Please describe your proposed solution

This project is dedicated to revolutionizing the usability and accessibility of Cardano's DeFi applications through a comprehensive research initiative and the development of actionable best practices.

Leveraging Linkage Finance's expertise in the DeFi sector, our approach is designed to actively engage developers and users alike, ultimately enhancing the overall DApp experience within the Cardano ecosystem. By conducting extensive research and fostering collaborative partnerships, we aim to set new standards for usability and functionality in Cardano's DeFi space, ultimately driving innovation and adoption.

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

The success of this transformative initiative will significantly drive increased adoption and engagement within the dynamic Cardano ecosystem. Our impact will be measured through user feedback mechanisms. To ensure widespread adoption of our impactful findings, we are committed to publish educational resources, facilitating knowledge-sharing and collective growth within 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?

Linkage Finance's extensive experience in Cardano's DeFi sector ensures reliable project delivery and accountability. Our team possesses deep-rooted capabilities in blockchain research, DApp development, and community engagement, making us uniquely suited to lead this initiative. To manage funds responsibly, we adhere to transparent financial practices, including budget tracking and regular reporting. These processes demonstrate our commitment to responsible resource management and project integrity, ensuring optimal utilization of funds for maximum impact. Through rigorous research and transparent reporting, we will validate our approach.

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

Milestone 1: <u>A: Milestone Outputs</u>

• Research on DeFi Best Practices.

<u>B: Acceptance Criteria</u>

• Ensuring the research on DeFi Best Practices covers a range of DeFi-Topics.

<u>C: Evidence of Milestone Completion</u>

• Publication of Research Findings.

Milestone 2: <u>A: Milestone Outputs</u>

• Using the Research Report to write a comprehensive Best Practice Guide.

<u>B: Acceptance Criteria</u>

• Making sure that the Best Practices Guide covers all the topics found in the Research Report.

<u>C: Evidence of Milestone Completion</u>

• Link to Best Practice Guide.

Final Milestone: <u>A: Milestone Outputs</u>

• Gathering feedback from other Cardano Projects on our Best Practice Guide and using that feedback to improve the Guide.
• Promoting the Best Practice Guide within the Cardano DApp Developer Space.

<u>B: Acceptance Criteria</u>

• Making sure to gather feedback from Cardano Projects
• Making sure to promote the Best Practice Guide

<u>C: Evidence of Milestone Completion</u>

• Finalized Best Practices Guide that includes the other Projects feedback.
• Links to Best Practice Guide Announcements/Promotion.

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

The project team consists of a dedicated group of experienced professionals from Linkage Finance, each specializing in various areas such as research, decentralized application (DApp) development, and community engagement. This team composition ensures that we can effectively execute all project tasks and deliver exceptional results.

Best Practices Researcher (Chris): Makes sure that the topics covered are relevant for development.

Project Manager (Marius): Oversees the entire project, gathers feedback and is responsible for Communication.

Content Writer: (Chris and Marius): Make sure that featured is correct and easily accessible for Community members and Best Practices Guide Users.

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

The proposed budget for this project is 50,000 ADA and will be allocated as follows:

1. Research on Topics featured and writing of the Guide: 25,000 ADA
2. Outreach to other Projects and Engagement: 15,000 ADA
3. Further editing including the feedback of other projects: 10,000 ADA

No dependencies.

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

The proposed budget aligns with industry standards for research and development in the blockchain sector, ensuring optimal value for the Cardano ecosystem. Costs are justified based on market rates and expected outcomes, maximizing impact and community benefit. Our decision-making process is rooted in careful consideration of project goals and resource allocation, guaranteeing efficient use of funds to achieve meaningful results.