Please describe your proposed solution

Background:

Cardano India Developers Community Hub is an active developers community, working on bringing awareness and learning programs for new and existing developers on Cardano Tech Stack.

We have 200+ developers as active members of this community hub. <https://www.meetup.com/cardano-blockchain-developers-meetup/>

This initiative was possible due to the funds provided by Project Catalyst Fund 11 and we would like to continue promoting awareness about Cardano among Web2.0 Developers in India and attract more developers to the Cardano Ecosystem.

Project Catalyst Fund 11 link

<https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/11/cardano-open-ecosystem/cardano-india-developers-community-hub>

In the last 5 months, we have successfully organized 3 developers meetup, 2 workshops, one by TxPipe.io and another by Gimbalabs.com and 2 webinars by Cardano Community experts and influencers like Seira Yun from Socious.io , Yoram Ben-zvi from Andamio.io .

See the link below for the events organized and attendance

<https://www.meetup.com/cardano-blockchain-developers-meetup/events/past/>

We being part of the Cardano community for the last 3.5 years and worked on a project to train senior developers in India on Plutus and Haskell, we realized that there is bigger need to build awareness at larger community level and build community of developers for Cardano Ecosystem.

There is a serious shortage of qualified senior developers in Cardano Ecosystem impacting plans to deliver various solutions to the problems envisaged by community builders and thinkers.

The Indian IT industry employs 2 million plus software developers, only less than 0.5% of developers possess the necessary blockchain development skills.

Solution:

Indian skilled and experienced developers pool could be a solution to fill the gap of the developers requirement for Cardano Ecosystem. These developers are engaged in developing complex applications using other technologies in web 2.0 and they have the ability to quickly grasp and be ready developers for Cardano blockchain.

Our program Design and key pillars

1. Marketing and outreach:
2. Social Media Campaign: We shall run awareness campaigns on social media and in private groups and invite interested developers to join the community.
3. Awareness Sessions: We shall run once in a month awareness session online and offline. Alternative month we shall do a webinar and offline meetups to bring awareness about Cardano ecosystem.
4. Developers support
5. Education Resources and Support: Interested participant will be provided guidance on various tools and solution for learning and development.
6. Industry Connect: Once every two months an online webinar will be conducted with global perspective with potential project sponsors or industry expert and developers community so there is direct interaction.

Implementation:

1. There is an existing Cardanoindia.com website , we shall continue maintaining and updating the website and promoting it. The website is an online Developer Portal with links and contents including documentation, tutorials, and tools for Cardano developers. Encouraging active participation and contribution from the community.
2. Social Media Campaign: Run Social Media Campaign to bring awareness about Cardano Ecosystem and increase participation
3. Educational Programs: Partner with educational institutions and experts in the Cardano ecosystem, to design and conduct comprehensive learning programs. Offer certifications to recognize developers' expertise. Example https://plutuspbl.io/ and https://academy.cardanofoundation.org/
4. Events Management: Plan and execute regular meetups or hackathons, and larger conferences both virtually and in key locations. Invite prominent figures within the Cardano community to participate and inspire developers.

Connecting Cardano blockchain developers is pivotal in unlocking the full potential of the ecosystem. By providing a supportive environment, educational resources, project opportunities, and networking events, we aim to support Cardano Community to increase Developers in its Ecosystem.

We already have a module designed for any new developers to start learning and developing on Cardano platform.

Here is some example of educational materials from Cardano India Developers Community Github repository

https://github.com/CardanoIndiaDevelopersCommunity

India is a Large Country, it is a sub-continent, hence it is difficult cover all key locations for offline events. For this practical reason, we shall do in person/offline events in one major cities of East India region, that is Kolkata. All Online events will be open for Developers from all over India and our digital Initiatives will continue focusing on India.

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

Cardano India Developers Community Hub already made good mark on Cardano Ecosystem with 200+ members. From this pool, in our direct contact, there are 20+ members who are working on active Cardano projects already. Cardano India Developers Community Hub bringing new developers to the Cardano ecosystem, supporting existing developers as well assisting entrepreneurs to find Cardano Tech talent.

Continuity of this initiative will further help the Cardano Ecosystem to address Developer shortage and speedup onboarding new developers on Cardano Tech.

Without the supportive environment for developers, new innovations would be stalled. By supporting this challenge settings, more developers would be drawn into Cardano. There would be a bigger talent pool of developers that Catalyst projects can collaborate with and turn project concepts/Proof of concept into successful protocols which would enhance the growth of Cardano.

Today, Cardano Community to grow, it needs to attract developers from outside of our current community to participate.

For this, as India provides talent pool, there is need of catalyst program to reach to this pool, attract them and facilitate smooth on boarding on Cardano Development Ecosystem.

In addition to online campaigns, there is need to have offline events like Meetups and workshops to complement the online campaigns effort. This is proven most effective way to Marketing and outreach.

In todays highly competitive development tech environment, A supportive program for developers can encourage and keep the developers motivated and engaged.

This proposal helps in making available more trained developers on Cardano by attracting existing web 2.0 developers in India and supporting them on their journey to be part of Cardano developers Eco Systems. Cardano community can meet their objectives and project timelines as there is wider talent pool available.

