Last updated 5 months ago
Training providers face forgery-prone PDFs and manual workflows, lacking simple blockchain tools for tamper-proof, verifiable certificates that scale and enable easy social sharing.
Trace is a no-code platform where training providers upload templates, import learner data, and instantly issue blockchain-verified certificates with social sharing and one-click verification.
This is the total amount allocated to NoCode Blockchain Credential Platform for Training Providers.
Please provide your proposal title
NoCode Blockchain Credential Platform for Training Providers
Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA
74000
Please specify how many months you expect your project to last
6
Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated
No
Original Language
en
What is the problem you want to solve?
Training providers face forgery-prone PDFs and manual workflows, lacking simple blockchain tools for tamper-proof, verifiable certificates that scale and enable easy social sharing.
Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?
Yes
Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'
Requires Cardano blockchain infrastructure for credential verification and integration with third-party services like LinkedIn API and email delivery systems.
Will your project's outputs be fully open source?
Yes
License and Additional Information
Apache 2.0 License - Core platform components, credential verification tools, and integration templates will be open source and available to the education community.
Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal.
Developer Tools
Describe what makes your idea innovative compared to what has been previously funded (whether by you or others).
This proposal creates the first no-code blockchain credential platform specifically designed for training providers, eliminating technical barriers while providing tamper-proof verification. Unlike existing solutions requiring blockchain expertise, Trace abstracts complexity while maintaining full verification capabilities through Cardano blockchain.
Describe what your prototype or MVP will demonstrate, and where it can be accessed.
The MVP will demonstrate complete credential lifecycle from template upload through bulk issuance to public verification. Training providers can design certificates, import learner data, and automatically issue blockchain-verified credentials with LinkedIn integration and instant third-party verification capabilities.
Describe realistic measures of success, ideally with on-chain metrics.
Primary success is delivering functional no-code platform with template design, bulk import, blockchain verification, and social sharing features. Future metrics include training providers using the platform, credentials issued and verified, social media shares, and verification requests from employers and institutions.
Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem
Problem
Training providers face critical challenges in credential issuance: static PDFs are easily forged, blockchain complexity requires technical expertise most providers lack, and fragmented workflows span multiple tools for design, distribution, and verification. Meanwhile, employers and institutions struggle to verify credential authenticity, often relying on time-consuming manual verification processes or accepting potentially fraudulent certificates.
These challenges create brand and reputation risks through counterfeit certificates, waste staff hours on manual merging and verification emails, reduce marketing impact when sharing requires complex uploads, and create compliance headaches as regulators increasingly demand verifiable proof over screenshots. Employers face similar verification burdens, often unable to distinguish genuine credentials from sophisticated forgeries.
Training providers and employers need solutions that eliminate certificate fraud while providing streamlined workflows accessible to non-technical users, enabling organizations to focus on education and hiring rather than credentialing complexity.
Solution
Trace provides a comprehensive no code platform that transforms credential issuance from high-risk manual processes into automated, blockchain-verified workflows. The platform addresses all major pain points through integrated functionality designed specifically for training providers while enabling seamless verification for employers and institutions.
Template management allows providers to upload existing PDF/PNG certificates or create new designs through drag-and-drop interfaces with variable placeholders for personalization. The system provides live preview capabilities ensuring brand consistency while enabling scalable customization.
Bulk import functionality accepts CSV uploads with field mapping wizards, enabling providers to process entire course cohorts efficiently. Future development may include LMS integration capabilities, but the initial concept focuses on simple, reliable CSV-based workflows.
Blockchain verification automatically records immutable hashes and metadata on Cardano, providing tamper-proof verification without requiring providers to understand smart contracts, manage wallets, or handle gas fees. The platform abstracts all blockchain complexity while maintaining full verification capabilities.
Learner delivery includes branded email notifications with unique certificate URLs and downloadable assets. Public verification pages provide mobile-optimized viewing with issuer details and blockchain proof, enabling instant third-party verification for employers, institutions, and regulatory bodies.
Social integration features auto-populate LinkedIn's certificate dialog and generate optimized images for social media sharing, transforming every graduate into organic marketing for training programmes while providing employers with easily verifiable credentials.
