Please describe your proposed solution.

Our proposed solution aims to build and integrate a Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) component into ridesharing platforms utilizing Cardano's Atala PRISM technology. This MVP will address the fundamental issue of identity verification, which is a significant challenge for ridesharing platforms, while also emphasizing user privacy.

The SSI component will use Cardano's Atala PRISM, a decentralized identity solution, to provide users with control over their personal data and share only the necessary details for verification. Our solution thus enhances user privacy and security, without the need for centralized storage of data.

Given the MVP's nature, our initial focus will be on working closely with a limited number of stakeholders, primarily the ridesharing platform operators and developers. Our main objective is to integrate and test the SSI component within a controlled environment, gathering feedback, and iterating the design and implementation based on the findings.

What distinguishes our solution is its utilization of blockchain technology to improve identity verification in ridesharing platforms. Our approach brings to the forefront the benefits of using a decentralized, transparent, and tamper-proof system in the context of ridesharing, increasing user trust and data privacy.

To track the project's progress and impact, we'll focus on quantifiable and direct indicators such as successful integration of the SSI module, the number of bugs identified and resolved, and feedback from stakeholder consultations.

This project is essential to Cardano, as it presents a practical use case for Atala PRISM technology and demonstrates the potential of Cardano's blockchain technology in improving real-world systems. This MVP has the potential to pave the way for wider adoption of Cardano in diverse industries and further strengthen its ecosystem.

How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

Our proposed solution directly addresses the Atala PRISM: Launch Ecosystem challenge by integrating an SSI component into ridesharing platforms. This aligns with the challenge's aim of promoting the mass adoption of blockchain technology through real-world applications and ecosystem development.

The SSI component, powered by Cardano's Atala PRISM, tackles a key issue in ridesharing platforms: secure and privacy-preserving identity verification. By resolving this issue, our solution offers a compelling use case for blockchain technology, which can attract interest from other industries seeking similar solutions, thereby fostering the adoption and expansion of the Cardano ecosystem.

The primary benefit to the Cardano ecosystem is the demonstration of the practical application of its blockchain technology. By showcasing how Cardano's Atala PRISM can be utilized in ridesharing platforms, the project contributes to validating Cardano's real-world utility, potentially inspiring other innovators to build on Cardano.

Another crucial benefit is the creation of a blueprint for SSI integration in similar platforms. The learnings and experiences from this project can serve as a valuable resource for other developers and companies interested in leveraging Atala PRISM for their identity verification needs, thus promoting further development within the Cardano ecosystem.

Lastly, the project also indirectly contributes to the community growth of Cardano. The increased awareness and practical demonstration of Cardano's capabilities can attract more developers, investors, and users to the ecosystem.

In terms of quantifiable impact, the project's success can be measured by the successful integration of the SSI module, number of bugs identified and resolved, and the quality of feedback from stakeholder consultations. While the initial user base might be limited given the project's MVP nature, it lays the foundation for potential scale-up and wider adoption in the future.

How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

The success of our project will be evaluated based on a set of qualitative and quantitative measures. Given the nature of the project and its early-stage MVP status, we believe the following metrics are realistic and comprehensive in assessing our impact:

1. Successful integration of the SSI module into a ridesharing platform: The core measure of success is the completion of the SSI module and its successful integration
2. Number of f bugs identified and resolved: This measure evaluates the technical robustness of the SSI module
3. Quality and usefulness of feedback from stakeholder consultations: The subjective feedback from stakeholder consultations is a qualitative measure that gives us insight into the user experience, potential improvements, and the practicality of the SSI module
4. Completion of project milestones on schedule: The adherence to the project timeline and completion of milestones as planned is another crucial measure of success
5. Governance Framework Acceptance: The acceptance of the developed governance framework by stakeholders and the Cardano community is a critical measure of the project's long-term sustainability

The short-term impact on Cardano's productivity and growth can be evaluated through the successful execution of the project, the validation of Atala PRISM's utility in a real-world application, and increased interest from similar platforms or industries.

In the long term, this project can stimulate further development and adoption within the Cardano ecosystem by serving as a blueprint for SSI integration in other platforms. It can also contribute to the growth of the Cardano community by attracting more developers, users, and investors interested in the practical application of Cardano's blockchain technology.

Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

Our plan for sharing the outputs and results of the project is multifaceted and intended to ensure the widest possible dissemination within the Cardano community and beyond. Here are the key steps:

1. Documentation and Reporting: Comprehensive documentation of the project development, milestones, challenges, and outcomes will be regularly updated and made available to the public through a dedicated website
2. Community Engagement: We plan to organize online webinars and workshops to share our project's outputs with the Cardano community
3. Social Media and Blog Posts: Regular updates will be shared through social media and blog posts to reach a wider audience
4. Conferences and Industry Events: We aim to present the results of the project at relevant industry events and conferences to attract interest from the broader blockchain and ridesharing communities

As for the use of the results generated from the project, the insights and experience gained from developing and integrating the SSI module into a ridesharing platform will inform further research and development activities. The lessons learned can be applied to similar projects within the Cardano ecosystem, leading to faster and more efficient development cycles. Furthermore, we hope that the project outputs, particularly the SSI module and governance framework, will serve as a foundation for future initiatives focused on enhancing privacy and security within the Cardano ecosystem and beyond.

What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

As PeakSoft GmbH, a Germany-based consulting company, we bring an extensive range of skills and experiences to the table, making us uniquely positioned to deliver this project.

• Company Reputation and Track Record: Over the years, we have established ourselves as a trusted entity, working with large-scale applications and big clients. Our projects' success, including partnerships with leading German automakers, underscores our ability to deliver high-quality results and manage large-scale projects efficiently.
• Solid Team Foundation: Our company boasts six full-time employees, each bringing their expertise in diverse disciplines such as software development, quality assurance, project management, and blockchain technology. This strong internal structure will ensure that all aspects of our project are managed effectively.
• Extended Resources: Beyond our internal team, we have access to an extensive network of external consultants. Should the need arise, we can swiftly deploy additional resources to ensure our project progresses without disruption.
• Web2 and Web3 Expertise: Our team members are pioneers in both web2 and web3 technologies. We have in-depth experience in large-scale software quality assurance and application development. Furthermore, our involvement as Plutus Pioneers and Atala PRISM Pioneers showcases our deep-rooted understanding and commitment to the Cardano ecosystem.
• Transparency and Accountability: We prioritize maintaining clear communication with the community. Regular progress reports and periodic webinars and Q&A sessions will be organized to keep stakeholders updated. Our stringent budgeting and auditing procedures will ensure that funds are managed appropriately and used as intended.

While our current budget allows for the completion of our proposed project, we may consider seeking additional funding in future Catalyst rounds. This would enable us to introduce new features and expand our project's scope. Any additional funding required will be detailed in a separate, new proposal.

To track the progress of our project, we'll implement Agile methodologies, particularly Scrum, and set clear acceptance criteria for each project component and deliverable. We'll also make use of Scrum boards and product backlogs to provide a transparent and constantly updated view of our progress.

For us, success is not merely about reaching milestones. It also involves accomplishing our established acceptance criteria and user stories within our sprints, and successfully delivering the first product increment within the proposed timeline. In essence, success means delivering a product that meets our high-quality standards and offers real value to the Cardano ecosystem.

What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

The main goals of this project are as follows:

1. Develop an SSI module: The primary goal of this project is to develop a scalable and robust SSI module that can be integrated into existing and future ridesharing platform
2. Integration of SSI module into a Ridesharing Platform: Once the SSI module has been developed, the next goal is to integrate it into a ridesharing platform for pilot testing
3. Promote awareness and adoption: The final goal is to promote the awareness and adoption of the developed SSI module within the ridesharing community and wider blockchain industry

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will conduct a series of reviews and evaluations at different stages of the project. The successful development and integration of the SSI module will serve as a key indicator of the feasibility of our technical approach. Furthermore, feedback from stakeholders and end-users will help us to evaluate the practicality and usefulness of our solution.

On the technical side, we will follow best practices in software development, including iterative development, thorough testing, and code reviews. We will also make use of tools and technologies that have been proven effective in similar projects.

Ultimately, the success of our project will be measured by the successful development and integration of the SSI module, the positive feedback and adoption from stakeholders, and the contribution to the growth and development of the Cardano ecosystem.

Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

Milestone 1: Project Kickoff and Planning

Brief Description: Initial phase for defining the project scope, finalizing the project plan, conducting a kickoff meeting with stakeholders, and completing the analysis of the ridesharing industry's needs and requirements.

