[BUTC] Fueling Growth: Cardano Hackathons to Inspire Startup Success

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

BLOCKCHAIN UTC CLUB

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

68000

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

4

[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 organize hackathon series with different topics to attract teams with great ideas, thereby helping them in the development process of the project.

[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

All information and resources about the hackathon will be made public to the community

[METADATA] Horizons

Hackathons

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The solution we propose is to organize a Vietnam Cardano Hackathon, addressing several key aspects:

Problem and Approach

The problem we want to address is the need to increase innovation, skill development and community engagement in the Cardano ecosystem. We believe that hackathons are a great opportunity to bring together creative minds, developers and blockchain enthusiasts to explore and showcase the immense potential of Cardano technology to build ideas. Our approach combines hands-on experience, expert guidance and a collaborative spirit, to foster innovation and build a supportive environment where participants can maximize their potential.

Engagements

Our hackathon will attract developers, entrepreneurs, students and blockchain enthusiasts in Vietnam. With a collaborative and inclusive environment, we will invite diverse individuals who are interested in exploring, experimenting with, and supporting Cardano. We aim to connect people from different backgrounds to create collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas, resulting in great ideas that contribute to the Cardano ecosystem.

Demonstrating Impact

We will demonstrate the impact of the project through a number of methods as follows:

• Quantity and Quality of Projects: The quantity and quality of projects developed during the hackathon will reflect the next innovative solutions and ideas that emerge in the Cardano ecosystem
• Participant Feedback: We will collect feedback from participants on their experience, skill development, and satisfaction. This will help verify the impact of our approach in promoting learning, collaboration and community engagement.
• Community Growth: By tracking participants’ ongoing engagement and contributions after the hackathon ends, we can measure the growth and expansion of the Cardano community in Vietnam

Uniqueness and Benefits

• Our hackathon stands out due to its focus on Cardano, a leading blockchain platform with outstanding features of security, sustainability and accessibility. By focusing on Cardano, we provide participants with the opportunity to explore the complexities of this technology, gain hands-on experience and tap into its potential to develop innovative solutions. Participants will have the opportunity to learn, network and receive guidance from experts while the Cardano ecosystem will also benefit from increased awareness, talent development and potential projects arising from this hackathon.
• Our solution is fully aligned with Cardano’s vision of empowering individuals, promoting decentralized innovation and building a strong, sustainable blockchain ecosystem. By creating an environment conducive to creativity, collaboration and skill development, our hackathon will significantly contribute to the growth and advancement of the Cardano ecosystem, while supporting its long-term success and adoption.

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

Our project aims to create a substantial positive impact on the Cardano community by fostering innovation, encouraging skill development, and enhancing community engagement. Specifically, our Vietnam Cardano Hackathon will contribute to the community in the following ways:

• Innovation and Creativity: By providing a challenge for participants to explore and develop new ideas, the hackathon will generate innovative projects that can utilize Cardano’s technology. This influx of creativity will lead to the development of applications and solutions that strengthen the Cardano ecosystem.
• Skill Development: Participants will have the opportunity to learn from experienced mentors and industry experts. This will not only enhance their technical skills but also empower them to contribute meaningfully to the Cardano ecosystem in the future.
• Community Building: The hackathon will bring together a diverse group of developers, entrepreneurs, students, and blockchain enthusiasts, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. This will help to strengthen the community bonds and create a supportive network of individuals passionate about Cardano.

Measuring Impact

To evaluate the impact of our project, we will use both quantitative and qualitative metrics:

Quantitative Metrics:

• Number of Projects Developed: We will track the number of projects submitted during the hackathon, which will indicate the level of engagement and creativity.
• Follow-Up Engagement: We will monitor the continued involvement of participants in the Cardano community after the hackathon, such as contributions to projects, attendance at future events, or participation in online discussions.

Qualitative Metrics:

• Participant Feedback: We will collect testimonials and feedback through surveys and interviews to gauge the participants' experiences, learning outcomes, and satisfaction with the event.
• Project Impact Stories: We will encourage participants to share stories about their projects' impact and how they plan to implement them in real-world scenarios.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

The outputs and opportunities resulting from our project will be shared through various channels:

• Event Documentation: We will create a comprehensive report summarizing the hackathon's outcomes, including details on the projects developed, participant feedback, and insights gained. This report will be made available to the Cardano community through our official website and social media channels.
• Community Platforms: We will leverage Cardano community forums, Discord servers, and social media groups to share highlights from the hackathon, including project demonstrations and success stories. This will help spread awareness and encourage further engagement.
• Collaboration with Local Meetups: We will partner with local blockchain and Cardano meetups to present the results of the hackathon, allowing participants to showcase their projects and network with other community members.

