A Cardano Development Roadmap and Tooling Platform

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Eyasu Birhanu

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

Individual

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

94000

[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

No

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

We will create a unified roadmap platform that brings together Cardano development tools, tracks updates, and provides clear guidance, enabling developers to stay current and innovate efficiently.

[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 made available under the MIT License, providing full transparency and allowing developers the freedom to utilize, alter, and share the code without limitations. This code will be hosted on GitHub, offering a clear and open platform for collaboration and engaging the community.

[METADATA] Horizons

Developer Tools

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The project aims to establish an interactive roadmap platform designed to guide developers through the complexities of Cardano blockchain development. This platform will cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced developers, providing a structured path to build and innovate within the Cardano ecosystem.

Key Components:

• Interactive Developer Roadmap:
• Structured Paths: Modular paths tailored to different experience levels, allowing developers to customize their learning journey based on their specific goals and objectives.
• Progress Tracking: Clear milestones and checkpoints to track progress and measure skill development.
• Dynamic Content:
• Continuously updated with the latest Cardano development tools, libraries, and best practices to ensure developers have access to the most current information and technologies.
• Skill Development:
• Comprehensive Skill Map: Covers various aspects of blockchain development, including smart contracts, dApps, consensus algorithms, Cardano-specific languages like Plutus and Marlowe, as well as best practices in security and scalability.
• Actionable Skill Units: Skills are broken down into distinct, actionable units with clear objectives and outcomes, enabling developers to gain practical knowledge.
• Resource Hub:
• Curated Resources: A rich repository of categorized resources, annotated and organized by difficulty level, to support the specific needs of Cardano developers.
• Community Contributions: The platform will invite the Cardano developer community to contribute tools, resources, and advice, fostering a collaborative and evolving knowledge base.

Benefits

• Targeted Learning: Developers can quickly identify and focus on the skills they need most, without wasting time on outdated or irrelevant content.
• Career Alignment: Helps developers align their efforts with career opportunities and emerging technological demands within the Cardano ecosystem.
• Real-World Preparation: Provides hands-on experience in Cardano blockchain technologies, preparing developers for real-world projects and challenges.

Impact on the Cardano Ecosystem

This platform will cultivate a vibrant, skilled community poised to drive innovation within the Cardano ecosystem for years to come. By enhancing the proficiency of developers and empowering them to contribute meaningfully, the platform will play a crucial role in the growth and evolution of the Cardano ecosystem.

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

Our proposed platform will significantly impact the Cardano community by providing a comprehensive and structured environment that simplifies development and drives innovation. The platform will act as a catalyst for developer growth, enabling new and experienced developers to build and scale projects more efficiently, ultimately contributing to the ecosystem’s sustainability and success.

Value to the Cardano Community

1. Lower Barriers to Entry: The platform will provide a clear and structured learning path for developers, reducing the complexity of starting out in the Cardano ecosystem. This will attract new talent and encourage more developers to build on Cardano.
2. Enhanced Skill Development: Developers will have access to up-to-date learning resources, skill maps, and interactive content that guide them through complex topics such as smart contracts, dApp development, and blockchain infrastructure. This will result in a more skilled and capable community.
3. Increased Innovation and Collaboration: By offering a dynamic content hub and enabling community contributions, the platform will promote collaboration, foster knowledge sharing, and inspire new ideas. This will drive innovation and help create a more vibrant ecosystem.
4. Career Growth and Ecosystem Alignment: The roadmap will align developers’ skill development with industry needs, preparing them for roles in existing projects or enabling them to launch their own. This will contribute to the growth of Cardano’s workforce and project ecosystem.

Measuring Impact

We will measure the impact of our project using a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics:

• Quantitative Metrics:
• Number of Platform Users: Measure the number of registered users and active developers using the platform.
• Completion Rates: Track how many users complete the roadmap’s skill paths and modules, indicating engagement and effectiveness.

