ChainRunner: Gamified Cardano Code School

[Proposal setup] Proposal title

Please provide your proposal title

ChainRunner: Gamified Cardano Code School

[Proposal Summary] Budget Information

Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA

185000

[Proposal Summary] Time

Please specify how many months you expect your project to last

12

[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?

The ecosystem lacks a hands-on, browser-based sandbox that lets builders write code and get instant feedback. Web developers struggle to learn Cardano because existing resources are too academic.

[Proposal Summary] Supporting Documentation

Supporting links

• https://github.com/newmindflow/ChainRunner

[Proposal Summary] Project Dependencies

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

Yes

Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'

Our platform is built on the Cardano developer stack. We leverage Lucid and Mesh for client-side interactions and rely on Koios (or Blockfrost) for reading on-chain data. Module 1 will integrate the NMKR API to teach real-world tooling. We are dependent on their public API documentation and stability. The prototype requires a stable Cardano Testnet (Preprod) environment for users to execute quests without financial risk.

[Proposal Summary] Project Open Source

Will your project's outputs be fully open source?

Yes

Please provide details on the intellectual property (IP) status of your project outputs, including whether they will be released as open source or retained under another licence.

This project is open-source and released under the MIT License. We believe in building in public and welcome all contributions.

[Theme Selection] Theme

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

Training

[Campaign Category] Category Questions

Describe what makes your idea innovative compared to what has been previously launched in the market (whether by you or others).

Current education resources rely on passive text or video learning. Students watch, but often fail to set up the complex local environment needed to build.

ChainRunner innovates by removing this friction. We are the first in-browser, zero-setup sandbox for Cardano. Unlike static docs, our platform is reactive: users write code, execute real testnet transactions, and our backend verifies the on-chain result. This gamified verification loop transforms learning from a passive study into an active, and verifiable skill-building game.

Describe what your prototype or MVP will demonstrate, and where it can be accessed.

Our MVP will demonstrate "Module 1": a fully functional, 6-quest curriculum taking a user from wallet connection to minting their first Mainnet NFT.

It will demonstrate three core technical systems:

1. The Browser Sandbox: Users writing and executing Lucid/Mesh code without local setup.
2. Live Testnet Interaction: Real-time querying and submitting of transactions.
3. The Verification Engine: Our backend validating on-chain actions to award XP.

The prototype will be publicly accessible at ChainRunner.dev (and open-sourced on GitHub), free for all developers to test.

Describe realistic measures of success, ideally with on-chain metrics.

We define success by the technical delivery and operation of the prototype's verification loop:

1. Functional Sandbox: The platform successfully compiles and executes JavaScript code in-browser for all quests
2. Verification Accuracy: The backend successfully detects and verifies valid on-chain transactions (Testnet & Mainnet)
3. Public Deployment: The prototype is live at a public URL, allowing any user to connect a wallet and mint a Testnet asset
4. Mainnet Readiness: The final quest successfully mints a verifiable NFT on Mainnet

[Your Project and Solution] Solution

Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem

Cardano has a developer onboarding problem. While the ecosystem has excellent formal education (Plutus Pioneers) and static documentation (Developer Portal), it lacks an interactive, low-friction on-ramp for the millions of JavaScript and TypeScript developers worldwide.

Currently, a web developer interested in Cardano faces a "Great Filter": the need to learn complex concepts (eUTXO, Haskell, etc) before they can build even a simple "Hello World" dApp. There is no CryptoZombies ( https://cryptozombies.io ) or boot.dev ( https://www.boot.dev ) equivalent for Cardano. No place where a developer can write code in their browser, execute a transaction, and get instant, gamified feedback.

This gap means we are losing thousands of potential builders who bounce off the steep learning curve before they ever mint their first token.

Gamified, Practical Learning

We are solving this by building ChainRunner, an interactive learning RPG. Instead of watching videos, users complete on-chain "Quests" (e.g., "Mint an NFT," "Query a Wallet") directly in their browser.

We target the massive pool of frontend developers who want to build applications (using tools like Lucid, Mesh, and the NMKR SDK) rather than smart contracts. By gamifying this process and rewarding real, verifiable on-chain actions, we turn the frustrating "setup phase" of development into a rewarding loop.

[Your Project and Solution] Impact

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

ChainRunner solves the ecosystem's critical developer funnel problem. Currently, we lose interested JS/TS developers because the learning curve is too steep. By providing a frictionless, gamified on-ramp, we convert casual interest into capable builders.

Our project brings three specific values:

1. We unlock the massive JavaScript talent pool, who can now learn to build on Cardano.
2. By training devs on modern tools like Lucid, Mesh, and NMKR, we promote best practices and robust architecture from day one.
3. Every student we graduate is a potential founder, tool builder, or dApp creator who will drive future Mainnet transaction volume.