Unique Approach
This solution uniquely combines comprehensive credential management with blockchain verification through a completely no code interface. Unlike technical blockchain solutions or limited proprietary platforms, Trace provides full workflow automation while maintaining open verification standards and social sharing optimization for both issuers and verifiers.
Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community
Value to Community
This platform demonstrates Cardano's utility for mainstream education and employment applications while onboarding non-technical users to blockchain verification benefits. Training providers gain fraud-proof credentialing capabilities while students receive verifiable, shareable certificates that enhance professional opportunities. Employers gain confidence in credential authenticity through instant blockchain verification.
The solution expands Cardano's addressable market to include educational institutions, corporate training departments, professional development providers, and HR departments who previously lacked access to blockchain verification due to technical complexity.
Measuring Impact
Primary Success Metric: Delivery of functional no code platform with template design, bulk import, blockchain verification, and social sharing capabilities.
Platform Adoption: Training providers actively using Trace for credential issuance across educational institutions, corporate training, and professional development programmes.
Credential Volume: Number of blockchain-verified certificates issued through the platform, demonstrating real-world usage and verification activity.
Social Engagement: LinkedIn integrations completed and social media shares of credentials, measuring organic marketing impact for training providers.
Verification Activity: Third-party verification requests and successful authenticity confirmations, proving credential value for employers and institutions.
All metrics tracked through platform analytics and blockchain verification with regular community reporting.
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?
Existing Infrastructure
This project builds upon proven web development frameworks and Cardano's established smart contract capabilities. The team brings decades of experience delivering SaaS applications, iOS and Android apps, providing solid foundation for platform development across multiple platforms and user experiences.
Partnership with a key educational partner enables immediate market validation and user feedback throughout development phases, ensuring the platform meets real-world requirements.
Technical Validation
Core concepts validated through existing blockchain credentialing systems and no code platform architectures. The approach leverages established patterns in educational technology while adding novel blockchain verification capabilities accessible to non-technical users.
Track Record
The team's combined decades of experience in SaaS application development, mobile app delivery (iOS and Android), project management, blockchain integration, and user experience design provides confidence in successful platform delivery. Previous work in educational credentialing and blockchain integration demonstrates relevant expertise for comprehensive solution development.
Milestone Title
Platform Architecture & User Experience Design
Milestone Outputs
Comprehensive platform architecture documentation, user experience design specifications, and technical framework selection. User research validation and workflow optimization based on training provider feedback.
Acceptance Criteria
Complete technical architecture with blockchain integration specifications. User experience designs for all core workflows including template upload, bulk import, and credential verification. Validated user requirements from target training providers.
Evidence of Completion
Published technical architecture documentation. User experience design prototypes and workflow specifications. User research findings and requirement validation reports.
Delivery Month
2
Cost
15000
Progress
20 %
Milestone Title
Core Platform Development
Milestone Outputs
Functional platform offering template upload, bulk learner data import, and a streamlined UI, with Cardano blockchain integration for credential verification and an initial end-to-end testing framework.
Acceptance Criteria
Working template upload with preview functionality. Bulk import system with CSV processing and field mapping. Cardano integration for credential hash storage and verification. Basic user authentication and project management interface.
Evidence of Completion
Live platform demonstration showing template upload and bulk import functionality. Blockchain integration proof with successful credential verification transactions.
Delivery Month
4
Cost
30000
Progress
60 %
Milestone Title
Credential Delivery & Verification System
Milestone Outputs
Complete credential delivery system with automated email notifications, customizable public verification pages, LinkedIn integration for seamless certificate sharing, and built-in social media optimization tools.
Acceptance Criteria
Automated email delivery with branded certificates and unique verification URLs. Public verification pages with mobile optimization and blockchain proof display. LinkedIn integration enabling one-click certificate addition. Social media sharing optimization with proper metadata.
Evidence of Completion
Full credential delivery demonstration from issuance through verification. LinkedIn integration proof and social sharing examples. Mobile-optimized verification pages with blockchain validation.
Delivery Month
5
Cost
25000
Progress
90 %
Milestone Title
Platform Testing, Launch & Ecosystem Promotion
Milestone Outputs
Platform launch with key educational partner validation. Project close-out video (3 minutes ) demonstrating platform functionality. Final project report with comprehensive metrics and lessons learned.
