Cardano Toronto RoadShow 2025

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Athika Fatima

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

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

• (Not finalized) Community partners in Blockchain in Toronto
• TBC

[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)

Leveraging tech talent in TO, the Cardano Toronto RoadShow2025 will create a platform for CS undergrads, grads, developers & enthusiasts to collaboratively build & innovate on the Cardano blockchain.

[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.

[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 workshops conducted during the Roadshow will be free to re-use on YouTube
• All content used during the RoadShow to promote education and adoption of the Cardano Blockchain will be open-sourced.

[METADATA] Horizons

Events

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The Cardano Toronto Roadshow 2025 offers an innovative solution to engage and educate university and college students across Canada on the fundamentals of Cardano and blockchain technology. We plan to host “Cardano Day” workshops at 20 campuses, reaching a diverse student body and providing a comprehensive introduction to Cardano’s principles and technical aspects.

Solution Overview:

Each Cardano Day workshop will be an immersive experience covering:

1. Introduction to Cardano: An engaging overview of Cardano's inception, its mission, and its unique features, including its consensus mechanism and layered architecture.
2. Cardano Ecosystem and Use Cases: We’ll showcase real-world applications and discuss why Cardano is well-suited for various sectors, from DeFi to NFTs.
3. Beginner-Level Cardano Bootcamp: A hands-on session where students will learn to set up a Cardano wallet, interact with the blockchain, and gain insights into smart contract basics using Marlowe or Plutus Playground.
4. Idea Generation and Problem-Solving: We’ll guide participants in brainstorming potential projects or solutions they could build on Cardano, fostering creativity and innovation.
5. Interactive Q&A and Networking: Each session will conclude with an interactive Q&A, followed by a networking opportunity, allowing students to connect with like-minded peers and Cardano advocates.

Why This Solution?

• Student-Centric: By bringing Cardano directly to university campuses, we are meeting students in their own environments, making it easier for them to participate and engage.
• Accessibility: The workshops are beginner-friendly, ensuring that even those with no prior experience can grasp the basics of Cardano and explore its potential.
• Skill Development: Participants gain hands-on experience with Cardano’s tools, encouraging practical learning and building a foundation for further exploration in blockchain.
• Community Building: This approach fosters local communities of Cardano enthusiasts and potential developers, helping to create a decentralized support network for future initiatives.

Expected Outcomes:

• Increased Awareness: By targeting 20 campuses, we aim to significantly boost awareness of Cardano among Canadian students.
• New Cardano Enthusiasts: We expect to create a pipeline of young Cardano advocates who will continue to explore, engage, and contribute to the ecosystem.
• Long-Term Community Engagement: Through follow-up activities and online communities, we plan to keep participants engaged beyond the workshop, fostering sustained interest in Cardano.

The Cardano Toronto Roadshow 2025 aims to establish a strong foundational understanding of Cardano among students, inspire innovation, and cultivate a new wave of contributors to the Cardano ecosystem across Canada.

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

The Cardano Toronto Roadshow 2025 is designed to engage university and college students across 20 campuses in Canada, igniting interest in blockchain and providing foundational knowledge about Cardano. By conducting workshops branded as “Cardano Days,” we’ll introduce students to Cardano's unique value proposition, walk them through basic development concepts, and guide them in ideating and building on the Cardano platform.

This initiative aims to foster a new wave of Cardano enthusiasts and developers who will contribute to the Cardano ecosystem. By targeting an audience of 150-200 participants per event, the potential reach is approximately 3,000 to 4,000 students, creating a broad impact across various campuses.

Impact Measurement:

• Quantitative Metrics:
• Attendance Rates: Track the number of attendees at each workshop.
• Post-Event Surveys: Measure student interest and satisfaction.
• Follow-Up Engagement: Track how many students join the Cardano community, enroll in further training, or participate in subsequent Cardano events.
• Qualitative Metrics:
• Feedback Forms: Collect insights on the clarity of the content and areas for improvement.
• Participant Interviews: Gather testimonials from students and faculty on the value of the workshops.

Sharing Outputs:

• We will compile event highlights, testimonials, and engagement metrics into a comprehensive report, shared with Cardano’s community via social media, blogs, and official communication channels. In addition, we plan to release open-source materials, such as workshop guides and presentations, for others in the Cardano community to replicate the event elsewhere.

[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?

Athika Fatima is a dynamic and accomplished leader in the blockchain space, dedicated to driving innovation and fostering community engagement. With a strong background in computer engineering and specialized expertise in blockchain development, she combines technical acumen with a passion for education and collaboration.

