Persian Gateway to Cardano Governance: Summit & Education

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Omid Ajorlou

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

Individual

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Farnaz Hosseini

Mohammadreza Sadeghi

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

12

[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 Persian-language educational content and host summits to raise awareness of Cardano and Midnight, fostering community interaction and knowledge sharing within Iran's blockchain space.

[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.”

Dependencies are external resources or conditions required for our project's successful execution. media coverage from platforms like Defier and Way2Pay is essential because they will amplify the visibility of the summits and educational content within the Iranian blockchain community.

Our established relationships with these media outlets are a key asset, as they ensure broader outreach and help engage the target audience, boosting awareness of Cardano and the Midnight blockchain. This media presence is critical to driving participation and maximizing the project's impact.

[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

We plan to release all educational content, including video tutorials, under an open-source license to ensure maximum accessibility and engagement. The intended license for this content is Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0), allowing others to share and adapt the materials, provided they give appropriate credit.

As this project is primarily content-driven, no software development is involved. However, all materials related to blockchain education and tutorials, including any guides or educational resources, will be made freely available on platforms like GitHub. This ensures the ongoing utility and adaptation of our outputs by the broader Persian-speaking community.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Proposed Solution:

We aim to solve the lack of Persian-language resources on Cardano and Midnight blockchain technology, which limits awareness and engagement within Iran's rapidly growing blockchain community. While 13% of the population in Iran engages with cryptocurrency, most are unfamiliar with Cardano, leading to missed opportunities for ecosystem growth.

Our approach combines educational content with community-building summits. Educational content in Persian will be the primary focus, with video tutorials on Cardano technology, Midnight's zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) use cases, and the broader ecosystem. These will be published on platforms like YouTube and Instagram for easy access, alongside live-streamed summit events.

The summits will serve as in-person gatherings for blockchain enthusiasts and experts in Iran, providing a space for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. These events will boost engagement and help form teams of innovators and developers who can contribute to the Cardano ecosystem. Media partnerships with Defier and Way2Pay will ensure significant coverage, helping to drive participation.

Unique Aspects:

Our solution is unique because it focuses on bridging the language gap in blockchain education. We will create Persian-language content, making Cardano accessible to a demographic that lacks sufficient resources. Additionally, by organizing in-person summits, we foster real-world interaction and the potential for collaborative innovation.

Impact and Beneficiaries:

Persian-speaking blockchain enthusiasts, developers, and investors will directly benefit from the project. As we educate and guide more users towards Cardano, this will strengthen the community and increase adoption of Cardano technology and ADA. Given the significant size of Iran’s cryptocurrency-engaged population, even small shifts towards Cardano could have a noticeable impact on the ecosystem’s growth.

Proving Our Impact:

We will track metrics like video views, participant numbers at summits, and social media engagement. Growth in Persian-language conversations about Cardano and the creation of new developer projects will be a strong indicator of our success.

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

Positive Impact on the Cardano Community:

Our project will create a direct bridge between Iran’s growing blockchain community and the Cardano ecosystem, which has been largely untapped due to the lack of accessible, localized information. By offering Persian-language educational content and organizing in-person summits, we will expand the global reach of Cardano, attracting new developers, investors, and enthusiasts from a region with high cryptocurrency engagement.

Value to the Cardano Community:

1. Increased Awareness and Adoption: Educating the Persian-speaking community about Cardano’s technology, including its unique Midnight ZKP use case, will lead to more users exploring and adopting the Cardano platform. This can boost both ecosystem activity and ADA usage.
2. Developer Engagement: The in-person summits provide opportunities to attract developers who can build on Cardano, contributing to new dApps and innovations.
3. Expanding Content in New Languages: By producing educational materials in Persian, we will diversify Cardano's global knowledge base, making it more inclusive and accessible to new regions.

Measuring Impact:

We will measure impact through a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics:

• Quantitative Metrics:
• Summit Participation: The number of attendees at our summits (both in-person and live-stream viewers).
• Educational Content Reach: Video views, social media engagement, and subscriber growth on platforms like YouTube and Instagram.
• Engagement with Content: Number of comments, questions, and discussions generated around our educational materials.
• Persian-speaking developer contributions: Tracking new projects or contributions from Persian-speaking developers within the Cardano ecosystem.
• Qualitative Metrics:
• Community Feedback: Direct feedback from summit participants and online learners, especially regarding their understanding and interest in Cardano following the content.
• Partnerships: Growth in partnerships with local blockchain communities and media outlets, and potential collaborations from summit attendees.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

All educational content will be made available publicly on platforms like YouTube and Instagram under an open-source license (Creative Commons). We will also provide live-streaming of the summits on these platforms, ensuring maximum accessibility.

