[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant
Anjali Dhaliwal
[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)
Entity (Incorporated)
[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants
Souren Khetcho, Nikita Oleckho
[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)
5
[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)
Our solution provides easy-to-use APIs and SDKs that allow developers to seamlessly turn Cardano trading projects into Telegram MiniApps, enabling broader user engagement and simplified integration.
[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 dependencies.
[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?
No
[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs
Some parts of our project will be open source, including our aggregation and proxy smart contracts. However, certain proprietary algorithms and API functionalities that are integral to the project's performance and security will remain proprietary and not be open source. This approach allows us to leverage the benefits of open-source collaboration while protecting the core intellectual property that drives the project's unique value. We believe this balance is essential to fostering innovation and maintaining competitive advantages within the Cardano ecosystem.
We will provide access to the open-source components through a publicly available repository, allowing community members to review and contribute to the code. This repository will be maintained throughout the project's lifecycle. The open-source elements will be licensed under the [appropriate open-source license type, e.g., MIT, Apache 2.0], ensuring that the community can freely use, modify, and distribute them while adhering to the license terms.
[METADATA] Horizons
Infrastructure
[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution
Problem Perception:
The current landscape of blockchain integration into communication platforms like Telegram is complex, especially for developers looking to bring Cardano trading functionalities to users. Telegram’s popularity as a messaging platform presents a significant opportunity to extend blockchain accessibility, but the technical barriers to integrating Cardano into Telegram’s MiniApps ecosystem remain high. This restricts both developers and users from fully benefiting from Cardano’s decentralized finance (DeFi) capabilities.
Approach to the Solution:
Our proposed solution simplifies the process of integrating Cardano trading functionalities into Telegram by providing user-friendly APIs and SDKs. These tools will enable developers to convert existing Cardano trading projects into fully functional Telegram MiniApps with minimal friction. We chose this approach because it reduces the complexity for developers, allowing them to focus on building user-centric experiences rather than navigating technical barriers. This also aligns with the growing trend of micro-applications embedded in everyday platforms like Telegram, bringing crypto directly to users in a more accessible format.
Engagement:
Our project will engage multiple stakeholders, including:
- Cardano Developers: By providing them with the tools to extend their projects into Telegram.
- Telegram Users: Offering simplified access to Cardano trading services directly through a familiar interface.
- Cardano Community: Encouraging broader adoption by making Cardano’s DeFi ecosystem more accessible to mainstream users.
Demonstrating Impact:
We will track the adoption of the SDKs and APIs by measuring:
- The number of Cardano projects integrated into Telegram.
- User engagement metrics within the MiniApps (e.g., transaction volume, active users).
- Feedback from developers and users regarding ease of use and overall experience.
Uniqueness:
What sets our solution apart is its focus on usability and accessibility. By leveraging Telegram’s MiniApp ecosystem, we create a bridge between blockchain technology and everyday communication platforms. This reduces the steep learning curve typically associated with crypto trading while expanding the reach of Cardano to millions of Telegram users worldwide.
Beneficiaries:
- Developers: They benefit from streamlined development processes and greater visibility for their projects.
- End-Users: Non-technical users gain access to sophisticated Cardano trading features without needing extensive blockchain knowledge.
Importance to Cardano:
This project is important to Cardano because it drives mass adoption by making its DeFi tools accessible to a wider audience. It also promotes Cardano’s ecosystem as a leader in user-focused blockchain solutions, demonstrating its versatility and potential beyond traditional platforms.
[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community
Positive Impact on the Cardano Community:
Our project will significantly benefit the Cardano ecosystem by increasing accessibility, adoption, and engagement with Cardano’s DeFi tools, while also creating new revenue streams. By enabling seamless integration of Cardano trading functionalities into Telegram MiniApps, we provide a user-friendly gateway for both developers and non-technical users to engage with the Cardano network. This will:
- Increase Adoption: More users, especially those unfamiliar with blockchain, will have easy access to Cardano trading within Telegram, a widely-used communication platform.
- Expand the Developer Community: By simplifying MiniApp development, we encourage more developers to build Cardano-powered applications, strengthening the ecosystem.