With seasoned experience in organizing large-scale events and hackathons, Athika has successfully managed projects that engage diverse stakeholders, including students, developers, and industry leaders. Her role at Quantum Leap Labs involves overseeing incubator programs for Web3 startups, while her work with George Brown College's Blockchain Club has led to the creation of a thriving community of blockchain enthusiasts.

Support from Expertise

Athika is fortunate to have the support of Lawrence Ley, an IT delivery professional with over 20 years of experience in application development and systems integration. As an educator in blockchain courses at George Brown College and the author of Ultimate Cardano Smart Contracts, Lawrence brings invaluable expertise to this project. His contributions to the Cardano ecosystem through open-source impact projects, code examples, and educational videos further enhance the credibility and capacity to execute this ideathon effectively.

Key Capabilities

• Event Management Expertise: Athika has led several blockchain events, such as the ICP Crypto Conclave, BlockHack Hackathon, and HackTheValley9, where she managed partnerships, logistics, and budgets. These experiences equip her with the skills to deliver a high-quality ideathon that balances technical depth and accessibility.
• Technical Proficiency: With a strong background in blockchain development, Athika is well-equipped to design the technical workshops and ensure the ideathon provides valuable hands-on experience with Cardano.
• Established Partnerships: She has built relationships with universities, industry leaders, and blockchain communities across Canada, which will be instrumental in securing participation, resources, and support for this ideathon.
• Fund Management Experience: Athika has previously managed budgets transparently, focusing on optimizing resources and ensuring accountability.

Steps for Trust and Accountability

• Transparent Budgeting: A detailed budget will be prepared and shared with all stakeholders, outlining how funds will be allocated. This includes costs for venue, materials, prizes, and promotional efforts.
• Regular Updates: Athika will provide regular progress updates to stakeholders, including financial reporting, to ensure transparency and build trust within the community.
• Post-Event Evaluation: A thorough evaluation, including financial audits, will be conducted after the RoadShow2025 to assess the overall impact and efficacy of the project. This report will be shared with all participants and stakeholders.

Validating Feasibility: To ensure the feasibility of this roadshow, we have mapped out:

• Preliminary Outreach: We will gauge interest among targeted universities and colleges to confirm participation.
• Detailed Budgeting: A clear budget plan, allocating approximately 2200-2500 CAD per Cardano Day, allows us to manage costs while maintaining high event quality.
• Community Partnerships: Engaging with blockchain clubs and student associations on campuses will help us manage logistics and promote the events effectively.

By leveraging her experience, the backing of industry experts like Lawrence Ley, and establishing a framework for transparency and accountability, Athika Fatima is well-equipped to deliver this RoadShow2025 with high levels of trust and impact within the Cardano community.

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

Milestone 1: Preparation and University Engagement (Months 1-2)

• Objectives:
• Secure Partnerships with Universities: Finalize agreements with 20 universities and colleges across Canada to host Cardano Day workshops, including logistics like dates, campus venues, and participant estimates.
• Develop Workshop Curriculum: Create content for the Cardano Day workshops, encompassing theoretical sessions, beginner bootcamp materials, and ideation support.
• Marketing and Outreach Plan: Develop a promotional strategy targeting each campus, utilizing channels like social media, student newsletters, and partnerships with student organizations to maximize awareness and attendance.
• Deliverables:
• Signed agreements with participating universities.
• Complete and refined workshop curriculum and training materials.
• Marketing and outreach materials ready for dissemination.

Milestone 2: Event Launch and Initial Cardano Days Execution (Months 3-4)

• Objectives:
• Commence Workshops at 10 Universities: Roll out Cardano Day workshops at the first 10 campuses, with each event providing students with theoretical insights into Cardano, hands-on bootcamp experience, and guided ideation sessions.
• Gather Participant Feedback: Collect qualitative and quantitative feedback from each workshop to refine and optimize content, delivery, and participant engagement for the upcoming events.
• On-Site and Virtual Support Coordination: Ensure smooth operation by having technical and logistical support on standby, as well as virtual assistance for real-time troubleshooting.
• Deliverables:
• Successful execution of 10 Cardano Days.
• Comprehensive feedback report from participants, instructors, and campus coordinators.
• Adjusted and improved workshop content and delivery strategies based on feedback.

Milestone 3: Completion of Cardano Days and Impact Assessment (Months 5-6)

• Objectives:
• Host Remaining 10 Cardano Days: Continue with workshops at the remaining universities, ensuring consistency in quality and participant engagement across all campuses.
• Impact Evaluation and Reporting: Measure the success of the roadshow, using metrics like participation numbers, workshop engagement levels, and participant feedback to assess overall impact.
• Community Building and Follow-Up: Establish post-workshop engagement through follow-up emails, additional resources, and invitations to join the wider Cardano community for ongoing learning and involvement.
• Deliverables:
• Completion of all 20 Cardano Days workshops.
• Final impact report, including quantitative data on attendance and qualitative insights from participant feedback.
• Follow-up resources and engagement strategies delivered to participants, fostering long-term interest and involvement in the Cardano ecosystem.

