Please describe your proposed solution.

1- Connected Car Market Size

Vehicles, transforming into IoT devices with heightened internet capabilities, are increasing connectivity. The connected car industry is projected to expand from 200 million units globally in 2021 to over 800 million by 2035 [1]. Additionally, the worldwide connected car market grew to 65 billion USD in 2021, with expectations of reaching approximately 121 billion USD by 2025 [1].

2- Privacy and Security Challenges in Connected Cars and Blockchain's Role

The escalating connectivity in vehicles triggers increasing privacy and security concerns. Typically, vehicles connect to centralized servers, including those of manufacturers. This enhanced connectivity broadens the potential "attack area" for malicious activities, allowing cars to be hacked from wireless to CAN Bus [2].

The automotive and mobility sectors recognize these problems, resulting in numerous published articles and research papers highlighting the role of Blockchain in securing IoT vehicles and maintaining their privacy [3] [4] [5].

3- The Necessity of Genuine Web3 Solutions in Connected Car Blockchain

Blockchain solutions for the automotive industry should be truly decentralized Web3 solutions, avoiding any involvement of centralized servers in vehicle data transmission to the Blockchain. Regrettably, many Blockchain solutions falsely advertise as real Web3 solutions when they merely embody Web2 centralization cloaked in Web3 marketing. Centralized entities control these systems.

Moxie Marlinspike provides compelling examples of this issue in the blockchain industry in a recent blog post [6]. Conversely, PeakChain is striving to create an authentic Web3 automotive solution, where car data is neither influenced by centralized servers nor controlled by centralized entities.

4- PeakChain Hardware Wallet Features:

To materialize the above, we are developing a hardware device for car connectivity with the following features:

· Direct connectivity between the car and hardware via a dedicated OBD2 port, present in almost every car.

· Internet connection through an inbuilt sim card.

· Exclusive connectivity between our hardware and the Cardano Blockchain for transaction submissions, sans any intermediate server.

· Retrieval of sensitive data from the vehicle, such as speed, time, engine RPM, etc.

· Raw output data capture in a special CAN Bus format.

· Decoding of this data into a human-readable format using embedded software.

· Full Cardano node and wallet operation on the hardware.

· After each trip, the hardware submits a transaction to the Cardano blockchain, embedding the metadata of the previously obtained vehicle data.

This hardware is poised to merge many Web3 mobility solutions on Cardano. See the following section for potential application domains of the PeakChain hardware component.

References

[1] strategy&, Part of the PwC network, "Digital Auto Report 2021, acceleration towards the new normal "- volume1 <https://www.strategyand.pwc.com/de/en/industries/automotive/digital-auto-report-2021/strategyand-digital-auto-report-2021-vol1.pdf>

[2] Sen Nie, Ling Liu, and Yuefeng Du. Free-fall: hacking Tesla from wireless to can bus. Briefing, Black Hat USA, pages 1–16, 2017.

[3] A. Dorri, M. Steger, S. S. Kanhere and R. Jurdak, "BlockChain: A Distributed Solution to Automotive Security and Privacy," in IEEE Communications Magazine, vol. 55, no. 12, pp. 119-125, Dec. 2017, doi: 10.1109/MCOM.2017.1700879.

[4] J. Halabi and H. Artail, "A Lightweight Synchronous Cryptographic Hash Chain Solution to Securing the Vehicle CAN bus," 2018 IEEE International Multidisciplinary Conference on Engineering Technology (IMCET), 2018, pp. 1-6, doi: 10.1109/IMCET.2018.8603057.

[5] Falco, G., & Siegel, J.E. (2020). Assuring Automotive Data and Software Integrity Employing Distributed Hash Tables and Blockchain. ArXiv, abs/2002.02780.

[6] Moxie Marlinspike, "My first impressions of web3", My first impressions of web3 , "Jan 07, 2022".

How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

Mobility, as a sector, is one of the largest and fastest-growing in terms of market size and user numbers. However, the hardware as proposed above has the potential to unlock countless mobility solutions exclusively for the Cardano Blockchain. This will, in turn, increase the demand for Cardano blockchain by increasing retail users and boosting the adoption of Cardano by automotive manufacturers and mobility service providers. The PeakChain hardware component can be applied in various domains:

1- Remote Software Update: With the significant pace of vehicle digitalization and ECU (Electronic Control Units) growth, continuous software maintenance and updates are needed. Our hardware component can perform these updates in a decentralized way through blockchain transactions, reducing the attack surface for malicious actors.

