Please describe your proposed solution

We will develop an open-source playbook to support local student groups in learning Cardano development. The playbook will provide step-by-step guidance on setting up and managing a learning group, creating a curriculum, and connecting with experienced developers and mentors. It will include practical resources such as templates, checklists, and community-driven best practices. By offering a structured yet adaptable framework, the playbook will empower groups to tailor their learning experience and foster strong connections within the Cardano ecosystem. This will enable student groups to overcome challenges, stay motivated, and successfully navigate the Cardano development learning journey.

This project is focused on improving the developer experience for Cardano by creating a decentralized, open-source educational product. It encourages the formation of diverse, global networks of learners and teachers, providing them with opportunities to earn and spend ADA and utilize Cardano native applications like Andamio. By supporting these networks, the playbook will drive innovation and collaboration across the ecosystem.

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

<u>Our three core impacts:</u>

Improve Developer Learning Experience

This project will improve the developer learning experience by offering a structured yet flexible playbook that guides student groups through the complexities of Cardano development. The playbook will provide comprehensive resources, best practices, and clear learning paths to help learners stay focused, motivated, and supported throughout their journey. With access to experienced mentors and a supportive network, students will have a better foundation for developing essential skills and contributing to the ecosystem.

Improve Networks in Africa, Asia, and LATAM

The playbook will actively encourage the formation and growth of student groups in underrepresented regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America (LATAM). By providing guidance, resources, and a framework for building learning communities, this project will empower local leaders to initiate and support developer communities. This approach strengthens the global Cardano network and enables a more diverse and inclusive community, contributing to broader adoption and engagement in these regions.

Connect Cardano Networks with a Standardized Learning Protocol

By introducing a standardized learning protocol through the playbook, Gimbalabs will help unify the learning experience across different regions and student groups. This standardization will make it easier for groups to connect, collaborate, and share their experiences, ultimately fostering a global learning network. Through this shared approach, student groups can benefit from the collective knowledge and support of the broader Cardano community, driving innovation and collaboration within the 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?

<u>Gimbalabs is a recognized leader in Cardano education, known for its innovative and effective learning resources.</u> With a proven track record of creating educational content and mentoring developers, Gimbalabs has become a trusted name in the community for fostering growth and engagement. The team’s deep understanding of Cardano development and governance equips them to deliver high-quality educational resources with confidence and precision.

<u>The Gimbalabs community has achieved long-term success through multiple funded proposals within Project Catalyst.</u> These projects have consistently delivered impactful outcomes and met their objectives, demonstrating Gimbalabs’ reliability and commitment to the ecosystem. By building on previous success, Gimbalabs is well-positioned to execute this proposal effectively.

<u>The organization has established strong partnerships with professional developers and developer groups globally.</u> These partnerships will provide additional expertise, mentorship, and support to ensure the playbook is comprehensive and meets the needs of diverse student groups. This network of collaborators further validates the feasibility of the project and strengthens its potential for successful implementation.

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

Milestone 1: Milestone 1: Setup and Project Initialization (1 Month)

• Objective: Establish a solid foundation for the project by setting up the necessary infrastructure and assembling the team.
• **Activities:**Finalize team members and roles.
• Set up project management tools and platforms.
• Create a detailed project plan and timeline.
• Acceptance Criteria: Project plan approved, team onboarded, and project management systems in place.

Milestone 2: Milestone 2: Research and Content Development (1 Month)

• Objective: Conduct research and compile content to build the foundation of the playbook.
• **Activities:**Gather existing educational resources and best practices.
• Engage with stakeholders (e.g., students, teachers) to understand their needs.
• Engage with partners (Sidan labs, GameChanger, etc) to collect available resources.
• Develop core content for the playbook, including learning paths, templates, and guides.
• Acceptance Criteria: Initial draft of the playbook content completed and reviewed by core team members.

Milestone 3: Milestone 3: Playbook Production and Review (1 Month)

• Objective: Create a polished version of the playbook and gather feedback.
• **Activities:**Design and format the playbook for distribution.
• Distribute the playbook to selected pilot groups and partners for feedback and testing.
• Revise the playbook based on feedback and ensure quality.
• Acceptance Criteria: Final playbook ready for release, incorporating feedback from pilot groups.

Milestone 4: Milestone 4: Community Engagement and Implementation (1 Month)

• Objective: Promote the playbook to student groups, initiate implementation, and support group formation.
• **Activities:**Conduct outreach and marketing to introduce the playbook.
• Organize onboarding sessions and workshops for student groups.
• Monitor and support groups as they implement the playbook’s guidance.
• Acceptance Criteria: A minimum of 5 student groups engaged and actively using the playbook.

Final Milestone: Milestone 5: Closeout Report and Evaluation (1 Month)

• Objective: Evaluate the project’s impact and document lessons learned for future initiatives.
• **Activities:**Collect feedback from participating groups and stakeholders.
• Evaluate the success metrics and outcomes.
• Prepare and present a final report summarizing achievements and future recommendations.
• Acceptance Criteria: Closeout report completed and shared with the community, including a summary of key findings and potential next steps.

