Cardano Store: Onboarding University Students at Tech Events

[Proposal setup] Proposal title

Please provide your proposal title

Cardano Store: Onboarding University Students at Tech Events

[Proposal Summary] Budget Information

Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA

35000

[Proposal Summary] Time

Please specify how many months you expect your project to last

6

[Proposal Summary] Translation Information

Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated

No

Original Language

en

[Proposal Summary] Problem Statement

What is the problem you want to solve?

University students face barriers to blockchain adoption due to Cardano knowledge gap, complex onboarding processes, and lack of practical use cases, hindering engagement with decentralized ecosystems

[Proposal Summary] Supporting Documentation

Supporting links

• https://forms.gle/v91zyJj5xedvuMgo6
,
• https://yafoweb.org/

[Proposal Summary] Project Dependencies

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

Yes

Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'

The successful implementation of this project depends on several factors. First, strong partnerships with universities, student tech clubs, and external event organizers are essential to host or participate in events where the Cardano Store can operate. Additionally, reliable supply chain and vendor agreements are needed to provide discounted essentials such as snacks, stationery, and tech accessories. Seamless onboarding requires access to internet connectivity, devices for wallet setup, and channels for fiat-to-ADA conversion through regulated exchanges or peer-to-peer solutions. The project must also ensure compliance with local regulations governing cryptocurrency transactions and on-site sales. Finally, collaboration with the Cardano ecosystem, including wallet providers like Yoroi and Project Catalyst resources, will be critical to delivering a smooth and educational experience for students.

[Proposal Summary] Project Open Source

Will your project's outputs be fully open source?

Yes

License and Additional Information

The project will deliver an open-source ecosystem including a custom POS system for ADA transactions, educational resources, a fiat-to-ADA conversion widget, and event management tools. All components will be released under MIT/Apache licenses, hosted on GitHub with full documentation, and supported by community collaboration. These resources will enable transparent adoption, reuse, and scalability, empowering others to replicate and expand the Cardano Store model globally.

[Theme Selection] Theme

Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal

Education

[Campaign Category] Category Questions

Who you’re targeting, how you’ll reach them, and why this matters for Cardano.

The project targets 500+ students for Cardano education, 300 wallet setups, and ADA transactions across 5 tech events. These goals will be achieved through pop-up Cardano Stores offering discounted essentials purchasable with ADA, hands-on wallet onboarding, and educational outreach. This is critical to Cardano as it drives real-world ADA utility, expands adoption among youth, and introduces future developers and innovators to Project Catalyst and Cardano governance.

Provide a list of key activities of your project?

Cardano Store Deployment: Set up branded pop-up booths at tech events, offering products exclusively purchasable with ADA, and assist students with Yoroi wallet setup.

Educational Outreach: Distribute educational materials, run demos, and host interactive sessions on ADA utility, Project Catalyst participation, and the broader Cardano ecosystem.

What are your success metrics?

• 500+ students educated about Cardano and Project Catalyst.
• 300 Yoroi wallets created and onboarded with ADA.
• 300 ADA transactions processed, showcasing real-world use.
• 5 tech events covered, ensuring visibility and repeated engagement.
• 100 students introduced to Catalyst, building governance participation

[Your Project and Solution] Solution

Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem

The Cardano Store is an innovative and practical initiative designed to onboard university students into the Cardano ecosystem through real-world use cases, hands-on engagement, and accessible education. By addressing the most common barriers to blockchain adoption—knowledge gaps, inconvenient onboarding processes, and lack of tangible applications—the Cardano Store transforms Cardano from an abstract concept into a practical tool for everyday use.

Core Solution Approach

The Cardano Store operates as a mobile pop-up store strategically deployed at technology-driven environments, such as university tech events, hackathons, and innovation fairs. It exclusively accepts ADA (Cardano’s native cryptocurrency) as a payment method for discounted daily essentials like snacks, stationery, and tech accessories. This simple yet impactful design creates an immediate and practical incentive for students to engage with blockchain technology while introducing them to Cardano’s decentralized ecosystem.

Key Components of the Solution

1. Practical Utility through ADA Transactions

The store sells discounted essential items—snacks, drinks, stationery, and accessories—that students frequently use. By making ADA the exclusive payment method, the store ensures students experience real-world cryptocurrency transactions in an accessible and meaningful way.

1. Seamless Wallet Onboarding

Recognizing that wallet setup and fiat-to-crypto conversions often deter new users, the Cardano Store offers on-site assistance to:

• Guide students in downloading and setting up Yoroi wallets on their mobile devices.
• Facilitate fiat-to-ADA conversions via local exchange partners or secure on-ramp solutions.
• Provide step-by-step guides, both digital and printed, to reinforce learning.
• This hands-on onboarding significantly reduces friction for first-time blockchain users.