Outputs will be shared:

• Via social media channels and local blockchain forums.
• Through the Cardano community’s official platforms, including developer and education-focused hubs.
• Media outlets like Defier and Way2Pay will further amplify our reach, promoting our outputs to a wider audience.

This approach ensures our content continues to benefit not only the local Persian community but also the broader Cardano community by attracting new users and fostering growth in untapped regions.

[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 & Feasibility:

I hold a Master's degree in Computer Science and bring 12 years of experience in software engineering, including my current role as a Technical Product Manager in the blockchain industry. Since 2017, I have been an active member of the Cardano community, beginning my journey during the Byron era. Over the years, I have consistently updated my knowledge with each new development in Cardano's evolution.

My expertise in blockchain has allowed me to present at numerous industry events, including my most recent presentation on blockchain as a service layer for AI, where I highlighted Midnight as a key technology for AI integration. In addition to my research and presentations, I am currently part of a team developing BlockCivil, a Partnerchain project built on Cardano. This hands-on experience with Cardano and Midnight gives me deep technical knowledge of Cardano's technology stack, including Ouroboros consensus, Mithril, Atala, Hydra, Cardano Toolkit, Partnerchain framework, and SPO operations.

These experiences uniquely position me to deliver this project, as I have the technical knowledge, presentation skills, and community involvement to execute it successfully. Additionally, my deep engagement with the Cardano and Midnight communities ensures I can explain complex technical concepts to a broader audience, making our educational content both accessible and accurate.

Validating Feasibility:

We will validate the feasibility of our approach by:

1. Leveraging our technical expertise: With my experience in blockchain product management and development, I understand the technical aspects required to create accurate and impactful educational content.
2. Engaging trusted media outlets: Our strong relationships with media platforms like Defier and Way2Pay will ensure broad coverage and accountability, helping to drive participation and measure engagement.
3. Community Feedback: Continuous feedback from the community will be gathered to ensure our educational content is relevant, easy to understand, and meets the needs of our target audience.
4. Transparent Reporting: Regular updates on the project’s progress, including financial management, will be provided to the Catalyst community. We will track spending through detailed budgets and provide transparency around fund allocation.

Accountability & Fund Management:

Our approach to fund management will be structured and transparent. We will:

• Create detailed budgets for each phase of the project, including summit organization, video production, and media partnerships.
• Provide regular financial reports to the Catalyst community, ensuring accountability for all expenditures.
• Maintain a clear timeline for project deliverables, ensuring that milestones are met on time and funds are used efficiently.

Our team’s history in blockchain development and project management, combined with our deep integration into the Cardano community, provides us with the capability and trustworthiness to manage this project responsibly.

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

Educational Content Creation (Months 1-3)

A. Milestone Outputs:

Produce and publish at least 10 educational videos on the following topics:

1. Ouroboros Consensus (3 Episodes):

• Episode 1: What is Ouroboros Consensus?
• Explaining the core mechanism of the Ouroboros protocol and its importance in Cardano.
• Episode 2: Types of Ouroboros
• Overview of different versions: Classic, Praos, Genesis, and their use cases.
• Episode 3: Next Generation of Ouroboros – Leios and Peras
• An introduction to the upcoming Leios and Peras advancements in Ouroboros.

1. Cardano Research (1 Episode):

• Cardano’s Scientific Approach
• Discussing the peer-reviewed research model, key papers, and how it differentiates Cardano.

1. Stake Pool Operator (SPO) Roles (3 Episodes):

• Episode 1: How to Become a SPO?
• Overview of the requirements and processes involved in becoming a stake pool operator.
• Episode 2: Managing a Stake Pool
• Best practices for running and optimizing a stake pool on the Cardano network.
• Episode 3: Economic Model of Stake Pools
• Analyzing the rewards mechanism and economic incentives for SPOs.

1. Architecture and Protocols (1 Episode):

• Cardano’s Layered Architecture and Network Protocols
• A deep dive into the layered architecture of Cardano and key network protocols.

1. Cardano Node and CLI (2 Episodes):

• Episode 1: Running a Cardano Node
• How to set up and operate a Cardano node, its functions, and importance.
• Episode 2: Using Cardano CLI for Developers
• Introduction to the Cardano CLI tools for developers and how they can interact with the blockchain.

