Swarm Foundation is excited to announce the launch of the Fellowship Program.

Our mission is to catalyse the development of decentralised technologies that promote digital freedom, aiming for a future where the internet is more inclusive and accessible to all.

Lifecycle of Fellowship

To start with, a potential fellow must have an interesting idea to develop further under a fellowship. These could fall under categories such as:

• a decentralised protocol tackling a concrete issue or challenge (e.g communication, personal data management, supply chain, etc.),
• tooling for developers,
• tools or applications for end users,
• developing tech infrastructure supporting the Swarm network,
• and others.

The work must be available as open source, for others to leverage and reuse.

Connecting to pursue a fellowship

The connection between a potential fellow and Swarm Foundation is formed by the candidate demonstrating a track record of developing or supporting the Swarm network. This could include smaller projects, such as bounties, grants, or independent endeavours. 

The general idea of the fellowship has to be interesting to the Swarm Foundation and the established track record should offer evidence of the candidate being able to deliver. The fellowship proposal should enrich the Swarm ecosystem in a meaningful way, enabling other participants to use it or build on it.

Preparing a Detailed Project Canvas

The candidate must prepare a project proposal in the form of a Project Canvas, as prescribed by Swarm Foundation.

Project Canvas is available at: Project Canvas Template

The Project Canvas includes important information about the project, its scope, timeline, and deliverables, among others. It describes the commitment on the side of the fellow and is attached as an annex to the Fellowship agreement. Based on the milestones defined in the document, the financial commitment from the Swarm Association can be expressed by attaching amounts to specific milestones reached.

Preparing a Project Canvas that both parties agree on and can commit to is an iterative process, with the candidate preparing a proposal and Swarm Foundation (project sponsor) giving feedback until all the categories are defined in satisfactory detail and content.

Entering into a Formal Agreement

After the Project Canvas is agreed upon, a formal agreement can be signed and a fellowship becomes active. Fellowship projects are limited to a duration of one (1) year.

Becoming an Active Fellow

Active fellows have obligations to milestones and deliverables agreed upon. They are also ambassadors for the Swarm network, spreading awareness and knowledge, participating in Swarm events to present their work. Active fellows are also engaged in common promotional activities. 

Project progress is checked according to the plan and milestones defined in the Canvas and must  be followed by active fellows.

Graduating from the Fellowship

After successful completion of the fellowship, fellows graduate and become alumni.

Status of Alumni

As the fellowship is given with the aim of continued growth and development even after the fellowship ends, independent progress by the graduates is expected.

Graduates can expect certain support to continue at this phase, as agreed upon, e.g. in the form of common activities promoting projects and the network.

References

1. Book: Harvard Business Review Project Management Handbook: How to Launch, Lead, and Sponsor Successful Projects : https://www.amazon.com/Harvard-Business-Project-Management-Handbook/dp/1647821266
2. 2. Article: The Project Economy Has Arrived : https://hbr.org/2021/11/the-project-economy-has-arrived