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

<u>Project Administrators</u>

Hinson Wong - Cardano Software Engineer

• Co-founder of DeltaDeFi - <https://x.com/deltadefi>
• Co-founder of SIDAN Lab - https://x.com/sidan_lab
• Team member of Gimbalabs, driving Hong Kong community
• Key contributor to MeshJS, a Cardano SDK for DApp development
• Lead developer at Cardano Name Service (CNS)
• Ex-Citi, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
• LinkedIn: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/hinsonwong/>
• Github: <https://github.com/hinsonsidan>
• Twitter: <https://x.com/hinsonsidan>

Newman S Lanier - Technologist, Facilitator, Documenter

• Gimbalabs Contributing Member
• 3+ years in the Cardano and Catalyst ecosystem
• Linkedin: <https://www.linkedin.com/in/newman5/>
• Twitter: <https://twitter.com/Newman5>
• Github: https://github.com/Newman5

Harsha Gullapalli - UX Researcher, Product Design Engineer

• Gimbalabs Contributing Member
• 3+ years in the Cardano and Catalyst ecosystem
• Contributor to multiple web3 DAOs
• Linkedin
• Github

<u>Writers, Reviewers and Editors</u>

Hinson

Newman

Alex

James

Mix

<u>Partner student groups</u>

(confirmed)

Asian groups - HK student group lead by Hinson

• Hinson is leader of SIDAN labs workshops

African groups - Uni of Lagos led by Emmanuel

• Emmanuel is leader of <https://gimbalabs.notion.site/Cardano-development-and-smart-contract-education-10d0db6d1d5d80a2a2f7cc167e4721b6?pvs=4>

(awaiting confirmation)

• LATAM groups led by Juan

<u>Partner groups</u>

InterSect

Akien

Mesh

Helios

Andamio

GameChanger

Dandelion

Marlowe

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Budget Categories:

Content Development &amp; Documentation:

• Description: Allocate funds for creating the playbook content, including research, writing, editing, and organizing the learning resources.
• **Potential Expenses:**Compensation for writers, reviewers, and editors.
• Graphic design and layout for the playbook.
• Budget Allocation: 20,000

Facilitation &amp; Mentorship:

• Description: Funds for facilitating live sessions, mentoring student groups, and providing guidance on how to use the playbook effectively.
• **Potential Expenses:**Compensation for facilitators and mentors.
• Hosting and scheduling online meetings or workshops.
• Budget Allocation: 20,000

Community Engagement &amp; Outreach:

• Description: Resources for promoting the playbook to student groups, establishing connections, and recruiting participants from different regions.
• **Potential Expenses:**Marketing and outreach activities.
• Coordination with community partners.
• Budget Allocation: 15,000

Technical Support &amp; Platform Costs:

• Description: Expenses related to maintaining the platform for distributing the playbook (e.g., GitHub repository, website) and providing technical support for users.
• **Potential Expenses:**Platform maintenance costs.
• Technical support and community management.
• Budget Allocation: 10,000

ADA Incentives for Participation:

• Description: Incentivize participation by providing ADA rewards to students, teachers, and groups that successfully complete the learning path or contribute to the project.
• **Potential Expenses:**ADA payouts to participants.
• Bonuses for exceptional contributions or milestones.
• Budget Allocation: 15,000

Administrative &amp; Project Management:

• Description: Cover administrative overhead for coordinating the project, tracking progress, and ensuring successful execution.
• **Potential Expenses:**Compensation for project managers and coordinators.
• Administrative tools and software.
• Estimated Budget Allocation: 10,000

Contingency &amp; Miscellaneous:

• Description: Set aside a portion of the budget for unforeseen expenses or additional opportunities that may arise during project execution.
• Estimated Budget Allocation: 10,000

Total Budget:

• ADA 100,000

No dependencies.

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

This proposal represents a relatively small investment that can have a significant impact on a large number of Cardano developers. By supporting student groups worldwide, the project aims to strengthen the foundational network of future Cardano contributors and innovators.

The heavy lifting of creating educational resources is already complete, with Gimbalabs, its partners, and many Catalyst funded projects having developed a wide range of learning materials. This proposal focuses on connecting these resources in an accessible, structured manner, making it easier for student groups to navigate and utilize them effectively.

In essence, all the necessary ingredients for successful learning are already available—this project is about combining these resources into a cohesive playbook that local groups can use to guide their learning journey.

This playbook will enable a more efficient and impactful use of existing resources, reducing redundancy and eliminating the need for each new group to start from scratch. By creating a shared learning framework, we can accelerate the adoption and growth of Cardano development skills across multiple regions.

With this approach, we maximize the return on investment for the Cardano ecosystem by leveraging what’s already built, fostering new talent, and nurturing a stronger, more connected developer community.