1. Educational Outreach & Awareness

The project emphasizes knowledge empowerment by creating and distributing educational resources, including:

• Visual guides and infographics explaining Cardano’s benefits, use cases, and ecosystem.
• Mini-workshops and demos (10–15 minutes each) at events to introduce key concepts like staking, wallets, and Project Catalyst—Cardano’s community innovation platform.
• Video tutorials and interactive content, hosted on a dedicated Cardano Store website.

These efforts ensure that students not only adopt ADA but also understand why Cardano matters and how to participate in its governance and growth.

1. Event-Based Engagement

To maximize impact, the store will be deployed at five or more tech-focused events, such as hackathons, coding boot camps, and university innovation challenges. These settings provide direct access to tech-savvy students, making them ideal for fostering adoption and engagement.

1. Community-Driven and Open Source

The project will operate under an open-source ethos, aligning with Cardano’s principles of decentralization and transparency. Key contributions include:

• A custom-built, open-source Point-of-Sale (POS) system for ADA transactions, integrated with Yoroi wallets and supported by open Cardano libraries.
• Open-source educational materials, including guides, infographics, and tutorials.
• A fiat-to-ADA conversion widget, shared publicly for use by other community initiatives.
• Event analytics tools to measure onboarding success and student engagement.

All resources will be published under permissive licenses (e.g., MIT or Apache 2.0) on GitHub, encouraging global replication and collaboration.

[Your Project and Solution] Impact

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

The Cardano Store will make a measurable impact on the Cardano ecosystem by driving both adoption and awareness among a critical demographic—university students and young innovators. Through the project:

• 500+ students will gain foundational knowledge of Cardano’s blockchain, its real-world applications, and opportunities for participation through Project Catalyst.
• 300 new Yoroi wallets will be created and funded with ADA, expanding Cardano’s active user base.
• 300 on-chain transactions will be executed via the store, demonstrating practical, everyday use of ADA in a real-world setting.
• Presence at 5 major tech events ensures consistent visibility and engagement within tech communities, strengthening Cardano’s reputation as a developer-friendly and innovation-driven ecosystem.
• 100 students introduced to Project Catalyst will encourage future contributors, voters, and proposers, directly supporting Cardano’s decentralized governance and innovation platform.

This initiative creates a strong onboarding funnel for new users, nurtures long-term ecosystem participants, and establishes a replicable open-source model for community-driven adoption efforts worldwide.

[Your Project and Solution] Capabilities & 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?

The feasibility of the Cardano Store initiative is strengthened by several key factors:

1. Strategic Access to Target Audience

The YAFO Institute maintains established networks within Ghanaian universities and student tech clubs, providing direct access to tech-savvy students who are likely to embrace blockchain technology. This ensures that the Cardano Store will be deployed in environments with high engagement potential.

1. Event Management Capability

The Institute has extensive experience in organizing and participating in large-scale academic and tech events, including conferences, blockchain policy dialogues, and student events. This background ensures that the logistics of deploying and operating a mobile Cardano Store—including booth setup, inventory management, and coordination with event organizers—are well within the Institute’s operational capabilities.

1. Educational and Content Development Expertise

The Cardano Store emphasizes education through guides, infographics, tutorials, and live workshops. YAFO Institute’s previous work in leading various policy reform ensures that adequate research input in educational materials will be accurate, engaging, and impactful. The Institute will also leverage open-source tools to create materials that can be reused and adapted by the broader Cardano community.

1. Open-Source and Community Alignment

The Institute is committed to open knowledge sharing, aligning perfectly with the Cardano ethos of transparency and decentralization. All documentation will be released under open-source licenses and hosted on public repositories like GitHub, ensuring global accessibility and community-driven improvements.

1. Regulatory and Operational Compliance

Operating within Ghana’s regulatory framework, YAFO Institute will ensure compliance with local laws governing crypto transactions and consumer engagement at events. By partnering with licensed exchange platforms and compliant on-ramp providers, the project will maintain both legal integrity and user trust.

Institutional Capacity and Resources

Team Structure

The Cardano Store will be managed by a dedicated project team within YAFO Institute comprising:

• Project Manager – overseeing planning, execution, and reporting.
• Technical Lead – responsible for wallet integration, and open-source contributions and operation support for wallet creation (Yoroi)
• Education & Content Specialist – developing training materials, guides, and outreach resources.
• Event & Logistics Coordinator – managing event setups, partnerships, and inventory.
• Inventory Manager – forming strategic alliance for Cardano Storeby partnering local business and innovative tech products that are relevant to student needs.

