Please describe your proposed solution

Proposed Solution:

1. This project involves signing agreements with 10 institutions (universities, educational centers, government entities, etc.) and installing a physical Cardano node at each of these institutions, interconnecting them to form the ALBA network.

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

Measurement of Impact:

• Quantitative Metrics: We will measure the number of nodes installed, institutions onboarded, and the network's resulting decentralization.
• Qualitative Metrics: We will assess the value these nodes provide in creating a reliable, institution-backed entry point to the Cardano ecosystem.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

• We will share our outcomes through public reports, presentations, and community channels, demonstrating the benefits of institution-backed nodes and encouraging broader adoption.
• The progress and results will be made available to the Cardano ecosystem through community updates, fostering transparency and replicability of our approach.

This project will establish a physical presence for Cardano within key institutions, promoting both decentralization and real-world network integration.

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?

Team Members and Roles:

• José Iadicicco: Lead Applicant and Strategic Coordinator. José is a Cardano Ambassador and co-founder of ADA Solar. He leads ALBA at UTN, built the first physical Cardano node in Latin America, and has extensive experience in blockchain education initiatives.

• Kehua Yang: Master in Education and university professor at the University of Taipei. Kehua has co-led the Cardano Summit Buenos Aires and will be instrumental in educational content development and community outreach.

What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Milestone 1: Preparation and Coordination:

• Outputs: Finalize agreements with at least the 3 first institutions to install the Cardano Nodes.
• Acceptance Criteria: Signed installation agreements.
• Evidence: Copies of agreements to install the three first nodes.

Milestone 2: Hardware Preparation:

• Outputs: Purchase and prepare hardware for the 10 Cardano nodes.
• Acceptance Criteria: All hardware acquired and configured for deployment.
• Evidence: Receipts of hardware purchases, configuration documentation, and readiness confirmation for installation.

Milestone 3: Software Installation:

• Outputs: Install Cardano Node software on the 10 servers.
• Acceptance Criteria: All 10 servers have the Cardano Node software successfully installed and running.
• Evidence: Installation logs, server configuration details, and successful operation confirmations.

Milestone 4: Node Installation:

• Outputs: Install the first 3 physical Cardano nodes.
• Acceptance Criteria: Successful installation confirmed with photos.
• Evidence: Photos of installed nodes, setup documentation, and confirmation of operational status.

Milestone 5: ALBA Network Expansion:

• Outputs: Expand the ALBA network to 6 institutions.
• Acceptance Criteria: Successful setup of Cardano nodes at 6 institutions.
• Evidence: Installation reports, photos of nodes at each institution, and confirmation of operational connectivity.

Final Milestone: Full Node Installation and Network Integration (Completion by March 2026)

• Outputs: Install all 10 Cardano nodes and interconnect them.
• Acceptance Criteria: All 10 nodes are installed, interconnected, and operational within the ALBA network.
• Evidence: Installation reports, network diagrams, photos of each node, and connectivity testing results.

Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Team Members and Roles:

• José Iadicicco: Lead Applicant and Strategic Coordinator. José is a Cardano Ambassador and co-founder of ADA Solar. He leads ALBA at UTN and has extensive experience in blockchain education initiatives.

• Kehua Yang: Master in Education and university professor at the University of Taipei. Kehua has co-led the Cardano Summit Buenos Aires and will be instrumental in educational content development and community outreach.

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Estimated Budget: 100,000 ₳

• Hardware Procurement (servers, equipment): ₳45,000
• Logistics (transport, shipping, handling): ₳20,000
• Installation and Setup (technical setup, on-site installation): ₳20,000
• Coordination and Management (planning, communication, administration): ₳10,000
• Miscellaneous (unexpected expenses, maintenance support): ₳5,000

No Dependencies

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

Value for Money:

The estimated budget of ₳100,000 represents excellent value for the Cardano ecosystem by focusing on creating a sustainable and decentralized network of physical nodes across Latin America. This budget will primarily be allocated to hardware procurement, logistics, installation, and coordination, ensuring that each node is established securely and effectively.

The cost is reasonable when considering the infrastructure being built, as setting up physical nodes requires specialized hardware, technical expertise, and thorough coordination with institutions. We have benchmarked hardware and logistics costs against local suppliers to ensure cost efficiency. Furthermore, the costs are in line with local industry standards for installation and project management, providing a proportional investment relative to the project's scope.

By building a network of nodes integrated into academic and governmental institutions, we are ensuring not only the decentralization of the Cardano blockchain but also creating reliable entry points into the ecosystem. This direct connection with educational institutions also strengthens the visibility and practical use of blockchain technology, providing a long-term impact that extends beyond the initial installation.

The ALBA network will improve Cardano’s resilience and decentralization, addressing the current lack of physical nodes in the region. The project offers both immediate value by strengthening the network and long-term value by establishing a framework for future blockchain expansion in Latin America.