and on time. She has successfully led teams across various sectors and has a proven track record of guiding projects to completion with a focus on accountability and collaboration.

1. Team Leadership:

• Tsedeniya Fikadu Mulugeta brings excellent organizational and leadership capabilities, making her the ideal person to oversee the project’s progress. Her experience in managing cross-functional teams ensures smooth communication, task delegation, and timely delivery of milestones.

1. Blockchain Development Team:

• The technical aspect of the project will be handled by experienced blockchain developers who specialize in Cardano smart contract development. They have been involved in similar decentralized projects and will be responsible for developing the decentralized governance and club management features of the platform.

1. Partnerships with Educational Institutions:

• Tsedeniya has already established key partnerships with universities and educational institutions that will facilitate pilot testing and platform adoption. These partnerships are critical to validating the platform’s usability and ensuring real-world implementation success.

Steps to Validate Feasibility:

1. Pilot Program:

• We will initiate a pilot program at select universities to test the platform’s features, gather user feedback, and ensure the system works seamlessly across campuses. This will allow us to refine the platform based on real-world usage.

1. Iterative Development with Feedback Loops:

• The project will follow an agile methodology, with continuous feedback from students, faculty, and administrators to ensure that the platform remains user-centric and effective.

1. Cardano Blockchain Integration:

• Our blockchain development team will ensure secure integration of Cardano’s blockchain for decentralized club governance and member voting. Thorough testing of smart contracts and blockchain functionalities will be performed to ensure security and transparency.

Trust and Accountability in Managing Funds:

1. Transparent Financial Reporting:

• Under Tsedeniya’s leadership, the project will maintain clear and transparent financial reporting, providing the community with regular updates on how funds are being used. We will ensure responsible management of resources, aligning with the project’s goals.

1. Milestone-Based Fund Release:

• We will request funds based on milestones, ensuring that each phase of the project (development, testing, rollout) is completed before moving forward with additional funding. This will increase accountability and minimize risks.

1. Open Reporting to the Cardano Community:

• We will publish regular reports to the Cardano Catalyst community, detailing progress, achievements, and any challenges encountered. This will keep the community informed and engaged throughout the project lifecycle.

With Tsedeniya Fikadu Mulugeta’s leadership and a dedicated team of blockchain developers, we are confident in our ability to deliver this project with high levels of trust, accountability, and success.

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

Initial Development and Design (Month 1-3)

• Objective: Develop the platform’s core functionality, including user interfaces and integration with Cardano blockchain for governance features (voting, proposals, and decentralized decision-making).
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Completion of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) designs.
• Initial development of the platform’s back-end architecture and integration with Cardano’s blockchain.
• Successful testing of the basic features, including creating clubs, member voting, and basic governance on a test network.

 Pilot Program Implementation (Month 4-6)

• Objective: Launch a pilot program in collaboration with select universities to test the platform’s functionality in real-world scenarios.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Pilot implementation at three universities, involving at least five interest-based clubs.
• Feedback from students, faculty, and club leaders on platform usability.
• Successful testing of cross-campus collaboration features (e.g., project sharing, idea collaboration).
• Adjustments made based on feedback.

Full Platform Rollout & Marketing (Month 7-9)

• Objective: Expand the platform to additional universities and begin marketing to increase platform adoption.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Platform launched across 10 universities, with at least 30 clubs actively using the platform.
• Partnerships with university administration and student clubs established.
• Initial marketing campaign executed, targeting university networks, students, and educators.

Cross-Campus Events and Global Partnerships (Month 10-12)

• Objective: Organize events, workshops, and cross-campus collaborations to drive further engagement and attract global participants.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• At least three cross-campus collaborative events held, focusing on innovation and problem-solving using Cardano technology.
• Partnership agreements with international universities established.
• Regular reports on platform usage, feedback, and improvements shared with the Cardano community.

Project Close-Out and Reporting (Month 12)

• Objective: Complete the project and submit a detailed report on outcomes, lessons learned, and future plans for expansion.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Final platform usage report, detailing user engagement, number of clubs onboarded, and event outcomes.
• Submission of a project close-out report and video to the Catalyst community, showcasing the platform’s impact and next steps.
• Plan for future development and scaling based on the lessons learned during the first year of implementation.

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

1. Tsedeniya Fikadu Mulugeta (Team Leader)

• Role: Project Manager
• Responsibilities: Tsedeniya will lead the overall project, coordinating between all team members, stakeholders, and university partners. She will ensure the project stays on track, meeting deadlines and budget requirements, and will be the primary point of contact for the Catalyst community and the Cardano ecosystem.
• Gutihub:https://github.com/Tesd19/

1. Amare Tilaye (Blockchain Consultant & Developer)

• Role: Lead Blockchain Developer
• Responsibilities: will oversee the development of the decentralized governance structure, including smart contract creation and Cardano integration. He will also work closely with the development team to ensure security and scalability of the platform.
• linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amare-tilaye-768984299/

.

1. [Software Developer - Ananiya Asheber]

• Role: Back-End Developer
• Responsibilities: The back-end developer will build the platform's architecture, integrating the Cardano blockchain features and ensuring smooth functionality. They will also work on API integration for university systems and other digital platforms.
• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ananiya-asheber-2a417b16a/

5. [Marketing and Community Manager Name]

• Role: Marketing and Community Engagement
• Responsibilities: This role will focus on driving awareness and adoption of the platform. They will oversee the execution of marketing campaigns, community engagement efforts, and cross-campus event promotion.

