Please describe your proposed solution.

Our solution addresses the pressing need for an effective framework for DeFi fundamental analysis research within the Cardano ecosystem. The core of this proposal is to develop an interactive web application and API that integrates CRCI's established research methodology. This platform will offer:

• Insights into DeFi projects, enhancing investment decision-making.
• Features allowing community members to contribute to and benefit from collective knowledge.
• Helping users understand DeFi with structured reviews on the Cardano DeFi landscape.
• By leveraging publicly available information, we reinforce the ethos of transparency and trust within the ecosystem.

Our approach is unique because it combines CRCI's first-principles research framework with directly engaging the Cardano community in a collaborative effort to enhance DeFi understanding and accountability.

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

Ultimately the CRCI project through this web application offers to the community

Time - With our research and community currated insights, we'll have a platform that allows investors to maximize the time they have to do their own research. We review projects on the same content available to the consumer and score projects that resonate with the objectives of the investor from a fundamental analysis perspective.

Clarity - With clearly defined categories and metrics, the consistency of our methodology offer tremendous clarity on the domain we research and the CRCI approach has value on it's own merits.

Objectivity - The content we review and score is the same content publicly available to anybody, so any perceived conflict of interest is highly mitigated. Reputation and consistency in the CRCI project are powerful public measures of accountability.

Perspective - As our library of reviews continues to increase over time, we are able to highlight best practices and establish strong signals of operational integrity in an ecosystem where bad actors and opportunists thrive. While any project can fail for a variety of reasons, our reviews help spotlight the projects that prioritize transparency, user protection, and accountability.

Ultimately we empower the Cardano community in our efforts to drive projects to being more accountable, and we engage with Cardano's DeFi projects to offer them ways they can improve their projects and demonstrate their commitment to excellence.

It's a win for everybody in our ecosystem!

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 significant work of research and development of the CRCI methodology has been self-funded, published, and publicly available for the last 24 months as a proof of concept. Currenly our work can be seen at out current website https://crci.review and our X profile https://twitter.com/crcindex.

We're drawing on existing examples of similar proxy implementations that model our intentions, so we are operating well within realistic levels of trust and accountability to replicate such models. It's these proxy models that validate the feasibility of our approach which we are simply bringing the ideas over to our industry with our where we apply our unique CRCI value and methodology.

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

Milestone 1: Project Initiation and Planning

• Output: A comprehensive project plan, including detailed specifications for the web application and API.
• Acceptance Criteria: Approval of the project plan by the project team and key stakeholders, confirming alignment with the project's goals and feasibility within the budget and timeline.

>Milestone 2: Development of Core Application Framework

• Output: A functional prototype of the web application, including basic user interface and core functionalities (data display, user interaction points).
• Acceptance Criteria: Successful demonstration of the prototype, showcasing its functionality and alignment with the initial design specifications. Feedback from a focus group of potential users to ensure usability and relevance.

>Milestone 3: API Development and Integration

• Output: A fully developed and tested API that integrates with the web application, allowing for real-time data processing and community-driven content updates.
• Acceptance Criteria: Successful integration of the API with the web application, demonstrated through seamless data retrieval and update processes. Performance testing to ensure reliability and speed.

>Milestone 4: User Interface Enhancement and Beta Testing

• Output: A visually appealing and user-friendly interface for the web application, along with a beta version ready for community testing.
• Acceptance Criteria: Positive feedback from beta testers on the usability and functionality of the web application. Identification and resolution of any critical bugs or issues.

>Milestone 5: Final Project Completion, Reporting, and Video Presentation

• Output: The fully functional and polished web application and API, along with a comprehensive project completion report and an engaging video presentation showcasing the project's journey and impact.
• Acceptance Criteria: The web application and API are live and operational, with demonstrated functionality. The completion report and video accurately reflect the project's achievements and align with the initial objectives.

