[LAB3] Next Generation Certificates: Soulbound Identity

[Proposal setup] Proposal title

Please provide your proposal title

[LAB3] Next Generation Certificates: Soulbound Identity

[Proposal Summary] Budget Information

Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA

77300

[Proposal Summary] Time

Please specify how many months you expect your project to last

8

[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?

Cardano learners rely on forgeable PDFs or tradable NFTs. No on-chain solution exists for non-transferable Proof-of-Knowledge (PoK) credentials.

[Proposal Summary] Supporting Documentation

Supporting links

• https://lab3.io.vn
,
• https://lms.lab3.io.vn
,
• https://github.com/cardano2vn/lms.git

[Proposal Summary] Project Dependencies

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

No

Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'

No dependencies

[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.

Our project will be fully open source under the MIT License. We will publish the entire codebase (Smart Contracts, Frontend, Backend, and AI/Playground modules) on a public GitHub repository to ensure transparency and community auditability. Note: While the software infrastructure is open source, the educational content (videos, documents) and user data will remain proprietary to C2VN.

[Theme Selection] Theme

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

Learn to Earn

[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).

• Integrated Learning Environment (Codespace & AI): We go beyond simple videos by integrating a live Code Playground for hands-on practice and an AI Chatbot for instant support. This interactive approach significantly boosts learner engagement compared to traditional platforms.
• Frictionless Hybrid Onboarding: Unlike strict Web3 platforms, we offer Social Login (Google/Email/Github) alongside Cardano wallet connections (Nami, Eternl). This "Hybrid" approach lowers entry barriers, allowing Web2 developers to start learning immediately without technical friction.
• Dynamic Soulbound Tokens (SBT): Our certificates utilize the CIP-68 standard, allowing metadata to evolve (e.g., updating user course progress) while remaining non-transferable. This ensures the credential represents true, living proof of competence.
• Addressing Universal Demand: This project directly serves the C2VN community, solving the issue where users lack ownership of their records. Our model grants learners sovereign control over their achievements, acting as a scalable pilot for the ecosystem.

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

• Functional LMS with AI & Codespace: A web-based portal allowing login via Wallet or Social Login. It uniquely features an embedded Code Playground for real-time coding practice and an AI Assistant to answer technical queries instantly.
• Auto-Minting Smart Contract: A tested backend mechanism that automatically triggers the minting of an SBT to the user's wallet upon 100% course completion.
• Verification Tool: A public interface allowing third parties (recruiters) to verify a learner's skills by scanning their Certificate QR code or looking up the TxHash.
• Access & Live Demo: A working demo is currently available at https://lms.lab3.io.vn . The final production version will be deployed at lms.cardano2vn.io with source code published on GitHub.

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

• User Adoption: Onboard at least 300 active learners who connect their Cardano wallets and enroll in at least one course.
• On-Chain Output: Mint a minimum of 200 Soulbound Token certificates on the Cardano mainnet within the project timeline.
• Engagement Rate: Achieve a 70% course completion rate for the pilot technical courses.
• Community Growth: Drive a 20% increase in active discussions regarding development and education in the C2VN Telegram channels.

[Your Project and Solution] Solution

Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem

1. THE PROBLEM: THE TRUST GAP IN EDUCATION As the demand for blockchain developers in Vietnam surges, the education sector faces a critical "Trust Gap." Currently, educational achievements are tracked via static PDF certificates or centralized databases controlled by course providers. These methods suffer from three major flaws:

• Lack of Ownership: Learners do not own their credentials; if the platform shuts down, their history is lost.
• Verifiability Issues: Recruiters cannot easily verify the authenticity of a PDF certificate, leading to potential fraud.
• Fragmentation: There is no unified, on-chain standard for mapping a developer's skill set to their digital identity.

