Please describe your proposed solution.

The Summon Platform is already functional and offering treasury management and governance services to Cardano projects and community members. Recently we served as the Partner Vote platform for the CIP-1694 Governance Temperature Check called for by the Cardano Foundation and Intersect MBO because our platform offered Hardware Wallet integration, which was not possible on the Cardano Ballot platform.

This proposed grant addresses the need for an enhanced, user-friendly interface for the Summon Platform, aiming to streamline and expand its functionality. The current front-end code was built with elements of a licensed template kit, which is not allowed to be distributed to third parties. Because other Cardano projects could benefit from access to front-end code that they could modify for their own use, we propose the development of a comprehensive software development kit (SDK) and a front-end application, both of which are to be open-source. These tools will be designed to leverage the Summon Platform APIs as well as integrate with existing network query solutions like Kupo + Ogmios, cardano-graphql, or blockfrost. This approach allows for the execution of a variety of tasks, both common and novel, within the Cardano ecosystem.

The uniqueness of this solution lies in its two-fold approach. Firstly, the Summon Platform v2 APIs, developed in parallel with this proposal, will enhance backend functionalities. Secondly, the front-end rewrite using the new SDK will offer an improved user experience, featuring connectors to network query solutions as a standard. This open-source development ensures wider accessibility and adaptability.

Existing features of the Summon Platform, such as snapshot voting for polling systems, multi-sig treasury management, Agora smart-contract voting, and DEX-aggregator, will be retained and improved upon. The addition of delegated representative (DRep) snapshots and DeFi integrations will further expand the platform's capabilities.

This solution significantly benefits Cardano projects by enabling them to integrate Summon into their own websites seamlessly. The open-source nature of the V2 Front-end allows for customization to fit different styles and community preferences. Projects can easily utilize the Summon APIs for various functions like running polls, displaying Multi-sig Treasuries, governing Agora DAOs, and harnessing DeFi solutions.

Moreover, the Summon Association's commitment to education plays a crucial role. They will actively engage with teams, providing them with essential knowledge about decentralized governance. This educational support extends to offering materials that empower communities to effectively self-govern.

In summary, this proposal offers a unique, open-source solution that not only enhances the usability and functionality of the Cardano blockchain but also fosters an educated and self-governing community within the ecosystem. The focus on both technical development and community empowerment is pivotal to advancing the Cardano platform's capabilities and outreach.

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

The positive impact of this project on the wider Cardano community will be multifaceted and significant. The primary objective is to facilitate easier self-governance for projects and communities within the Cardano ecosystem. This will be achieved by providing the necessary tools and education to understand and implement effective self-governance practices. Educating Cardano users on the importance of self-governance is a critical aspect of this project, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of why community input is vital for the success of any project.

A key impact will be seen in enhancing participation in Voltaire governance within the Cardano network. By demonstrating the value of community involvement, the project expects to drive better engagement and participation across the network.

For Stake Pool Operators (SPOs), the project will offer new avenues to seek input from their delegators. This will provide SPOs with a more democratic and inclusive way to understand and represent their community's interests.

Similarly, Delegated Representatives (DReps) will benefit from an enhanced understanding of their delegators' positions, enabling them to vote in a way that truly reflects their community's views and needs.

The project will also contribute to network decentralization by encouraging communities to run their own Cardano nodes. This step is vital for a more distributed and resilient network. By utilizing the project's SDK and front-end solutions, users can deploy these tools without relying on external service providers like Blockfrost, promoting a more decentralized and self-sufficient ecosystem.

Another significant impact will be the facilitation of trustless community interactions within the DeFi sphere of the Cardano network, both for multisigs and DAOs. This will open up new opportunities for communities to engage with DeFi solutions in a secure and decentralized manner.

Moreover, the project will leverage open-source contributions, such as those from ADAO proposed in Fund10, to enable communities to use NFTs for on-chain governance. This innovative approach will further enrich the governance mechanisms within the Cardano ecosystem.

