Please describe your proposed solution

The current lack of standardized smart contract libraries on Cardano results in inefficiencies, repeated code implementations, and potential security risks. Our project aims to address these issues by creating an AI-enhanced smart contract library that provides reusable and tested code templates for common contract use cases. The AI will act as an assistant, offering guidance, best practices, and optimization suggestions.

How We Perceive the Problem:

Cardano developers face challenges in finding reliable, reusable code for typical use cases such as token minting. The absence of standardized libraries means developers often build their solutions from scratch, increasing the likelihood of bugs and security vulnerabilities.

Engagement and Beneficiaries:

Our project will engage the Cardano developer community, targeting both new and experienced developers. The library will include:

• Reusable Templates: Well-documented, reusable templates for common smart contract use cases.
• AI-Based Guidance: AI will provide recommendations and insights on best practices, security considerations, and optimization techniques.
• Security and Efficiency Recommendations: The AI assistant will analyze code patterns, highlight potential issues, and suggest improvements based on established guidelines.

Demonstrating Impact:

We will demonstrate our impact through the number of developers utilizing the library, feedback from the community, and the overall adoption rate of the provided templates. Metrics such as the reduction of development time and improvement in security (measured through fewer vulnerabilities in deployed contracts) will be key indicators of success.

Uniqueness and Importance to Cardano:

Our solution stands out by focusing on providing developers with a supportive AI assistant rather than generating code automatically. This ensures that developers can build customized solutions with the confidence that their code adheres to best practices and security standards. By streamlining development and reducing the complexity of building secure dApps, our library will contribute to a higher quality of deployed smart contracts and accelerate ecosystem growth on Cardano.

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

Our project will provide a valuable toolset to the Cardano developer community, reducing the complexity of creating secure and efficient smart contracts while promoting standardization across various dApp use cases. By offering an AI-enhanced library with pre-built templates and intelligent suggestions, we will enable developers to produce more reliable and secure dApps with minimal effort, contributing to the overall quality and security of projects on the Cardano blockchain.

Value to the Cardano Community:

• Increased Development Efficiency:
• Developers will save time by leveraging reusable templates and AI-guided recommendations, allowing them to focus on building innovative solutions rather than re-implementing common functionality. This will reduce the time-to-market for new dApps and contribute to faster growth of the Cardano ecosystem.
• Improved Security and Reliability:
• The AI assistant will help developers avoid common pitfalls and ensure their code adheres to best practices, leading to fewer vulnerabilities in deployed contracts. This will enhance the reputation of Cardano as a secure and reliable platform for dApp development.
• Lower Barrier to Entry for New Developers:
• By providing ready-made templates and AI guidance, our library will make it easier for new developers to start building on Cardano without needing extensive experience in Haskell or Plutus, ultimately leading to a more inclusive developer community.

Measuring Impact:

We will measure the impact of our project through a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics:

• Quantitative Metrics:
• Number of Downloads and Users: Track the number of downloads of the smart contract library and the number of unique users.
• Contract Deployments: Measure the number of smart contracts developed and deployed using the library templates.
• Reduction in Development Time: Conduct user surveys to assess the reduction in development time when using the library.
• Security Improvements: Measure the decrease in reported vulnerabilities or issues in contracts built with the library, compared to contracts developed without it.
• Qualitative Metrics:
• Community Feedback: Gather feedback from the developer community on the usability, relevance, and helpfulness of the AI assistant and library features.
• User Satisfaction Surveys: Conduct regular surveys to understand user satisfaction levels and identify areas for further improvement.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

We will ensure that the outputs of this project are shared openly with the Cardano community through multiple channels:

• Open-Source Repository: The entire library will be open-source and hosted on GitHub, allowing developers to contribute, suggest improvements, and collaborate on future developments.
• Documentation and Tutorials: Comprehensive documentation, including tutorials and code examples, will be made available to ensure ease of use and to support new developers entering the ecosystem.
• Community Workshops and Webinars: We will conduct workshops, webinars, and AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions to showcase the features of the library, demonstrate its usage, and collect feedback.
• Partnership with Developer Communities: Partner with established Cardano developer communities and platforms, such as the Cardano Developer Portal, to reach a broader audience and share insights.

Long-Term Vision:

The success of our project will lead to more secure, standardized, and efficient smart contracts on Cardano, ultimately increasing the overall quality and reliability of the Cardano ecosystem. This project will set a benchmark for other smart contract tools and contribute to making Cardano the preferred choice for dApp developers.

By supporting both experienced and new developers with a comprehensive, AI-enhanced toolset, we aim to foster a more active and engaged developer community, driving innovation and growth within the Cardano 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?

Our team is comprised of experienced blockchain developers, smart contract specialists, and AI researchers with a proven track record in delivering successful projects within the Cardano ecosystem and beyond. We have a deep understanding of Cardano’s architecture, Plutus, and Haskell, along with expertise in implementing AI-driven tools that enhance developer productivity and code security. These competencies position us well to execute this project efficiently and effectively.