2. OUR SOLUTION: THE C2VN SOULBOUND LMS We are building a Web3-native Learning Management System (LMS) specifically for the C2VN community, integrating an existing library of high-quality courses. Unlike traditional platforms, we integrate AI assistance and a Code Playground directly into the learning experience.

How it works (The User Journey):

• Connect (Hybrid Access): Learners log in using Cardano wallets (Nami, Eternl) OR Social Login (Google/Email). This removes entry barriers for Web2 users.
• Learn & Practice: Users watch high-quality video lessons and practice coding immediately in the integrated Code Playground. An AI Chatbot is available 24/7 to answer technical questions instantly.
• Prove: Learners must pass rigorous quizzes to validate their knowledge.
• Mint: Upon passing, the smart contract automatically mints a Soulbound Token (SBT) directly to the learner's wallet (email users will be guided to create a wallet at this stage).

3. KEY INNOVATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

• CIP-68 Standard: We utilize the CIP-68 standard for our SBTs. This allows the certificate's metadata to be dynamic. As a learner completes lectures and modules, the same token in their wallet automatically updates to reflect the real-time progress, creating a living history of achievement without wallet clutter.
• Non-Transferable (Soulbound): To ensure integrity, these tokens cannot be sold or transferred. They act as a permanent, immutable proof of competence tied to the individual's identity.
• Open Source Infrastructure: The entire codebase is Open Source (MIT License), allowing the community to audit the logic.

4. PROTOTYPE & FEASIBILITY We are moving beyond theory. A functional MVP is available for review:

• Live Demo: https://lms.lab3.io.vn
• Status: The frontend is operational with wallet connection and course viewing. Funding will be used to finalize the AI & Codespace integration, Smart Contracts, Security Audits, and Content Migration.

5. IMPACT & BENEFICIARIES

• For Learners: They gain sovereign control over their professional credentials. A verifiable on-chain CV helps them stand out to global recruiters.
• For Recruiters: A public verification tool allows instant validation of a candidate's skills via QR code scanning or Transaction Hash (TxHash) lookup.
• For the Ecosystem: This project acts as a scalable pilot, standardizing "Proof-of-Knowledge" for the entire Cardano ecosystem.

[Your Project and Solution] Impact

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

1. VALUE TO THE CARDANO COMMUNITY Our project delivers impact on two levels: Local depth and Global scalability.

• Professionalizing the Workforce: Vietnam is top 5 globally for crypto adoption. We transform "speculators" into "builders" by providing a trusted education platform.
• Accelerating Developer Growth: By integrating AI Assistance and a Code Playground, we significantly reduce the learning curve. This allows developers to move from "theory" to "building real dApps" much faster than on traditional video-only platforms.
• Lowering Entry Barriers: The Hybrid Login (Social login/Wallet) acts as a bridge, bringing Web2 developers into Web3 without the immediate friction of wallet management.

2. MEASURING IMPACT We will track success using specific quantitative targets:

• User Adoption: Onboard at least 300 active learners who connect their accounts and enroll in courses.
• On-Chain Output: Mint a minimum of 200 Soulbound Token certificates on the Cardano mainnet.
• Engagement Rate: Achieve a 70% course completion rate for pilot courses, driven by the interactive coding environment.
• Community Growth: Drive a 20% increase in active discussions in C2VN channels.

Qualitative Metrics:

• Success Stories: Document 5 case studies of learners securing jobs/funding using their SBTs.
• Interactive Usage: Track the frequency of Code Playground executions and AI queries to measure practical skill development.

3. SHARING OUTPUTS & OPPORTUNITIES Transparency is our priority.

• Open Source Code: The full source code (Frontend, Smart Contracts, AI/Playground modules) will be published on GitHub (MIT License) for other communities to clone.
• Monthly Reports: Progress updates published on Project Catalyst and C2VN forums.
• Community Channels: Success stories broadcasted to thousands of Vietnamese members via C2VN social channels.