- Promote DeFi Tools: Our project will drive broader adoption and usage of Cardano’s DeFi features, establishing the platform as a leader in decentralized finance.
- Generate Revenue: Our APIs and SDKs come with a 50/50 revenue-sharing model, allowing both us and the projects to earn income. This enables projects to start generating revenue from users on day one, providing immediate financial incentives to adopt our solution.
Measuring Impact:
We will measure the impact of our project using both quantitative and qualitative metrics:
- Quantitative Measures:
- Number of MiniApps Created: Tracking how many Cardano trading projects are transformed into Telegram MiniApps using our APIs and SDKs.
- User Adoption Metrics: Monitoring the number of active users, transaction volumes, and the number of Telegram MiniApps that incorporate Cardano features.
- Developer Engagement: Measuring the number of developers who download and use our SDKs, and the number of integrations they complete.
- Qualitative Measures:
- Developer and User Feedback: Collecting insights from developers and users on the usability, performance, and value of the tools provided. This will help refine and improve the project over time.
- Community Sentiment: Engaging with the wider Cardano community through forums, social media, and Telegram groups to assess the broader reception and sentiment towards the project.
Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:
We will share the results and opportunities arising from this project in the following ways:
- Public Reports and Open-Source Tools: We will publish progress reports, usage metrics, and success stories on platforms like GitHub, Cardano forums, and community newsletters. The APIs and SDKs will remain open-source, allowing developers to access and build upon our work.
- Community Engagement: Regular updates and announcements will be shared through Cardano’s existing social media channels, Telegram groups, and at Cardano meetups and conferences. We will also encourage developers to showcase their projects and innovations built using our SDKs.
- Partnerships and Collaborations: We will actively engage with other projects in the Cardano ecosystem, offering our APIs and SDKs as a way to extend their reach into the Telegram user base, creating more opportunities for cross-collaboration.
Value to the Cardano Community:
The success of this project will bring tremendous value by increasing the accessibility of Cardano’s DeFi tools, growing the developer community, and driving mainstream adoption. By making blockchain services accessible within a widely-used platform like Telegram, this project will position Cardano as a leading, user-friendly blockchain solution for both developers and end-users.
[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 to Deliver with High Trust and Accountability:
We have a strong track record in developing and delivering blockchain solutions that cater to both developers and end-users. Our team consists of experienced developers, blockchain engineers, and business strategists who have successfully worked on high-impact projects in the crypto and decentralized finance (DeFi) space. Our leadership has a proven ability to manage complex projects from conception to implementation, including prior experience in delivering scalable APIs and SDKs to support blockchain-based platforms.
Existing Capabilities:
- Technical Expertise: Our development team is proficient in blockchain development. We have previously built and deployed APIs, SDKs, and blockchain solutions for various platforms.
- Project Management Experience: We have a history of managing cross-functional teams and complex projects with clear roadmaps, ensuring that deadlines and deliverables are met. This project will follow agile methodologies to ensure rapid iteration, development, and deployment.
- Previous Success in Blockchain Projects: Our past success in launching blockchain products that focus on accessibility and usability for developers and end-users showcases our ability to execute projects of this scale.
Validating Feasibility:
To ensure that our approach is feasible, we will conduct the following validation steps:
- Prototype Development: We will first create a prototype of our APIs and SDKs, focusing on the core functionality of transforming Cardano trading projects into Telegram MiniApps. This will demonstrate technical feasibility before scaling the project.
- Developer Testing and Feedback: We will engage a select group of Cardano developers to test the initial versions of our APIs and SDKs. Their feedback will be instrumental in refining our tools to ensure they meet the needs of the community.
- Telegram MiniApp Integration Test: We will work closely with Telegram’s MiniApp platform to ensure seamless integration of Cardano’s functionalities. This partnership will validate the end-to-end user experience.
- Revenue Model Pilot: A pilot phase will allow us to test the 50/50 revenue-sharing model with a small number of projects, ensuring both technical feasibility and financial sustainability.