Existing Capabilities:

• Technical Expertise:
• Our core team has extensive experience in smart contract development, blockchain solutions, and AI research. We have successfully built and contributed to several decentralized applications (dApps) on Cardano, and are familiar with Plutus and Marlowe.
• We have previously worked on AI-driven tools and libraries, enabling us to implement the AI assistant in a practical and non-intrusive manner.
• Project Management:
• We have a strong project management framework that includes planning, execution, testing, and deployment phases. Our process ensures that all project milestones are met on time, within budget, and in accordance with the highest quality standards.
• Open Source and Community Engagement:
• We have a history of contributing to open-source projects and engaging with the Cardano developer community. This experience will allow us to gather feedback early and iterate on the project based on real-world usage.

Validating Feasibility:

To ensure that our approach is feasible, we will implement the following validation steps:

• Prototyping and Testing:
• Develop a prototype for the AI assistant and a few initial smart contract templates to demonstrate the core functionality. This will help identify any technical or architectural challenges early in the development process.
• Community Involvement:
• Engage the Cardano developer community through surveys and discussion forums to validate the need and functionality of the proposed solution. Early feedback will be crucial to refine the project scope and approach.
• Partnership with Experienced Developers:
• Collaborate with experienced Cardano developers and smart contract auditors to review and validate our code, ensuring that it meets the required standards for security and performance.

Trust and Accountability:

We are committed to managing funds responsibly and delivering on our promises with transparency and accountability. To ensure this:

• Transparent Fund Management:
• We will provide regular updates and detailed budget reports to demonstrate how funds are being utilized at each stage of the project.
• Funds will be allocated and disbursed according to the pre-defined budget plan, with a clear breakdown of costs for development, testing, and outreach activities.
• Milestone-Based Funding and Reporting:
• The project will follow a milestone-based approach, with funds released based on successful completion of each milestone. This ensures that the project is on track and resources are being used effectively.
• We will publish our progress on public channels such as GitHub and Catalyst forums, allowing the community to monitor and evaluate our work.
• Audits and Community Reviews:
• Our smart contract library and AI assistant will undergo independent audits and community reviews to validate security and functionality.
• We will also welcome third-party reviewers to assess the project’s progress and provide input on fund management practices.

Why We Are Best Suited to Deliver This Project:

With our combined expertise in blockchain development, smart contract security, and AI tools, we have the technical capability and experience necessary to bring this project to fruition. Our prior experience with the Cardano ecosystem, coupled with a strong commitment to transparency, makes us a trusted and reliable partner for executing this project.

By leveraging our existing skill set and ensuring rigorous validation and fund management processes, we are confident that we can deliver an impactful solution that meets the needs of the Cardano community while maintaining the highest levels of trust and accountability.

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

Milestone 1: System Design and Requirements Specification:

System Architecture and Tech Design: Establish the overall architecture and technology stack.

UI and UX Design: Create wireframes and UI designs.

Smart Contract Specifications: Define the detailed specifications for smart contract templates.

Milestone 2: Frontend Development and User Experience Enhancement

• Frontend Interface Implementation: Develop the core UI components
• Template Browser and Interaction: Build an interface for users to explore and interact with pre-built smart contract templates.

Milestone 3: Smart Contract Library Creation and Documentation

• Template Development: Create a comprehensive library of smart contract templates for common use cases, such as token creation.
• AI: Implement the AI module to provide suggestions.

Documentation and Tutorials: Develop thorough documentation and tutorials to guide users in utilizing the templates and AI effectively.

Milestone 4: Backend Development and AI Module Integration:

• Backend API and Logic Implementation: Develop the backend logic for managing smart contract interactions, user sessions, and data storage.
• AI Assistance Module: Implement the AI assistant module to provide recommendations, guidance, and best practices for smart contract development.
• Blockchain Integration: Set up integration with the Cardano blockchain, enabling deployment, execution, and tracking of smart contracts.

Milestone 5: Full Integration, Testing, and Beta Launch

• Frontend and Backend Integration: Integrate frontend UI with backend services and the AI module for seamless user experience.
• Comprehensive Testing: Conduct integration, functional, and security testing to ensure all components work as expected.

Beta Launch and Community Feedback: Release the beta version of the platform to a select group of users for real-world testing and feedback.

Final Milestone: Project Completion and Public Release

• Project Completion Report: Create report summarizing all project stages.
• Project Completion Video :

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

1: Tibebe Solomon - Experienced Full stack web Developer | UX/UI Designer

• Linkedin: linkedin profile
• Github: https://github.com/ldebele
• Responsible for Web related tasks.

Licenses & certifications

• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
• User Experience Design: Demonstrates responsibility for creating intuitive and visually appealing user experiences.
• UI Design Proficiency: Proficient in applying user interface design principles and user-centered design methodologies.
• Interface Design Experience: Experienced in designing engaging and user-friendly interfaces for mobile and web applications.

