[HTLABS] 5 Project templates combining blockchain and internet of things

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Phung Tien Dung

[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)

6

[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 create 5 project templates that combine blockchain and IoT, providing developers with practical examples to improve security, decentralization and scalability in IoT applications using Cardano

[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 entire project's source code and documentation will be hosted in a public GitHub repository.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

📌 Context and Challenges

• Integrating blockchain technology into Internet of Things (IoT) devices faces numerous challenges due to a need for more research materials and sample solutions. While both Blockchain and IoT are highly regarded for their potential, combining them presents difficulties regarding practical application deployment. The development of Cardano, along with platforms such as Plutus and Aiken, opens up opportunities for applying blockchain to IoT. However, significant knowledge, tools, and guidance barriers still exist, making project execution challenging.
• Existing IoT systems often rely on centralized infrastructure and are prone to security, performance, and scalability issues. Integrating the Cardano blockchain could address these problems, yet documentation and sample projects still need to be explored to assist developers in applying Cardano to IoT.
• Globally, many countries are witnessing rapid growth in blockchain and IoT technologies. Numerous projects are interested in this field; however, the application of Cardano blockchain in IoT remains limited due to a lack of clear guidance and concrete sample projects. This requires documentation, project samples, and practical applications to help the community develop innovative ideas.

📌 Solutions

• Develop user-friendly sample projects, including:
• Complete code and repository with thoroughly tested and functional environments and devices.
• Detailed instructions on setting up and deploying project demos in real-world scenarios.
• The project will be open-source and publicly available to all developers and general users in the community.
• Create video demonstrations, conduct experiments, and review the project's outcomes in real-world applications.
• Organize community sharing sessions, providing guidance and support for projects with ideas and intentions to implement in this field.

📌 Content Summary

• Blockchain for Identity Verification:
• Blockchain can authenticate user identities in IoT systems, preventing fraud by assigning each user a unique ID stored on the blockchain.  
• *Example*: In an automated car rental system, users verify their identity through blockchain, which securely stores personal data and transaction history.
• Supply Chain Monitoring Project:
• Blockchain ensures transparency and accountability by tracking the entire supply chain, from raw materials to final products.  
• *Example*: A food company can use IoT to monitor storage and transport conditions, with data stored on blockchain for consumers to verify product origins.
• Sensor Monitoring Project:
• Blockchain can record IoT sensor data to prevent tampering and ensure authenticity.  
• *Example*: In factories, multiple sensors monitor equipment conditions. If tampered data is used, it could lead to significant errors and production disruptions.
• Secure Payment Systems:
• Blockchain facilitates secure, immutable transactions between IoT devices.  
• *Example*: In automated shopping systems (e.g., vending machines), blockchain processes payments instantly and securely, protecting transaction data.
• Smart Locker Control:
• Blockchain manages smart lockers, ensuring only authorized individuals can access them, reducing theft risks.  
• *Example*: Office lockers controlled by a mobile app use blockchain to log each access, creating a secure and transparent access history.

📌 Impact

• This project is crucial in demonstrating the integration of Cardano blockchain technology with Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Developing specific sample projects will help the community understand how the Cardano blockchain enhances security and data integrity in IoT systems.
• As more real-world applications are deployed, the number of developers in the Cardano ecosystem will grow, driving innovation and creativity. These samples provide practical knowledge and valuable insights for blockchain technology development, benefiting users and developers. This project will deepen the understanding of Cardano and help build a safer, more efficient IoT ecosystem.

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

If this proposal is approved, it will bring the following benefits:

• Creation of IoT projects integrated with Cardano blockchain: These project templates will help the community quickly access and apply the technology to real-world applications, enhancing understanding and usage of blockchain.
• Development of a practical model for IoT application: The project implementation process will serve as a model that other communities and teams can adopt, from design to deployment.
• Encouraging new developer participation: The project templates and guides will motivate more developers to join the Cardano ecosystem, fostering diversity and innovation in the community.
• Contributing to Cardano's open-source library: The developed contracts and projects will be made public and shared on open-source platforms, providing valuable resources to others.
• Raising awareness of Cardano blockchain's potential in IoT: The community will realize that blockchain adoption is easy and can bring significant value to IoT projects.
• Create more job opportunities for programmers. As blockchain or IoT are newly adopted, the demand for people with specialized knowledge to develop and deploy these solutions increases. This creates many opportunities for those with programming experience, helping them access new fields, improve their skills, and develop their careers.