To measure the impact of this project, key metrics will include the number of projects and communities adopting the new tools for self-governance, the level of participation in Voltaire governance, the increase in SPOs and DReps engagement with their delegators, and the growth in the number of individuals running their own Cardano nodes. Additionally, the uptake of DeFi solutions and the use of NFTs for governance within the network will serve as indicators of the project's success and its positive contribution to the Cardano community.

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 capability to deliver the project with high levels of trust and accountability is underpinned by a strong foundation of experience and formal organization. The Summon team's pioneering role in establishing the first DAO on Cardano is a testament to their expertise and innovative approach in the blockchain space. This prior experience is crucial, as it demonstrates a proven track record in developing and managing decentralized applications.

The presence of a live product with several features already in operation further reinforces the team's capability. This existing product not only shows technical proficiency but also provides a tangible example of the team's ability to deliver on its promises.

The internal development team is another key asset. Having a dedicated team ensures that there is a focused and consistent effort towards achieving the project's goals. This internal resource provides the flexibility and responsiveness necessary to adapt to new challenges and opportunities that may arise during the project's lifecycle.

Legal and professional compliance is a critical aspect of building trust and accountability. As a commercially registered Association in Zug, Switzerland, the Summon Association adheres to stringent legal standards. This compliance not only assures legality but also enhances the trustworthiness of the organization in the eyes of the community and stakeholders.

The formation of the Summon Platform Operating Company further exemplifies a commitment to formal and reputable management of the platform's development and operation. This structured approach to organization and management conveys seriousness and professionalism, essential qualities for ensuring trust and accountability.

In terms of validating the feasibility of the approach, the existing capabilities and achievements provide a strong basis. The team's history of successfully launching and operating a DAO on Cardano, coupled with the ongoing development and management of a live product, are clear indicators of practical feasibility. This track record, combined with the organizational structure and legal compliance, positions the Summon team as not only capable but also highly reliable and accountable in delivering this project.

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

Information Gathering

• Objective: Gauge potential user needs
• Output: A proposal presentation and stakeholder listening session to discuss how stakeholders would use this service
• Acceptance Criteria: A recording of the listening session and a short report outlining team takeaways and how we plan to meet user needs

>Education Materials and Consulting

• Output: Executive Summary of Best Practices for Blockchain Governance document. Establishment of scheduling system for Blockchain Governance consultations
• Acceptance Criteria: Submission of Executive Summary document and at least 3 instances of Blockchain Governance consultations under the new system..

>Design and API Development

• Objective: Complete the design and architecture of the new open-source front-end framework and develop the Summon Platform v2 APIs.
• Output: Detailed design documents, architectural blueprints, and front-end (no API integrated).
• Acceptance Criteria: Submission of design and architecture by the development team, and open-source repository with frontend design implemented.

>Front-end Integration and Feature Implementation

• Objective: Integrate the new front-end with the Summon Platform v2 APIs and implement enhanced features like snapshot voting, multi-sig treasury management, and DeFi integrations.
• Output: A fully integrated operational front-end interface with new features.
• Acceptance Criteria: Successful system testing, fully open-source SDK and front-end which is deployable by community members.

>Beta Testing and Feedback Incorporation

• Objective: Conduct comprehensive beta testing with selected Cardano community members and stakeholders, and incorporate feedback.
• Output: Beta test reports, feedback compilation, and updated platform based on feedback.
• Acceptance Criteria: Overview of changes made based on feedback compilation, and open-source repositories updated to reflect the changes.

>Official Launch

• Objective: Officially launch the Summon Platform V2 with full open-source front-end and comprehensive documentation.
• Output: Live platform, user and developer documentation, and a launch event.
• Acceptance Criteria: Stable platform launch, no critical issues reported, and successful dissemination of documentation and platform awareness. Prepare Closeout Report as required under Project Catalyst rules with project completion information and video.

