VeriDATA: Cardano Verifiable Data Collection Platform

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Ayodeji Adewusi

[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 create VeriDATA, a decentralized platform on Cardano for collecting, verifying and securely managing data, empowering users with reliable, trustless and transparent information.

[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

Yes, VeriDATA will be open source.

License: We will use the MIT License, allowing for broad reuse and collaboration.

By adopting an open-source approach, we aim to foster community engagement and ensure transparency in the development of VeriDATA.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Problem Perception:

Data collection today often suffers from centralization, lack of transparency and trust. Traditional systems are vulnerable to manipulation and breaches, leading to concerns about data authenticity and privacy.

VeriDATA Solution Aproach:

VeriDATA aims to solve these issues by creating a decentralized platform built on the Cardano blockchain. This approach ensures that all collected data is verifiable, tamper-proof, and secure. By leveraging blockchain technology, we provide transparency while safeguarding sensitive information.

The Engagement and Impact:  

Our solution will engage organizations that require trustworthy data collection, such as research institutions, governments and businesses, as well as individuals seeking privacy in their data management. We will demonstrate impact through increased trust in data sources, reduction in data manipulation and transparent record-keeping. We will track the number of organizations and individuals adopting the platform, as well as the quality of insights derived from verifiable data.

Our Uniqueness and Importance to Cardano:

VeriDATA stands out as a decentralized solution that prioritizes trustless data verification, a critical feature in the growing digital ecosystem. By building on Cardano, we not only enhance the utility of the blockchain but also align with the ecosystem’s goals of decentralization, transparency, and security. The platform will accelerate the use of Cardano smart contracts for real-world applications and foster adoption across sectors where verified data is essential.

Our Impact:

Beneficiaries include organizations, researchers, and users seeking secure, reliable data, while Cardano gains a broader user base and enhanced reputation for practical, high-impact use cases.

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

VeriDATA Impact:

VeriDATA will drive the adoption of Cardano in real-world applications by providing a decentralized platform for verifiable data collection. This will create value for organizations seeking secure and transparent data solutions, which in turn will increase demand for Cardano's blockchain and smart contract capabilities. The platform’s use in various industries, from research to governance, will enhance trust in the Cardano ecosystem and foster broader use cases beyond financial transactions.

Measuring our Impact:

We will measure impact both quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative metrics include:

• Number of organizations and users onboarded.
• Amount of verifiable data collected and stored on the platform.
• Usage of Cardano smart contracts and transactions enabled by Veridata.
• User satisfaction rates and data integrity audits.

Qualitative assessments will focus on user testimonials, case studies of data integrity improvements and community feedback on the transparency and security enhancements provided by VeriDATA.

Sharing of Outputs and Opportunities:

We will share the platform’s success and impact through regular reports to the Cardano community, open-source repositories and collaborations with other Cardano-based projects. This will include publishing research, case studies and insights on data integrity improvements and new use cases for verifiable data. Additionally, we will engage with the community via social media, Cardano forums and Project Catalyst updates to ensure transparency and collaboration in VeriDATA's growth.

[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?

We are well-positioned to deliver VeriDATA with a high level of trust and accountability due to our team’s proven track record and experience in blockchain development, data management and decentralized solutions.

Existing Capabilities:

1. Blockchain Expertise: Our team has extensive experience in building decentralized applications (dApps) on Cardano, utilizing smart contracts and ensuring secure, transparent transaction
2. Data Management: We have worked on several data-driven projects, equipping us to handle large-scale data collection with precision and integrit
3. Open-source Commitment: By adhering to open-source principles, we promote transparency, ensuring community access to our codebase and workflow

Feasibility Validation:

We will validate the feasibility of VeriDATA through several steps:

1. Pilot Deployment: Conducting a pilot with select organizations to test the platform’s functionality and gather feedbacks
2. Partnerships: Engaging early adopters and organizations that require verifiable data collection, ensuring real-world applicability.
3. Cardano Integration: Working closely with Cardano’s development resources to leverage the blockchain’s capabilities for secure data storage and processing.