Target:

In 8 months, we shall add 100+ developers’ to the community which is engaged in learning and development on Cardano Ecosystem. This approach can help to quickly fill the shortage of developers in Cardano Ecosystem.

Number of developers engaged with Cardano community and developer ecosystem is a good measure of impact of this proposal. We shall share number of engaged developers in our reports. For detailed audit, we can facilitate developers attendance, feedback and repositories.

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 proposer, Udai Solanki, is 20+ years experience in Technology and leadership, 3.5 years experience in Cardano Tech. He is currently serving as Developer Advocate at Open-source Office, IntersectMBO.

<https://committees.docs.intersectmbo.org/intersect-open-source-committee/about/open-source-program-office-ospo/developer-advocate-program>

The co-proposer Neha Ginoria with her vast experience in marketing and event management, organized and managed all the Cardano India developers community Events in last 6+ months.

Udai and Neha successfully hosted Catalyst working group online session in June this year. <https://lu.ma/n2ehz29d>

Here is some example of educational materials from Cardano India Developers Community Github repository

<https://github.com/CardanoIndiaDevelopersCommunity>

We are passionate about blockchain technology, and we have been leveraging Cardano blockchain Technology for more than 3.5 years. Since we got introduced to Cardano by a Cardano community Evangelist, we have learned Cardano tech stack as well delivered multiple projects on Cardano blockchain.

Our team's capability to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability is grounded in our extensive experience and expertise in both blockchain technology and our network/connection of developers in India. Here’s how we validate our approach and ensure the feasibility of the project:

Team Expertise and Experience:

The Team experience is a great combination of tech/development expertise and events and community management with extensive network of developers in India. We have worked together more than 10 years.

• Blockchain Experts: Our team has in-depth knowledge of blockchain technology, specifically in the Cardano Dev Stack
• Developers Network: Each member of this team is 20+ years of industry experience and worked with 100 of different developer during this period. We are connected with large pool of experienced and senior Developers with software architecture and technical design experience on enterprise solution.
• Project Management: Our experienced project manager will oversee the project, ensuring milestones are met efficiently and effectively.
• Event Management: Team Member have 18+ years of Event Management and Communication experience along with Digital Marketing.

Validating the Approach:

• Feasibility: initially when we started working with Cardano Dev stack, we our selves experienced the challenge first hand.
• Experience: Already working on building Cardano India Developers community from bringing and currently have 200+ members and find it useful.
• Ecosystem: As the Cardano Ecosystem already have similar community hubs in different part of world and they have helped in community building, India having large pool of developer , the community hub shall continue evolving.

Trust and Accountability in Fund Management:

• Transparent Budgeting and Reporting: Detailed budget plans will be openly shared
• Stakeholder Engagement: Regular updates and feedback sessions with the Cardano community and stakeholders to maintain transparency and address concerns.

Steps to Ensure Trust:

1. Kick-off Meeting: With all stakeholders to align on goals, expectations, and reporting structure.
2. Regular Progress Updates: Through community forums, social media, and direct reports.
3. Mid-project Review: An in-depth review at the midpoint to assess progress and adjust strategies if necessary.
4. Final Report: Detailed project report and financial at the completion.

By combining our team's expertise with a rigorous approach to project management and stakeholder engagement, we believe we are well-positioned to deliver this project successfully. Our commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous communication ensures that we can be trusted to manage funds properly and achieve the project’s objectives.

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

Milestone 1: Timeline: Month 1 and 2

Description: Cardano India Developers Community Expansion

Deliverables/Output:

• A Community Website is updated
• Social Media/forum accounts are updated on LinkedIn, X, Discord and Telegram
• Out reach on Social Media and active groups formed on Discord and Telegram
• Community membership growth by 20 members
• Offline Meetup is organized
• Online Workshop or Webinar is organized

Acceptance criteria:

• Cardano India Developers Community Website is updated with social media accounts
• 20 developers are added as member
• Offline meetup is organized with attendance record and event link
• Online Workshop or Webinar is organized , event link and attendance

Milestone 2: Timeline: Month 3 and 4

Description:

Cardano India Developers Community Expansion

Deliverables/Output:

• Digital Marketing Campaigns on Social Media
• Community Membership Increment by 20 members
• Meetup is Organized
• Online Workshop or Webinar is organized

Acceptance criteria:

• Cardano India Developers Community is growing, added 20 new members
• Offline meetup happened, event link and attendance
• Online Developers workshop/training happened, , event link and attendance

Milestone 3: Timeline: Month 5 and 6

Description:

Cardano India Developers Community Expansion

Deliverables/Output:

• Digital Marketing Campaigns on Social Media
• Community Membership Increment by 30 members
• Meetup is Organized
• Online Workshop or Webinar is organized

Acceptance criteria:

• Cardano India Developers Community is growing , added 30 new members
• Offline meetup happened, event link and attendance
• Online Developers workshop or Webinar happened, event link and attendance

Final Milestone: Timeline: Month 7 and 8

Description:

Cardano India Developers Community Expansion

Deliverables/Output:

• Digital Marketing Campaigns on Social Media
• Community Membership Increment by 30 members
• Offline Meetup is Organized
• Online Workshop or Webinar is organized
• Closing Report and Closing Video

Acceptance criteria:

• Cardano India Developers Community is growing , added 30 new members
• Offline meetup happened , event link and attendance
• Online Developers workshop or Webinar happened, event link and attendance
• Closing Report and Closing Video

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

Our team is engaged on Telegram, Discord and Cardano Forums. Udai has relationships with Project Catalyst Fund operational and technical team members and are involved in various forums. Narendra is active participate in various technical forums on Discord.