[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 Next Generation Certificates: Soulbound Identity project is executed by a highly experienced team combining blockchain expertise, AI research, and academic rigor from the University of Transport and Communications (UTC).

1. PROVEN TRACK RECORD

Our team has successfully delivered high-impact technical solutions, validated by prestigious awards within the ecosystem:

• Catalyst Fund 14 Success: Two of our core team members were funded in Fund 14, ensuring deep familiarity with ecosystem standards and reporting.
• 2nd Place – Cardano Blockchain Hackathon 2025 (ST): Awarded for our innovative decentralized education solution.
• 3rd Place – National Scientific Research Competition: Recognized for the research topic "Decentralized LMS with Blockchain-based Certificates on Cardano".
• 2nd Place – Scientific Research 2025: Sign Language Recognition using Deep Learning.

2. EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE & CONTENT ASSETS

We are not starting from zero. We possess both established platforms and new prototypes:

• NextGen Prototype (Staging): https://lms.lab3.io.vn
• Current Legacy Platform: https://lms.cardano2vn.io
• Community Hub & Docs: https://www.cardano2vn.io

C2VN COURSE LIBRARY (READY-TO-DEPLOY): We have immediate access to C2VN's comprehensive repository of localized video courses covering Haskell, Plutus, and Aiken. This ensures the platform delivers high-quality educational value from Day 1.

3. PROJECT MANAGEMENT & TRANSPARENCY

To ensure responsible fund management, we will:

• Strategic Planning: Follow a phased roadmap using Agile methodology, breaking down milestones into bi-weekly sprints.
• Security First: Maintain private repositories with strict access control and conduct independent security audits before release.
• Financial Integrity: Track measurable KPIs and provide transparent financial reporting for all received funds, strictly adhering to SoM/PoA requirements.

4. FEASIBILITY VALIDATION METHODOLOGY

We mitigate risks through a rigorous testing cycle:

• Prototype Testing: Deploy initial LMS modules on Cardano Pre-prod Testnet to confirm Soulbound Minting functionality.
• Dual-Pilot Validation: Run parallel pilots with the C2VN community (crypto-natives) and UTC students (academic setting) to collect diverse feedback.
• AI Accuracy Assessment: Continuous evaluation of the AI Chatbot's responses to ensure correct technical guidance.

[Milestones] Project Milestones

Milestone Title

Project Launch & Foundation

Milestone Outputs

• Advanced Server infrastructure setup (ready for AI/Sandbox).
• Complete System Architecture & Database Design.
• Final UI/UX Design (Figma) for LMS & Codespace.
• Project management plan & team onboarding documentation.

Acceptance Criteria

• GitHub Repository: A public link to the source code containing the initial server setup, CI/CD configuration, and a README with installation instructions.
• Architecture Docs: A document link presenting the System Architecture Diagram and Database Schema design.
• UI/UX Designs: A link to the final Figma design files covering key screens like the Hybrid Login, Course Dashboard, Code Playground, and Certificate Minting interface.

Evidence of Completion

• A direct URL to the public GitHub repository containing the initialized server code and CI/CD configuration. Additionally, we will submit a comprehensive PDF document detailing the System Architecture and Database Schema, along with a link to the finalized Figma UI/UX design board.

Delivery Month

1

Cost

14700

Progress

10 %

Milestone Title

Core LMS Features & AI Integration

Milestone Outputs

• Backend APIs for Hybrid Auth (Wallet/Email) & Course Management.
• Frontend Course Player & Dashboard implementation.
• Integration of AI Chatbot & Code Playground environment.
• QA Testing for core modules.

Acceptance Criteria

• Video Demo: A recorded walkthrough showing a user logging in (via Wallet/Google), browsing the course catalog, and interacting with the AI Chatbot.
• Code Playground Demo: A video segment demonstrating the code execution sandbox working within a lesson.
• Source Code: A direct link to the GitHub branch containing the fully functional Frontend and Backend modules.