• Qualitative Metrics:
• User Feedback: Collect feedback through surveys and interviews to understand user satisfaction, identify areas for improvement, and measure the perceived value of the platform.
• Community Contributions: Gauge community engagement by tracking contributions to the resource hub and participation in discussions and collaborations.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

We will share our outputs and opportunities through the following channels:

1. Open-Source Repository: The platform’s core components, resources, and tools will be made open-source, enabling the community to use, contribute to, and expand the platform.
2. Community Forums and Social Channels: We will regularly update the community on our progress and share new content, features, and success stories on social media, the Cardano Forum, and other community platforms.
3. Collaborations and Partnerships: We will reach out to existing Cardano projects and initiatives to explore collaboration opportunities, integrate additional resources, and create more value for the community.

By providing an accessible, dynamic, and interactive learning and development platform, we will empower the Cardano community to learn, build, and innovate more effectively, resulting in long-term growth and a stronger ecosystem.

[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 feasibility and capability to deliver our project with high levels of trust and accountability includes:

Capability to Deliver with Trust and Accountability

• Team Experience and Expertise:

Our project team consists of experts with significant experience in blockchain development, software Development and Engineering , and project management, specifically within the Cardano ecosystem. This expertise ensures that we are well-equipped to handle the technical and organizational demands of the project.

• Track Record

Our project team brings a proven track record in successfully delivering blockchain projects. At the forefront of our accomplishments is our notable participation in a Cardano Catalyst projects.

• Dedicated Development Excellence

Each member of our team brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table. As developers, we have contributed significantly to Catalyst-funded projects, " Cardano Education for Ethiopian University's ", "Cardano for 100,000 students", "Universal DevTools for Real-time Tracking for 45%+ of Global Websites Support" showcasing our dedication to excellence and our capacity to deliver high-quality results. Our collective experience extends beyond Catalyst initiatives, encompassing a diverse range of blockchain projects within esteemed high-tech organizations.

• Community Involvement and Expertise

Our project team not only boasts significant technical experience but also a deep engagement with the Cardano community. We have been integral in organizing and leading seminars and meetups focused on blockchain and Cardano, enhancing community cohesion and knowledge sharing. These activities demonstrate our commitment to the Cardano ecosystem and our ability to mobilize and educate the community effectively.

Cardano Education Program At Addis Abeba Science And Technology University (AASTU):

• Certified Expertise

Our project team's credentials are further reinforced by certifications in blockchain development and machine learning.

• Active Community Participation

Beyond technical skills, our team actively participates in the blockchain community. Ethiopian Blockchain Network: web3 hub for Ethiopian. Education, Innovative and Advocacy.

Meetups with professional blockchain developers:

• Collaboration with Local and Global Organizations: Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub

We are also partners with Emurgo Academy, Smart Blocks, and Ethiopian Blockchain Network serving as their ambassadors.

Validating Feasibility of the Approach

• Iterative Development and Pilot Testing
• Performance Metrics and Continuous Evaluation
• Technical Feasibility:The project demonstrates strong technical feasibility. Our team consists of experts in blockchain development, software engineering, and machine learning, ensuring we have the necessary skills for success.
• Budget Contingency Planning:Regarding budget contingency planning, we have allocated a contingency fund to address unforeseen expenses or changes in project scope.
• our team has identified potential risks and developed mitigation strategies, ensuring proactive management of challenges. We are committed to regular progress updates, fostering transparency and accountability throughout the project. Our agile development approach allows for flexibility in responding to emerging needs, ensuring timely and effective project delivery.

Risk Management: To address potential challenges and mitigate risks, we have developed a comprehensive risk management plan. This plan outlines key risks such as technical challenges, regulatory changes, and market fluctuations, along with corresponding mitigation strategies. By proactively identifying and addressing these risks, we aim to ensure the successful execution of our project even in the face of unforeseen obstacles.