Steps to Ensure Proper Fund Management:
We have established a clear framework for managing funds responsibly and transparently:
- Milestone-Based Funding: Funds will be released in stages, tied to specific milestones. Each milestone will be validated by tangible deliverables, such as the release of APIs, SDKs, and user adoption metrics. This approach ensures accountability and that funds are spent efficiently.
- Auditing and Compliance: We will engage an independent auditor to review our financial practices and ensure that we adhere to best practices for transparency and accountability. This will provide an additional layer of trust and ensure proper use of resources.
[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?
Milestone 1: Development of Core APIs and SDKs (Month 1)
A: Milestone Outputs
- Develop and release the first version of the core APIs and SDKs for integrating Cardano trading functionalities into Telegram MiniApps.
- Document the installation, usage, and integration process for developers, providing detailed technical guides and examples.
- Set up a GitHub repository for open-source access to the APIs and SDKs.
B: Acceptance Criteria
- The APIs and SDKs must allow developers to connect their Cardano trading projects with Telegram’s MiniApp platform, enabling basic trading functionalities (e.g., wallet connection, transaction initiation).
- Documentation must be thorough, guiding developers step-by-step on using the APIs, and should include common use cases.
- The GitHub repository should be open and accessible, with proper version control and issue-tracking enabled for community feedback.
C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
- A public release of the APIs and SDKs on GitHub, with at least one sample MiniApp demonstrating successful integration with Cardano trading features.
- Documentation published alongside the release, showing clear instructions for developers.
- At least one external developer from the Cardano community successfully integrates the SDK into a test MiniApp, providing feedback on the usability.
Milestone 2: Prototype and Developer Testing Phase (Month 2)
A: Milestone Outputs
- Implement feedback from the Cardano developer community to refine the APIs and SDKs.
- Conduct usability tests with 5-10 selected Cardano developers to gather qualitative and quantitative feedback on functionality, ease of use, and performance.
- Host a webinar or live session to showcase the APIs, and allow developers to ask questions and troubleshoot any issues.
B: Acceptance Criteria
- Key issues raised during the testing phase are resolved, and improvements are reflected in the second version of the APIs and SDKs.
- Successful integration of Cardano functionalities in at least 5 Telegram MiniApps during the testing phase, with verified trades executed.
- A minimum of 80% positive feedback from developers, indicating satisfaction with integration ease and performance.
C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
- Feedback reports from developers, highlighting areas for improvement and overall satisfaction.
- Public release of the second version of the APIs and SDKs with enhancements, alongside updated documentation.
- Video recording and summary of the webinar session, including live questions and resolutions.
Milestone 3: Security and Performance Testing (Month 3)
A: Milestone Outputs
- Conduct comprehensive security audits to ensure the APIs and SDKs are secure for use in trading applications.
- Perform performance tests under various network conditions and trading volumes to guarantee scalability.
- Fix any identified vulnerabilities and optimize the SDKs for performance.
B: Acceptance Criteria
- The APIs and SDKs pass a third-party security audit, ensuring no critical vulnerabilities are present.
- Performance tests show that the solution can handle at least 1,000 simultaneous transactions with minimal latency.
- Optimized code is pushed to the GitHub repository, and detailed test results are published.
C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
- Security audit reports from third-party auditors confirming the absence of critical vulnerabilities.
- Performance test results, showcasing the system's ability to handle high traffic and transaction volumes.
- Updated version of the APIs and SDKs with security improvements and optimizations made available for download.
Milestone 4: Final Release & Revenue Model Implementation (Month 4)
A: Milestone Outputs
- Launch the final, optimized version of the APIs and SDKs, ready for wide adoption.
- Implement and test the 50/50 revenue-sharing model within the APIs, allowing projects to generate revenue from user transactions.
- Conduct marketing and outreach to promote the APIs and SDKs within the Cardano and Telegram developer communities.
B: Acceptance Criteria
- The revenue-sharing model is fully functional, with projects able to automatically split transaction fees between themselves and our platform.
- At least 10 active Telegram MiniApps integrated with Cardano’s trading functionalities, using the final version of the APIs and SDKs.