Evidence of Completion

• A recorded video demonstration showing the full user flow: logging in, accessing the AI Chatbot, and running code in the Playground. We will also provide a link to the updated GitHub repository with the core code and a public URL to the Swagger/OpenAPI documentation.

Delivery Month

4

Cost

18500

Progress

40 %

Milestone Title

Smart Contracts & NFT Certificates

Milestone Outputs

• Completed Smart Contract logic for Minting Soulbound Tokens (CIP-68).
• Integration of Smart Contract with the Backend.
• Deployment of the minting system on Cardano Pre-prod Testnet.
• Internal Security Audit & Optimization.

Acceptance Criteria

• Testnet Transaction: A link to a transaction hash (TxHash) on the Cardano Pre-prod explorer showing a successful Soulbound Token mint.
• Smart Contract Code: A direct link to the validated Aiken/Plutus minting scripts in the public GitHub repository.
• Integration Demo: A video showing the end-to-end flow: a user finishing a quiz and automatically receiving the NFT certificate in their Nami wallet.

Evidence of Completion

• A verifiable Transaction Hash (TxHash) on the Cardano Pre-prod Explorer confirming the successful minting of a Soulbound Token. This will be accompanied by a video walkthrough of the "Study-to-Mint" process and a direct link to the validated Smart Contract code (Aiken/Plutus) on GitHub.

Delivery Month

6

Cost

15900

Progress

70 %

Milestone Title

Advanced Features & Payments

Milestone Outputs

• Direct Payment & Enrollment logic integration.
• Admin Dashboard for analytics & user management.
• System performance tuning and load testing (High Traffic).
• Final security hardening and bug fixes.

Acceptance Criteria

• Payment Flow Demo: A video demonstrating the direct enrollment process where a user pays ADA to unlock premium course content.
• Admin Dashboard: Screenshots or a live link to the admin panel showing real-time user analytics, course management tools, and revenue tracking.
• Performance Report: A technical document summarizing load testing results, proving the system can handle concurrent users without latency.

Evidence of Completion

• A video demonstration of the direct payment and enrollment workflow. We will also submit a comprehensive "Performance & Security Report" (PDF) containing load testing results, alongside a gallery of high-resolution screenshots showing the Admin Dashboard analytics and user management tools.

Delivery Month

7

Cost

14400

Progress

90 %

Milestone Title

Pilot Launch & Project Close-out

Milestone Outputs

• Launch of Pilot Program with C2VN Community & UTC University.
• Learner Support operations & Community AMA.
• Final Project Report (PDF) summarizing impact and metrics.
• Project Close-out Video showcasing the platform and user testimonials.

Acceptance Criteria

• Final Report: A comprehensive PDF report submitted to Catalyst, detailing project impact, pilot results, and a financial summary of funds used.
• Close-out Video: A public YouTube link showcasing the live platform, user testimonials from the pilot program, and the project's journey.
• Pilot Metrics: Data evidence (screenshots/logs) showing at least 300 user registrations and successful certificate mints during the pilot phase.

Evidence of Completion

• The official Project Close-out Report (PDF) summarizing KPIs, financial data, and pilot impact. We will also submit a public YouTube link to the "Project Close-out Video" featuring user testimonials, platform demo, and a data log confirming the registration of at least 300 pilot users.

Delivery Month

8

Cost

13800

Progress

100 %

[Final Pitch] Budget & Costs

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Milestone 1: Project Launch & Foundation (Month 1) Total milestone: 14,460 ₳ (18.38%)

• Advanced Server Infrastructure: 1,800 ₳
• System Architecture & Database Design: 2,400 ₳
• Security & Backend Planning: 1,800 ₳
• UI/UX Design (LMS + Codespace): 2,400 ₳
• Project Management: 1,500 ₳
• Team Onboarding & Documentation: 4,800 ₳