Udai Solanki ( Program Manager, Community Manager, Workshop Trainer) ,

CTO at www.erevmax.com

<https://www.linkedin.com/in/solanki>

Technical Architect |Java Programmer|Plutus and Haskell Programmer

20+ years Technology and programming experience

3+ years Cardano Tech Stack experience

Narendra Das (Workshop Trainer)

<https://www.linkedin.com/in/naren4das/>

Technical Architect |Java Programmer|Plutus and Haskell Programmer

20+ years programming experience

3+ years Cardano Tech Stack experience

Neha Ginoria (Social Media Content Creator and Campaign Manager)

Events Marketing Director @ Cendyn

<https://www.linkedin.com/in/nehaginoria/>

19+ year Global Experience in Marketing, Communication and Event Management

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Milestone 1:

Duration: 2 Months

Community Website Maintenance 5 person days x ADA 500 = ADA 2,500

Content Preparation: 5 person days x ADA 500 = ADA 2,500

Social Media Marketing: 8 person days x ADA 500 = ADA 4,000

Project Coordination and Documentation: = ADA 10,000

Meetup Organization Expenses = ADA 4000

Webinar/Workshop Organizing expenses = ADA 2,000

Total = ADA 25,000

Milestone 2:

Duration: 2 Months

Community Website Maintenance 5 person days x ADA 500 = ADA 2,500

Content Preparation: 5 person days x ADA 500 = ADA 2,500

Social Media Marketing: 8 person days x ADA 500 = ADA 4,000

Project Coordination and Documentation: = ADA 10,000

Meetup Organization Expenses = ADA 4000

Webinar/Workshop Organizing expenses = ADA 2,000

Total = ADA 25,000

Milestone 3:

Duration: 2 Months

Community Website Maintenance 5 person days x ADA 500 = ADA 2,500

Content Preparation: 5 person days x ADA 500 = ADA 2,500

Social Media Marketing: 8 person days x ADA 500 = ADA 4,000

Project Coordination and Documentation: = ADA 10,000

Meetup Organization Expenses = ADA 4000

Webinar/Workshop Organizing expenses = ADA 2,000

Total = ADA 25,000

Milestone 4:

Duration: 2 Months

Community Website Maintenance 5 person days x ADA 500 = ADA 2,500

Content Preparation: 5 person days x ADA 500 = ADA 2,500

Social Media Marketing: 8 person days x ADA 500 = ADA 4,000

Project Coordination and Documentation: = ADA 10,000

Meetup Organization Expenses = ADA 4000

Webinar/Workshop Organizing expenses = ADA 2,000

Total = ADA 100,000

No dependencies.

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

For this smaller cost, Increasing Cardano awareness in India among large community of Developers and bringing more developers for Cardano community. This community building program continuity is important and it is suggested for 8 months and this can to strengthen the base. This can have exponential impact on expanding developer network in India. In future, this community shall work on being self sustaining with industry sponsorship and members contribution.

It brings indirect value by increasing Cardano blockchain adoption. As more developers are attracted to ecosystem and the developer scarcity is reduced that is immense value in terms of adoption to the Cardano Ecosystem.

Cost Breakdown &amp; Justification:

1. Marketing and Outreach: Social media campaigns and events require promotion to attract Web 2.0 developers. Justifying costs involves detailing competitive pricing for digital marketing in India, where rates are lower than in Western countries, providing significant reach for a fraction of global costs.
2. Workshops &amp; Events: Hosting meetups and webinars with industry experts has substantial value. Indian developers are cost-effective to train in blockchain technology, reducing the skill gap in the Cardano ecosystem. The return on investment here is high, as the project's activities aim to scale up skilled talent at a minimal training cost.
3. Educational Resources &amp; Certifications: Partnering with educational institutions to offer courses and certifications will add credibility and motivate participation. These costs, though high initially, will foster long-term benefits by creating a self-sustaining pool of Cardano experts. Certification programs represent both a skill investment and a professional advancement for developers, increasing the overall value proposition.

Value to the Cardano Ecosystem:

• Skilled Workforce Development: The Indian IT market is extensive, and tapping into this resource to train blockchain developers is an effective way to address the shortage of qualified developers globally.
• Scaling Developer Resources: By building a community around education, events, and resources, this project strengthens the global Cardano network. The project not only fills immediate technical gaps but also establishes a pipeline of talent for future ecosystem growth.

The overall costs for marketing, events, and education are competitive for the region, and the impact on growing the developer base is substantial. Thus, the project offers strong value for money for the Cardano ecosystem.