Please describe your proposed solution.

Our proposed solution is to organize a hackathon focused on Cardano in Argentina, which addresses several important aspects:

A. Problem and Approach: The problem we are addressing is the need for fostering innovation, skill development, and community engagement within the Cardano ecosystem. We believe that hackathons provide an ideal platform to bring together creative minds, developers, and blockchain enthusiasts to explore and showcase the potential of Cardano's technology. Our approach combines hands-on experience, mentorship, and collaboration to drive innovation and create a supportive environment for participants.

B. Engagement: Our hackathon will engage developers, entrepreneurs, students, and blockchain enthusiasts in Argentina. By providing an inclusive and collaborative environment, we will attract diverse participants who are interested in learning about, experimenting with, and advocating for Cardano. We aim to bring together people from various backgrounds to foster collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas, ultimately strengthening the Cardano community in Argentina.

C. Demonstrating Impact: We will demonstrate the impact of our project through several means:

• Number and Quality of Projects: The quantity and quality of projects developed during the hackathon will showcase the innovative solutions and ideas generated within the Cardano ecosystem.
• Participant Feedback: Gathering feedback from participants on their experience, skill development, and overall satisfaction will help validate the impact of our approach in fostering learning, collaboration, and community engagement.
• Community Growth: By tracking the continued engagement and contributions of participants following the hackathon, we can measure the impact on the expansion and vibrancy of the Cardano community in Argentina.

D. Uniqueness and Benefits: Our hackathon stands out in its focus on Cardano, a leading blockchain platform known for its security, sustainability, and accessibility. By exclusively concentrating on Cardano, we provide participants with a unique opportunity to explore the intricacies of this technology, gain hands-on experience, and leverage its potential for innovative solutions. Participants will benefit from learning, networking, and mentorship opportunities, while the Cardano ecosystem benefits from the increased awareness, talent development, and potential projects that may emerge from the hackathon.

Our solution aligns with Cardano's vision of empowering individuals, promoting decentralized innovation, and building a blockchain ecosystem that is robust, sustainable, and scalable. By creating an environment conducive to creativity, collaboration, and skill development, our hackathon contributes to the growth and advancement of the Cardano ecosystem, supporting its long-term success and adoption.

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

Our proposed solution directly addresses the challenge by focusing on the aims outlined in the challenge statement. These aims include equipping and supporting developers with tools and working infrastructure, making Cardano the preferred choice for building dApps, and fostering the evolution of the Cardano developer ecosystem.

By organizing the "Cardano Hackathon in Argentina II," we will bring developers, coders, and enthusiasts together to work collaboratively on Plutus/Haskell projects. This hackathon will provide a platform to promote developer competency, encourage innovation, and facilitate collaboration within the Cardano ecosystem.

The impact of this project goes beyond funding the project team. It brings immense value to the Cardano ecosystem in the following ways:

1. Strengthening Developer Ecosystem: The hackathon will attract developers, both from within the Cardano community and from external sources, to engage with Plutus/Haskell, thereby expanding the developer ecosystem. This will lead to a broader talent pool, increased expertise, and continuous knowledge sharing.
2. Increasing Adoption and Usage: By promoting Cardano as the preferred choice for building dApps, our project will contribute to increased adoption and usage of the Cardano blockchain. Developers who participate in the hackathon will gain hands-on experience and motivation to continue building on the Cardano platform.
3. Community Growth and Engagement: The project will foster a sense of community among developers, enabling them to network, collaborate, and share insights. This will create a robust community that contributes to the growth, improvement, and sustainability of the Cardano ecosystem.
4. Accelerating Innovation: The hackathon will encourage participants to develop innovative dApps on Cardano, showcasing the platform's capabilities and attracting attention from both the crypto community and the wider tech industry. This will drive innovation and potentially attract more investment and development to Cardano.

While it is challenging to quantify the exact number of users or transactions that will result from the project within a specific timeframe, it is realistic to expect a significant increase in developer engagement, a surge in dApp development and prototypes, and an overall strengthening of the Cardano developer community. These key outcomes will contribute to the long-term growth and success of the Cardano ecosystem.

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

We intend to measure the success of our project through a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics. Quantitatively, we will track metrics such as the number of participants in the hackathon, the number of projects developed, and the level of participation from external developers. We will also measure community engagement through indicators such as active discussions on community platforms and social media interactions.

Qualitatively, we will collect feedback from participants to understand their experience, satisfaction, and perceived benefits from the Hackathon. This will provide insights into the impact of our project on individual developers and their willingness to continue working with Cardano.