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

Adam Rusch, President, Summon Association

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

• Responsible for performance of Summon Association
• Oversee education and outreach efforts
• Holds PhD in Education Policy and member of the School of Information Sciences faculty at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Member of Cardano Civics Committee and Parameters Committee at Intersect MBO
• Founding core contributor of ADAO

Riley Kilgore, Head of Development, Summon Platform Operations Company

<https://www.linkedin.com/in/riley-kilgore-1645b813a/>

• Oversee the development process of software and product development
• Assist in project outreach and technology integration
• Experienced DevOps and Smart Contract Engineer
• Wrote first DAO script deployed on the Cardano Blockchain as founding core contributor of ADAO

Dominik Zachar, Solutions Architect, Summon Platform Operations Company

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

• Design and oversee the execution of solutions that meet infrastructure and project needs
• Experienced Solutions Architect and software engineer
• Founding core contributor of ADAO

Rodrigo Molina, Front-end Developer, Summon Platform Operations Company

<https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigo-molina-dacaret-data-and-gis/>

• Engineer innovative solutions for front-end and back-end needs
• Innovative software engineer with growing portfolio
• Long time core contributor to ADAO

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

Budget Allocation for 575,000 ADA

Project Management & Research (115,000 ADA):

Percentage of Total Budget: 20%

Details: This budget covers the planning, administration, and research activities necessary for effective project management and strategic decision-making. It ensures that the project remains on track and aligns with its objectives.

Integration Development (250,000 ADA):

Percentage of Total Budget: Approximately 44%

Details: This significant portion of the budget is allocated to the development of infrastructure and protocols for integration with existing systems or platforms. It includes developer salaries and technological resources, ensuring robust and efficient integration capabilities.

Testing & Refinement (100,000 ADA):

Percentage of Total Budget: About 17%

Details: This allocation is dedicated to thorough testing and refinement processes. It's crucial for ensuring that the project meets its functionality and quality standards. This budget addresses the costs associated with testing and necessary improvements.

Documentation (75,000 ADA):

Percentage of Total Budget: Roughly 13%

Details: This portion is reserved for the development of comprehensive user documentation and sample decentralized applications (dApps). It supports user understanding and showcases the project's capabilities.

Contingency Reserve (35,000 ADA):

Percentage of Total Budget: 6%

Details: A contingency reserve is set aside to handle unforeseen costs or challenges during the project's execution. This ensures flexibility and adaptability in managing the project.

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

The cost of our project represents exceptional value for money for the Cardano ecosystem in several significant ways:

1. Open-Source Contribution: The core outputs of our project, including the open-source front-end code and Polling Services, will be freely available to the entire Cardano community. This represents a substantial value, as it eliminates the need for individual projects to develop these tools from scratch, saving them time and resources.
2. Streamlined Self-Governance: By enhancing the usability of the Summon Platform through an open-source SDK and front-end application, we empower Cardano projects to streamline their self-governance processes. This increased efficiency directly translates into cost savings for projects, as they can make informed decisions more quickly and effectively.
3. Community Empowerment: Our educational outreach efforts aim to empower the Cardano community with knowledge about decentralized governance. This education will enable community members to actively participate in governance processes, reducing the risk of poorly considered proposals. In the long run, this can save the ecosystem from costly governance decisions that do not align with community interests.
4. Improved Engagement: Increased participation in Voltaire governance, better input mechanisms for Stake Pool Operators (SPOs) and Delegated Representatives (DReps), and the ability to run one's Cardano node all contribute to a more engaged and decentralized ecosystem. These improvements can enhance the ecosystem's resilience and sustainability, reducing the potential costs associated with centralization or disengagement.
5. DeFi Solutions: Trustless community interactions within the DeFi sphere and the use of NFTs for governance open up new possibilities for Cardano communities. These innovative solutions can drive cost-efficiency and security, further demonstrating the value of the project.
6. Network Growth: By attracting new users and projects to the Cardano ecosystem, our project contributes to its growth and diversity. This growth is essential for Cardano's long-term success and can result in increased adoption, partnerships, and investment, all of which represent substantial value for the ecosystem.