Infrastructure and Partnerships

The Institute has access to office space, IT infrastructure, and established partnerships with event organizers, academic institutions, and technology hubs. These relationships will facilitate smooth coordination for event participation, reduce setup costs, and enhance outreach.

Risk Management and Mitigation

The Institute has identified potential risks and developed strategies to mitigate them:

• Risk: Low Student Adoption

Mitigation: Strong pre-event promotion through university networks and incentives like discounted products.

• Risk: Technical Issues in Wallet Setup or Operations

Mitigation: Pre-testing systems at the Institute, backup devices, and on-site technical support.

• Risk: Regulatory Constraints on Crypto Transactions

Mitigation: Partnering with licensed exchanges and providing educational disclaimers to ensure compliance.

• Risk: Inventory Challenges for Pop-Up Store

Mitigation: Building relationships with local suppliers and maintaining buffer stock with seed capital for events.

Capability Demonstrated through Similar Initiatives

YAFO Institute’s Liberty Sphere Conference is a flagship initiative showcasing its ability to organize multi-stakeholder educational events that inspire action and innovation. Similar principles—engagement, education, and empowerment—will underpin the Cardano Store project, ensuring its success and replicability.

Commitment to Sustainability and Scalability

Beyond the project implementation period, YAFO Institute will leverage partnerships with universities and tech hubs to continue deploying the Cardano Store at events, supported by open-source resources and community contributions. This approach ensures that the project does not remain a one-off intervention but evolves into a sustainable, community-driven model for blockchain adoption in Africa and beyond.

Conclusion

The YAFO Institute combines institutional credibility, technical capability, and strong networks to deliver the Cardano Store project effectively. Its proven experience in event management, educational programming, and open-source collaboration ensures the feasibility of the initiative and its potential to make a transformative impact on Cardano’s adoption among university students—the innovators and decision-makers of tomorrow.

[Milestones] Project Milestones

Milestone Title

Cardano Store Setup & Open-Source POS Development

Milestone Outputs

The first milestone focuses on establishing the physical and technological foundation of the Cardano Store. The output will include a fully branded mobile pop-up booth equipped with the necessary infrastructure for deployment at multiple events. Additionally, an open-source Point-of-Sale (POS) system for ADA transactions will be developed, tested, and integrated with Yoroi Wallet, enabling seamless ADA payments using QR codes.

• Mobile pop-up booth fully branded and operational.
• Open-source Point-of-Sale (POS) system for ADA transactions developed, tested, and integrated with Yoroi Wallet.

Acceptance Criteria

Acceptance will be based on the successful completion of a branded and functional booth, a POS system capable of scanning products, generating ADA payment requests, and confirming transactions in real-time. Furthermore, the POS software must be published on GitHub under an open-source license with full documentation to allow transparency and reuse by the Cardano community.

• Booth structure designed, procured, and transport-ready.
• POS system supports product scanning, ADA pricing, QR code generation, and payment confirmation via Yoroi wallet.
• GitHub repository published with code under MIT/Apache 2.0 license.

Evidence of Completion

Milestone 1 would be completed based on the following:

1. Photos/videos of branded booth and setup.
2. Live demo or screen recording of POS system functionality.
3. Public GitHub repository link for POS software and documentation.

Delivery Month

2

Cost

14000

Progress

40 %

Milestone Title

Educational Resource Development & Onboarding Infrastructure

Milestone Outputs

This milestone centers on creating the tools and resources necessary for education and onboarding. The output will include high-quality educational materials such as five comprehensive wallet setup guides, three visually appealing infographics, and two short video tutorials to guide users through ADA transactions and Project Catalyst participation. A Cardano Store landing page will also be launched, hosting these resources along with event schedules and onboarding instructions.

1. Educational materials (flyers, infographics, wallet setup guides, videos) completed and ready for distribution.
2. Cardano Store landing page launched with onboarding resources and event schedule.

Acceptance Criteria

The acceptance criteria require that all educational content is completed, publicly available, and licensed under Creative Commons for open access. The landing page should be fully functional, mobile-friendly, and contain downloadable resources, links to videos, and a simple event calendar. Verification will be based on the live website URL, the availability of materials for download, and a public GitHub repository containing the open-source resources.

Acceptance Criteria:

• At least 5 digital guides, 3 infographics, and 2 video tutorials published.
• Landing page accessible with wallet setup instructions, ADA conversion guide, and event calendar.
• Educational content licensed under Creative Commons and hosted on GitHub for open access.