Milestone 2: Core LMS Features Development (Months 2, 3, 4) Total milestone: 19,500 ₳ (24.79%)

• Backend Core (Auth, Course, Enrollment, Learn API): 4,800 ₳
• Frontend: Course Player & Dashboard: 4,200 ₳
• AI Chatbot Integration & Fine-tuning: 3,000 ₳
• Code Playground Environment Setup: 3,600 ₳
• QA Testing (LMS + AI Modules): 2,400 ₳
• Project Management: 1,500 ₳

Milestone 3: Smart Contracts & NFT Certificates (Month 5, 6) Total milestone: 16,260 ₳ (20.67%)

• Smart Contract Logic (CIP-68 Minting): 4,800 ₳
• Internal Security Audit & Optimization: 3,000 ₳
• Testnet Integration & Verification: 3,000 ₳
• Wallet Integration & Event Listener: 3,600 ₳
• Project Management: 1,500 ₳

Milestone 4: Advanced Features & Payments (Month 7) Total milestone: 14,400 ₳ (18.31%)

• Payment Gateway & Enrollment Logic: 2,400 ₳
• Admin Dashboard & Advanced Analytics: 3,000 ₳
• System Load Testing (High Traffic): 3,000 ₳
• Final Bug Fixing & Hardening: 3,000 ₳
• Documentation & User Guides: 1,500 ₳
• Project Management: 1,500 ₳

Milestone 5: Pilot Launch & Project Close-out (Month 8) Total milestone: 14,040 ₳ (17.85%)

• Pilot Launch Operation (UTC & C2VN): 3,600 ₳
• Marketing & Community AMA: 2,400 ₳
• Learner Support Team: 3,600 ₳
• Final Project Report (PDF): 1,200 ₳
• Open Source Release & Cleanup: 1,500 ₳
• Project Management: 1,500 ₳

Detail: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vOBdlW5K8v0v4oBZEgD5iSD99tz1FLqWckn2KRotpJw/edit?usp=sharing

[Final Pitch] Value for Money

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

We ensure every ADA is spent wisely by NOT starting from scratch. Instead of spending budget on creating new videos, we use existing C2VN courses and focus 100% on building the technology (AI & Smart Contracts). Here is why this project is a great deal:

1. SAVING COSTS: NO MONEY SPENT ON CONTENT Most education projects ask for a lot of money to make videos and write books. We do not.

• Using What We Have: We already have a full library of C2VN blockchain courses. This means 0% of the budget is wasted on making content.
• Spending on Tech: Instead, 100% of the money goes to building the AI Chatbot and Code Playground. This ensures the community gets a powerful software product, not just a playlist of videos.

2. BIG RESULTS: CREATING MORE DEVELOPERS We see this grant as an investment to grow the community.

• Efficient Training: By using AI to help students learn and practice, we lower the cost of training a new developer significantly.
• Real Value: Every ADA spent helps turn a "coin holder" into a "developer." These developers will build apps and contribute code, bringing value back to Cardano that is worth much more than the cost of this project.

3. FREE TOOLS FOR EVERYONE (OPEN SOURCE) This project delivers a comprehensive, ready-to-deploy solution for the global community.

• Global Use: We will share all our code (Website, AI tools, Smart Contracts) for free. Developer communities worldwide can copy our system to start their own schools instantly.
• Sharing Knowledge: We are giving complex educational technology to everyone, saving future projects hundreds of hours of work.

4. SMART SPENDING Our budget is calculated based on fair market rates for skilled engineers.

• Efficiency: We keep our team small and efficient. We minimize management costs to ensure most of the money pays for real work: coding, security, and helping users.
• Maximum Impact: This careful spending ensures that every ADA is used to create the best possible product.

5. LONG-TERM VALUE Unlike workshops that stop when the money runs out, this platform works forever. Once launched, the AI and Smart Contracts run automatically. This allows the system to teach thousands of students for years with very little cost.

[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