Key Metrics to Measure Impact:

• Number of Forked Projects: This metric reflects the interest and applicability of our project templates. The number of forked projects will indicate the usefulness and outreach within the developer community.
• Number of Comments and Issues: Community engagement through comments and reports on platforms like GitHub will help assess the level of interest and demand for blockchain technology in IoT. This also provides valuable insights into the challenges users face and necessary improvements for the project.
• Number of Commits to the Repository: This statistic will measure developers' growing interest in blockchain and IoT. The number of participating developers will show the project's appeal and ability to attract resources from diverse developers.
• Number of Viable Use Cases for Catalyst-Funded Projects: These use cases will demonstrate the feasibility and applicability of blockchain technology in IoT. Their development will help strengthen confidence in the practical value of blockchain in IoT applications.

Sharing Results

We will share the results and opportunities from the project through the following channels:

• Workshops and Seminars: Organizing events to present project templates and share knowledge on how to apply Cardano blockchain in IoT.
• Online Communities: Posting documentation and guides on forums and social media groups to engage with a broader audience.
• Blogs and Research Articles: Publishing detailed content about the project's results on blog platforms and technology journals to reach a broader audience.

[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 capacity to implement this project with high levels of trust and accountability is founded on a blend of expertise, experience, and a structured approach to project management.

1. Expertise and Experience

• Team Composition: Our project team consists of professionals with extensive expertise in blockchain technology, IoT integration, and software development. This includes a lecturer-level expert who has successfully managed previous blockchain projects, alongside two developers with hands-on experience in working with the Cardano blockchain and a distinguished engineer from a technical university.
• Proven Track Record: The team members have a history of successfully delivering similar projects, demonstrating their technical skills and capability to meet project objectives. This background fosters confidence in our ability to deliver high-quality results.

Projects previously executed on the Cardano blockchain include:

• Learning Management System: lms.cardano2vn.io
• Free Native Minting Tool (CIP25): cardano-tool.vercel.app
• Other previously funded projects:
• Complete Aiken Course: Cardano from Zero to Expert
• Study Guide for Marlow
• Open Source Dynamic Assets Token/NFT Generator (CIP68)

Additionally, we have documented reports of our research and academic activities:

• Article 1: Cardano Student Showcases at the Student Scientific and Research Conference
• Article 2: Web3 Bootcamp for Vietnamese Youth
• Article 3: Reporting Research Results on Project Catalyst

1. Assurance of Accountability

• Progress Monitoring: We will closely monitor and evaluate project progress through clear metrics and indicators. This enables us to take responsibility for achieving desired outcomes.

Transparent Communication: We prioritize open and honest communication with all stakeholders. Regular updates will be provided, sharing project plans and reporting on results, ensuring that all parties are well-informed and actively engaged.

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

Documentation and Equipment Preparation (Month 1)

• Tasks:
• Review existing documentation regarding the integration of the Cardano blockchain with IoT devices, evaluating their feasibility and utilit
• Develop a comprehensive guide detailing the integration process, including the necessary technologies and tool
• Explore the technical requirements and challenges involved in integrating Cardano with IoT devices, focusing on communication protocols and securit
• Compile and prepare the necessary hardware components (modules, circuit boards) for the projec
• Acceptance Criteria:
• A complete guide document that includes the integration process, technical requirements, and related technologies.
• A list of required hardware components that have been identified and prepared.
• A summary report outlining the technical challenges and proposed solutions.

Design Architecture (Month 2)

• Tasks:
• Design an architecture for integrating the Cardano blockchain with IoT devices, ensuring scalability and securit
• Identify the necessary technologies and frameworks to implement the proposed architecture, including any required middlewar
• Create detailed architectural diagrams that illustrate the flow of data between the IoT devices and the Cardano blockchai
• Develop a preliminary risk assessment to identify potential challenges and mitigation strategies related to the architectur
• Acceptance Criteria:
• A completed architectural design document that outlines the integration strategy, technologies, and frameworks.
• Architectural diagrams that clearly illustrate data flow and interactions within the system.
• A risk assessment report that highlights potential challenges and proposed solutions.

Prototype Development (Months 3 & 4)

• Tasks:
• Develop the source code for the prototype, focusing on the core functionalities required for the integration of Cardano with IoT device
• Implement essential features such as data transmission between IoT devices and the Cardano blockchain, ensuring secure and efficient communicatio
• Conduct initial testing to verify the stability and functionality of the prototype, addressing any issues that arise during testin
• Document the development process, including code comments, to facilitate understanding and future enhancement
• Acceptance Criteria:
• A functioning prototype that demonstrates the integration of Cardano with IoT devices.
• Successful completion of initial testing, with all critical features operating as intended.
• Comprehensive documentation of the code and development process, enabling easy review and further development.

Comprehensive Testing and Optimization (Month 5)

• Tasks:
• Conduct thorough testing of the prototype with various IoT devices to assess its performance and reliability in real-world scenario
• Identify and address any issues or bugs encountered during testing to ensure seamless integration and operatio
• Optimize the code and architecture as necessary, enhancing performance, scalability, and security based on testing feedbac
• Gather data on the prototype's performance metrics, such as response times and data accuracy, to inform further improvement
• Acceptance Criteria:
• The prototype demonstrates robust performance and stability during comprehensive testing across multiple scenarios.
• All identified issues are resolved, with detailed reports documenting the testing process and results.
• Performance metrics indicate successful optimization, meeting or exceeding predefined benchmarks for efficiency and reliability.