Evidence of Completion

Milestone 2 would be completed based on the following:

• Downloadable guides, infographics, and video links.
• URL of live Cardano Store website.
• Screenshots of GitHub repository with open-source educational content.

Delivery Month

2

Cost

10500

Progress

30 %

Milestone Title

Event Deployment & Student Onboarding

Milestone Outputs

The third and final milestone focuses on execution and community engagement through real-world activation. The output will include the successful deployment of the Cardano Store at a minimum of five technology-related events or university gatherings, enabling students to experience ADA in practical use cases. During these events, at least 300 Yoroi wallets will be created, 500 students educated on Cardano and Project Catalyst, and 300 ADA transactions processed to demonstrate cryptocurrency utility.

1. Cardano Store deployed at 5 tech events or university events.
2. Wallet onboarding and ADA transaction targets achieved.

Acceptance Criteria

Acceptance criteria will include documented proof of participation in all five events, detailed onboarding metrics (number of wallets created, transactions completed), and evidence of educational impact through surveys and engagement analytics. Milestone verification will rely on event reports, photographic and video evidence of the Cardano Store in operation, and a summarized dashboard capturing wallet creation and transaction data.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Participation in at least 5 events within the project timeline.
• Minimum 300 Yoroi wallets created, 500 students educated, and 300 ADA transactions processed.
• Collection of student feedback and engagement analytics.

Evidence of Completion

Milestone 3 would be completed based on the following:

• Event reports with attendance data and photos/videos of the Cardano Store in operation.
• Onboarding metrics dashboard (wallets created, transactions completed).
• Feedback forms and anonymized survey results.

Delivery Month

2

Cost

10500

Progress

30 %

[Final Pitch] Budget & Costs

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Budget Breakdown (35,000 ADA)

Store Setup and Equipment: 8,000 ADA

• Mobile pop-up booth with Cardano branding (design, materials, and transport): 5,000 ADA
• Point-of-sale system for ADA transactions (hardware/software): 3,000 ADA

Inventory Procurement: 10,000 ADA

• Discounted daily essentials (food, stationery, tech accessories) for 5–10 events: 8,000 ADA
• Packaging and storage materials: 2,000 ADA

Onboarding and Educational Materials: 5,000 ADA

• Development of educational content (flyers, videos, infographics): 2,500 ADA
• Printing and distribution of materials: 1,500 ADA
• Website/landing page for Cardano Store: 1,000 ADA

Event Logistics: 6,000 ADA

• Event participation fees (if applicable): 3,000 ADA
• Travel and accommodation for team (5 events): 2,000 ADA
• Miscellaneous logistics (setup, transport): 1,000 ADA

Team Compensation: 3,000 ADA

• Stipends for team members (onboarding support, event staffing, content creation): 3,000 ADA

Contingency Fund: 3,000 ADA

• Reserved for unexpected costs (e.g., additional inventory, event fees, or technical issues).

[Final Pitch] Value for Money

How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?

The Cardano Store: Onboarding University Students at Tech Events, with a budget of 35,000 ADA, offers exceptional value for money to the Cardano community by driving adoption, fostering education, and creating reusable open-source tools. Below is a detailed analysis of Cardano store cost-effectiveness, impact, and reasons why the Cardano community should support this project under the Cardano Open - Ecosystem category.

Value for Money.

High Impact for Low Cost:

• Onboarding Efficiency: The project targets onboarding 500+ university students with Yoroi wallets and facilitating 300+ ADA transactions for 35,000 ADA. This is highly cost-effective compared to traditional marketing campaigns, which often cost significantly more per user acquisition in blockchain ecosystems.
• Mass Education: Educating 500+ students about Cardano and Project Catalyst at a low cost amplifies awareness among a tech-savvy demographic, creating long-term value through potential developers, entrepreneurs, and advocates.
• Event Leverage: By targeting 5+ tech events, the project maximizes reach within existing gatherings, reducing the need for costly standalone events. The cost per event (~6,400 ADA or $2,240) includes setup, inventory, and logistics, ensuring efficient use of funds.

Reusable Open-Source Assets:

• The project delivers open-source components (e.g., POS system, educational materials, onboarding guides, event tracking tools) that can be reused by other Cardano projects at no additional cost. These assets, developed for 9,000 ADA (28% of the budget), provide ongoing value to the community, enabling other initiatives to replicate the Cardano Store model or adapt its tools for different use cases (e.g., NFT marketplaces, DeFi pop-ups).
• The open-source nature ensures transparency and community collaboration, reducing future development costs for similar initiatives and fostering ecosystem growth.

