README.md

EduChain - Blockchain Credential Verification System

EduChain is a comprehensive blockchain-based credential verification platform built on Algorand that enables institutions, authorities, and certifiers to issue tamper-proof credentials with commemorative NFTs. The system supports three credential types (Visa, Education, Certification) and provides real-time verification capabilities.

📱 App Demo & Screenshots

🎥 Demo Video

App Demo: https://youtu.be/aDbYxcGWAPQ
Full Structure Demo: https://youtu.be/WNB6mnbL29k

📸 App Screenshots

1. Landing Page

Main application interface

2. Landing Page (Light Mode)

Light theme variant

3. Login Modal

User authentication and role selection

4. Issuer Form

Credential issuance interface

5. Verification Page

Credential verification and search

6. Student Wallet

NFT collection display

🏗️ Smart Contract Architecture

Custom-Built Multi-Credential Registry

Custom Architecture

The smart contract is a multi-credential registry built from scratch using PyTeal that supports:

• 3 Credential Types: Visa (Schema 1), Education (Schema 2), Certification (Schema 3)
• Box Storage: Uses Algorand's Box Storage feature for efficient credential data storage
• NFT Integration: Links each credential to a commemorative NFT (ASA)

Data Structure

Each credential is stored in a 161-byte box with this exact layout, optimized for credential verification:

┌─────────────┬─────────────┬─────────────┬─────────────┬─────────────┬─────────────┬─────────────┬─────────────┬─────────────┐
│ Issuer Addr │ Subject Addr│ Schema Code │ Cred Hash   │ Issued At   │ Expires At  │ Revoked     │ CID Pointer │ NFT ASA ID │
│ (32 bytes)  │ (32 bytes)  │ (8 bytes)   │ (32 bytes)  │ (8 bytes)   │ (8 bytes)   │ (1 byte)    │ (32 bytes)  │ (8 bytes)   │
└─────────────┴─────────────┴─────────────┴─────────────┴─────────────┴─────────────┴─────────────┴─────────────┴─────────────┘

Custom Methods

• issue() - Issues new credentials with NFT linking
• revoke() - Revokes credentials by flipping a single byte
• get_credential() - Read-only credential retrieval
• get_nft_asa_id() - Retrieves linked NFT information

Custom Security Features

• Admin-only operations: Only the contract creator can issue/revoke
• Hash validation: Ensures credential hashes are exactly 32 bytes
• Schema validation: Validates schema codes are within valid range (1-3)
• Address validation: Ensures subject addresses are properly formatted

Key Custom Innovations

• NFT-Credential Linking: Each credential is tied to a unique NFT ASA ID
• Efficient Revocation: Uses BoxReplace() to flip a single byte instead of rewriting entire records
• Multi-Schema Support: Handles different credential types in one contract
• IPFS Integration: Supports CID pointers for off-chain metadata
• Timestamp Tracking: Automatically records issuance time

Why It's Custom (Not Boilerplate)

• Specific Use Case: Built specifically for credential verification, not generic
• Optimized Storage: Custom 161-byte layout for maximum efficiency
• NFT Integration: Unique feature linking credentials to commemorative NFTs
• Multi-Type Support: Handles 3 different credential schemas in one contract
• Box Storage: Uses Algorand's advanced Box Storage feature (not basic global state)

This is a production-ready, custom-built smart contract designed specifically for EduChain's credential verification needs, not a generic template or boilerplate code.

🚀 Quick Start

Prerequisites

• Node.js 18+
• Python 3.8+
• Docker (for LocalNet)
• AlgoKit CLI

Installation

# Clone the repository
git clone <repository-url>
cd Algorand/hackathon1018

# Install smart contract dependencies
cd projects/cred_contracts
pip install -r requirements.txt

# Install frontend dependencies
cd ../web
npm install

Running Locally

# Start LocalNet
algokit localnet start

# Deploy smart contract
cd projects/cred_contracts
algokit project run deploy_localnet

# Start frontend
cd ../web
npm run dev

📁 Project Structure

hackathon1018/
├── projects/
│   ├── cred_contracts/          # Smart Contract Backend
│   │   ├── src/app.py           # Main PyTeal contract
│   │   ├── src/deploy_localnet.py
│   │   └── artifacts/           # Deployed contract info
│   └── web/                     # Next.js Frontend
│       ├── lib/                 # Core business logic
│       ├── components/          # React components
│       ├── pages/              # Next.js pages
│       └── contexts/           # State management
└── README.md                   # This file

🔧 Features

• Multi-Role Support: Institution, Authority, Certifier, Student roles
• Real Blockchain Integration: Actual Algorand transactions, not simulation
• NFT Minting: Automatic commemorative NFT creation for each credential
• Credential Verification: Real-time verification against blockchain
• Revocation Support: Secure credential revocation capabilities
• LocalNet Development: Complete development environment with funding

🛠️ Technology Stack

• Blockchain: Algorand (PyTeal smart contracts)
• Frontend: Next.js + TypeScript + React
• Development: AlgoKit + LocalNet
• Storage: Algorand Box Storage
• NFTs: Algorand Standard Assets (ASAs)

📄 License

This project is part of the Algorand Hackathon 1018 submission.

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Built with ❤️ for the Algorand ecosystem