Education Certificate Issuance and Payments on Cardano - A Real World Use Case

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

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

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

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

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

Implement smart contracts for issuing and verifying educational certificates and managing payments, leveraging Cardano blockchain technology to automate the processes.

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

[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?

[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 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

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

We propose the development and implementation of smart contracts for issuing and verifying educational certificates and managing payments. By leveraging Cardano blockchain technology, smart contracts can automate the entire certification and payment process, from certificate issuance to payment settlement.

Key Features

• Automated Certification Process:
• Smart contracts will automate the issuance and verification of educational certificates, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing the risk of fraud or unauthorized alterations.
• Secure Payment Transactions:
• Payments for tuition fees and educational resources will be processed securely through blockchain technology, ensuring transparency and reducing the risk of fraud or unauthorized access.
• Immutable Records:
• All transactions and certificate issuances will be recorded on the Cardano blockchain, creating tamper-proof and auditable records of educational credentials and payments.
• Seamless User Experience:
• Students and institutions will experience a seamless process for certificate issuance, verification, and payments, enhancing satisfaction and trust.
• Cost Savings:
• By automating processes and reducing the need for manual intervention, educational institutions can realize cost savings in administrative expenses.

Implementation Plan

• Requirements Definition:
• Detailed requirements and technical documentation specific to educational institutions and their certification and payment processes.
• Smart Contract Development:
• Develop smart contracts in Plutus on the Cardano blockchain for issuing and verifying certificates and managing payments, including integration with existing educational management systems.
• Pilot Testing:
• Partner with select educational institutions or platfroms to pilot test the smart contract solution in real-world environments, gathering feedback and making necessary adjustments.
• Deployment:
• Roll out the smart contract solution to a wider network of educational institutions, providing training and support for implementation.

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

Implementing Smart Contracts for Educational Certificates and Payments on the Cardano blockchain will have several positive impacts on the wider Cardano community:

• Real-World Adoption:
• The integration of blockchain technology in the education sector through the Certificates and Payments API demonstrates real-world adoption. This practical use case showcases the versatility of Cardano beyond the financial sector, attracting new users and developers to the ecosystem.
• Increased Token Utility:
• The project involves the use of Cardano-based tokens like ADA for certificate transactions and payments. This increases the utility of Cardano's native assets, providing a tangible example of how blockchain tokens can be integrated into everyday transactions.
• Developer Engagement:
• The availability of the Certificates and Payments API encourages developers to engage with Cardano's blockchain technology. By providing accessible tools for integration, developers are more likely to explore and contribute to the Cardano ecosystem, fostering a vibrant and active community.
• Innovation Catalyst:
• The project serves as an innovation catalyst within the Cardano community. It inspires developers to think creatively about how blockchain can be applied in various industries beyond finance, sparking new ideas and projects within the community.
• Trust and Transparency:
• The Certificates and Payments on Cardano blockchain enhance trust and transparency in the education sector. Users can verify the authenticity of academic credentials and payment transactions, leading to increased confidence in the system. This positive experience with blockchain technology can foster a positive perception of Cardano.
• Community Collaboration:
• The development and deployment of the Certificates and Payments API involve collaboration with educational institutions, developers, and potentially other stakeholders. This collaborative effort strengthens ties within the Cardano community and showcases the community's ability to work on impactful, real-world projects.
• Showcasing Cardano's Features:
• The project allows for the demonstration of specific features of Cardano, such as smart contracts and decentralized applications. This showcases the technical capabilities of Cardano and may attract developers interested in leveraging these features for their own projects.

In summary, the positive impact extends beyond the immediate project, contributing to community growth, developer engagement, and the broader adoption of blockchain technology in various sectors.

[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 Strengths

• Strong Technical Team:
• Our team comprises senior developers and experienced software architects with extensive expertise in blockchain technology, smart contracts, and the Cardano ecosystem.
• Vast Industry Knowledge and Network/Partnership:
• We have over 10 years of experience in the education and technology sectors, with a deep understanding of institutional needs and regulatory requirements.
• Deep Involvement in Cardano Tech and Community:
• We have been actively involved in the Cardano community for over 3 years, successfully delivering multiple Catalyst projects and currently working on three projects.

Validation of Feasibility

• Technical Prototyping:
• Develop prototypes to test key functionalities and address potential technical challenges early on.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
• Secure commitments from educational institutions willing to participate in pilot programs.

