Cardano Blockchain Hackathon & Developer Innovation Space

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Tewodros Sintayehu Teshome

[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)

10

[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 organize a Cardano hackathon, providing developers with tools, infrastructure, and mentorship to build blockchain projects, fostering innovation and growth in the Cardano developer ecosystem

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[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.”

Cardano Blockchain Tools and APIs: We rely on Cardano’s blockchain infrastructure, tools, and APIs to enable developers to build and deploy projects during the hackathon. Access to these tools is essential for project success.

Mentorship from External Experts: We will bring in external blockchain mentors to guide participants. Their availability is crucial to providing the support needed for developers to succeed.

Venue and Technical Infrastructure: We will need access to event space and technical resources such as internet connectivity and computers for participants. Securing the venue and infrastructure on time is critical to hosting the event smoothly.

[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 projects developed during the hackathon will be encouraged to use the MIT License for open-source contributions, ensuring that the code remains freely available for the Cardano community and beyond.

• Hackathon Code Contributions: Participants will be required to submit their projects to an open-source repository on GitHub. These projects will be available for the community to use, modify, and build upon, contributing to the broader Cardano developer ecosystem.
• Tools and Infrastructure: Any tools, APIs, or development frameworks we provide during the hackathon will also be made available as open-source resources under the same license, ensuring that developers can continue to use and enhance them after the event.

This ensures transparency, collaboration, and continued innovation within the Cardano community, allowing others to benefit from and build on the progress made during the hackathon.

[METADATA] Horizons

Hackathons

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Proposed Solution

We are addressing the problem of limited hands-on opportunities for developers to practice and innovate in blockchain technology, specifically within the Cardano ecosystem. Our solution is to organize a Cardano-focused blockchain hackathon, providing a dedicated space where developers can refine their skills, build projects, and receive mentorship. Beyond the hackathon, we will establish a supportive environment that offers infrastructure, tools, and guidance to help participants turn their ideas into fully functional blockchain applications.

Why This Approach?

• Hands-On Learning: Developers need real-world practice to become proficient in blockchain development. A hackathon offers a focused, time-bound environment where they can engage deeply with Cardano's technology and build meaningful projects.
• Mentorship and Support: By offering mentorship from experts at Ashwa Technology and collaboration with Fanos Crypto, participants will receive the technical guidance needed to overcome challenges and accelerate their learning.
• Building on Cardano: By focusing on Cardano, we will ensure that participants gain valuable experience with Cardano-specific tools, such as Plutus for smart contracts and Marlowe for financial contracts. This builds the ecosystem by increasing the number of skilled developers who are familiar with Cardano's unique capabilities.

Who Will Benefit?

• Developers and Coders: This hackathon provides a platform for developers—especially those in underserved regions—to learn, experiment, and build on Cardano.
• The Cardano Ecosystem: More developers working on Cardano-based projects will increase the number of decentralized applications (DApps), smart contracts, and use cases built on the Cardano blockchain, driving adoption and innovation.
• Entrepreneurs and Innovators: By participating, entrepreneurs will have a chance to turn their ideas into viable blockchain solutions with the help of a supportive ecosystem and mentorship.

Proving Impact

We will demonstrate the impact through

1. Number of Participants: Tracking the total number of developers, coders, and blockchain enthusiasts participating in the hackathon.
2. Projects Developed: Measuring the number of functional blockchain projects, smart contracts, and DApps created during the hackathon.
3. Post-Hackathon Growth: Following up on the success of participants in securing further development, funding, or adoption of their projects within the Cardano ecosystem.
4. Mentorship Hours Provided: Monitoring the hours of mentorship offered and the feedback from participants on how the support helped refine their projects.

What Makes This Solution Unique?

• Combining Hackathon with Post-Event Support: Unlike traditional hackathons, where participants are left on their own after the event, we will offer continuous mentorship and access to tools and infrastructure to ensure that projects can evolve beyond the hackathon.
• Focus on Cardano: By exclusively focusing on Cardano, we are not only teaching participants how to develop on blockchain but also strengthening Cardano's developer ecosystem. Every project developed contributes directly to the growth and utility of the Cardano network.

Why This Is Important to Cardano

This project is essential to the Cardano ecosystem as it fosters innovation, creates real-world applications, and trains the next generation of Cardano developers. By empowering more individuals to build on Cardano, we are accelerating the growth of DApps, smart contracts, and the overall use of the Cardano blockchain, aligning with Cardano’s mission of decentralization and global adoption.