We will measure impact through platform engagement and on-chain verification:

We will track the number of unique wallets connecting to the platform, the number of quests verified on-chain (Testnet/Mainnet), and the number of graduation NFTs minted.

We will gather feedback to measure learner confidence and satisfaction.

Sharing Outputs:

The entire codebase will be public on GitHub under the MIT license, allowing any community to fork and localize it.

We will publish reports on X showcasing the number of new graduates and the total on-chain quests completed.

[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?

We are a team of two experienced Project Managers and Designers with a proven track record of shipping software products. We have been active builders in the Cardano ecosystem since 2021, possessing a deep understanding of the technical landscape and community needs.

We have successfully managed, completed, and closed out several Catalyst-funded projects:

https://milestones.projectcatalyst.io/projects/1100202

https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/9/the-great-migration-from-ethereum/attract-eth-nft-projects-and-talent

https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/8/open-source-development-ecosystem/nft-swap-infrastructure-templates-1

https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/8/open-standards-and-interoperability/nft-guild-nft-royalty-standards

Apart from these projects, that we were funded for directly, we have also worked on the team of several other funded and successfully closed out proposals over the years. We understand the reporting requirements, milestone structures, and responsibilities required to execute a Fund 15 project.

Prior to Cardano, we developed and shipped several iPad applications. We understand the full software development lifecycle, from UI/UX design to QA and deployment.

While our core strength is Product Management and Design, we possess the technical fluency to architect and build modern web applications. For ChainRunner, we are leveraging a robust stack and AI-assisted development workflows to ensure rapid, high-quality code delivery.

We have moved beyond the idea stage. To validate feasibility before asking for funds, we have already produced significant foundational assets:

Public GitHub Repository:

We have initialized the project repository, established the architecture, and defined the core API routes.

https://github.com/newmindflow/ChainRunner

Technical Architecture:

We have mapped the complete "On-Chain Verification Loop," detailing exactly how the Frontend, Backend, and Blockchain APIs (Koios) interact to verify user progress.

https://github.com/newmindflow/ChainRunner/blob/main/README.md#4-technical-architecture

Curriculum Scope:

We have fully scoped the "Module 1" curriculum (6 Quests), ensuring the educational content is ready for implementation.

All code and project progress will be visible on our public GitHub repository from Day 1. The community can audit our work in real-time.

Our history of successfully closing projects demonstrates that we allocate resources efficiently and deliver on our promises.

[Milestones] Project Milestones

Milestone Title

Design, Architecture & Core Frontend

Milestone Outputs

We will finalize the full UI/UX design, set up the project architecture, and build the static frontend pages (Home, Quest Map).

Outputs:

1. Complete high-fidelity designs.
2. GitHub repository with scaffold.
3. Deployed Shell application (Home, Quest Map) visible at public URL.

Acceptance Criteria

1. Design file must include designs for all 6 quests and landing page.
2. GitHub repo must show active commits and defined folder structure.
3. Public URL must load the homepage and navigate to the Quest Map without errors.

Evidence of Completion

1. Link to completed design files
2. Link to public GitHub repository
3. Link to deployed public website

Delivery Month

3

Cost

41350

Progress

20 %

Milestone Title

The Learning Engine (Off-Chain Quests)

Milestone Outputs

Implementation of the in-browser code editor and the off-chain logic. We will build and deploy Quest 1 (Wallet Connection) and Quest 2 (Koios API Query).

Outputs:

1. Integrated code editor functioning in-browser.
2. Functional "Hello Wallet" Quest (Quest 1) detecting user address.
3. Functional "Reading the Chain" Quest (Quest 2) fetching live data via API.

Acceptance Criteria

1. User can type code into the browser editor.
2. Deployed app successfully detects connected wallet address via Lucid/Mesh.
3. Deployed app successfully displays wallet balance fetched from Koios API.

Evidence of Completion

1. Video demonstration of Quest 1 being completed
2. Video demonstration of Quest 2 being completed
3. Link to public GitHub repository showing API integration.

Delivery Month

5

Cost

29800

Progress

40 %

Milestone Title

The Verification Engine (Testnet Integration)

Milestone Outputs

Development of the core backend verification loop. We will implement Quests 3, 4, and 5, enabling users to submit transactions on the Cardano Testnet and have them verified by our backend.

Outputs:

1. Backend capable of verifying on-chain transactions.
2. Quest 3 (Send tADA)
3. Quest 4 (Mint Testnet NFT).
4. Quest 5 (NMKR Integration).
5. Database recording user progress.

Acceptance Criteria

1. Backend must return "Success" only when a valid transaction hash is confirmed on the Testnet.
2. User profile must update after verification.
3. Quest 5 must successfully utilize the NMKR API on Testnet.