- The project is featured on at least 3 major Cardano or crypto community platforms, generating interest and adoption.
C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
- Transaction logs from 5-10 active MiniApps demonstrating successful revenue generation using the 50/50 model.
- Case studies or testimonials from developers who have successfully implemented the solution, highlighting the ease of use and revenue potential.
- Analytics showing an increase in API downloads, SDK adoption, and community engagement after the marketing campaign.
Milestone 5: Partnerships and Community Engagement (Month 5)
A: Milestone Outputs
- Establish partnerships with prominent Cardano projects and influencers to promote the integration of our APIs and SDKs into their Telegram communities.
- Organize community-driven events such as hackathons or coding challenges to foster engagement and collaboration.
- Publish a detailed roadmap for future improvements and long-term sustainability of the project.
B: Acceptance Criteria
- At least 3 partnerships with notable Cardano projects or influencers, with them actively promoting our APIs and SDKs.
- Successful execution of at least one community event (e.g., hackathon) with participation from developers and Cardano enthusiasts.
- A published roadmap that outlines future updates, additional features, and long-term goals for the project.
C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
- Partnership agreements or announcements showcasing collaborations with key Cardano stakeholders.
- Event summaries, participant feedback, and winner announcements from the hackathon or challenge.
- A public roadmap, available on GitHub or the official website, outlining the next phases of development and project sustainability.
Milestone 6: Final Project Review and Long-Term Sustainability Plan (End of Month 5)
A: Milestone Outputs
- Conduct a thorough review of the entire project, evaluating all APIs, SDKs, developer feedback, and community adoption.
- Compile and publish a final report detailing the project’s outcomes, including key metrics such as usage rates, developer participation, revenue generation, and overall impact.
- Develop and release a sustainability plan to ensure the continued development, support, and growth of the APIs and SDKs after the project’s official completion.
B: Acceptance Criteria
- A detailed final report is prepared, showcasing key milestones achieved, lessons learned, and measurable impact (e.g., number of MiniApps, revenue generated, and active users).
- The sustainability plan includes a clear roadmap for ongoing support, future updates, and opportunities for further community involvement or external funding.
- All project deliverables (APIs, SDKs, documentation) are in their final, optimized versions, ready for long-term public use.
C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
- Published final report on the project’s website, Cardano forums, and other community platforms, including all key metrics and outcomes.
- A comprehensive sustainability plan released alongside the final report, detailing future updates, support models, and potential revenue streams.
- Documentation of ongoing partnerships, developer incentives, and a community-driven plan for the continued adoption of the project.
[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?
- Anjali Dhaliwal (CEO & Co-Founder)
- Ex- Nasdaq, crypto hedge fund, and Canada Pension Fund. 30U30 Recipient and founder of Canada’s largest youth NPO, scaling to 19K users, 200+ volunteers and raised $150K in grants in less than 2 years by age 19.
- Souren Cross (CTO & Co-Founder)
- Software engineer and crypto native builder. Built a Proof of Work BTC2 private blockchain at 17, smart contracts at 19 and founded OpenAuto, a n automotive startup generating 800K ARR within 4 months.
- Nikita Oleckho (CQO & Co-Founder)
- Algorithmic trader at 15. Built out an algo-trading fund with in-house systems to manage friends and family money and a trading platform for universities, generating $15K per university.
[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources
Total Funding Requested: 500,000 ADA
Below is a detailed breakdown of costs associated with the proposed project, including resources needed at each stage, third-party services, and budget elements for successful project execution.
1. Development Costs (200,000 ADA)
- Software Licenses and Tools (e.g., development tools, API management tools):
- Cost: 50,000 ADA
- Details: Licenses for development environments, testing tools, and any necessary software subscriptions.
- Code Auditing Services:
- Cost: 100,000 ADA
- Details: Engaging a third-party firm to conduct comprehensive security audits of the APIs and SDKs, ensuring they meet industry standards and best practices.