The benefits for the Cardano ecosystem include the growth of developer expertise in Plutus/Haskell, increased awareness and adoption of Cardano among developers, and a stronger developer community. In the short term, we expect an immediate spike in developer engagement and project innovation as a result of the Hackathon. In the long term, the increased pool of skilled developers will contribute to sustained productivity and growth in the Cardano ecosystem as more high-quality dApps are built on the platform.

These measures are realistic as they align with our previous experience in organizing successful events, the growing interest in Cardano among developers, and the positive impact of hackathons in fostering innovation and collaboration in the tech community.

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

We have a comprehensive plan to share the outputs and results of our project (Last Hackathon was done with Genius Yield Partnership and you can see the GitHub Repository here: <https://github.com/geniusyield/cardano-hackathon-argentina-2022>). Firstly, we will document the projects developed during the hackathon and make them publicly accessible through open-source repositories. This will allow other developers to learn and build upon the work done.

We will also leverage various communication channels to disseminate our project's outputs and impact. This includes blog posts, articles, and social media promotions to reach a broader audience. Collaborations with industry publications and relevant community platforms will further amplify our message.

Additionally, we will actively engage with the Cardano community by hosting webinars, workshops, and participating in community events. This will provide opportunities to present our project's outcomes and share the lessons learned.

The results generated from our project will serve as valuable insights for further research and development activities. We will analyze the feedback received, identify areas for improvement, and incorporate the lessons learned into future Hackathons or Educational Programs. This iterative process will contribute to the ongoing growth and evolution of the Cardano ecosystem.

By actively sharing our project's outputs and fostering collaboration, we aim to create a multiplier effect where the knowledge and opportunities generated benefit not only the participants of our project but also the wider Cardano community.

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

We have a track record of delivering projects with high levels of trust and accountability, which makes us well-suited to deliver this project. Our capabilities include:

1. Organizational Experience: We have successfully organized the "Cardano Hackathon in Argentina I" in collaboration with the esteemed UTN university. This experience showcases our ability to plan, execute, and deliver impactful events within the Cardano ecosystem (See shared videos).
2. Expertise: Our team consists of IT specialists and industry professionals with in-depth knowledge of Cardano, Plutus/Haskell, and blockchain technology. This expertise enables us to provide valuable guidance, mentorship, and technical support to participants during the hackathon.
3. Collaboration and Partnerships: Our existing collaboration and signed agreement with UTN demonstrate our ability to work with reputable academic institutions and foster strong partnerships for the successful execution of events.
4. Financial Transparency: We understand the importance of financial accountability. As part of our fund management process, we will establish a transparent budget, ensuring clear documentation of expenses and regular reporting on fund utilization. We will adhere to established financial procedures and seek external audit, if necessary, to ensure proper fund management.
5. Communication and Updates: Throughout the project, we will maintain open lines of communication with the Cardano community, stakeholders, and fund contributors. We will provide regular updates, progress reports, and maintain transparency to build trust and accountability.
6. With the expertise of Kehua Yang, a Master in Education from the University of Taipei, who is a valuable member of our team, we will ensure an effective learning environment and mentorship for participants.
7. Catalyst Weekly #80 mentioning the Impact of the previous Hackathon we organized: "Amazing and Inspiring."

These capabilities and processes demonstrate our commitment to delivering the project with the highest levels of trust and accountability. We prioritize financial responsibility to ensure that funds are managed appropriately, enabling a successful and impactful project execution.

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

The main goals for our project are as follows:

A. Goal: Increase developer competency in Plutus/Haskell.

• Validation: We will measure the number of developers who register in the Hackathon, providing them with the necessary information and state-of-the-art tools to work effectively with Plutus/Haskell in the Hackathon's challenges.

B. Goal: Promote innovation and collaboration within the Cardano ecosystem.

• Validation: We will track the number of innovative ideas developed during the hackathon, as well as the level of collaboration between participants, through surveys and project documentation.

C. Goal: Increase developer awareness and engagement in the Cardano community.

• Validation: We will assess the level of community participation and engagement through metrics such as active discussions on community platforms, social media interactions, and feedback from participants.

D. Goal: Establish long-term benefits for Cardano's ecosystem through developer empowerment.

• Validation: We will monitor the continued involvement of developers in the Cardano community, their contributions to the ecosystem, and their continued utilization of Plutus/Haskell in future projects.

E. Goal: Strengthen and deepen our relationship with UTN, one of the most prestigious universities in the region, that teaches Haskell.

• Validation: We will focus on building collaborations, fostering knowledge exchange, and exploring opportunities for joint initiatives with UTN, leveraging the reputation and expertise of this esteemed academic institution.

Ultimately, the success and feasibility of our approach will be validated through the achievement of our project goals and the positive impact demonstrated by increased developer competency, innovation, collaboration, and engagement within 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: Preparations and Planning (Timeline: 8 weeks).