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

Impact on the Cardano Community

Our project will have a profound and positive impact on the wider Cardano community by

• Expanding the Cardano Developer Ecosystem

• The hackathon will attract developers and blockchain enthusiasts, providing them with hands-on experience and tools to build on Cardano. This influx of skilled developers will increase the number of decentralized applications (DApps) and smart contracts being built on Cardano, fostering innovation within the ecosystem.

• Strengthening Innovation

• By providing mentorship, tools, and infrastructure, we will create a space for developers to experiment and innovate, resulting in new blockchain projects that leverage Cardano's unique capabilities. These innovations can lead to real-world solutions, expanding Cardano’s use cases across different industries.

• Community Engagement

• This project will actively engage the blockchain community by offering an inclusive platform for collaboration and development. It will encourage developers from diverse backgrounds to contribute to the growth of the Cardano network, especially in underrepresented regions.

Measuring Impact

We will measure both quantitative and qualitative aspects of the impact

• Quantitative Metrics

1. Number of Participants: Tracking the total number of coders and developers participating in the hackathon.
2. Projects Developed: Monitoring the number of functional DApps, smart contracts, and blockchain solutions built on Cardano during the hackathon and in the months that follow.
3. Post-Hackathon Project Growth: Measuring the success rate of projects that continue development after the hackathon and secure funding, adoption, or partnerships within the Cardano ecosystem.

• Qualitative Metrics

1. Participant Feedback: Collecting testimonials and feedback from developers and coders on how the event and mentorship impacted their learning, skills, and project development.
2. Success Stories: Documenting case studies of hackathon participants who go on to launch successful Cardano-based projects, highlighting how the hackathon enabled them to turn ideas into reality.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

• Open-Source Projects

• All projects developed during the hackathon will be open-source and shared on GitHub, allowing the broader Cardano community to access, use, and build upon these innovations. This transparency fosters collaboration and encourages community-driven development.

• Community Engagement and Reporting

• We will share project outputs, success stories, and progress updates with the wider Cardano community via Catalyst forums, social media, and through events organized in partnership with Fanos Crypto. Regular updates on the projects developed will ensure ongoing engagement and visibility.

• Webinars and Workshops

• We plan to host follow-up webinars and workshops where hackathon participants can present their projects and share their development journeys. These events will provide learning opportunities for the community and inspire further innovation.

• Collaboration with Businesses

• We will encourage businesses and industry leaders to collaborate with developers by offering internships, mentorship, and funding opportunities. These partnerships will help the most promising projects gain traction and further support the growth of the Cardano ecosystem.

Value to the Cardano Community

By fostering innovation, providing hands-on development opportunities, and encouraging open-source contributions, this project will directly contribute to Cardano's mission of creating a decentralized, inclusive blockchain ecosystem. The hackathon and post-event support will create long-term value by empowering developers to build sustainable, impactful solutions on Cardano.

[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

Our team is uniquely positioned to deliver this project due to our combined experience in blockchain development, event organization, and community engagement. Ashwa Technology, in collaboration with Fanos Crypto, has a proven track record in successfully implementing blockchain projects, educational initiatives, and community-driven programs. Here’s why we are best suited to deliver this project

1. Technical Expertise:

• Ashwa Technology: With extensive experience in blockchain technology, Ashwa Technology has successfully led multiple blockchain initiatives and has the necessary expertise to support developers during the hackathon. Our team includes experienced blockchain developers who are proficient in Cardano's development tools, smart contracts, and decentralized applications (DApps).

1. Community Influence and Reach:

• Fanos Crypto: As a leading blockchain education platform, Fanos Crypto has an established community and a reputation for promoting blockchain technology. Their ability to engage a broad audience within the blockchain and cryptocurrency space will ensure the hackathon gains traction and participation from a diverse group of developers and enthusiasts.

1. Mentorship and Support:

• Both Ashwa Technology and Fanos Crypto have extensive networks of industry experts and mentors who can provide guidance to participants. This mentorship will be key to helping developers turn their ideas into reality.

Feasibility Validation

We will validate the feasibility of our approach through the following steps:

1. Proven Event Management:

• We have experience organizing blockchain and coding events, ensuring that we can manage the logistics, technical infrastructure, and marketing required to deliver a successful hackathon.