B. Acceptance Criteria:

• Educational Reach:
• Each video must achieve at least 500 views through a marketing plan. The campaign will partner with blockchain-focused media, such as Defier and Way2Pay, as well as blockchain influencers and communities.
• Engagement Targets:
• Each video must receive at least 100 interactions (likes, comments, shares) within the first month of publishing.
• Quality Assurance:
• Feedback surveys will be collected from viewers, focusing on the clarity and usefulness of the content, aiming for a 70% positive feedback rate.

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Analytics Reports:
• Provide detailed viewership statistics (total views, likes, shares) from YouTube and Instagram for each episode. Highlight engagement metrics and overall audience growth.
• Marketing Collaboration:
• Include evidence of media partnerships and outreach efforts. This could be in the form of screenshots of articles or promotions from Defier, Way2Pay, and other blockchain media platforms.
• Community Feedback:
• Compile viewer feedback through comments, surveys, and direct interactions. Present summarized survey results and key takeaways from community input.

First Cardano Persian Summit (Months 4-6)

A. Milestone Outputs:

1) Summit Event:

• Organize the first in-person Cardano Persian Summit with a target of at least 100 participants.
• Host 3 in-depth workshops on:
• Cardano Node: Setting up and managing a node on the Cardano blockchain.
• How to Become a Stake Pool Operator (SPO): Steps and insights on becoming an SPO.
• CIP1694 & Cardano Governance: Understanding CIP1694 and the role of Decentralized Representatives (DReps) in Cardano governance.

2) Workshop Content Delivery:

• Record and publish videos from the workshops and summit sessions on YouTube, Instagram, and other social media platforms to maximize reach.

B. Acceptance Criteria:

1) Summit Success:

• 80+ participants attend the event in person.
• Engagement: At least 60% of participants actively engage in the workshops and Q&A sessions.

2) Workshop Delivery:

• Each workshop is successfully completed with recorded videos published online.
• Participant Feedback: At least 80% positive feedback from participants on the quality and relevance of the workshops.

3) Content Distribution:

• Publish videos of the entire seminar and workshops on YouTube, Instagram, and social media platforms.
• Achieve at least 500 views per video within one month of posting.
• Gather participant reviews (both written and video testimonials) about the summit experience and share these on social platforms to build community trust.

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion:

1) Participant Data:

• Provide registration data and attendance lists with photos from the summit.

2) Engagement Metrics:

• Live-streaming and recorded video analytics from YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms, including:
• Total views, likes, comments, and shares per video.
• Engagement rates during live-streaming and post-event discussions.

3) Participant Feedback:

• Survey results showcasing feedback from summit attendees, with a focus on workshop quality, speaker expertise, and content relevance.
• Video and written testimonials from attendees shared across social platforms, showcasing their experience and learnings from the event.

4) Marketing and Media Coverage:

• Provide evidence of media coverage by Defier, Way2Pay, and other blockchain-focused outlets.
• Include screenshots or links to media articles, social posts, and promotional content shared by these partners.

Educational Content Expansion & Developer Engagement (Months 7-9)

A. Milestone Outputs:

1) Educational Video Series:

Produce and publish at least 6 educational videos covering the following topics:

• CIP1694 and DRep Hub (2 Episodes):
• Episode 1: Understanding CIP1694
• Overview of CIP1694 and its role in Cardano governance.
• Episode 2: How to Participate in the DRep Hub
• A guide for Persian community members on engaging with decentralized governance through the DRep hub.
• Mithril Protocol (1 Episode):
• Introduction to Mithril and its impact on Cardano security and scalability.
• Hydra (1 Episode):
• Explanation of the Hydra protocol and its potential for Cardano’s scalability.
• Hyperledger Identus (1 Episode):
• Exploring Hyperledger Identus and its application in identity management within the Cardano ecosystem.
• Catalyst Project (1 Episode):
• Introduction to Project Catalyst, explaining how Persian developers and community members can propose and participate in projects within the Cardano ecosystem.

2) Developer Program Launch:

• Announce a dedicated program for Persian developers and community members interested in contributing to the Cardano ecosystem, including guidance on how to engage with Cardano’s developer tools and governance systems.

B. Acceptance Criteria:

1) Educational Reach:

• Each video must achieve 500 views within the first month.

2) Community Engagement:

• Each video must generate at least 100 interactions (comments, shares, likes) within the first month.