2: Henok Gebere: Project Manager | Customer Service

• Linkedin: linkedin
• Customer Service Executive.
• Management.
• Honored with the highest score and gold medal in Management.
• Oversees project execution, manages resources, and ensures timely delivery.

3: Lemi Debela: Machine Learning Engineer

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lemi-debela/
• Github: https://github.com/ldebele
• Responsible for AI related tasks.

4: Meheret B.: Project Manager/Technical Lead

• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA)
• Email: [email protected]
• Role: Oversees project execution, manages resources, and ensures timely delivery.

5: Nahom Senay - Backend Developer | Software Engineering Student | Blockchain Developer

• Certified Cardano Blockchain developer
• Linkedin: linkedin profile
• Github: github account

Our team has actively participated in numerous projects closely related to this endeavor. Each team member is fully committed to executing this idea, drawing from our collective experience in implementing similar projects to a high standard of excellence

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Milestone 1: System Design and Requirements Specification

• Cost: 15,000
• Breakdown:
• System architecture and technology design: 5,000
• UI/UX design: 4,000
• Smart contract specifications and documentation: 6,000

Milestone 2: Backend Development and AI Module Integration

• Cost: 40,000
• Breakdown:
• Backend API and logic implementation: 12,000
• AI assistance module integration: 8,000
• Blockchain integration setup: 5,000

Milestone 3: Frontend Development and User Experience Enhancement

• Cost: 30,000
• Breakdown:
• Frontend interface development: 15,000
• Template browser and interaction: 10,000

Milestone 4: Smart Contract Library Creation and Documentation

• Cost: 45,000
• Breakdown:
• Template development: 20,000
• AI integration: 15,000
• Documentation and tutorials: 5,000

Milestone 5: Full Integration, Testing, and Beta Launch

• Cost: 30,000
• Breakdown:
• Frontend and backend integration: 10,000
• Testing and debugging: 10,000
• Beta launch and community feedback: 10,000

Final Milestone: Project Completion and Public Release

• Cost: 15,000
• Breakdown:
• Project completion report and documentation:
• Project completion report

Total Project Budget: 175,000

No dependencies

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

The proposed project budget has been carefully structured to deliver maximum value to the Cardano ecosystem by addressing a critical need for standardized, reusable smart contract libraries and AI-assisted development tools. The costs have been estimated based on industry-standard rates and our experience in smart contract development and blockchain technology.

Justification of Costs:

• Development Costs:
• The bulk of the budget is allocated to development activities, including frontend and backend implementation, AI module integration, and the creation of smart contract templates. These costs reflect typical hourly rates for skilled developers in the blockchain space, which can range from $50 to $150 per hour depending on experience and location. Our team includes experienced developers who can deliver high-quality results efficiently.
• Additionally, specialized blockchain development, particularly in Haskell and Plutus, requires a niche skill set that commands higher compensation due to the complexity and specificity of the technology.
• AI Integration Costs:
• Integrating AI-based recommendations and guidance tools for smart contracts is a unique aspect of this project. This requires expertise in both AI and blockchain, as well as additional testing and validation efforts. These costs are justified by the value that an AI assistant will provide to the community, making contract development more accessible and reducing potential security vulnerabilities.
• Documentation, Testing, and Community Outreach:
• Comprehensive documentation and testing are critical to the adoption and usability of the library. Given the nature of blockchain and smart contract technology, detailed documentation and tutorials will be necessary to ensure users can utilize the library effectively.
• Community outreach and workshops are also included in the budget to promote the adoption of the library and gather valuable feedback for continuous improvement.

Value for Cardano Ecosystem:

• Cost Efficiency: By providing reusable smart contract templates and AI-assisted guidance, this project will significantly reduce development time and costs for other projects within the ecosystem. Developers will no longer need to build solutions from scratch, and the risk of errors and vulnerabilities will be minimized.
• Supporting Broader Ecosystem Growth: The project will empower more developers, including those who may not be deeply familiar with Haskell or Plutus, to build on Cardano, thereby expanding the developer base and encouraging more dApp development on the platform.

Supporting Evidence for Cost Allocation:

• Our cost estimates are based on the average wage for blockchain developers and smart contract specialists in our region and the industry as a whole. For example, the average hourly rate for a skilled blockchain developer ranges from $70 to $120 per hour, depending on the level of expertise. The budget for each milestone reflects this rate, ensuring fair compensation while remaining cost-effective.
• Documentation and tutorial creation costs are in line with standard technical writing rates, which range from $30 to $60 per hour, ensuring that the documentation is comprehensive, professional, and user-friendly.

Conclusion:

The project budget represents value for money as it will result in a high-quality, AI-enhanced smart contract library that will serve the Cardano community in the long term. By reducing development costs for future projects and increasing the overall security and reliability of deployed smart contracts, our project will have a positive and lasting impact on the Cardano ecosystem.