Please describe your proposed solution

Problem:

The lack of seamless interoperability between the Cardano and Internet Computer blockchains limits the scalability of cross-chain transactions and the development of decentralized applications (dApps). This gap restricts developers from leveraging the strengths of both ecosystems, thereby hindering innovative decentralized solutions and limiting the full potential of cross-chain capabilities.

Solution:

We propose to develop a Cardano X Internet Computer Interoperability Framework, focusing on building a framework that will serve as a guide for enabling seamless interactions between these two ecosystems. This will involve documenting the entire process of creating a Cardano dApp and storing it on the Internet Computer, providing other developers with the protocols and standards necessary to replicate similar projects.

Through this approach, we aim to facilitate scalable cross-chain transactions and foster the development of mutual chain-relevant dApps, showcasing real-world use cases of interoperability between Cardano and Internet Computer.

Approach:

1.Research and Development:

• We will begin with a research phase to identify and document the key technical requirements for building and storing a Cardano dApp within the Internet Computer framework. This will involve analyzing both chains' infrastructure to outline the steps for interoperability.

2.Building the Framework Document:

• The core output will be a comprehensive document that details the entire process, from dApp creation on Cardano to its integration and storage on Internet Computer. This document will serve as a blueprint for developers, guiding them through cross-chain development workflows, interoperability standards, and best practices.

3.Developing a Prototype dApp:

• As a proof of concept, we will develop a functional Cardano dApp that leverages the interoperability between Cardano and Internet Computer, demonstrating how assets or functionality can flow between the two chains. This dApp will illustrate the practical application of the framework and provide a template for future cross-chain dApp development.

4.Documentation and Sharing:

• The final step will be producing a detailed research paper and documentation of the process, including all technical aspects, challenges, and solutions. This will be shared with the Cardano and Internet Computer communities to support developers in implementing similar cross-chain solutions.

PARTNERSHIP: This project's Research and pilot development will be done between the Cardano developers in the Remostart community and the developers in the ICP hub Sahara. All partnerships between both organizations have already been formalized.

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

The Cardano X Internet Computer Interoperability Framework will significantly enhance cross-chain capabilities within the Cardano ecosystem. By enabling seamless interaction between Cardano and Internet Computer, the project will open new avenues for decentralized innovation, particularly in creating cross-chain dApps that leverage the unique strengths of both platforms.

The project will:

• Empower developers by providing them with a clear framework for building and storing cross-chain dApps, fostering greater innovation in the ecosystem.
• Increase the scalability and diversity of transactions on Cardano by making it easier to build applications that operate across multiple blockchains.
• Serve as a blueprint for interoperability between Cardano and other blockchains in the future, contributing to Cardano's growth as a versatile, decentralized platform.

Measuring the Impact:

We will use both quantitative and qualitative metrics to measure the project's success:

Quantitative Metrics:

• Number of Developers Using the Framework: We aim to have at least 50 developers actively using the framework within the first 6 months of its release. These developers will apply the documented process to build their own dApps, driving further cross-chain collaboration.
• dApps Developed from the Framework: Within the first year, we expect 100 cross-chain dApps to be developed using the framework in the next 1 year after release, contributing to the diversity of decentralized applications on Cardano.
• Cross-Chain Transactions: We aim to see a 10-20% increase in cross-chain transactions involving Cardano and Internet Computer within the first 12 months, showing that the framework enables scalable interoperability between the two chains.
• Adoption by Cardano Ecosystem Projects: The goal is to have at least 10 Cardano ecosystem projects adopt and apply the framework to their own development efforts, further expanding its impact.

Qualitative Metrics:

• Community Feedback and Engagement: We will gather feedback from developers, stakeholders, and users on the framework’s usability and impact through surveys and direct engagement. Our goal is to receive positive feedback from at least 80% of the developers who use the framework.
• Interoperability Innovation: We will assess the types of innovations (e.g., dApp features, governance models) introduced through the cross-chain dApps developed using the framework. This will be measured through case studies or research papers highlighting the creative uses of the interoperability framework.

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?

As the CEO of Remostart and one who has been actively involved in the Cardano ecosystem since fund 9 and has actively onboarded hundreds of developers and entrepreneurs into the cardano ecosytem, I have noticed how it is difficult for developers coming from other ecosystems to work with Cardano, utilize our infrastructures and vice versa. Recently Remostart had a partnership with ICP Sahara hub, and it was palpable how difficult it was for our devs to interoperate with Internet protocol, this birthed this proposal, as I realised this could likely be he situation of many developers in the ecostem as well, and we hope that through this proposal we will be solving it.

My companies partnership with ICP sahara hub already positions us as the best to solve this problem, and well sited to propose one.

Also, I had a fund9-funded proposal which was executed and brought to completion on time, an F-10 a project which is equally completed and F-11 project that is ongoing, I have been funded as well to execute projects both for my government and other multinationals, my ability to execute these projects speaks to my ability to be trusted with funds and my high value for accountability.

