Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution is a self-paced online course designed to introduce Cardano technology and Marlowe smart contracts to the scientific community, with a focus on non-programmers and beginners. The course will cover the basics of blockchain, its applications in academic research, and practical examples of how Marlowe can be used to manage research funding, intellectual property and collaborations.

By being education open to everyone, we aim to provide researchers with the ability and knowledge on how to use decentralized solutions in their work to make academic processes more transparent and efficient.

Integration of scientific world with the blockchain technology will make it easier for scientists who want to experiment with new instruments.

• How you perceive the problem you are solving

There is a huge knowledge gap between the scientific community and the rapidly emerging world of blockchain. Most scientists have too little technological insight to ever venture into the space where it could otherwise potentially revolutionise, for example, research funding, data management or intellectual property. This gap hinders tools like Marlowe, which are designed to simplify the creation of smart contracts without the need for programming skills. Through targeted education, we aim to equip researchers with the knowledge they need to take advantage of decentralised solutions in their academic and research endeavours.

Furthermore, there is insufficient recognition and adoption of Cardano by the DeSci (Decentralised Science) community, which is a fundamental part of it. Despite the fact that Cardano offers a high level of security, sustainability and decentralisation to the scientific innovation space, it is often overshadowed by other smart contract-enabled blockchains such as Ethereum. However, this lack of knowledge also discourages scientists from thinking about or writing grants on Cardano's features, thus stifling its influence and growth in the DeSci space.

• Your reasons for approaching it in the way that you have

The DeSci movement is rapidly expanding worldwide, yet despite Cardano being known as the “scientific blockchain,” there is still a knowledge gap within the scientific community about what Cardano is and how it can be effectively used. To address this, we’ve developed a self-paced online course that combines flexibility and accessibility, making it ideal for scientists and non-programmers with busy schedules who need to learn at their own pace.

The course begins with blockchain fundamentals and then moves into specific training on Cardano and Marlowe, a user-friendly smart contract language. Marlowe is perfect for scientists looking to implement smart contracts in areas such as research funding management and intellectual property without the need for advanced coding skills. Its accessibility allows for the automation and transparency of these critical processes, providing practical, real-world applications.

Our approach ensures that scientists not only understand blockchain technology but also apply it directly in their research, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and collaboration. The course is designed to be scalable and sustainable, helping to integrate blockchain technology into the academic ecosystem, and positioning Cardano as the go-to platform for scientific research.

This strategy maximizes the reach and impact of the course, strengthening the connection between the scientific community and Cardano. It guarantees broader adoption of Marlowe in practical, research-driven use cases, providing scientists with real tools they can use immediately in their work. By offering hands-on, real-world examples, we aim to educate, inspire, and empower scientists to leverage blockchain technology effectively.

At the DeSci Day II event in Argentina, Dr. Martin Rivero highlighted the opportunities Catalyst offers for scientific projects leveraging Cardano technology, showcasing two Argentinian blockchain-based projects. While these projects brought visibility to Cardano’s potential in the DeSci space, there is still a significant opportunity to attract more traditional scientists and researchers to build on the platform.

• Who will your project engage

1. Researchers and Scientists: Our main audience, who will gain practical skills in blockchain, smart contracts, and Cardano, using Marlowe for real-world applications like research funding, IP management, and collaborative projects.

2. Academics and Faculty: Professors and researchers interested in using blockchain for teaching, research, or managing academic resources, helping them enhance transparency and efficiency.

3. Students and PhD Candidates: Especially those in STEM, looking to explore blockchain in their research or careers, benefiting from interdisciplinary learning.

4. Research Institutions and Organizations: Entities such as universities and funding bodies that seek decentralized solutions for grant management and collaborative projects, using Marlowe for automation and transparency.

5 . Non-programmers in STEM: Individuals interested in blockchain applications for data verification, automation, and improving collaboration without the need for programming skill

6 . Blockchain Enthusiasts in Academia: Those wanting a structured, scientific approach to smart contracts and blockchain solutions

• How you will demonstrate or prove your impact

1. Tracking engagement: We'll monitor course enrolment and completion rates to gauge interest and relevance, while also measuring active participation in course activities, such as quizzes and exercises, to see how well the content is resonating.

2. Surveys and feedback : We'll use pre and post course surveys to assess how much participants' knowledge has improved. We'll also collect feedback on the quality and usability of the course to help us make improvements.

3. Partnerships with academic institutions: We'll work with universities and research organisations to integrate Cardano and Marlowe into their work.

4. Community Growth: We'll build online forums where participants can engage, share experiences and collaborate, and measure the growth and activity levels of these communities.