Fund Management:

As a business manager with track record of financial responsibility, I will lead the team to adhere to strict financial governance, ensuring transparent allocation of funds through:

• Milestone-based funding: Funds will be released only when predefined deliverables are met.
• Regular Reporting: We will provide regular updates and financial reports to the Cardano community through Catalyst and public channels.
• Open Audits: Independent audits will be conducted to ensure transparency and responsible fund management

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

Platform Architecture & Prototype (Month 1-3)

Outputs: Complete architecture design and development of a VeriDATA prototype on Cardano. Initial integrations with Cardano’s identity and smart contract capabilities.

Acceptance Criteria: Platform prototype is functional, providing basic verifiable data collection on Cardano testnet. The design document is published.

Evidence of Completion: Prototype demo, architectural documentation and successful testnet deployment. Test cases and feedback from the pilot organization.

Full Platform Deployment and Beta Testing (Month 4-6)

Outputs: Full deployment of VeriDATA on Cardano mainnet, with enhanced features like data verification, decentralized storage and smart contracts for data traceability. Conduct beta testing with a pilot group of organizations.

Acceptance Criteria: Successful collection, verification and storage of data on the platform. Positive feedback from pilot users on performance and ease of use.

Evidence of Completion: Reports from beta testers, smart contract audit results, and documentation of the data verification process.

Community Engagement & Partnerships (Month 7-9)

Outputs: Engage with key Cardano community members, onboard new organizations and develop partnerships for further adoption. Create educational materials and tutorials for users.

Acceptance Criteria: Establish partnerships with at least 3 organizations. Release of at least 2 educational materials (guides, webinars).

Evidence of Completion: Signed agreements with partner organizations, feedback reports and published tutorials.

Project Close-Out, Final Report & Video (Month 10)

Outputs: Final project close-out, including a detailed report on key metrics such as platform usage, community feedback, and partner engagement. Creation of a project video highlighting achievements and challenges.

Acceptance Criteria: Final report reviewed and approved by the community and the project video is shared across relevant channels.

Evidence of Completion: Submission of the final report, video link shared with the Cardano community and a public review of project achievements.

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

Team Members for VeriDATA Project

1. Ayodeji Adewusi (Project Lead/Founder)  

Role: Overseeing project execution, partnership management and overall strategy development. Managing resources, timelines and ensuring adherence to milestones.  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayodeji-adewusi-84b99050

2. Tomiwa Phillips (Blockchain Developer)  

Role: Responsible for the development and integration of smart contracts, blockchain architecture and Cardano platform interactions. Ensuring secure data verification and decentralized storage solutions.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomiwa-philip-33b033243

3. Adelana Adekola (UI/UX Designer and Developer)  

Role: Designing and developing the user interface for the Veridata platform, focusing on seamless user experience for organizations and individuals.  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelana-adekola-2796b4206

Recruitment Needs:

QA/Tester: Responsible for platform testing, identifying bugs, and ensuring that the platform meets security and usability standards.  

Backend Developer: Proficient in API development, database management, and backend services for decentralized applications.

Cardano Specialist: With specific knowledge of Plutus smart contracts, Cardano node operation, and decentralized governance.

Business Development and Marketing Communications Specialists: For outreach, community engagement and managing social media presence to increase adoption. Also, partnership for Organizations use.

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

Project Budget: 99,000 ADA

Project Timeline: 10 Months

1. Development Costs (50,000 ADA)

Blockchain Development (Cardano Integration):  

• Scope: Smart contract development, data verification logic and Cardano interaction integration.  
• Duration: 4 months
• Cost: 30,000 ADA  
• Resources: 1 Full-Time Cardano developer, 1 Backend Developer

Frontend Development (UI/UX Design):  

• Scope: Web platform design, user interface development for organizations and individual users.
• Duration: 2 months (Concurrent with Backend)  
• Cost: 10,000 ADA  
• Resources: Frontend Developer, UI/UX Designer

Quality Assurance & Testing:  

• Scope: Test smart contracts, ensure security protocols, platform usability, and general bug fixes.  
• Duration: 2 months (Ongoing)  
• Cost: 5,000 ADA  
• Resources: QA/Tester

Security Auditing (Third-party):  

• Scope: Code audit for smart contracts and data security.  
• Cost: 5,000 ADA  
• Resources: External security auditing firm

2. Project Management & Operations (20,000 ADA)

Project Manager:  

• Scope: Managing timelines, overseeing developers, milestones, reporting to stakeholders.  
• Cost: 7,000 ADA (10 months at 700 ADA/month)