>Each milestone will be documented and reported to the Cardano community, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the project's lifecycle. This structured approach ensures that the project remains on track and delivers a high-quality, impactful solution to the Cardano ecosystem.

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

RJ - Project Lead and main contributor

Combining an academic background in Classical Studies with 20 years of retail experience and a half-decade deep dive in the Cardano ecosystem, he brings a unique blend of skills to the CRCI. His rigorous research abilities, balanced analytical skills, and insights into consumer behavior all contribute to a nuanced understanding of DeFi fundamental analysis. Equally skilled in the science of processes and documentation, RJ exhibits a meticulous, risk-averse approach, vital for navigating the volatile DeFi landscape. His blend of academic rigor, practical experience, and industry-specific knowledge make him an invaluable leader for our team.

• Active Cardano community member since early 2018. Reputation of consistency and integrity in the Cardano ecosystem. @rjmcoin on Reddit, Cardano Forum, Twitter
• ITN era Stake Pool Operator
• Cardano Education Initiative - Grand Ultimate Cardano Staking Guide - 9 languages
• Cardano Ecosystem Mind Map - The earliest and most comprehensive interactive mind map (Relegated)

Vivek Nankissoor - Business Development Lead

• 15+ years of experience in database requirements, design, and development
• Established and grew web analytics, marketing automation, and QA practices
• Co-Founder of MSVN (Canucks Publishing, Voteaire.io)
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/viveknankissoor/

Michael Stewart - Technical Lead

• 18+ years of software development and architecture experience.
• Member of the Cardano community since 2017
• Co-Founder of MSVN (Canucks Publishing, Voteaire.io)
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/codefly/

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

CATALYST FUNDING REQUEST PORTION

Interactive Web Application:

Budget: $30K USD (– ADA)

Scope:

• React “quadrant” component that is automatically updated with reviews
• Searchable “cards” for each reviewed project
• Process to manage ranking of projects
• Build for mobile compatibility
• Focus on UI/UX
• Infrastructure for creating a profile and login-protected sections
• User functionality: watching tagged projects, leave comments on reviews, user donations, ability to sponsor listings
• Process for automatically ingesting data for new reviews and updates to existing reviews
• Admin capability to edit reviews and other components of the application
• Project comparison tool
• Infrastructure for continuous delivery (Dev site, Preprod, Production)
• Post-deployment stabilization, fixes and maintenance

API access for 3rd party use:

Budget: $20K USD (– ADA)

Scope:

• API with multi-tier access
• Free API access to standard review metrics and information
• Premium access for detailed review information and insights
• Infrastructure for API development
• Documentation for internal and external use
• Management of API keys and subscriptions
• Admin interface for API management

Upgrades, Optimization and Maintenance for 1yr:

Budget: $10000 USD (– ADA)

• Web application hosting
• Backend infrastructure hosting
• UI/UX enhancements based on user feedback
• Quality of life updates based on ongoing operations

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

The CRCI project, with a funding request of 158K ADA (approximately $60,000 USD), represents a significant value for the Cardano ecosystem.

This investment is modest, especially when contrasted with the high financial risks prevalent in the crypto world, where losses due to fraud and mismanagement often run into millions. Our budget is carefully aligned with industry standards for web development, UI/UX design, and project management, ensuring we deliver quality work at fair prices.

The CRCI initiative serves as a strategic investment to enhance trust and deter bad actors within the ecosystem, offering long-term benefits by reducing fraud and fostering a stable, trustworthy environment. Additionally, CRCI enhances due diligence processes at a cost-effective rate, empowering investors with comprehensive project reviews and scores.

This project not only promotes an informed and engaged community but also contributes significantly to the overall health and sustainability of the Cardano ecosystem. In summary, CRCI is a prudent and necessary investment, providing substantial benefits and safeguards for a relatively modest cost. We're not asking for compensation for our initial research and development costs of the project, we want to get this tremendous effort in the hands of the community.

Thank you very much for your vote to make the Cardano ecosystem better!