Our solution is unique because it's specifically designed for the academic community, targeting non-programmers and beginners who want to learn and use blockchain technology. Unlike general blockchain courses, we focus on practical applications in science, using Marlowe - a smart contract language accessible to those without programming skills. This approach ensures that academics can directly apply what they learn.

Who benefits?

1. Researchers and scientists: They'll learn how to integrate blockchain into their research, making processes such as grant management and data verification more efficient.

2. Academic Institutions: Universities and research centres can use these decentralised solutions to manage projects and funds and verify the integrity of research, improving transparency and efficiency.

3. Students and graduates: They'll gain fundamental blockchain knowledge, positioning themselves as future innovators at the intersection of science and technology.

4. Research funders: These organisations will benefit from blockchain's transparency and automation, improving the management and accountability of research funding.

This project is crucial for Cardano as it opens up new opportunities and drives adoption in key sectors:

1. Expanding Cardano's reach in academia

2. Align with Cardano's scientific rigour: Cardano is built on scientific principles and our approach is directly linked to this ethos.

This approach not only increases Cardano's visibility and credibility, but also paves the way for wider adoption and impact in new, influential sectors.

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

• Our project will have a positive impact on the Cardano community by

Extending Cardano's reach in academia: By introducing blockchain and Marlowe to scientists and academics.

Promoting real-world use cases: By teaching scientists to use Marlowe, we'll foster innovative solutions such as managing grants, automating collaborations, and increasing transparency in research..

• How will you measure this impact?

a. Course attendance.

• Tracking the total number of people enrolled in the course.
• Completion rates: Measuring how many people complete the course.
• Demographics: We will analyse data on where participants come from (region, academic discipline, etc.).

b. Skills acquisition: Pre and Post Course Surveys: Conduct surveys to measure participants' knowledge and understanding of blockchain, Cardano and Marlowe before and after the course.

c. Community engagement and growty: we will track the development of an online community (through forums, social media groups or discussion platforms).

d. Feedback: We will collect qualitative feedback on the course content.

• How will you share the outputs and opportunities that result from your project?

Online platforms and course dissemination

Dedicated website: Our course will be hosted on a dedicated website, providing global access to course materials, videos and resources.

Open access resources: We'll provide free guides, tutorials, and introductory materials on Cardano, Marlowe, and blockchain technology, ensuring that scientists have barrier-free access to essential learning tools.

Community Engagement and Collaboration

Community Groups: We will establish a Telegram community where participants can connect, share experiences, and explore new ways to use Cardano and Marlowe in academic research, creating a collaborative hub for networking and support.

Partnering with institutions: We'll partner with universities and research organisations to share course outcomes and real-world applications, demonstrating how Marlowe improves research funding, collaboration and IP management.

Social media and content sharing

Targeted campaigns: We'll launch social media campaigns on platforms such as X (ex-Twitter) and LinkedIn, engaging a wider audience in the scientific and academic 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?

With a deep passion for science and a commitment to innovation, I bring a strong blend of experience and expertise to lead this project. I hold a PhD in Medical Sciences and a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology, supported by over 10 years of research experience. Throughout my career, I’ve published scientific papers, led preclinical trials, and secured several international grants. As the COO of a biotech company, I have hands-on experience managing complex, impactful projects, ensuring their success from start to finish.

My role as a SingularityNET LATAM ambassador (X link) and a member of DeSci LATAM reflects my commitment to advancing decentralized science and AI innovation.

In the blockchain space, I am a Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate and have co-proposed a successfully funded project in Project Catalyst (Fund 11), where we developed blockchain solutions for biotech applications. I’ve been actively involved in the Cardano community, including participating in and achieving second place in the Cardano Latam Builders Hackathon. I have also attended the Cardano Developer Course and a Marlowe workshop led by instructors from IOHK (Link to the course).

To learn more about my background, explore my certifications [link], or connect with me directly through <https://linktr.ee/martinrivero>.

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

Milestone 1: Title: Course Content Creation, Website Design, and Social Media Setup

A: Outputs:

• Creation of a detailed document outlining the course content (including modules, topics, learning objectives, and teachers).
• Design and development of the course website with a user-friendly interface and information about the course.
• Opening of social media accounts (Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) to engage the scientific community and promote the course.

B: Acceptance Criteria:

• The course content document is completed and outlines all modules and topics.
• Website design is completed and ready to host the course upon launch.
• Social media accounts are active with at least 3 introductory posts about the upcoming course.

C: Evidence of Completion:

• Link to the completed course content document.
• Screenshots or links to the live website design.
• Links to social media accounts and posts.

Cost (ADA): 7,513

Delivery Month: 2

Completion: 30%

Milestone 2: Title: Course Platform Setup and Content Creation

A: Outputs:

- Setup of the course platform with the necessary infrastructure to host videos, quizzes, and learning materials.