2- Insurance: Our hardware device can securely collect sensitive driving data, like speed and braking behavior, directly from the vehicle and transmit it to the Blockchain. Only permitted actors can decode the driving data on the Blockchain using their private keys, providing a customizable and secure insurance solution.

3- Electric Vehicles: Centralized data management can pose a risk for electric vehicles. Our hardware solution enables secure and private data communication through the Blockchain for electric cars. It can adapt automatic vehicle charging based on the customer's needs and typical journey habits.

4- Car-sharing Services: Our hardware enables car-sharing services and cars to maintain secure, private, and decentralized communication with the customers and Blockchain. Customers can securely transact with the vehicle and pay in a peer-to-peer way, keeping their driving behavior and travel trajectory private.

5- Fleet Management: Fleet management data is essential for business development and competitiveness. Our specialized hardware, embedded in the vehicles, can retrieve and transmit the necessary data securely, enhancing privacy and security in fleet management.

6- Ridesharing/Ride-hailing Services: Our hardware device connected to the vehicle ensures the secure management of customer and car data using the Blockchain. It also facilitates secure peer-to-peer payment between the customer and the car using the car wallet and customer wallet through a Cardano Native token.

Each of these applications will be implemented in our proposals submitted in fund 10: PeakChain Car-Sharing Platform, PeakChain Fleet Management Platform, and PeakChain Uber on Cardano.

References:

[1] Wadhwani, P. W., & Saha, P. (2020). Car Sharing Market Size by Model. Global Market Insights. Available: Car Sharing Market Trends 2023 - Global Statistics 2032

[2] Fleet Management Market 2017-2022. Available: Fleet Management Market 2017-2022 - Focus on Operations, Information, Risk, Vehicle Maintenance & Leasing, Safety & Compliance

[3] Mobility on Demand Market. Available: Ride Sharing Market Share, Size, Value & Forecast – 2030

How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

The success of our project will be gauged through a combination of both quantitative and qualitative measures.

Quantitative Measures:

1. Completion of User Stories: We will track the successful completion of each user story within our sprints, with a focus on meeting the clear acceptance criteria we have establishe
2. Project Milestones: We'll measure the successful delivery of the increment within its timelin
3. Code Quality Metrics: We will leverage software quality metrics to ensure the highest quality of our deliverable

Qualitative Measures:

1. User Feedback: We will collect and analyze feedback from our user
2. Community Engagement: We will gauge community engagement and sentiment via social media channels, discussion forums, and other platform

In terms of the project's impact on Cardano’s productivity and growth, in the short term, our project aims to deliver tangible, functional solutions that address existing challenges. The improvements we make will contribute to enhancing the overall efficiency of the Cardano ecosystem.

In the long term, our project aims to foster innovation within the ecosystem. By providing reliable and high-quality solutions, we'll encourage more developers and businesses to build on the Cardano blockchain. This can lead to an increase in dApps and other use cases for Cardano, ultimately contributing to the network's growth and the value of ADA.

Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

Our approach to sharing the outputs and results of the PeakChain Cardano Car Wallet Device project is multifaceted and tailored towards maximum impact in both the Cardano ecosystem and the wider auto industry.

1. Publications and Reports: Upon completion of each significant project milestone, we plan to release detailed reports outlining our progress, lessons learned, and upcoming task
2. Partnerships with Auto Industry Players: We plan to collaborate with car manufacturers, fleet operators, and other relevant stakeholders in the automobile industr
3. Community Engagement: We believe in maintaining constant dialogue with the Cardano communit

The results generated from the project will be crucial for our future R&D activities. Lessons learned and user feedback will be directly applied to enhance the device's functionality and performance, develop new features, and possibly expand our product line to include devices for other use-cases within the transportation sector.

What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

As PeakSoft GmbH, a Germany-based consulting company, we bring an extensive range of skills and experiences to the table, making us uniquely positioned to deliver this project.