1. Tested Infrastructure:

• The hackathon will leverage Cardano’s existing development tools and infrastructure, such as Plutus and Marlowe, which are well-established and have been used successfully in previous projects. This provides a strong technical foundation for participants.

1. Pilot Testing and Feedback:

• Before the full hackathon, we will run a pilot event with a smaller group of participants to test the setup, gather feedback, and ensure that the infrastructure, mentorship, and resources are functioning as expected.

1. Post-Hackathon Support:

• After the hackathon, we will continue to provide support and tools to developers, helping them refine their projects and validating their ideas through real-world application. This ensures long-term feasibility for projects born out of the event.

Fund Management and Accountability

To ensure transparency and accountability in managing the funds, we will implement the following processes:

1. Milestone-Based Fund Allocation

• Funds will be allocated based on clearly defined project milestones, such as event setup, execution, and post-event support. Each milestone will have measurable deliverables, such as venue setup, participant registration, and project submissions, ensuring that funds are used responsibly at every stage.

1. Regular Financial Reporting:

• We will provide transparent financial reports to the Cardano community, detailing how the funds are being used. Reports will be shared at key stages of the project, including a final report at the end of the hackathon and during the post-event phase.

1. Third-Party Auditing (If Required):

• We are open to engaging third-party auditors to verify fund management and project progress. This ensures that all funds are used properly, enhancing trust with the community.

1. Community Involvement and Feedback:

• By engaging the Cardano community through forums and social media, we will keep the community informed of our progress and allow for feedback to ensure we stay aligned with our goals. This transparency helps build accountability and trust.

Why We Are Best Suited for This Project

• Proven Track Record: Ashwa Technology and Fanos Crypto have successfully led blockchain and educational initiatives, demonstrating our ability to manage complex projects with a high level of trust and accountability.
• Established Networks: With access to a wide network of mentors, developers, and industry experts, we are well-equipped to provide participants with the support they need to succeed.
• Commitment to Accountability: Our transparent fund management, milestone-based allocation, and regular reporting processes ensure that funds will be managed responsibly and with community oversight.

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

Hackathon Planning and Infrastructure Setup (Months 1-2)

• Objective: Plan and set up the necessary infrastructure for the hackathon, including venue, development tools, mentorship resources, and promotional materials.
• Deliverables:
• Finalized venue for the hackathon (virtual or physical).
• Secured technical infrastructure (e.g., access to Cardano’s development tools, smart contract platforms, and sandbox environments).
• Confirmed list of mentors and industry experts.
• Marketing and promotion plan developed and executed in collaboration with Fanos Crypto.
• Acceptance Criteria: All logistical details finalized, infrastructure ready, and marketing campaign launched.

Hackathon Event and Project Development (Month 3)

• Objective: Host the blockchain hackathon, engaging developers to create functional projects using Cardano’s technology.
• Deliverables:
• Successful execution of the hackathon event.
• Participation of developers, coders, and blockchain enthusiasts.
• Development of functional blockchain projects, smart contracts, or DApps.
• Acceptance Criteria: Minimum of 50 developers/coders participating and at least 10 blockchain projects created during the hackathon.

Post-Hackathon Support and Project Growth (Months 4-6)

• Objective: Provide ongoing mentorship, support, and resources to hackathon participants to help them refine and develop their projects further.
• Deliverables:
• Ongoing mentorship hours provided by Ashwa Technology and partners.
• Post-hackathon workshops and webinars hosted to support project development.
• Continued access to development tools and infrastructure.
• Acceptance Criteria: At least 5 projects show measurable progress after the hackathon, with participants receiving mentorship and resources.

Marketing and Community Engagement (Months 4-8)

• Objective: Promote the projects developed during the hackathon and continue to engage the Cardano community through targeted marketing and outreach.
• Deliverables:
• Highlight key projects on social media, Catalyst forums, and through Fanos Crypto’s network.
• Host follow-up webinars showcasing successful projects and discussing Cardano’s blockchain applications.
• Connect promising projects with potential investors, incubators, or further funding opportunities.
• Acceptance Criteria: At least 3 follow-up events conducted, and marketing campaigns executed to drive further engagement.