Key Tasks: Define project scope, develop project plan, conduct kickoff meeting, perform industry needs assessment.

Timeline: 1 month

Milestone 2: Development of SSI Module

Brief Description: This phase involves developing the SSI module using Cardano's Atala PRISM. The module will be designed to handle digital identities, verify users' credentials, and facilitate secure interactions.

Key Tasks: Design SSI module, develop functionalities, conduct unit and integration testing.

Timeline: 4 months

Milestone 3: Integration into a Ridesharing Platform and Testing

Brief Description: In this phase, the developed SSI module will be integrated into a ridesharing platform for testing. This testing will help identify any bugs or issues and provide insights into its real-world functionality.

Key Tasks: Integrate SSI module with a ridesharing platform, conduct user acceptance testing, address bugs and issues.

Timeline: 2 months

Milestone 4: Stakeholder Engagement and Education

Brief Description: This phase involves conducting stakeholder workshops to gather feedback, create awareness about the solution, and promote its adoption within the ridesharing industry.

Key Tasks: Organize workshops, gather feedback, and refine the SSI module and framework based on feedback.

Timeline: 1 month

Milestone 5: Governance Framework Development and Review

Brief Description: The final stage involves developing a governance framework that will guide the structure, coordination, and overall management of the project. This framework will then be reviewed and revised if necessary.

Key Tasks: Develop governance framework, review and revise as necessary.

Timeline: 2 months

Each milestone's success will be evaluated based on the completion of key tasks and the objectives set for each phase. Progress reviews will be conducted regularly to monitor the advancement and make adjustments as necessary.

Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Milestone 1: Project Kickoff and Planning

Deliverables: A detailed project plan, stakeholder meeting minutes, and a report detailing the needs and requirements of the ridesharing industry.

Outcomes: A clear and actionable project plan, a united and informed project team, and an understanding of the industry’s requirements.

Measurement: Successful completion of the project plan and positive feedback from stakeholders on their understanding of the project goals and objectives.

Milestone 2: Development of SSI Module

Deliverables: A functional SSI module developed on Cardano's Atala PRISM with associated documentation and testing reports.

Outcomes: A working SSI module that can handle digital identities, verify users' credentials, and facilitate secure transactions.

Measurement: Successful completion of the SSI module and passing of all unit and integration tests.

Milestone 3: Integration into a Ridesharing Platform and Testing

Deliverables: A working integration of the SSI module into a ridesharing platform, complete with testing reports and resolved bug reports.

Outcomes: A tested and functional SSI module integrated into a ridesharing platform.

Measurement: Successful integration and user acceptance tests passed, along with all identified bugs or issues resolved.

Milestone 4: Stakeholder Engagement and Education

Deliverables: Stakeholder workshop materials, feedback reports, and a refined SSI module and governance framework.

Outcomes: Increased awareness and understanding of the solution among stakeholders, along with a refined SSI module and governance framework that reflect stakeholder feedback.

Measurement: Positive feedback from workshop participants and successful refinement of the SSI module and governance framework based on the feedback received.

Milestone 5: Governance Framework Development and Review

Deliverables: A finalized governance framework document, review reports, and a refined governance framework if necessary.

Outcomes: A governance framework that guides the structure, coordination, and overall management of the project.

Measurement: Successful development and review of the governance framework, including any necessary revisions made.

Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

Milestone 1: Project Kickoff and Planning

Cost: 50k ADA

This budget will be spent on planning activities including the organization and facilitation of the stakeholder meetings, needs assessment, and creation of the project plan.

Milestone 2: Development of SSI Module

Cost: 200k ADA

This budget is allocated for the development of the SSI module. This includes designing the SSI module, coding, and conducting unit and integration testing.

Milestone 3: Integration into a Ridesharing Platform and Testing

Cost: 120k ADA

This budget is earmarked for the integration of the SSI module into the ridesharing platform, user acceptance testing, and addressing bugs and issues.

Milestone 4: Stakeholder Engagement and Education

Cost: 30k ADA

This will cover the costs of organizing workshops, gathering feedback, and refining the SSI module and governance framework.