Scalable Model:

• The Cardano Store’s pop-up model is designed for scalability, with a framework that can be replicated at additional events or regions without significant reinvestment. The initial 32,000 ADA investment creates a blueprint (store setup, onboarding processes, educational content) that can be scaled by other community members, maximizing the return on investment (ROI).
• By establishing partnerships with universities and event organizers, the project lays the groundwork for self-sustaining operations, potentially through transaction fees or sponsorships post-grant.

Tangible Outcomes:

• Quantitative Metrics: The project commits to clear deliverables: 500+ wallets created, 300+ transactions, 500+ students educated, and 100+ Project Catalyst participants. These outcomes directly contribute to Cardano’s user base and ecosystem engagement.
• Qualitative Impact: Positive student feedback and increased Cardano awareness among tech-savvy youth will build brand loyalty and attract future contributors, delivering intangible benefits that extend beyond the project’s timeline.

Budget Efficiency:

• The budget is strategically allocated: 31% for inventory, 25% for store setup, 19% for event logistics, 16% for educational materials, 9% for team compensation, and 9% as a contingency fund. This balanced approach ensures no single component is overfunded, while the contingency fund mitigates risks without inflating costs.
• By leveraging open-source tools and existing Cardano infrastructure (e.g., Yoroi, Cardano libraries), the project minimizes development expenses, focusing funds on direct impact (inventory, events, education).

Why the Cardano Community Should Support Cardano Store.

Drives Adoption Among a Key Demographic:

• University students, especially those in tech fields, are ideal candidates for Cardano adoption due to their openness to innovation and potential to become developers, entrepreneurs, or advocates. Onboarding this demographic creates a pipeline of talent for Cardano’s ecosystem, supporting long-term growth.
• The project’s focus on practical utility (buying daily essentials with ADA) makes blockchain accessible, addressing a key barrier to adoption by demonstrating real-world use cases.

Aligns with Cardano’s Mission:

• The Cardano Store advances Cardano’s goal of decentralization and financial inclusion by introducing students to a permissionless, secure blockchain through hands-on engagement. It aligns with the Cardano Open - Ecosystem category by expanding the user base and fostering community-driven innovation.
• By promoting Project Catalyst, the project encourages students to propose and fund their own ideas, directly contributing to Cardano’s decentralized governance and innovation ecosystem

Creates a Replicable Model:

• The Cardano Store’s event-based, pop-up model is a novel approach that can be adapted globally. Its open-source components (POS system, educational materials, etc.) empower other community members to launch similar initiatives, amplifying the project’s impact beyond the initial 35,000 ADA investment.

• The project’s focus on tech events ensures high visibility among tech enthusiasts, positioning Cardano as a leading blockchain platform in competitive spaces

Fosters Community Collaboration:

• By developing open-source tools and sharing them on public repositories (e.g., GitHub), the project invites contributions from Cardano developers, educators, and enthusiasts. This collaborative approach strengthens the community and ensures the project’s outputs remain relevant and maintained.
• The team’s openness to event invitations and partnerships with universities and organizers creates opportunities for broader community involvement, enhancing Cardano’s network effect.

Addresses Adoption Barriers

• The project tackles key obstacles to blockchain adoption: complexity, lack of awareness, and limited practical use cases. By offering seamless wallet setup, fiat-to-ADA conversion, and discounted goods, it lowers the entry barrier for students, making Cardano approachable and appealing.
• Educational sessions and materials ensure students understand Cardano’s value proposition, increasing the likelihood of sustained engagement beyond the initial transaction.

High ROI Potential:

• The project’s modest budget delivers outsized impact through targeted onboarding, education, and reusable assets. The potential for students to become active Cardano contributors (e.g., developers, Catalyst proposers, or community leaders) creates exponential value for the ecosystem.
• By establishing Cardano as a go-to blockchain for tech-savvy youth, the project enhances Cardano’s reputation and competitiveness, attracting further investment and interest.

Conclusion

The Cardano Store offers exceptional value for money by delivering measurable outcomes (300+ wallets, 300+ transactions, 500+ educated students) for a modest 35,000 ADA budget. Its open-source components, scalable model, and focus on a high-potential demographic ensure long-term benefits for the Cardano community. The project should be supported because it drives adoption, fosters education, creates reusable tools, and aligns with Cardano’s mission of decentralized innovation. By investing in the Cardano Store, the community empowers a new generation of users and contributors, strengthening the ecosystem for years to come.

[Required Acknowledgements] Consent & Confirmation

Terms and Conditions:

Yes