[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?

We are on the board of the University of Transport and Communications Blockchain Club

We have successfully organized previous cardano hackathons (Cardano Blockchain Hackathon Vietnam 2024 -22/9/2024- Recap)

Our team consists of experienced developers and blockchain educators with a strong background in Cardano and decentralized technologies. We will validate feasibility through hands-on workshops, participant feedback, and collaboration with industry professionals. Transparent reporting and open-source contributions will ensure trust and accountability throughout the project.

As proof of knowledge and research skills, some of our current proposals funded are attached:

The project has been funded by fund 10:

• Proposal funded 1: “🇻🇳 Vietnam Cardano Catalyst - NFT Exchange testing and development environment helps young people approach with the Web3.0 platform”
• Proposal funded 2: "Study guide for Marlow"

The project has been funded by fund 11:

• Proposal funded 1: “Tamper-proof Certificate System”
• Proposal funded 2: “CareBlock: Empowering secure healthcare transactions by Cardano”
• Proposal funded 3: “Dualtarget for ADA-Holders (Staking and increasing assets) with a decentralized automated trading bot”
• Proposal funded 4: “🇻🇳 The Complete Aiken Course Cardano: From Zero to Expert!”

The project has been funded by fund 12:

• Proposal funded 1: "Open source dynamic assets (Token/NFT) generator (CIP68)"

Other activities

• Article 1: "Students Scientific Research with Cardano Blockchain"
• Article 2: "Students Scientific Research with Cardano Blockchain"
• Article 3: "Scientific research results of students of the University of Transport and Communications 2024"
• Article 3: "Cardano Blockchain Hackathon Vietnam 2024”

Validation of Feasibility

To ensure effective financial management, we will adopt the following strategies:

• Budget Planning: We will meticulously allocate funds for development, operations, and marketing activities.
• Transparent Cost Tracking: Maintaining clear records of all expenses will promote accountability and visibility.
• Regular Reporting: Regular reports will help us evaluate financial performance and guide our decisions.

To validate the viability of our approach, we will use both quantitative and qualitative measures:

Quantitative Validation:

• Track the number of modules upgraded and added via GitHub.
• Track the number of tasks exported from Jira
• Track user engagement through the number of active users on the platform.

Identity Validation:

• Conduct user satisfaction surveys to gather insights.
• Measure the level of excitement in project presentations to gauge interest.

Transparency and communication are fundamental to us. We prioritize open dialogue with all stakeholders, provide regular updates, and foster a collaborative atmosphere so that everyone is involved in the project’s progress.

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

Planning and Preparation

• Research and Needs Analysis: Assess the community’s needs and expectations regarding the Cardano hackathon.
• Set Up a Team: Assemble an organizing team with experts in the blockchain field and organize the event
• Build Partners: Connect with industry partners and stakeholders to support the event.

Organizing and Promoting

• Start the Promotion Campaign: Conduct communication and promotion activities to attract participants.
• Create a Registration Platform: Develop an online platform for registration and participant management.
• Organize Orientation Sessions: Provide orientation sessions and workshops for participants to gain information about the hackathon

Hackathon Event Execution (Event Day)

• Event Implementation: Ensure all activities run smoothly during the hackathon.
• Provide Support: Provide technical support and answer questions for participating teams.
• Organize the Jury: Invite experts to evaluate and select outstanding projects.

Evaluation and Wrap-Up

• Collect Feedback: Collect feedback from participants and judges to evaluate the experience and effectiveness of the event.
• Disclose Results: Announce winning projects and share with the community.
• Create Summary Report: Prepare a summary report of the activities, projects, and lessons learned from the event.

Post-Hackathon Follow-Up and Support

• Support Potential Projects: Provide guidance and resources to project teams so they can further develop their ideas.
• Hold Open Meetings: Hold regular meetings to discuss the progress of projects and continue to support the community.