Community Engagement: We recognize the importance of community engagement in driving the success of our project. To enhance community involvement, we will implement various strategies such as regular updates through community forums, feedback collection mechanisms, and interactive webinars. By actively involving the community in decision-making processes, we aim to foster a sense of ownership and belonging among developers.

Scalability: Our project includes a robust scalability plan to accommodate a growing user base and evolving technology landscape. This plan involves the use of scalable infrastructure and technologies, as well as continuous monitoring and optimization to ensure the platform remains relevant and effective in the long term.

Partnerships: We are actively seeking partnerships and collaborations that can enhance the success of our project. These partnerships include local and global blockchain institutions, industry experts, educational institutions, and other organizations that can provide valuable resources, expertise, and support.

User Acquisition and Retention: To attract and retain users, we have developed a comprehensive user acquisition and retention strategy. This strategy includes targeted marketing campaigns, incentive programs, and partnerships with developer communities to ensure the platform's long-term success.

Budget Justification: Our budget has been carefully considered and is supported by a detailed breakdown of expenses. Each expense has been justified based on its importance to the project's success, ensuring that the budget is realistic and well-considered.

By incorporating these elements into our project proposal, we aim to increase its feasibility and demonstrate our commitment to delivering a successful project.

The project has High Feasibility and Capability. The project leverages existing communities and content while utilizing modern web technologies and CMS for a scalable and maintainable platform. The development team is experienced in Cardano blockchain and blockchain technologies, machine learning, platform building, software development, educational content creation, and community building, ensuring the project’s successful delivery and proper management of funds.

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

System Design and Requirements Specification:

Objective: Develop the user interface and experience of the platform.

System Architecture and Tech Design: Establish the overall architecture and technology stack.

• UI and UX Design: Create wireframes and UI designs.

 Front-End Development

Key Activities:

• Implement responsive web design to ensure accessibility across devices.

Deliverables:

• A functional front-end of the platform, including layout, navigation, and initial content displays.

Back-End Development

Objective: Create the infrastructure necessary to support the platform’s functionality and scalability.

 Key Activities:

• Set up databases, and APIs to handle data storage, retrieval, and manipulation.
• Implement user authentication and authorization systems for secure access.
• Develop the backend logic to manage user interactions, data processing, and content management.

Deliverables:

• A back-end system capable of supporting concurrent users and dynamic content updates.

MVP Testing and Iterative Updates

Objectives:

• Launch a minimum viable product of the project to test core functionalities with real users and gather early feedback.

Key Activities:

• Develop and release a scaled-down version of the platform that includes essential features such as the interactive pathways and basic tool repository.
• Engage a select group of Cardano developers from various backgrounds to use the MVP. Their interactions and usage of the platform will provide critical insights into user experience, tool functionality, and overall platform performance.
• Implement mechanisms to collect structured feedback from MVP users, focusing on usability, feature relevance, and potential improvements.
• Iterative Development Based on Feedback: Organize feedback into actionable categories and prioritize changes based on impact and feasibility.
• Additional things that may be needed to integrate new features or enhancements suggested during MVP testing.
• Promptly address and resolve any issues or bugs identified during the beta testing phase to ensure the platform operates smoothly and efficiently.

Documentation

Objectives:

• Ensure that all platform functionalities are clearly documented and effectively tested with the community to iron out any potential issues before full release.

Key Activities:

• Create comprehensive and easy-to-understand documentation that outlines how developers can utilize and integrate with the various tools and resources available on the platform.
• Project Completion Report
• Project Completion Video

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

The project team includes:

1: Eyasu Birhanu : Software developer | Certified Cardano Smart Contract Developer | Lead Developer

• Experienced in programming languages such as Plutus, Haskell, Lucid, Mesh and Marlowe to build and deploy smart contracts.
• Experienced in Cardano blockchain-based projects such as stablecoin development (Cogito), real-world asset marketplace, education platforms for the Cardano blockchain, and payment gateways.
• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA) Certificate 649c48006b7c38011005aeae
• Currently working at SingularityNet.io, Email: eyasu.birhanu@singularitynet.io
• Cardano Blockchain Education Ambassador @Emurgo Smartblock.
• Cardano Blockchain community builder.
• Responsible for smart contracts and blockchain related technology's.
• Oversees the entire project, ensuring alignment with goals and timelines. Leads the technical design and implementation of the platform.
• LinkedIn Profile: EyasuBirhanu, Github: github account