I will be validating this project through beta testers who are currently learning Plutus in the community

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

Milestone 1: Research on Interoperability

• A: Milestone Outputs:
• Comprehensive research on the technical and functional requirements for interoperability between Cardano and Internet Computer.
• Identification of protocols standards, and potential challenges for cross-chain interactions.
• B: Acceptance Criteria:
• A detailed research report covering the technical insights, necessary protocols, and identified barriers to interoperability.
• Documentation of findings related to how dApps on Cardano can be stored and operated within Internet Computer.
• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion:
• Delivery of a research report documenting technical requirements and solutions for possible cross-chain interoperability.
• Team satisfactory feedback on the research either is recorded or written feedback
• Presentation of research results in a public forum or webinar.

Milestone 2: Proposed Framework Design

• A: Milestone Outputs:
• A formal Interoperability Framework document, outlining the architecture, protocols, and steps for integrating Cardano dApps with Internet Computer.
• Inclusion of guidelines on how to securely store and operate Cardano dApps within Internet Computer's ecosystem.
• B: Acceptance Criteria:
• The framework document should clearly define the workflow for developers to build cross-chain dApps, following best practices.
• The proposed design must be peer-reviewed and refined based on expert feedback from both the Cardano and Internet Computer communities.
• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion:
• Completion and peer review of the framework document, including detailed diagrams and technical guidelines.
• Publication of the framework for community and developer feedback.
• Initial feedback or endorsement from at least 3 developers on either chains on the framework design.

Milestone 3: Prototype dApp Development and Experimentation

• A: Milestone Outputs:
• Development of a prototype Cardano dApp that interacts with Internet Computer, demonstrating the interoperability framework in action.
• Experimentation to test cross-chain functionality, particularly the movement of data and transactions between the two chains.
• B: Acceptance Criteria:
• A fully functional prototype that demonstrates core features of the framework, including cross-chain data transfer or dApp storage.
• Experimentation must verify that the framework works as expected and meets performance and security standards.
• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion:
• A working prototype dApp deployed and demonstrated to the community, showcasing its functionality.
• Presentation of the prototype through a live demo or recorded video

Milestone 4: Beta Testing and Refinement

• A: Milestone Outputs:
• Conduct beta testing with a broader group of developers and community members to gather feedback on the framework and prototype dApp.
• Refine both the framework and the dApp based on the feedback, ensuring it’s developer-friendly and meets performance requirements.
• B: Acceptance Criteria:
• At least 50 beta testers actively participate and provide feedback on the dApp and framework.
• The framework and prototype are revised to incorporate feedback, addressing any identified issues or shortcomings.
• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion:
• A beta testing report summarizing feedback, challenges encountered, and improvements made to the framework and dApp.
• Finalized versions of the framework and dApp that are ready for public release, shared through community channels.

Final Milestone: Closeout Report

A. Output

• Final report and Video
• B: Acceptance Criteria:
• Final Report and Video follows Catalyst standards
• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion:
• Final report and video links

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

UBIO OBU: The CEO of Remostart, is a blockchain and AI researcher, his academic background is in Artificial Intelligence. Ubio has about 4 years of experience in researching, his research works have cut across different fields, from AI, to IoT, Agriculture, environment, blockchain, HR, human behaviors etc. He currently has about 7 research paper publications in reputable journals like the American Institute of Physics, and IEEE, etc, he has 2 patents under application and a Copyright on a book titled "Research writing for beginners".

Ubio is a Microsoft Winsider Recipient, KECTIL leadership fellow, and a SingularityNet Ambassador.

He is among the early Cardano DRep Pioneer program coordinator and an Intersect constitutional council member.

Ubio will be in charge of the research and resource management

<https://www.linkedin.com/in/ubio-obu-71927276/>

<https://www.github.com/ubiodee/>

Adedayo Adebayo: He is the CEO of ICP Sahara hub, a hub for tech developers and entrepreneurs in ICP, he has about 7 years of blockchain experience and over 4 years experience as lead in the internet computer network

he will be in charge of ICP consultation

<https://www.linkedin.com/in/adedayo-adebajo-61b908b9/>

Ediyangha Otogho: Full-stack software and Blockchain developer with 8 years of of software development experience and 3 years blockchain development experience. Ediyangha has won several hackathons and techatrons and was the chief technology officer behind Send funds, a fintech solution building a Bharatpe for Africa. Funfact Ediyangha can code efficiently in more than 7 programming languages. For this project he will be the blockchain and fullstack developer

<https://www.linkedin.com/in/edinyanga-ottoho-02801517a/>

<https://www.github.com/EdinyangaOttoho>

Yash Ambekar : B.Tech-Computer Engineering, Full stack Developer, 7 years experience in Software development, a Smart India hackathon winner, with about 3 Research paper publications. In this project he will coordinate the front end developer especially the UI/UX aspects.