Project Close-out Report and Video (Month 8)

• Objective: Compile and present the final report on the hackathon’s outcomes, success stories, and lessons learned, including a project video.
• Deliverables:
• Detailed final report documenting participant feedback, project outcomes, and the success of the hackathon.
• Video summarizing the hackathon, showcasing key projects, and highlighting the impact of the event on the Cardano developer ecosystem.
• Acceptance Criteria: Submission of the final report and video to Project Catalyst, along with data on participation, projects created, and post-hackathon progress.

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

Tewodros Sintayehu Teshome (Project Lead)

• Role: Overall project management, strategic planning, and community outreach.
• Responsibilities: Tewodros is a crypto community creator and influencer, playing a crucial role in guiding the project from concept to completion. He will oversee marketing, partnerships, and ensure that ADA adoption is promoted effectively through the Ashewa e-commerce platform. With a deep understanding of the crypto space, he will lead community engagement and drive educational content around ADA.

Dejene Hailu Ayele (Co-Founder, Ashewa Tech)

• Role: Technical lead and platform integration expert.
• Responsibilities: Dejene is a higher official and co-founder at Ashewa Tech, leading the technical aspects of the integration of ADA payments into the e-commerce platform. His experience in building scalable platforms will ensure the seamless technical implementation of the blockchain-related aspects of the project.
• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dejene-hailu/

1. Daniel Bekele – Chief Executive Officer
2. Role: Daniel will provide strategic oversight for the project, ensuring it aligns with Ashewa Tech's broader educational goals and managing high-level partnerships for expanding the e-learning platform.
3. LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/seifu-admassu-4138a8b9/
4. Feleke Feyissa – Chief Technology Officer
5. Role: Feleke will support the technical integration of blockchain tools into the platform and ensure the infrastructure required for the bootcamp is optimized for seamless user experiences.
6. Seifu Admasu – Chief of Staff
7. Role: Seifu will coordinate team communication and manage internal operations to ensure that project timelines are met, making sure all departments are aligned.
8. Birhanu Hailu – Sales Division Manager
9. Role: Birhanu will lead the efforts to expand partnerships with institutions, governments, and corporate entities interested in using the platform for blockchain education and professional development.
10. Mohamed Siraj – Chief Marketing Officer
11. Role: Mohamed will collaborate with the marketing team to create outreach strategies that target global learners, focusing particularly on underrepresented regions, while also increasing brand awareness.
12. Kasse Assefa – Resource Mobilization Manager
13. Role: Kasse will handle the project's resource management and allocation, ensuring that the e-learning platform has the financial and logistical resources necessary to scale as the project grows.
14. Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasse-assefa-lakew-b85264202/
15. Dawit Wale – E-commerce G/Manager
16. Role: Dawit will ensure smooth integration of the platform's payment systems, enabling students to pay using various payment options, including cryptocurrencies.
17. Million Abay – Finance Manager
18. Role: Million will oversee the project's finances, ensuring efficient use of funds and compliance with financial regulations, while also managing the platform’s payment systems.
19. LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/million-abay-398307316/
20. Tewabe AlemaYehu – Human Resource Manager
21. Role: Tewabe will manage the recruitment of additional team members, including blockchain educators, content creators, and technical support staff, ensuring the project has the necessary expertise as it scales.
22. Belete Dagnachew – Hybrid E-learning G/Manager
23. Role: Belete will lead the creation of learning materials for blockchain courses, ensuring that the content is interactive, engaging, and accessible to learners at all levels.

Additional Key Roles:

• Blockchain Developers
• Role: A team of developers will focus on creating blockchain bootcamp courses, smart contract simulations, and Cardano-specific tutorials. These developers will provide technical expertise for hands-on training modules.
• Content Creators
• Role: Educational content creators will design and produce high-quality video lessons, quizzes, and interactive materials for the e-learning platform. They will ensure that the content is engaging and accessible for learners at all levels.
• Marketing Specialists
• Role: Marketing experts will lead outreach strategies, including social media campaigns, paid advertising, and email marketing, to attract learners globally, with a particular focus on underserved regions.
• Community Moderators
• Role: Moderators will manage the online learning community, providing support to learners and facilitating discussions in forums and Q&A sessions.

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

1. Hackathon Planning and Infrastructure Setup (22,000 ADA)

• Venue and Infrastructure: 10,000 ADA
• Venue rental (if physical) or virtual platform setup costs.
• Required technical infrastructure such as internet, power, and participant setup.
• Development Tools and Resources: 8,000 ADA
• Access to blockchain development tools, smart contract platforms, and Cardano APIs for participants.
• Logistics and Setup: 4,000 ADA
• Miscellaneous logistics like participant onboarding and event setup.