Community Engagement and Impact Assessment (Month 6)

• Tasks:
• Present the project to the Cardano community through forums, workshops, and social media channels to raise awareness and gather inpu
• Collect feedback from community members regarding the prototype, its functionality, and potential improvements or additional feature
• Evaluate the project's impact by analyzing community feedback and measuring engagement levels, such as participation in discussions or follow-up inquirie
• Identify opportunities for further collaboration or enhancement of the project based on community insights and suggestion
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Successful completion of community engagement activities, including presentations and discussions, with documented participation and feedback.
• A comprehensive report summarizing community feedback, suggestions, and potential areas for improvement or expansion of the project.
• An assessment of the project's impact, including metrics on community engagement and the overall perception of the project's value and potential within the Cardano ecosystem.

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

📌Mr. Phung Tien Dung

• Full-Stack Developer | Blockchain Developer
• Experience: Software engineering expert with 5+ years in Vietnam's tech scene. 2+ years in blockchain
• Programming Language: php , nodejs, python, c,c++ ,haskell, aiken
• Projects: Multiple completed projects funded by Catalyst
• Skills: dApp development with nextjs and smart contract writing with Aiken
• Contact
• Email: tiendung0325@gmail.com
• Github
• Telegram
• Linkedin

📌Mr. Le Anh Quan

• Full-Stack Developer | System Operator
• Experience:Software engineering expert with 5+ years of backend experience at FPT Software
• Programming Language: java , nodejs, python, #
• Skills: Proficient in system operations, DevOps management, and AWS deployment
• Contact
• Github
• Linkedin

📌Mr. Le Hoang Anh

• Engineer in Mechatronics Engineering
• Experience: Mechatronic Engineer with over 3 years of experience at Hanoi University of Science and Technology.
• Skills:
• Proficient in robotics, automation systems and control engineering.
• Experienced in programming languages such as C++, Python and MATLAB.
• In-depth knowledge of embedded systems and microcontroller programming.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechatronic Engineering from Hanoi University of Science and Technology
• Contact
• Email: Anhwork123@gmail.com

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

Our proposal is expected to be divided into 05 milestones with the following expected budget:

(you can refer to this google sheet for more detail)

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

Industry Standard Rates

• Alignment with Industry Standards: The project costs have been determined based on industry standards and typical rates for the expertise required in software development, blockchain technology, and IoT. These rates are derived from market research and industry benchmarks to ensure they are reasonable and competitive.
• Expertise and Experience: Our team includes a lecturer-level expert with extensive experience in blockchain and a proven track record in successful fundraising in stages 10, 11, and 12. Additionally, there are two developers with experience working on and developing within the Cardano blockchain, along with team members who have significant expertise in mechatronics, having previously participated in research projects aimed at building applications on the Cardano blockchain platform.

Proportional to Local Market

• The project team is based in a region where these rates are competitive, ensuring that costs are aligned with local wage standards. By benchmarking costs against typical wages and freelance rates in our country, we ensure that resources are allocated efficiently without inflating the budget. This approach helps maintain a balance between competitive pay and keeping the project accessible for Catalyst funding.

Long-Term Impact on the Cardano Ecosystem

• The project aims to create a scalable and secure integration between the Cardano blockchain and IoT devices. This has long-term value for the Cardano ecosystem because it expands Cardano's utility into the IoT space—a growing market with significant potential. The reusability of the developed architecture and source code also means that future projects can benefit from the groundwork laid here, reducing the need for similar investments in the future.

Comprehensive Testing Ensures Reliability

• By investing in thorough testing and optimization (as outlined in Milestone 4), we ensure that the final prototype meets real-world performance standards, thus avoiding potential failures post-deployment that could lead to greater costs in the future. This proactive approach to bug fixing and optimization is a cost-saving measure in the long term, as a robust product reduces the likelihood of costly updates or fixes after launch.

Scalability and Reusability

• The architectural design and development efforts are focused on ensuring scalability, allowing future IoT projects within the Cardano ecosystem to benefit from this work. This shared value across multiple projects ensures that the initial investment in this project has a broad impact, further enhancing its cost-effectiveness for the ecosystem.

Lowered Long-Term Costs for Future Projects

• Investing upfront in comprehensive architectural design, testing, and development reduces future costs for integrating IoT devices with Cardano. By having a robust and reusable infrastructure, the ecosystem can build on these foundational elements, ensuring cost savings in the long run by avoiding redundant development.