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

Members of the University of Transport and Communications Blockchain club:

Mr. Thanh - President

Experiences: 

• Experienced leading and managing the operations of the projects, organizations, and club.
• Project funded at fund 10, 11 in Project Catalyst.
• Project Manager at DEMARKET.
• Experienced 2 years of building an operating on the Cardano Blockchain.
• Blockchain & Sustainability Researcher.

Contact:

Email: khuatthanh456@gmail.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robertkhuat

Github: github.com/thanh2k3zz

Mr. Son - Vice President

Experiences: 

• More than a year of building and operating on the Cardano Blockchain platform.
• 6 months working with Haskell and Plutus languages, 4 months working with Aiken programming language.
• Project funded at fund 10, 11 in Project Catalyst.
• Experience in dApp development and skills in writing smart contracts with Aiken language.
• 2 years of experience developing AI/machine learning/deep learning, data science,...

Contact:

Email: son211204228@lms.utc.edu.vn

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-flynn-a34325283

Github: github.com/sonson0910

Mr. Phung Tien Dung - Head of External Relations

Experiences: 

• 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

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tid-vn

Github: github.com/tidvn

Mr. Minh Le - Head of Communications

Experiences:

• Senior Lecturer at Teky Academy.
• Founder TEX Solution.
• Business Analyst at CareBlock and UTCert.
• Blockchain & Sustainability Researcher.
• Two years of building and operating on the Cardano Blockchain platform.

Contact:

Email: minhld.dev@gmail.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinhminhle

Github: github.com/dinhminhlh

Mr. Bach Trinh - Advisor

Experiences: 

• Software Engineer at GrapeCity.
• Co-Founder TEX Solution.
• Full-Stack Developer and Blockchain Developer at CareBlock and UTCert.
• Blockchain & Sustainability Researcher.
• Two years of building and operating on the Cardano Blockchain platform.

Contact:

Email: txbach.11@gmail.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/trinh-bach

Github: github.com/Bachhsunkid

Mr. Tran Huy Hiep - Advisor

Experiences: 

• Software Engineer at Samsung R&D.
• Co-Founder TEX Solution.
• Technical Lead/Project Manager at CareBlock and UTCert.
• Blockchain & Sustainability Researcher.
• Two years of building and operating on the Cardano Blockchain platform.

Contact:

Email: tranhuyhiep0710@gmail.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tranhhiep

Github: github.com/TranHuyHiep

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

• Prize 21000 ADA (1st prize 10000 ADA, 2nd prize 7000 ADA, 3rd prize 4000 ADA)
• Event video and photo editing 1000 ADA
• Marketing 1000 ADA
• Participant support food 5000 ADA x 2 days = 10000 ADA
• Venue cost X 2 days 10000 ADA
• 100 T-shirts 5000 ADA
• Organizing team (including marketing, visiting different locations for Hackathon, designing T-shirts, organizing contest content, hiring advisors, event coordination) 2000 ADA x 5 people = 10000 ADA
• Salary of judges and advisors, challenge design, judges 2500 ADA X 4 people = 10000 ADA

Total : 68.000 ADA

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

The cost of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem due to the following reasons:

Strategic Impact: The proposed project directly addresses the need to enhance developer competency and foster innovation within the Cardano ecosystem. The value derived from a strengthened developer community and increased adoption of Cardano for dApp development is significant in terms of the overall growth and success of the ecosystem.

Prior Track Record: Our team has a proven track record of successfully organizing events, such as the previous Cardano Hackathon in Viet Nam. This experience demonstrates our ability to deliver high-quality outcomes while ensuring efficient use of allocated resources.

Cost Justification: The costs outlined in the proposal have been carefully assessed and justified based on industry standards and regional factors. We have considered factors such as venue rental rates, infrastructure provision costs, marketing and promotion expenses, and personnel remuneration.

Competitive Rates: We have taken into account average industry rates, freelance rates, and market competitiveness in determining the budget elements. This ensures that the costs are proportional and realistic within the context of the industry and the skills required for a successful project execution.

Value Creation: The project's outcomes and deliverables, such as increased developer competency, collaboration, and the development of innovative dApps, are expected to bring long-term value to the Cardano ecosystem. The positive impact generated by the project will justify the investment made and contribute to the reputation, growth, and attractiveness of Cardano.