Final Milestone: Post-Event Impact Assessment and Community Integration (Month 6)

• Objectives:
• Comprehensive Impact Evaluation: Analyze data from all 20 workshops to assess the overall success of the roadshow, using metrics such as total attendance, participant feedback, engagement levels, and interest in continued learning.
• Documentation and Reporting: Prepare a detailed final report highlighting achievements, insights, and areas for improvement. This report will be shared with stakeholders, Cardano community members, and university partners to demonstrate the project’s impact.
• Community Integration and Follow-Up Initiatives: Facilitate ongoing engagement for participants by connecting them with Cardano resources, online communities, and local chapters to support their continued exploration and involvement. Additionally, offer resources like access to online courses, Cardano forums, and networking events to sustain their learning and growth.
• Recognition and Reward: Acknowledge top participants, most engaged universities, and any notable contributions made during the roadshow. Offer certificates, digital badges, or exclusive opportunities as rewards to enhance their portfolios and encourage continued participation in Cardano-related activities.
• Deliverables:
• Final Impact Report: A comprehensive report detailing participant demographics, attendance figures, feedback summaries, and overall project impact. This will include case studies or testimonials from select participants or universities, showcasing the initiative’s success.
• Participant Resources and Follow-Up Engagement: Distribute resources to participants and establish a communication channel (such as a mailing list or a dedicated Discord server) to keep them informed about future Cardano opportunities.
• Recognition Materials: Certificates of participation, badges, or other recognition items distributed to participants and partnering universities, along with a summary of notable contributions and achievements.

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

Athika Fatima - Project Lead & Community Manager

• Role: Team Lead, Overseeing the RoadShow's organization, strategic planning, Technical Expertise and community engagement.
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/athika-fatima/
• Github: https://github.com/athikaf

TBC x3

Role: Ideathon Leads and Event Managers and Workshop Facilitator

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

1. Workshop Execution (65,000 ADA)

• Venue and Logistics (45,000 ADA):
• Rental costs, equipment, and setup for 20 university/college campuses.
• Costs for on-site materials, such as presentation aids, projectors, whiteboards, and other logistical requirements.
• Facilitators and Technical Support (20,000 ADA):
• Compensation for facilitators and technical support teams for running workshops and handling technical sessions.
• This includes travel expenses and accommodation where necessary for facilitators.

2. Marketing, Outreach, and Campus Engagement (20,000 ADA)

• Marketing Materials and Promotions (10,000 ADA):
• Design and production of promotional materials (flyers, posters, social media ads) to increase awareness and engagement among students.
• Digital marketing costs, including social media ads and email campaigns to target students across all participating universities.
• Campus Events & Competitions (10,000 ADA):
• Funding for student competitions or challenges tied to Cardano projects, encouraging engagement and enthusiasm.
• Prizes and rewards for winners and top participants to enhance participation and engagement.

3. Educational Materials and Participant Support (10,000 ADA)

• Cardano Learning Resources (5,000 ADA):
• Development and printing of beginner-friendly learning materials, including guides, handouts, and access to online resources.
• Participant Support (5,000 ADA):
• Provide refreshments, supplies, and other participant support materials to enhance the experience and engagement.

5. Contingency Fund (5,000 ADA)

• Allocated for unexpected expenses, last-minute requirements, or additional participant support as needed.

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

Education and Skill Development: Running workshops fosters talent development and contributes to the growth of a skilled workforce within the Cardano ecosystem.

Adoption and Awareness: Having a Cardano presence at local universities/colleges promotes awareness and adoption of Cardano. 

Network Expansion: Being part of an established event helps foster connections into the broader Web3 and IT ecosystems for partnerships and collaboration. This can also encourage local community meetups by bringing together the local Cardano community members. 

Innovation and Projects: Encourage participants to explore and develop projects on the Cardano platform. By fostering innovation, this proposal drives the creation of applications, smart contracts, and other solutions within the ecosystem.

Acknowledgments & References:

• CardanoCodex - On-boarding the next wave of Developers with this innovative Hackathon event - Pan India by Nucast
• Cardano Hackathon in Berlin organized by NMKR by Patrick Tobler
• Cardano Blockchain Education Program For Top Ethiopian Universities by Tihitna Miroche
• Colombo Cardano Hackathon by Azeem Ashraf
• EAST ASIA 💚 CARDANO: Cardano Hackathon @ DEVCON by Alejandra Marin
• Cardano Vietnam Developer Boot Camp & Hackathon by Thanh Dinh