3) Developer Program Participation:

• Attract at least 20 Persian developers to sign up for the program within two months of its launch.

4) Catalyst Awareness:

• Increase awareness about Project Catalyst by tracking interest from developers and potential proposers in the Persian community.

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion:

1) Content Links and Analytics:

• Provide links to all published videos, along with detailed viewership metrics (views, interactions) and community feedback.

2) Developer Program Metrics:

• Document the number of developers enrolled in the program, along with feedback from participants.

3) Catalyst Engagement Evidence:

• Provide evidence of increased interest in Project Catalyst, such as queries, feedback, or participation from the Persian community, including any project proposals emerging from the community.

4) Media and Marketing Campaigns:

• Share details of media partnerships (Defier, Way2Pay, etc.) and their role in promoting the videos and developer program.

Second Summit & Global Persian Engagement (Months 10-12)

A. Milestone Outputs:

1) Second Persian Summit:

• Host an In-Person and Online Summit to engage the Persian blockchain community, both in Iran and globally.
• Focus on showcasing Persian potential and encouraging deeper involvement in the Cardano ecosystem.
• Highlight the DRep Hub and the role of Persians in Cardano’s decentralized governance model.

2) DRep Hub & SPO Portal Launch:

• Launch a dedicated website for Persian community members to register and participate in governance as DReps.
• Create a portal for engagement with Stake Pool Operators (SPOs), providing guidance and tools for Persians interested in running or participating in SPOs.

3) Media and University Collaboration:

• Secure coverage from media partners (Defier, Way2Pay) and additional international blockchain media outlets.
• Collaborate with top Iranian universities and involve researchers in the summit, focusing on blockchain research and governance.

B. Acceptance Criteria:

1) Global Audience Reach:

• 300+ in-person attendees at the Tehran summit.
• 150+ online attendees from the Persian global community.

2) DRep Hub & SPO Portal Engagement:

• Launch and promote the website for DRep registration and the SPO portal, with at least 20 sign-ups from the Persian community.

3) Media and Academic Support:

• Achieve coverage from 5+ media outlets and engage 3+ top universities in Iran, including participation from researchers and academia.

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion:

1) Summit Attendance Reports:

• Provide a detailed attendance report, listing in-person and online participants, with a geographical breakdown of global attendees.

2) DRep Hub & SPO Portal Metrics:

• Provide data on website traffic and registrations from Persian community members on the DRep and SPO portals.
• Share feedback from participants on the portal’s usability and engagement.

3) Media and University Collaboration:

• Document media coverage with links to articles and interviews.
• Provide evidence of university collaboration, including researcher involvement in summit presentations or discussions.

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

1) Omid Ajorlou – Content Creator, Educator, and Project Lead

• LinkedIn: Omid Ajorlou
• Omid is a blockchain expert with 12 years of experience in software architecture, a technical product manager in the blockchain industry, and a long-time member of the Cardano ecosystem since 2017. He will lead the project, oversee educational content creation, and ensure technical accuracy in all aspects of the program.

2) Sadegh Ghoroghi – Backend Developer and Co-Educator

• LinkedIn: Sadegh Ghoroghi
• Sadegh brings expertise in backend development and blockchain education. He will focus on delivering technical workshops (e.g., Cardano Node, SPO setup) and assist with educational content creation. He is also actively engaged in the Cardano community.

3) Mohammadreza Sadeghi – Frontend Developer

• LinkedIn: Mohammadreza Sadeghi
• Mohammadreza will be responsible for the development of the DRep and SPO portals, ensuring smooth user engagement for the Persian community. He has significant experience in frontend development, particularly with Next.js.

4) Parisa Naderi (UI/UX Designer)

• LinkedIn: Parisa Naderi
• Role: Parisa brings experience in web3 product design. She is the product designer for StoryChain, a social media platform in the Cardano ecosystem, and will contribute to designing user-friendly interfaces for the DRep and SPO portals.

5) Farnaz Hosseini – Video Editor

• LinkedIn: Farnaz Hosseini
• Farnaz will manage all video editing, working to transform raw footage from educational sessions and summits into engaging and high-quality content. Her responsibilities include editing, adding sound, optimizing for different platforms, and collaborating with the team to ensure the output meets audience needs.

6) Event Manager (To Be Hired) – Summit Coordinator

• The event manager will handle the logistics of both in-person and online summits. This role includes planning, budgeting, marketing, and coordinating with vendors and staff. They will also manage event day operations, health and safety compliance, and post-event communication.