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

Certificates and Payments API - UI Design and Tech Design:

• Description:
• Design the user interface and technical architecture for the Certificates and Payments API.
• Deliverables/Output:
• User Interface (UI) Mockups
• Data Flow Diagrams
• System Architecture Design
• Smart Contract Specifications
• Acceptance Criteria:
• UI Design Mockups prepared
• 
  
• Technical Design

Certificates and Payments API - Development:

• Description:
• Develop the Certificates and Payments API, including user interfaces and smart contracts.
• Deliverables/Output:
• Development of User Interfaces for the concept
• Development of Services for functionalities 
• Smart Contracts Writing
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Working Prototype with limited functionalities

Certificates and Payments API - Development and Integration:

• Description:
• prototype
• Finalize the project with comprehensive documentation and reporting.
• Deliverables/Output:
• Working prototype
• User Documentation

• Final Project Closeout Report
• Project Closeout Video

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

1: 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.

2: Wendwossen Dufera: Software developer | Cardano Smart contract developer

• Certified Software and Web3 developer.
• Experienced in smart contract development.
• Develops and integrates the smart contract into the platform.
• LinkedIn Profile: Linkedin
• Github: https://github.com/wendecoder

3: Naod Ararsa: Full-stake developer

• Programming Language: JavaScript, C, C++, Typescript, python, and haskell
• Library’s and Frameworks: Plutus, Node js, Fastify, Express js, hardhat, React Js, Flask
• Databases: Mongodb and MySQL
• ORM and ODM: mongoose, Drizzle and sequelize
• Linkedin
• Github

4: Lemi Debela: Machine Learning Engineer

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lemi-debela/
• Github: https://github.com/ldebele
• Responsible for AI related tasks.

5: Meheret B.: Project Manager/Technical Lead

• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA)
• Email: anulomeheret@gmail.com
• Role: Oversees project execution, manages resources, and ensures timely delivery.

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

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

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

Milestone 1: Certificates and Payments API - UI Design and Tech Design

• Costs:
• UI Screen Design: = $3,000
• Solution Architecture and Design: = $6,000
• Business Analyst: = $6,000
• Project Coordination and Documentation = $2,000
• Total: $17,000
• Total In ADA = ADA 42,500

Milestone 2: Certificates and Payments API - Development

• Costs:
• UI/Web Developer: = $10,000
• Blockchain/Services Developer: = $9,000
• Project Coordination and Documentation = $3,000
• Total: $22,000
• Total In ADA = ADA 55,000

Milestone 3: Certificates and Payments API - Development and Integration

• Costs:
• UI/Web Developer: = $3,000
• Blockchain/Services Developer: = $9,000
• Project Coordination and Documentation = $3,000
• Total: $15,000
• Total In ADA = ADA 37,500

Milestone 4: Certificates and Payments API - Final Project Report Submission

• Costs:
• Project Coordination and Documentation = $1,500
• Total: $1,500
• Total In ADA = ADA 3,750

Total Budget: $55,500

USD -> ADA rate = 0.4

• Total Budget In ADA= ADA 137,700

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

The cost is based on effort estimates for all members involved in the project. Average costs of developers and relevant skills have been considered.

The project represents very high value for money for the Cardano ecosystem in several ways:

• Use Case Expansion:
• By developing a real-world application like blockchain-based certificates and payments in the education sector on the Cardano blockchain, the project expands the potential use cases for the Cardano platform. This demonstrates the practicality and versatility of Cardano's blockchain technology beyond just cryptocurrency transactions.
• User Adoption:
• Introducing blockchain-based certificates and payments on Cardano attracts users who may not have been previously involved with blockchain technology. This expands the user base of Cardano and encourages adoption, potentially leading to more widespread use of the platform in various industries.
• Innovation and Competitiveness:
• Developing innovative solutions like blockchain-based certificates and payments on Cardano demonstrates the ecosystem's commitment to innovation. It also enhances Cardano's competitiveness in the blockchain space by offering unique features and use cases that differentiate it from other platforms.

Overall, the project represents a strategic investment in expanding the utility and adoption of Cardano, while also showcasing the platform's capabilities in real-world scenarios, ultimately delivering value for the ecosystem and its stakeholders.