Activities:

1. Finalize partnership agreement with UTN and secure venue.
2. Coordinate the project team, roles, and responsibilities.
3. Define the detailed project plan and milestones.
4. Prepare the budget and secure necessary funding.
5. Develop the promotion and communication strategy.

Milestone 2: Resource Mobilization and Engagement (Timeline: 4 weeks).

Activities:

1. Promote the hackathon to attract participants internally, through Cardano community channels, and via social media.
2. Coordinate with UTN to engage their students and faculty.
3. Outreach to external developer communities and tech enthusiasts to expand the participant base.
4. Establish partnerships with sponsors and secure additional resources.

Milestone 3: Hackathon Execution (Timeline: 2 days (event duration)).

Activities:

1. Conduct the hackathon event at the UTN venue.
2. Provide necessary infrastructure, tools, and resources for participants.
3. Facilitate workshops, mentoring sessions, and panel discussions.
4. Foster collaboration and networking opportunities among participants.
5. Evaluate and select the winning projects based on predefined criteria.

Milestone 4: Post-Hackathon Follow-up (Timeline: 2 weeks).

Activities:

1. Provide participants with access to project documentation and relevant resources.
2. Encourage continuation of project development and community engagement.
3. Collect feedback from participants on their experience and areas for improvement.
4. Share project outcomes, success stories, and lessons learned within the Cardano community.

Milestone 5: Evaluation and Reporting (Timeline: 2 weeks).

Activities:

1. Review and analyze participant feedback and project outcomes.
2. Prepare a comprehensive report highlighting the impact and achievements of the project.
3. Share the report with the Cardano community, stakeholders, and fund contributors.

Budget:

• Milestone 1: Preparations and Planning: 20.000
• Milestone 2: Resource Mobilization and Engagement: 35.000
• Milestone 3: Hackathon Execution: 35.000
• Milestone 4: Post-Hackathon Follow-up: 5.000
• Milestone 5: Evaluation and Reporting: 5.000

Project Management Approach: Our project will be implemented using a project management approach that involves clear communication, regular progress monitoring, and collaborative decision-making. We will hold regular team meetings to track the project's progress, address issues promptly, and ensure all tasks are completed on time. Additionally, we will use project management tools to track activities, milestones, and budget allocation. Continuous evaluation and adjustment will be applied throughout the project to ensure its success.

Please note that the provided timeline, milestones, and costs are approximate and subject to change based on the specific requirements and circumstances. Detailed budget planning and cost estimates will be refined in accordance with the awarded funding and project implementation specifics.

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

Milestone 1: Preparations and Planning Deliverables:

• Signed partnership agreement with UTN
• Detailed project plan and milestones
• Budget and funding secured
• Promotion and communication strategy developed

Outcome:

• Well-defined project plan and milestones for effective execution
• Secured resources and funding for smooth project implementation
• Clear promotion and communication strategy to engage the target audience efficiently

Measurement:

• Successful signing of partnership agreement with UTN
• Approval of the project plan and budget by the project team and stakeholders

Milestone 2: Resource Mobilization and Engagement Deliverables:

• Increased participant registrations from internal and external sources
• Engaged students, faculty, and external developer communities
• Established partnerships with sponsors and secured additional resources

Outcome:

• Expanded participant base with diverse backgrounds and skill sets
• Enhanced engagement and collaboration within the Cardano community
• Extra resources secured to support the hackathon event

Measurement:

• Number of participant registrations received
• Partnership agreements signed with sponsors
• Engagement and feedback received from students, faculty, and external communities

Milestone 3: Hackathon Execution Deliverables:

• Successful execution of the hackathon event
• Projects developed during the hackathon with relevant documentation
• Conducted workshops, mentoring sessions, and panel discussions
• Evaluation and selection of winning projects based on predefined criteria

Outcome:

• Innovative dApps and prototypes developed during the hackathon
• Knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration among participants
• Recognition and celebration of the best projects

Measurement:

• Number of projects developed during the hackathon
• Feedback and satisfaction from participants
• Selection and recognition of winning projects

Milestone 4: Post-Hackathon Follow-Up Deliverables:

• Accessible project documentation and resources for participants
• Continued engagement of participants in project development and community activities
• Collected feedback from participants on their experience and suggestions for improvement

Outcome:

• Continued project development and sustainability after the hackathon
• Active participation and contribution from the hackathon participants within the Cardano community
• Valuable insights and feedback for future improvements

Measurement:

• Continued participation and contributions from hackathon participants
• Feedback from participants collected through surveys or interviews

Milestone 5: Evaluation and Reporting Deliverables:

• Comprehensive project report highlighting the impact and achievements
• Sharing of project outcomes, success stories, and lessons learned with the Cardano community and stakeholders

Outcome:

• Increased awareness of the project's impact and outcomes within the Cardano community
• Knowledge sharing and dissemination of best practices

Measurement:

• Dissemination of the project report to the Cardano community and stakeholders
• Feedback and engagement from the Cardano community on project outcomes

To track project progress, we will measure metrics such as:

• Number of participant registrations and engagement levels
• Feedback received from participants and Community.
• Number and quality of projects developed during the hackathon
• Level of community engagement and contributions
• Successful delivery of project milestones within the defined timeline

These measurements will help us assess the project's success, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that it aligns with the intended outcomes and deliverables.

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

Detailed budget:

• Prizes 24000 ADA (10000 ADA first prize, 8000 ADA Second prize, 6000 ADA third prize)
• Event videos and photos editing 1000 ADA
• Marketing 1000 ADA
• Buffet catering service 10000 ADA x 2 days0= 20000 ADA
• Venues expenses X 2 days 15000 ADA
• 100 T-shirt 5000 ADA
• Organizers (including marketing, visiting different places for the Hackathon , designing T-shirt, organizing contests content, hiring mentors, two-days event coordination) 9000 ADA x 2 persons =18000 ADA
• Jury and mentors salaries, challenge designing, testing, jurying 200 ADA X 40 hours X 2 persons =16000 ADA

Total Budget 100,000 ADA

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

Project Team:

A. Jose Iadicicco - Project Lead

• Role: Overall project management, coordination, and strategic direction
• LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-iadicicco-17363613/>
• GitHub link with a Layer 0 BUG discovered, reported and recognized by the Cardano Network Development Team: <https://github.com/input-output-hk/cardano-node/issues/4707>
• ADA ONE Pool SPO (First Phisical Pool in LATAM) <https://adapool.one>
• CEO at <https://ada.solar>

B. Kehua Yang - Master in Education

• Role: Educational content development, workshop facilitation, and mentoring support
• LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/kehua-yang-b3505439/>
• Cardano Community Forum: [Forum Profile](insert forum profile link)

C. Martin Ungar - Cardano Ambassador

Additional Team Members (TBD)

• We plan to recruit additional team members with the following skills/expertise:
• Technical expertise in Plutus/Haskell and smart contract development on Cardano
• Event management experience
• Community engagement and marketing expertise

Engagement and Capacity Confirmation:

• We have engaged with UTN (National Technological University) and have a signed agreement to collaborate on organizing the hackathon event (see attached agreement).
• Our project team has participated actively in various Cardano technical group channels, including Discord and Telegram, to seek guidance, discuss the project, and engage with the community. We have direct lines of communication established with the necessary people and resources required.

Proof of Life and Confidential Information:

• We understand that Catalyst funding is not anonymous and acknowledge that some level of 'proof of life' verification may take place before initial funding is released.
• The team members mentioned in this proposal have provided consent for their involvement and any relevant public profiles or previous work to be included.

Please note that we are actively engaging with the necessary team members, confirming their availability, and ensuring their commitment to the project's successful execution.

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

The cost of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem due to the following reasons:

1. Strategic Impact: The proposed project directly addresses the need to enhance developer competency and foster innovation within the Cardano ecosystem. The value derived from a strengthened developer community and increased adoption of Cardano for dApp development is significant in terms of the overall growth and success of the ecosystem.
2. Prior Track Record: Our team has a proven track record of successfully organizing events, such as the previous Cardano Hackathon in Argentina. This experience demonstrates our ability to deliver high-quality outcomes while ensuring efficient use of allocated resources.
3. Cost Justification: The costs outlined in the proposal have been carefully assessed and justified based on industry standards and regional factors. We have considered factors such as venue rental rates, infrastructure provision costs, marketing and promotion expenses, and personnel remuneration.
4. Competitive Rates: We have taken into account average industry rates, freelance rates, and market competitiveness in determining the budget elements. This ensures that the costs are proportional and realistic within the context of the industry and the skills required for a successful project execution.
5. Value Creation: The project's outcomes and deliverables, such as increased developer competency, collaboration, and the development of innovative dApps, are expected to bring long-term value to the Cardano ecosystem. The positive impact generated by the project will justify the investment made and contribute to the reputation, growth, and attractiveness of Cardano.

To summarize, the cost of the project is justified by the strategic impact it will have on the Cardano ecosystem, the track record of the team, careful cost consideration, and the expected value creation. The budget allocation has been determined in a manner that ensures efficient resource utilization and provides value for money in achieving the project's goals and objectives.