Administrative Costs:  

• Scope: General operations, legal/accounting services.  
• Cost: 3,000 ADA  
• Resources: Professional services (Legal and accounting firms)

Community Engagement & Reporting:  

• Scope: Progress updates, community outreach, monthly reports to Catalyst.  
• Cost: 5,000 ADA  
• Resources: Communications Specialist (Part-time)

Documentation:  

• Scope: User guides, API documentation, project updates.  
• Cost: 5,000 ADA  
• Resources: Technical Writer

3. Marketing & Outreach (15,000 ADA)

Community Marketing & Promotions:  

• Scope: Social media campaigns, outreach to organizations, engagement with the Cardano community.  
• Cost: 8,000 ADA  
• Resources: Marketing Specialist

Workshops & Webinars:  

• Scope: Hosting educational sessions to onboard users, especially organizations.  
• Cost: 4,000 ADA  
• Resources: Marketing and Outreach team

Conference Participation:  

• Scope: Sponsorships and participation in blockchain and Cardano-related conferences for visibility.  
• Cost: 3,000 ADA  
• Resources: Marketing and Partnership Lead

4. Hosting & Maintenance (14,000 ADA)

Cloud Hosting & Infrastructure:  

• Scope: Server costs, API hosting, decentralized data storage.  
• Duration: 10 months  
• Cost: 10,000 ADA  
• Resources: Cloud service provider (e.g., AWS, Azure)

Maintenance & Support:  

• Scope: Ongoing platform support, bug fixes post-launch.  
• Duration: 4 months (Post-launch)  
• Cost: 4,000 ADA  
• Resources: Part-time developers

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

The VeriDATA project represents significant value for the Cardano ecosystem due to its comprehensive approach to verifiable data collection which addresses a critical gap in data authenticity and accessibility. The total budget of 99,000 ADA reflects a well-structured financial plan that is very competitive compared with industry average cost and the value it aims to deliver. Here’s how the costs justify the investment:

1. Competitive Development Costs

A). Competitive Rates: The development costs (50,000 ADA) are well below the industry standards for blockchain development. We are able to reduce this cost based on our recruitment experience with Veridaq which get us easy access to experienced professionals capable of delivering high-quality work at a cheaper rate. Our budget allows us to ensure effective use of funds.

B).Quality Assurance and Security: Investment in quality assurance (5,000 ADA) and security auditing (5,000 ADA) is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the platform. Given the increasing emphasis on cybersecurity in blockchain projects, these costs are justified as they directly impact the platform's reliability and user trust, thereby enhancing its overall value to the ecosystem.

2. Strategic Community Engagement

A). Marketing and Outreach: Allocating 15,000 ADA for community marketing and engagement is vital for the project's success. This investment will facilitate workshops, educational content, and outreach efforts to onboard organizations and users, ensuring widespread adoption. Effective marketing is essential for building a vibrant user base, which is crucial for the long-term success and sustainability of the platform.

B). Return on Investment (ROI): By focusing on community engagement, we expect a high return on investment through increased user participation and ultimately, more data contributions. Engaging with the Cardano community and stakeholders can foster collaboration, leading to further enhancements and partnerships that benefit the ecosystem.

3. Operational Efficiency

A). Project Management and Administration: The costs for project management (10,000 ADA) are structured to ensure that the project runs smoothly, with clear accountability and efficient use of resources. A dedicated project manager will oversee all phases, ensuring milestones are met and the project stays on track.

B). Long-term Maintenance: The allocation for ongoing maintenance, API hosting and Infrastructure (14,000 ADA) underscores a commitment to long-term sustainability. This will ensure the platform remains functional, secure and updated post-launch, protecting the initial investment made by the Cardano community.

4. Transparency and Accountability

A). Financial Oversight: We have instituted strict financial management protocols to ensure all funds are utilized effectively. Regular updates and reporting will provide transparency to stakeholders, ensuring accountability throughout the project's lifecycle. This builds trust within the community, demonstrating our commitment to ethical project management.

Conclusion

The costs associated with the VeriDATA project are designed to ensure high-quality deliverables, community engagement and ongoing support, representing excellent value for money within the Cardano ecosystem. By investing in skilled professionals, quality assurance and community outreach, we are confident that this project will enhance the credibility of data within the ecosystem, driving long-term benefits for all stakeholders involved