Recruitment Plan:

We will recruit the following additional roles:

1. Additional Front-End Developer:

• Skills: Experience with building decentralized applications (dApps), Cardano integration, and front-end web development.
• Responsibility: Assist in the development of the platform’s user interface and work closely with the UI/UX designer.

1. Content & Communications Specialist:

• Skills: Strong background in content creation, communication, and community management.
• Responsibility: Handle outreach to universities and students, manage project documentation, and help organize collaborative events and workshops across campuses.

1. Smart Contract Auditor:

• Skills: Expertise in smart contract auditing for security and accuracy.
• Responsibility: Ensure that all Cardano-based smart contracts meet industry standards for security and functionality before deployment.

Technical Engagement

We have engaged with members of the Cardano technical community via Discord and Telegram, where developers and blockchain experts have been consulted on various aspects of the project, particularly around decentralized governance structures and blockchain scalability.

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

Total Requested: 150,000 ADA

1. Platform Development: 55,000 ADA

• Details: This covers the cost of building the digital platform with all features, including smart contract integration, governance tools, and cross-campus collaboration functionality.
• Breakdown:
• Front-End Development: 25,000 ADA
• Back-End Development: 20,000 ADA
• Testing and QA: 10,000 ADA

2. Marketing and Community Engagement: 25,000 ADA

• Details: Publicity, outreach, and marketing to universities, students, and partners for widespread adoption.
• Breakdown:
• University Outreach Campaign: 10,000 ADA
• Community Engagement (Events, Workshops): 7,500 ADA
• Social Media Marketing and Promotion: 7,500 ADA

3. Blockchain Development (Smart Contracts & Auditing): 25,000 ADA

• Details: This covers the integration of Cardano smart contracts for decentralized governance, including development and auditing for secure deployment.
• Breakdown:
• Smart Contract Development: 12,500 ADA
• Smart Contract Auditing: 12,500 ADA

4. Project Management and Coordination: 20,000 ADA

• Details: Covers the cost of managing the project, ensuring timely execution of all phases, and coordinating between team members and stakeholders.
• Breakdown:
• Project Manager Salary (Tsedeniya Fikadu Mulugeta): 12,500 ADA
• Administrative and Documentation Support: 7,500 ADA

5. Documentation and Reporting: 7,500 ADA

• Details: This covers the creation of project documentation, user manuals, progress reports, and the final close-out report and video for the Cardano Catalyst community.
• Breakdown:
• User and Technical Documentation: 4,000 ADA
• Final Report and Video Production: 3,500 ADA

6. Legal and Compliance: 7,500 ADA

• Details: Legal support to ensure compliance with university regulations, intellectual property rights, and Cardano ecosystem requirements.
• Breakdown:
• Legal Consultation: 7,500 ADA

7. Contingency (5% of Total Budget): 10,000 ADA

• Details: Set aside for unforeseen circumstances or additional costs that arise during the development and implementation phases.

Third-Party Services:

• Product/Service: Smart Contract Auditing (External Audit Firm)
• Cost: 12,500 ADA
• Description: We will contract an external smart contract auditing service to review and verify the security and accuracy of the platform’s smart contracts before going live.

This budget allows for comprehensive development and implementation of the platform, aligning with the project's objectives while maintaining efficient use of resources.

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

The 150,000 ADA requested for this project represents excellent value for the Cardano ecosystem for several key reasons

1. Impactful Platform for Education and Collaboration: The development of a digital platform that will foster interconnected, interest-based clubs across universities directly aligns with Cardano’s goal of creating decentralized and collaborative environments. By facilitating cross-campus collaboration, idea sharing, and global partnerships, this project has the potential to increase adoption and awareness of Cardano within academic communities, further promoting the ecosystem's long-term growth.
2. Proportional to Industry Rates: The costs for platform development, marketing, smart contract integration, and management have been carefully calculated based on typical freelance rates in the industry and the average wage in our region. For example:

• Platform development costs reflect current market rates for blockchain developers and full-stack developers, ensuring that high-quality talent is hired.
• Smart contract auditing requires specialized expertise, and the rates included reflect industry-standard pricing for professional auditing services.
• Marketing and community engagement costs are competitive with industry standards for promotional campaigns targeting universities and students.

1. Efficient Use of Resources: Each budget item is directly tied to necessary project components, with no extraneous expenses. For example, marketing expenses will be focused on reaching a targeted audience of students and universities, ensuring efficient use of funds to drive adoption and engagement.
2. Long-Term Value: The platform is designed to be scalable, allowing additional universities and global collaborators to join the network over time, expanding the reach of Cardano. The smart contract integration ensures secure governance, which will build trust among users and institutions. This sets the foundation for long-term, sustainable adoption of Cardano in the education sector.
3. Open-Source Contributions: As the project is open-source, the Cardano community will benefit from the tools, frameworks, and lessons learned. This not only enhances the value of this specific project but also encourages community collaboration and innovation.

the Cardano ecosystem gains a scalable, impactful, and collaborative educational network that will promote decentralized technology and real-world applications for Cardano in the academic sphere.