Evidence of Completion

Public video demo showing the full loop: Code -> Tx Submission -> Backend Verification -> "Success".

Delivery Month

8

Cost

49600

Progress

70 %

Milestone Title

Mainnet Launch, Gamification & Polish

Milestone Outputs

Finalizing the platform for public release. This includes deploying Quest 6 (Mainnet Mint), implementing the "Graduation Certificate" logic, polishing the gamification UI, and bug-fixes.

Outputs:

1. Quest 6 live on Mainnet.
2. Graduation NFT minting logic operational.
3. Final Gamification UI.
4. Public Beta Launch of ChainRunner.

Acceptance Criteria

1. User can switch network to Mainnet and complete Quest 6 (Mainnet Mint).
2. Successfully mint a real NFT on Mainnet upon course completion.
3. Gamified UI accurately reflects progress.
4. The ChainRunner beta is launched to the public.

Evidence of Completion

1. Link to live Mainnet application.
2. Transaction hash of a graduation NFT mint.
3. Post on X publicising the release of the platform.

Delivery Month

11

Cost

36500

Progress

90 %

Milestone Title

Project Close-out & Reporting

Milestone Outputs

Creation of the Final Project Report and the Close-out Video. This milestone is dedicated to documentation, analyzing metrics, and summarizing the project's impact.

Outputs:

1. Final Project Report.
2. Close-out Video.

Acceptance Criteria

1. A project report that adheres to all the requirements presented in the Catalyst documentation: https://docs.projectcatalyst.io/current-fund/general-information/project-close-out-report-and-project-close-out-video-pcr-and-pcv
2. Video must demonstrate the working product and summarize project impact.

Evidence of Completion

1. Publicly available link to the closeout report in PDF format
2. Publicly available closeout video on YouTube or Vimeo.

Delivery Month

12

Cost

27750

Progress

100 %

[Final Pitch] Budget & Costs

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

The budget is calculated based on an estimated 986 hours of specialized work (Project Management, UI/UX Design, Full Stack Development) at an average rate of $75/USD per hour, with a 10% contingency buffer.

Infrastructure costs (hosting, database, domain, API keys) are estimated to be minimal during the prototype phase and are covered within the contingency buffer included in the milestone calculations.

The total is requested in ADA at an exchange rate of approx. $0.40 ($0.3932 at the time of writing).

Budget breakdown:

• M1: 41,350
• M2: 29,800
• M3: 49,600
• M4: 36,500
• M5: 27,750

Total: 185000 ADA

Total Duration: 12 Months

[Final Pitch] Value for Money

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

We are requesting 185,000 ADA to sustain a 12-month development lifecycle. This budget represents excellent value for the ecosystem for three reasons:

1. Below-Market Rates: The budget is calculated based on ~986 hours of specialized labor (Full-Stack Dev, PM, UI/UX) at roughly $75/hr (USD basis). This is significantly below the standard rate for senior US/EU developers and Project Managers with 4 years of Cardano-specific experience.
2. Permanent Open-Source Asset: Unlike a marketing campaign or a closed-source tool, ChainRunner delivers a permanent public good. The repository, the verification loop architecture, and the Module 1 curriculum will be MIT Licensed. The community keeps the engine.
3. High ROI on Developer Acquisition: The cost to the ecosystem of onboarding a new developer via traditional methods (hackathons/grants) is high. If ChainRunner successfully onboards just 50 new Mainnet developers over its lifetime, the cost-per-acquisition is minimal compared to the value those builders will bring to Cardano in transaction volume and new dApps.

[Self-Assessment] Self-Assessment Checklist

I confirm that evidence of prior research, whitepaper, design, or proof-of-concept is provided.

Yes

I confirm that the proposal includes ecosystem research and uses the findings to either (a) justify its uniqueness over existing solutions or (b) demonstrate the value of its novel approach.

Yes

I confirm that the proposal demonstrates technical capability via verifiable in-house talent or a confirmed development partner (GitHub, LinkedIn, portfolio, etc.)

Yes

I confirm that the proposer and all team members are in good standing with prior Catalyst projects.

Yes

I confirm that the proposal clearly defines the problem and the value of the on-chain utility.

Yes

I confirm that the primary goal of the proposal is a working prototype deployed on at least a Cardano testnet.

Yes

I confirm that the proposal outlines a credible and clear technical plan and architecture.

Yes

I confirm that the budget and timeline (≤ 12 months) are realistic for the proposed work.

Yes

I confirm that the proposal includes a community engagement and feedback plan to amplify prototype adoption with the Cardano ecosystem.

Yes

I confirm that the budget is for future development only; excludes retroactive funding, incentives, giveaways, re-granting, or sub-treasuries.

Yes

[Required Acknowledgements] Consent & Confirmation

I Agree

Yes