2: Wendwossen Dufera: Software developer | Web3 developer | Full-stack Web Developer

• Certified Software and Web3 developer.
• LinkedIn Profile: Linkedin
• Github: https://github.com/wendecoder
• Responsible for developing and maintaining the frontend and backend of the platform.
• Responsibilities: Build and optimize the user interface, integrate the roadmap features, and manage the database and server-side functionality. Ensure the platform is scalable and easy to use.

3: Dawit Melka- Software Engineer |Research | Competitive Programmer @ A2SV | AURA Research @ UMICH

• Research Assistant Intern @ University of Michigan
• Certified Cardano Blockchain developer
• LinkedIn Profile: Linkedin account
• Github: github profile

Experience

• Web application development
• Software Engineer, Research Assistant
• A2SV | Africa to Silicon Valley

Technical Writer & Documentation Specialist:

• Role: Develops comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and guides for the platform.
• Responsibilities: Create detailed and easy-to-follow content for all skill levels. Maintain and update documentation based on new features and community feedback.

4: Lemi Debela: Machine Learning Engineer

• Experience in computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, and Complete Data Science workflow. have successfully built and deployed ML models.
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lemi-debela/
• Github: https://github.com/ldebele
• Responsible for AI related tasks.

5: Nahom Senay - Backend Developer | Software Engineering Student | Blockchain Developer

• Certified Cardano Blockchain developer
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Linkedin: linkedin profile
• Github: github account

6: Tibebe Solomon - Experienced Full stack web Developer | UX/UI Designer

• Linkedin: linkedin profile
• Github: https://github.com/ldebele
• Responsible for Web related tasks.

Licenses & certifications

• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
• User Experience Design: Demonstrates responsibility for creating intuitive and visually appealing user experiences.
• UI Design Proficiency: Proficient in applying user interface design principles and user-centered design methodologies.
• Interface Design Experience: Experienced in designing engaging and user-friendly interfaces for mobile and web applications.
• Designs the visual aspects of the platform and ensures a seamless user experience.
• Responsibilities: Create wireframes, mockups, and prototypes. Conduct user testing and iterate on designs based on feedback to ensure the platform is intuitive and user-friendly.

Our team has actively participated in numerous projects closely related to this endeavor. Each team member is fully committed to executing this idea, drawing from our collective experience in implementing similar projects to a high standard of excellence

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

Project Planning and Initial Development - 11,000 ADA

• Kickoff meeting and strategy formulation.
• Risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
• Setup and maintenance of project management tools (e.g., Jira, Trello).
• Initial UI/UX design concepts for the interactive learning platform.
• Technical architecture documentation and system design.
• Preparation of detailed wireframes and interactive prototypes.

Front-End Development and API Integration - 15,000 ADA

• UI/UX Implementation
• Development of user-friendly, responsive interfaces.
• Implementation of initial static content and navigation structures.
• Creation of custom interactive elements and widgets.

Backend Development and Security Provisioning - 25,000 ADA

Objective: Set up the server, databases, and necessary back-end logic.

• Database and Server
• Configuration of databases for developers data, materials, and developer tools.
• Set up servers, databases, and APIs
• Implement user authentication and authorization systems for secure access.
• Develop the backend logic to manage user interactions, data processing, and content management.
• Back-end developers, database administrators.
• Security Measures
• Implementation of comprehensive security protocols.
• setting up secure access controls.