Acceptance Criteria
Platform launched with educational partner using system for real credential issuance. Close-out video and final report meeting Project Catalyst Fund 14 specifications. Partner validation and usage documentation.
Evidence of Completion
Live platform with partner credentials issued. Published close-out video and final report. Partner testimonials and usage metrics documentation..
Delivery Month
6
Cost
4000
Progress
100 %
Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources
Estimate Duration for Each Milestone
Milestone 1: 2 months
Milestone 2: 2 months
Milestone 3: 1 month
Final Milestone: 1 month
Allocate Resources to Each Milestone
Milestone 1: All team members (75% allocation) for research and design
Milestone 2: Technical team (100%), Others (75%) for core development
Milestone 3: All team members (100%) for delivery system development
Final Milestone: All team members (75%) for launch, video, and reporting
Discounted monthly rates for Cardano ecosystem contribution:
Project Lead (Riz): 3,000 ADA/month (typical rate: 8,000+ ADA/month)
Strategy Lead (Sacha): 3,000 ADA/month (typical rate: 8,000+ ADA/month)
Technical Architect (Nathan): 4,000 ADA/month (typical rate: 12,000+ ADA/month)
Design Lead (Dom): 2,500 ADA/month (typical rate: 7,000+ ADA/month)
Cardano Developer: 5,000 ADA/month (typical rate: 15,000+ ADA/month)
Monthly Burn Rates for Each Milestone
Milestone 1: 2 months × (2,250 + 2,250 + 3,000 + 1,875 + 3,750) = 26,250 ADA
Milestone 2: 2 months × (2,250 + 2,250 + 4,000 + 1,875 + 5,000) = 30,750 ADA
Milestone 3: 1 month × (3,000 + 3,000 + 4,000 + 2,500 + 5,000) = 17,500 ADA
Final Milestone: 1 month × (2,250 + 2,250 + 3,000 + 1,875 + 3,750) = 13,125 ADA
Subtotal
Personnel Costs: 67,625 ADA
Platform Development & Operations:
Development Tools & Infrastructure: 2,500 ADA
Testing & Quality Assurance: 1,500 ADA
Documentation & User Guides: 1,000 ADA
Marketing & Partner Launch: 1,375 ADA
Total: 74,000 ADA
How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?
This ₳74,000 investment creates pioneering infrastructure for mainstream blockchain credentialing while addressing critical pain points in educational verification for both training providers and employers. By providing no code access to tamper-proof credentials, the platform enables non-technical users to leverage blockchain benefits without complexity barriers.
Trace demonstrates Cardano's practical utility for education and employment sector applications while onboarding new user segments to blockchain verification. The solution addresses real business problems including credential fraud, manual workflows, and compliance requirements while generating sustainable transaction volume through credential issuance.
The investment delivers comprehensive platform infrastructure that training providers and employers across sectors can adopt, expanding Cardano's footprint in education and employment while establishing blockchain verification as industry standard for credentialing and professional development.
Terms and Conditions:
Yes
Riz Pabani - Project Lead & Platform Manager: Seasoned professional with 20 years experience in global corporations and scale-ups, specializing in project management and stakeholder coordination. Decades of experience delivering SaaS applications and mobile platforms. Responsible for overall platform development, user experience optimization, and training provider partnerships.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rizpabani/
**Sacha Windisch **- Strategy & Business Development: Over 20 years experience in management consulting, finance, and blockchain, with focus on business development and strategic partnerships. Extensive background in SaaS and mobile application strategy. Manages market analysis, user research, and adoption strategy for training provider engagement.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sachawindisch/
Nathan Walker - Technical Architect: Full Stack Engineer with decade of experience developing customer-facing SaaS applications for
Fortune 500 companies. Proven track record delivering iOS and Android applications at scale. Responsible for platform architecture, Cardano integration, and technical implementation of all core features.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nwalker1/
Dom Hoskins - Design & User Experience: Creative professional specializing in brand design and user experience optimization across web and mobile platforms. Extensive experience in SaaS and mobile app design. Ensures platform usability, visual design quality, and optimal user workflows for non-technical training providers.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-hoskins-503b2435/
Cardano Developer - Blockchain Integration Specialist: Contracted developer with expertise in Cardano smart contracts and blockchain integration. Responsible for credential verification implementation, smart contract development, and blockchain optimization.