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

Cost Breakdown for Cardano Persian Summit

1. Educational Content Creation and Marketing (First Milestone)

Total for Milestone 1: 20,500 ADA

• Video Production (10 Educational Videos)

Including pre-production, recording, and editing: 13,500 ADA

• Scriptwriting and research
• Video recording equipment rental
• Editing
• Soundtrack and post-production
• Subtitles and English translation
• Marketing (Reaching 1,000 views per video): 4,000 ADA
• Social media marketing campaigns
• Partnering with media outlets (Defier, Way2Pay): 3,000 ADA

2. First Summit Organization (Second Milestone)

Total for Milestone 2: 28,000 ADA

• In-Person Event (80 attendees)
• Venue rental: 5,000 ADA
• Catering and event logistics: 3,500 ADA
• Event staff: 2,500 ADA
• Marketing and promotion (including Evand, YouTube, Instagram): 3,000 ADA
• Workshops (Cardano Node, SPO, CIP1694)
• Including technical equipment and materials: 2,500 ADA
• Speakers and Content Creation for Workshops
• Omid and Sadegh: 6,000 ADA (2,000 ADA per workshop)
• Live Streaming & Recording

For broader audience participation and publishing on platforms:

• Equipment and streaming setup: 3,500 ADA
• Post-event video editing for YouTube and social media: 2,000 ADA

3. Content on Cardano Governance and Ecosystem (Third Milestone)

Total for Milestone 3 : 23,500 ADA

• Research and Content Creation (CIP1694, DRep Hub, Mithril, Hydra, Hyperledger Identus, Catalyst projects)
• Scriptwriting and research (Omid & Sadegh): 5,000 ADA
• Video recording and editing: 3,500 ADA
• Program Development (Cardano Governance and Developer Engagement): 9,000 ADA
• Developer program planning and materials
• DRep Hub and SPO engagement portal development
• Marketing & Outreach

Aimed at engaging the Persian blockchain community in Cardano governance:

• Social media campaigns: 3,000 ADA
• Media partnerships and outreach: 3,000 ADA

4. Second Summit & Global Outreach (Fourth Milestone)

Total for Milestone 4: 39,000 ADA

• In-Person Event (300 attendees) in Tehran
• Venue rental (larger capacity): 8,000 ADA
• Catering and event logistics: 6,000 ADA
• Event staff: 4,500 ADA
• University Collaboration
• Engagement and contracts with top universities: 4,000 ADA
• Global Online Summit
• Platform and technical setup for virtual participation: 3,500 ADA
• Media coverage and marketing: 4,000 ADA
• DRep Hub and SPO Participation Portal Launch
• Website and portal development: 6,500 ADA
• UI/UX design: 3,000 ADA

Total Requested: 100,000 ADA

Justifications for Costs

• Team Compensation: This includes reasonable compensation for the core team involved in content creation, video editing, marketing, and technical development. All key roles are filled by experienced professionals.
• Event Costs: Reflect realistic expenses for hosting two summits, including venue, logistics, and marketing to ensure robust participation from the community.
• Marketing & Outreach: The emphasis on Persian-language marketing and media partnerships aligns with our goal of reaching and educating the Iranian blockchain community.
• Portal Development: The development of the DRep and SPO portal for Persian engagement is a critical part of our ecosystem-building efforts and is adequately budgeted.

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

This cost structure ensures that our proposal represents value for money within the context of the Cardano ecosystem because:

1. Local Wage Adjustments: The wages for team members, such as software engineers and content creators, are in line with the standard pay scales in Tehran, ensuring competitive rates while maintaining cost efficiency. For instance, the proposed costs for developing 16 educational videos and building technical infrastructures are well within the norm for experienced professionals in Iran.
2. Summit Costs: The cost estimate for hosting the first summit, including the expected 100 in-person attendees, is also proportional to typical event costs in Tehran. The summit will foster growth in the Cardano community by providing significant educational content, which represents a valuable long-term investment in the ecosystem.
3. Maximizing Impact: By leveraging local expertise and relatively lower costs compared to global standards, the project can achieve high-quality outcomes while utilizing resources efficiently. This approach maximizes the ADA requested and contributes to scaling Cardano's presence in the region at a reasonable cost.

Ultimately, this proposal ensures that the requested funds will be used in a way that delivers substantial educational content, community engagement, and technical resources, representing strong value for the Cardano ecosystem.