- Recording and editing of the course content, including videos, guides, and tutorials.

- Subtitling and translation (if applicable) of videos to make the course accessible to a wider audience.

B: Acceptance Criteria:

- The course platform is live and ready to host content, with a functional interface.

- The course content (videos, guides, quizzes) is fully recorded, edited, and uploaded to the platform.

- Videos are subtitled and accessible.

C: Evidence of Completion:

- Links to the live course platform with a preview of uploaded content.

- Screenshots or samples of completed videos, guides, and subtitled materials.

- List of course modules ready for testing and feedback.

Cost (ADA): 12,250

Delivery Month: 5

Completion: 65%

Milestone 3: Title: Testing, Refinement, and Full Course Launch

A: Outputs:

- Pilot testing of the course with a small group of scientists/researchers (10 participants), each receiving 50 ADA as an incentive for participation.

- Feedback collection from participants, focused on content quality, usability of the platform, and overall user experience.

- Refinement and improvements made based on participant feedback, including content tweaks, platform adjustments, or additional resources.

- Full course launch with active promotion through social media, academic institutions, and Cardano forums.

- Creation of an online community forum or group for participants to discuss and collaborate.

B: Acceptance Criteria:

- At least 5 participants complete the pilot test, providing feedback on the course and platform, and each is compensated with 50 ADA for participation.

- Adjustments are made based on participant feedback to enhance the course and platform usability.

- The full course is launched, with active promotion through established channels.

C: Evidence of Completion:

- Links to pilot feedback and list of improvements made.

- Links to the live course, promotional materials (social media posts, partnership announcements).

- Links to the active community forum/group for participants.

- List of participants who have received ADA distribution for pilot participants.

Cost (ADA): 6,560

Delivery Month: 8

Completion: 85%

Final Milestone: Title: Project Summary and Comprehensive Reporting

A: Outputs:

- Compilation of a comprehensive summary report detailing all activities, milestones, and outcomes achieved throughout the project.

- Analysis of the project's overall impact, including metrics on community engagement, awareness, and feedback.

- Development of recommendations and next steps to ensure continued promotion and growth of DeSci within the Cardano ecosystem.

B: Acceptance Criteria:

- The comprehensive summary report is completed, reviewed, and published, covering all aspects of the project.

- Documentation of impact analysis, including community engagement and feedback metrics.

- Closing update shared with the Cardano community.

C: Evidence of Completion:

Links to: Publication of the final summary report with presentation of key insights, lessons learned, and future recommendations in a closing update to the community

Cost (ADA): 2907

Delivery Month: 9

Completion: 100%

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

The project team consists of:

Martin Rivero, PhD (ln): A scientist in the health sector, Martin is a key driver of DeSci solutions and acts as a communicator and educator within the project. His role is to bridge the gap between science and blockchain, ensuring that the course content is relevant and accessible to the scientific community.

Nerina Ermacora, Tec (ln): An experienced business administrator and content manager, Nerina oversees the organization and development of educational materials. She manages the course content, coordinates the project timeline, and ensures smooth communication with participants and stakeholders.

Nahuel Gonzalez (ln): As the founder of DeSci Latam and a front-end developer, Nahuel is responsible for developing the course platform and ensuring its user-friendly design. He also supports the integration of the online community features and manages the technical aspects of the project.

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

The value of ADA relative to USD used for the conversion was 0.3354 on 10/3/2024 according to CoinMarketCap. Below, you will find the budget breakdown for each activity within every milestone. Additionally, I’m providing access to the Excel sheet where all calculations were made for full transparency (link).

No dependencies

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

The $9,803 USD investment over 9 months is a strategic, cost-effective initiative for the Cardano Treasury, averaging only $1,089 USD/month. With a focus on the global DeSci community, this project aims to efficiently drive Cardano's adoption and real-world applications.

The 29,230 ADA investment represents less than 0.6% of the total ADA allocated for the Ecosystem category and less than 0.06% of the total budget for Fund 13. This funding maximizes impact through:

1. Engaging scientists: Educating scientists, extending Cardano's reach into research and academia, increasing adoption and generating long-term returns.

2. Sustainable Learning: Provides a self-paced, scalable course that delivers ongoing value without recurring costs.

3. Practical Marlowe Training: Teaches scientists to use Marlowe for real-world applications such as funding and IP management, positioning Cardano as the platform of choice.

4. Long term impact: Builds research partnerships and creates case studies, strengthening Cardano's role in scientific innovation.

<u>This project bridges science and blockchain, consolidating Cardano's presence and value in the research sector.</u>