<https://github.com/yashambkr>

Daniel Effiom: He is a co-founder at RemoStart, a Reconciliation analyst at ETransact international PLC. With 5 years experience in data analysis, process monitoring and operational procedures. He has managed several projects for RemoStart and ETransact and is why he will be the project and product manager for this project.

<https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-effiom-a2b377199/>

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

1. Milestone 1: Research on Interoperability

Allocated Budget: 40,000 ADA

This phase covers the comprehensive research on technical requirements, protocols, and security challenges for interoperability between Cardano and Internet Computer.

• Research Team Compensation: 30,000 ADA
• Engaging a research team with deep expertise in cross-chain technology, including blockchain engineers and researchers.
• Data Collection and Analysis Tools: 5,000 ADA
• Acquisition of specialized tools for data collection, blockchain analysis, and market research.
• Community Feedback and Peer Review: 5,000 ADA
• Engaging industry experts to review the research and gather insights from the Cardano and Internet Computer communities.

2. Milestone 2: Proposed Framework Design

Allocated Budget: 45,000 ADA

This milestone includes the design and development of the interoperability framework, along with detailed documentation and developer guidelines.

• Framework Design and Documentation: 30,000 ADA
• Creation of the interoperability framework, technical documentation, and process diagrams, making it easy for developers to follow.
• Expert Consultation and Peer Review: 7,000 ADA
• Engaging interoperability and security experts to review the framework design and suggest necessary improvements.
• Workshops and Developer Engagement: 8,000 ADA
• Organizing workshops, webinars, and presentations to showcase the framework and gather community feedback.

3. Milestone 3: Prototype dApp Development and Experimentation

Allocated Budget: 55,000 ADA

This milestone covers the development of a prototype dApp that leverages the interoperability framework, with extensive testing and validation.

• Development Team Compensation: 35,000 ADA
• Building a prototype dApp by hiring skilled developers familiar with both Cardano and Internet Computer ecosystems.
• Security Audits and Experimentation: 10,000 ADA
• Conducting thorough security audits to ensure that the dApp meets industry standards for cross-chain security and performance.
• Infrastructure and Testing Costs: 10,000 ADA
• Costs for running experiments, cross-chain data handling, and testing the dApp's transaction scalability and reliability.

4. Milestone 4: Beta Testing and Refinement

Allocated Budget: 30,000 ADA

This phase involves conducting beta testing with the Cardano and Internet Computer communities, refining both the dApp and framework based on feedback.

• Beta Testing User Incentives: 15,000 ADA
• Incentivizing a broad group of 50+ beta testers to provide feedback and contribute to the testing process.
• Development Refinements: 10,000 ADA
• Refining the prototype dApp and making necessary updates to the framework, based on user feedback from testing.
• Final Documentation and Reporting: 5,000 ADA
• Updating the framework document and compiling a final report on the beta testing phase, sharing results and lessons learned with the community.

5. Project Management and Miscellaneous Costs

Allocated Budget: 10,000 ADA

Covers project oversight, management of teams across different milestones, and handling miscellaneous expenses that arise during development.

• Project Management: 7,000 ADA
• Ensuring smooth coordination of all teams, managing timelines, and ensuring delivery of key milestones.
• Miscellaneous Costs: 3,000 ADA
• Covering additional software, tools, and unexpected costs during the project lifecycle.

6. Marketing, Community Engagement, and Outreach

Allocated Budget: 5,000 ADA

This budget will support marketing and engagement efforts to promote the interoperability framework and the prototype dApp.

• Marketing Campaigns and Outreach: 3,000 ADA
• Engaging with the broader Cardano and Internet Computer communities through social media, developer forums, and events.
• Open-Source Contributions: 2,000 ADA
• Supporting the publication of the framework and dApp as open-source projects, ensuring that the community can benefit and contribute.

7. Contingency Fund

Allocated Budget: 10,000 ADA

A contingency fund to cover unexpected expenses, including potential technical challenges or additional community engagement efforts.

Total Budget: 185,000 ADA

Internet Computer hub Sahara(ICP Sahara)

This is a developer community in the Internet Computer ecosystem whom we will be working with

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

The Cardano X Internet Computer Interoperability Framework represents strong value for money, as it directly contributes to the goal of scaling decentralized applications and cross-chain transactions. The project’s budget of 185,000 ADA is a cost-effective investment given the long-term benefits of fostering interoperability between two powerful blockchain ecosystems—Cardano and Internet Computer.

Justification of Costs:

Development and Research Costs:

The budget allocated for research and development (40,000 ADA and 45,000 ADA, respectively) is proportionate to industry rates. Highly skilled developers and blockchain researchers are necessary to ensure the technical robustness of the framework. Typical freelance blockchain developers, researchers and engineers charge between $75-$150/hour globally while our project is rather valuing our developers and researchers between $25-40/hour considering the level of expertise they bring in our proposal is offering high value for a less amount to the cardano ecosystem