MVP Testing and Iterative Updates - 24,000 ADA

• Development of a Minimum Viable Product that includes core functionalities of the platform for initial testing purposes.
• Integration of key features such as interactive developers pathways and basic tool repositories.
• Engage a select group of Cardano developers from various backgrounds to use the MVP.
• Scheduled development sprints to address feedback and enhance MVP based on real user interactions.
• Updating documentation to reflect changes made during the MVP updates.

Documentation, Reporting, and Contingencies - 19,000 ADA

• Establish a controlled beta testing environment where selected members of the Cardano developer community can interact with the platform.
• Creation of comprehensive user guides and API documentation.
• Well-structured and detailed guides that help developers understand how to use and benefit from the platform's features.
• A report summarizing the beta testing process, feedback received, issues identified, and resolutions implemented.
• Promptly address and resolve any issues or bugs identified during the beta testing phase to ensure the platform operates smoothly and efficiently.

Total: 94,000 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 the Cardano ecosystem in several ways:

Enhancing Developer Capability and Ecosystem Growth

• The project aims to significantly improve the proficiency and efficiency of developers working within the Cardano ecosystem. By providing comprehensive, easy-to-access developers resources and development tools, the platform prepares developers to create more sophisticated and robust applications on Cardano, driving innovation and broadening the ecosystem's capabilities.

Enhancing Developer Skills and Engagement

• Direct Impact: the project aims to significantly boost the skills of developers working within the Cardano ecosystem. The platform provides structured paths, which lower the entry barrier for new developers and enhance the skills of existing ones.
• Long-Term Value: More skilled developers contribute to a robust development environment, leading to more high-quality decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. This increases the utility and competitiveness of the Cardano blockchain.

Long-Term Sustainability

• The project's focus on open-source contributions and community collaboration ensures that the platform remains relevant and up-to-date, providing long-term value to the Cardano ecosystem. This sustainability supports ongoing development and maintenance without requiring continuous large investments.

Fostering Innovation

• Direct Impact: The roadmap encourages innovation by providing developers with up-to-date resources and best practices. 
• Long-Term Value: By accelerating the learning curve and providing a platform for continuous education, the project directly contributes to an increase in innovative projects within the Cardano ecosystem. This drives technological advancement and could lead to groundbreaking applications in blockchain technology.

Efficient Use of Funds

• Each component of the budget has been optimized for cost-efficiency. For example, the use of open-source tools where possible reduces expenses, and engaging with the Cardano community for beta testing minimizes costs associated with large-scale testing by leveraging community feedback.

Detailed Sustainability Plan: we have developed a comprehensive plan outlining strategies to ensure the long-term viability and continuous improvement of the platform. This includes exploring potential revenue models, forming partnerships with relevant organizations, and implementing incentive structures to encourage community contributions for content updates and maintenance.

Return on Investment (ROI) Analysis: we will include a quantitative analysis projecting the potential return on investment for the Cardano Treasury and community. This will cover estimated productivity gains, economic impact of fostering innovation, and cost savings achieved through efficient resource utilization.

Risk Mitigation and Contingency Planning: we have provided a detailed risk mitigation plan, identifying potential risks and associated mitigation strategies. Additionally, we will outline contingency plans, including allocating a dedicated contingency budget, to address unforeseen challenges or changes in project scope.

In terms of cost justification, the project's budget is based on industry-standard rates for blockchain development, software developer, UI/UX design, and project management. These rates are competitive and reflect the level of expertise required to deliver a high-quality product. Additionally, the budget includes a contingency fund to account for any unforeseen expenses, ensuring that the project stays within its financial limits.

In summary, the cost of the project is justified by the substantial potential benefits it offers to the Cardano ecosystem. The focus on developers skill, community engagement, and continuous improvement aligns with the strategic goals of Cardano, making it a valuable investment that can help secure a leading position in the competitive blockchain space.

The cost of the project is justified by the substantial potential benefits it offers to the Cardano ecosystem. The focus on cardano blockchain paths, community engagement, and continuous improvement aligns with the strategic goals of Cardano, making it a valuable investment that can help secure a leading position in the competitive blockchain space.