Cardano Ecosystem Expansion at AASTU and Addis Ababa

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Fitihamlak Teklegenet Abebe

[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

No

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

Organize workshops, establish clubs, and host events to promote Cardano technology in AASTU.

[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.”

Our project depends on collaboration with AASTU student officials, including the Student Union and the Software Department, to gain access to university resources, promote events, and engage the student community. This partnership is essential for successful event organization, securing venues, and ensuring high student participation. Their support will help us build a sustainable community around Cardano technology at AASTU.

[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 materials will be shared on our GitHub repository, accessible to anyone interested in learning or building on Cardano technology. We believe in transparency and community collaboration, and by making our resources open source, we aim to foster a culture of knowledge sharing and innovation within the Cardano ecosystem in AASTU.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The project will focus on organizing educational workshops, establishing a Cardano club at AASTU, and collaborating with local businesses and tech experts to develop blockchain applications using Cardano. We will also engage students through hackathons and events aimed at increasing awareness and skill-building in Cardano’s ecosystem.

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

This project will increase Cardano’s adoption and awareness in Ethiopia, build a skilled developer community, and lay the foundation for further blockchain projects. Impact will be measured through the number of events held, student participation rates, and partnerships formed.

[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 team consists of experienced developers, event organizers, and educators. Surafiel Nigussie is an experienced blockchain developer, while Naod Abebe has successfully organized numerous tech events. Mr. Solomon, the AASTU Student Union President, will be instrumental in engaging the student body and securing support from the union. Dr. Addisu Lema, the head of the AASTU Software Department, will provide technical guidance and support to ensure the success of our development activities. We will validate feasibility through initial pilot events and by securing partnerships with AASTU, leveraging these collaborations to maximize project impact.

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

Initial workshops and awareness campaigns at AASTU.

• Duration: 1 month

Establishment of the Cardano Club and collaboration with the Student Union.

• Duration: 1 month.

Hosting hackathons and development competitions

• Duration: 2 months.

Partnerships with AASTU software department and student union.

• Duration: 1 month

Evaluation and reporting of project impact and outcomes.

• Duration: 1 month

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

Project Team and Roles:

Fitihamlak Teklegenet (Project Lead)  

• Responsible for overall project management, coordination, and strategy implementation. Oversees partnerships and ensures project milestones are achieved on time.

Surafiel Nigussie (Blockchain Developer)  

• Leads the technical development aspects of the project, including hackathons and coding workshops. Provides guidance on building decentralized applications (dApps) using Cardano technology.

Naod Abebe (Event Organizer)  

• Manages event logistics, promotion, and coordination. Organizes workshops, seminars, and hackathons to engage the community and ensure smooth execution of all events.

Mr. Solomon (AASTU Student Union President)

• Acts as the liaison between the project team and the AASTU student community. Supports event planning by securing venues and mobilizing student participation.

Dr. Addisu Lema (Advisor, Head of Software Department at AASTU)

• Provides technical and academic guidance for the project. Advises on curriculum development and supports the technical training sessions offered to students and community members.

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

1. Workshops & Seminars: 15,000 ADA
2. Hackathons & Competitions: 20,000 ADA
3. Marketing & Outreach: 10,000 ADA
4. Partnerships & Collaborations: 7,000 ADA
5. Contingency & Reporting: 8,000 ADA

Total: 60,000 ADA

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

The project delivers high value by efficiently utilizing funds to build awareness, host events, and create partnerships that drive Cardano adoption. This strategic approach ensures sustainable growth and community development in AASTU blockchain ecosystem.