2. Marketing, Promotion, and Community Engagement (16,000 ADA)

• Digital Marketing Campaigns: 7,000 ADA
• Social media ads, email marketing, and outreach to attract participants.
• Promotional Materials: 4,000 ADA
• Creation of digital assets such as banners, posters, and videos to promote the event.
• Partnership Outreach: 5,000 ADA
• Engaging with potential partners and sponsors to boost visibility and ensure widespread promotion.

3. Event Management and Mentorship (20,000 ADA)

• Mentorship Fees: 12,000 ADA
• Compensation for mentors, developers, and blockchain experts who will guide participants.
• Event Coordination: 5,000 ADA
• Handling logistics, scheduling, and smooth operation of the event.
• Support Staff: 3,000 ADA
• Technical support staff to assist with infrastructure and participant needs during the event.

4. Content Creation and Documentation (10,000 ADA)

• Educational Materials and Tutorials: 7,000 ADA
• Development of educational content (tutorials, guides) for participants.
• Project Documentation: 3,000 ADA
• Post-event documentation and creation of project summaries and case studies.

5. Post-Hackathon Support and Follow-up (8,000 ADA)

• Ongoing Mentorship: 5,000 ADA
• Continued support for project development post-hackathon, helping participants refine and grow their blockchain projects.
• Follow-up Webinars: 3,000 ADA
• Hosting additional workshops and sessions to assist participants with further project development.

6. Miscellaneous / Contingency (4,000 ADA)

• A buffer for unforeseen expenses during the event or post-event phase, ensuring smooth execution.

Total Requested Funds: 80,000 ADA

This budget reflects a balanced approach, ensuring sufficient funding for the core components while staying within the 80,000 ADA limit. Let me know if you’d like further adjustments!

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

Value for Money

The budget of 80,000 ADA represents excellent value for the Cardano ecosystem, given the long-term benefits of this project

1. Promoting ADA Adoption and Developer Growth:

• The hackathon will provide hands-on experience for developers, empowering them to build functional projects on Cardano’s blockchain. By creating an environment where innovative DApps and smart contracts can be developed, this project will contribute directly to ADA adoption. The projects created during the hackathon will enhance Cardano’s utility and visibility.

1. Scalable Impact:

• The resources and tools provided during the hackathon will not only be used during the event but will remain accessible for ongoing project development. By making the projects open-source, the entire Cardano community will benefit from these solutions, encouraging wider adoption and developer engagement long after the event is over. This scalability offers significant value beyond the initial investment.

1. Proportional Costs:

• The budget allocation for mentorship, event management, marketing, and infrastructure is in line with industry standards. For example, mentorship fees are based on average rates for blockchain experts and developers in our region. Similarly, the marketing costs have been optimized to ensure maximum reach within the blockchain and developer communities without overspending.

1. Community and Ecosystem Engagement:

• The marketing and community engagement portion of the budget is vital to ensure high participation from developers and blockchain enthusiasts. By strategically allocating resources for digital marketing, partnerships, and outreach through Fanos Crypto, we will maximize the number of participants and the overall impact of the event. The high level of engagement will drive further value to Cardano as the number of projects and developers grows.

1. Educational and Long-Term Benefits:

• The educational content and mentorship provided will ensure that developers leave the hackathon with valuable knowledge and skills in blockchain development. This investment in education will have a lasting impact, enabling participants to continue contributing to the Cardano ecosystem in the future. As the ecosystem grows, so too will the value of this investment.

1. Justification of Costs:

• Event management, mentorship fees, and marketing have been carefully planned based on typical costs in our region. For instance

• Mentorship fees are aligned with industry rates for blockchain experts, ensuring that we attract skilled mentors to support participants.
• Marketing costs are proportional to what is typically required to reach a large, targeted audience, ensuring that funds are spent efficiently to drive participation and awareness.
• Infrastructure costs for the event have been optimized to ensure the participants have all the tools and resources needed to succeed without unnecessary overhead.

This project offers long-term value by driving developer engagement, fostering innovation, and expanding the number of projects built on Cardano. With proportional costs based on industry standards and a strong focus on scalability and open-source contributions, the investment of 80,000 ADA will have a lasting, positive impact on the Cardano ecosystem. By fostering innovation, education, and community growth, this project delivers significant returns for the Cardano community.