Milestone 5: Governance Framework Development and Review

Cost: 50k ADA

This budget allocation is for the development of the governance framework, its internal and external reviews, and making necessary revisions.

It's worth noting that while we aren't explicitly budgeting for any third-party products or services, the budget allocated for each milestone does account for the resources that will be required at each stage, which includes any software, tools, or services necessary for project implementation and management.

Finally, this budget estimate takes into account that the project team will manage the funds responsibly, ensuring that all spending aligns with the intended milestones and outcomes of the project.

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

• Oussama Benmahmoud: As CEO and Co-Founder of PeakSoft GmbH, Oussama is a Certified PMP, ITIL, Professional Scrum Master, and Product Owner, and holds an ISTQB Advanced Level Certification. His key roles include Project Management, Software Quality Assurance, and Blockchain Development. His extensive Connected Car Projects experience and achievements as a Plutus Pioneer and Atala PRISM Pioneer make him a valuable asset to the team. LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oussama-benmahmoud-43693926/
• Abderrahim Issaoui: As the CTO and Co-Founder of PeakSoft GmbH, Abderrahim brings over a decade of experience e as a Software Engineer. He is Atala PRISM Pioneer. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abderrahim-issaoui-b3149227/
• Habib Mokni: Habib is our Software Engineer and Frontend Developer. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/habibmokni/
• Mohammed Abdelali: Mohammed is an Electronic and Communication Engineer, focusing on Software Quality Assurance. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammed-abdelali-290b7b101/
• Neyla Issaoui: Neyla is part of the Project Management Office, handling Administration, Accounting, and Coordination tasks. LinkedIn
• Ramla Mahjoub: Ramla works in Software Quality Assurance and some project coordination duties, and she is also ISTQB certified. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramla-mahjoub-25a1843b/

Our team roles and responsibilities for the project are:

1. Project Management - Oussama Benmahmoud (Certified PMP, ITIL, Professional Scrum Master, Product Owner)
2. Blockchain Development - Abderrahim Issaoui, Oussama Benmahmoud (Both Plutus Pioneers)
3. Frontend Development - Abderrahim Issaoui (Lead), Habib Mokni
4. Mobility Integration - Mohammed Abdelali, Oussama Benmahmoud
5. Software Quality Assurance - Mohammed Abdelali, Oussama Benmahmoud, Ramla Mahjoub (All three are ISTQB certified, Oussama at Advanced Level)
6. Administration, Accounting, and Coordination Tasks - Neyla Issaoui, Ramla Mahjoub

The team is prepared to engage external consultants if necessary, as we are always open to bringing in more expertise. We remain committed to active engagement with the Cardano community and technical-group channels and understand the expectations of proof of life verifications and public proposal availability. Our team's combined skills and experience make us well-suited to execute this project and contribute significantly to the Cardano ecosystem.

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

The budget for our project is set at 450,000 ADA, and while this may seem substantial, the value that it can bring to the Cardano ecosystem, in terms of both technological advancements and the community growth, justifies this cost.

The project focuses on developing a digital identity solution using Atala PRISM, an essential component in the blockchain industry, particularly in the context of decentralized identity and data privacy. The cost associated with the development of such an application reflects the complexity and sophistication of the task. It considers the requirement for skilled blockchain developers and experts who are often in high demand and, therefore, command higher than average compensation rates.

Furthermore, the project doesn't just develop a solution but also aims to incorporate it in a real-world context, i.e., ridesharing platforms, which includes the integration and testing cost. The project also focuses on engagement with stakeholders and community, the development and refinement of a governance framework, all of which are critical for the project's long-term success and sustainability but require resources to be executed effectively.

The costs have been estimated based on the standard rates for software development projects, considering both the time needed and the skill level required for each phase. We've also taken into account the potential costs of unforeseen complications or delays that could arise during development and testing.

In terms of the value to the Cardano ecosystem, this project will not only add a functional and tested application to the suite of available tools on Cardano but it will also foster increased adoption and innovation. By demonstrating the practical use case of Atala PRISM, we'll attract more users and developers to the ecosystem, leading to increased network activity and transaction volumes, which benefit the entire ecosystem.

In summary, the project aims to deliver significant value by enhancing the Cardano ecosystem's functionality, driving adoption, and demonstrating a practical implementation of decentralized identity, all of which significantly outweighs the initial cost outlay.