- Development Team:
- Cost: 50,000 ADA
- Details: Building out the APIs and SDKs and making sure they are seamlessly integrable with Cardano community
2. Marketing and Community Engagement (50,000 ADA)
- Promotional Materials:
- Cost: 50,000 ADA
- Details: Creation of digital marketing materials, tutorials, and case studies to promote the APIs and SDKs effectively.
3. Project Management and Administrative Costs (100,000 ADA)
- Project Management Tools:
- Cost: 30,000 ADA
- Details: Subscription fees for project management tools used to track milestones, manage timelines, and facilitate team communication (e.g., Trello, Slack).
- Documentation:
- Cost: 70,000 ADA
- Details: Professional documentation services for creating user manuals, technical guides, and API documentation.
4. Publicity and Reporting (100,000 ADA)
- Community Reports:
- Cost: 50,000 ADA
- Details: Preparing and distributing periodic reports to the Cardano community detailing project progress, outcomes, and future plans.
- Website and Social Media Promotion:
- Cost: 50,000 ADA
- Details: Budget for promoting project milestones and engaging the community through various social media platforms.
5. Contingency Fund (50,000 ADA)
- Miscellaneous Expenses:
- Cost: 50,000 ADA
- Details: A reserve for any unforeseen expenses or additional costs that may arise during project execution.
Summary of Costs
a/ Development Costs: 200,000
b/ Marketing and Community Engagement: 50,000
c/ Project Management and Administrative: 100,000
d/ Publicity and Reporting: 100,000
e/ Contingency Fund: 50,000
Total: 500,000 ADA
[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?
The proposed budget of 500,000 ADA for our project is a carefully calculated investment aimed at delivering significant value to the Cardano community. This funding will ensure that we build high-quality, secure APIs and SDKs, foster developer engagement, and drive innovation within the ecosystem.
1. High-Level Cost Breakdown
- Development Costs (200,000 ADA): This represents 40% of our total budget, encompassing essential components such as software licenses, code auditing services, and a skilled development team. These costs are necessary to ensure that our APIs and SDKs are built to the highest industry standards, addressing security and functionality comprehensively.
- Marketing and Community Engagement (50,000 ADA): This investment is crucial for creating promotional materials and tutorials that will attract developers to utilize our tools, thereby enhancing community involvement and adoption.
- Project Management and Administrative Costs (100,000 ADA): Effective project management is key to delivering a successful outcome. This budget ensures that we have the tools and documentation necessary to manage timelines, track progress, and provide users with valuable resources.
- Publicity and Reporting (100,000 ADA): This allocation emphasizes transparency and community trust. Regular updates and outreach will keep stakeholders informed and engaged, driving broader community participation.
- Contingency Fund (50,000 ADA): This reserve is a prudent measure to address unforeseen challenges, ensuring the project's stability and continuity.
2. Value to the Cardano Community
- Enhanced Developer Ecosystem: By providing robust APIs and SDKs, we empower developers to create innovative applications on the Cardano platform. This can lead to an increase in dApps, improving the overall utility and attractiveness of Cardano for users.
- Revenue Generation Opportunities: Our unique 50/50 revenue-sharing model ensures that as we succeed, so do the developers and projects utilizing our tools. This creates a sustainable ecosystem that incentivizes ongoing collaboration and innovation.
- Increased Transparency and Trust: By allocating funds for regular community reports and open communication, we foster trust and engagement within the Cardano community. Stakeholders will have access to progress updates and insights, reinforcing their confidence in our project.
- Community Growth: Effective marketing and engagement efforts will help to attract new developers and users to the Cardano ecosystem, contributing to its long-term growth and success.
3. Cost Justification and Market Alignment
- Proportional Costs: The budget reflects industry standards for blockchain development, auditing, and marketing. For instance, typical freelance rates for experienced blockchain developers range from 75 to 150 ADA per hour, justifying our allocation for skilled labor. Additionally, code audits from reputable firms often exceed 100,000 ADA, supporting our decision to allocate significant resources for security.
- Successful Precedents: Similar projects within the Cardano ecosystem have effectively utilized comparable budgets, resulting in measurable increases in user engagement and ecosystem activity. This historical context supports our expectations for achieving similar, if not greater, outcomes.