• Company Reputation and Track Record: Over the years, we have established ourselves as a trusted entity, working with large-scale applications and big clients. Our projects' success, including partnerships with leading German automakers, underscores our ability to deliver high-quality results and manage large-scale projects efficiently.
• Solid Team Foundation: Our company boasts six full-time employees, each bringing their expertise in diverse disciplines such as software development, quality assurance, project management, and blockchain technology. This strong internal structure will ensure that all aspects of our project are managed effectively.
• Extended Resources: Beyond our internal team, we have access to an extensive network of external consultants. Should the need arise, we can swiftly deploy additional resources to ensure our project progresses without disruption.
• Web2 and Web3 Expertise: Our team members are pioneers in both web2 and web3 technologies. We have in-depth experience in large-scale software quality assurance and application development. Furthermore, our involvement as Plutus Pioneers and Atala PRISM Pioneers showcases our deep-rooted understanding and commitment to the Cardano ecosystem.
• Transparency and Accountability: We prioritize maintaining clear communication with the community. Regular progress reports and periodic webinars and Q&A sessions will be organized to keep stakeholders updated. Our stringent budgeting and auditing procedures will ensure that funds are managed appropriately and used as intended.

While our current budget allows for the completion of our proposed project, we may consider seeking additional funding in future Catalyst rounds. This would enable us to introduce new features and expand our project's scope. Any additional funding required will be detailed in a separate, new proposal.

To track the progress of our project, we'll implement Agile methodologies, particularly Scrum, and set clear acceptance criteria for each project component and deliverable. We'll also make use of Scrum boards and product backlogs to provide a transparent and constantly updated view of our progress.

For us, success is not merely about reaching milestones. It also involves accomplishing our established acceptance criteria and user stories within our sprints, and successfully delivering the first product increment within the proposed timeline. In essence, success means delivering a product that meets our high-quality standards and offers real value to the Cardano ecosystem.

What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

The main objectives for the PeakChain Cardano Car Wallet Device project are as follows:

1. Development of a functional hardware device:** Our primary goal is to design and manufacture a device that enables seamless interaction between vehicles and the Cardano blockchai
2. Integrating with the Cardano Blockchain: Another key goal is to ensure that the device interacts smoothly with the Cardano blockchain
3. User-Friendly Interface: A crucial goal for our project is to design an interface that is intuitive and user-friendly, making blockchain interaction accessible for users regardless of their technical backgroun

We will validate the feasibility of our approach in the following ways:

1. Device Testing: Thorough testing of the device under various conditions will validate its functionalit
2. Blockchain Integration Verification:** By conducting numerous transactions, including both ADA transfers and smart contract interactions, we can confirm the successful integration of the device with the Cardano blockchai
3. User Feedback: Collecting feedback from early adopters and testers will validate the usability of our interfac

For the implementation of our approach, we will leverage our in-house team's expertise in hardware development, blockchain technology, and user experience design. Furthermore, we plan to engage with external consultants as necessary to provide specific industry insights or to supplement our existing skills. This project will be managed using Agile methodologies, allowing for iterative development and regular feedback loops, ensuring that the final product meets our goals and the users' needs.

Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

Milestone 1: Project Setup & Planning (Month 1)

Milestone 2: Design & Development Phase (Month 1-4)

Milestone 3: Testing & Optimization (Month 5-6)

Milestone 4: Final Integration & Documentation (Month 7)

Milestone 5: Preparing for Launch (Month 8)

Milestone 6: Production & Market Release (Month 9-10)

Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Milestone 1: Project Setup & Planning (Month 1)

• A01: Administration and Legal Tasks
• A02: Scrum Project Planning and JIRA Backlog and Sprints Preparation

Milestone 2: Design & Development Phase (Month 1-4)

• A03: Hardware Design and Engineering
• A04: Software Engineering for the Embedded Hardware
• A05: Integration of Cardano Node and Cardano Wallet with the Embedded Software (Parallel to A03 & A04)
• A06: API Design, Creation, and Testing (Parallel to A03, A04 & A05)

Milestone 3: Testing & Optimization (Month 5-6)

• A07: Integration Testing of the Hardware with the Embedded Software
• A08: Car Signals Simulation and Device Functionalities Testing
• A09: Hardware Design and Security Optimization

Milestone 4: Final Integration & Documentation (Month 7)

• A10: Final Device Integration and End to End Testing in Real Conditions and Bug Fixing
• A11: Official Portal Creation (Parallel to A10)
• A12: Documentation/ Video Creation (Parallel to A10 & A11)

Milestone 5: Preparing for Launch (Month 8)

• A13: Device Packaging Creation
• A14: Digital Marketing and Community Creation

Milestone 6: Production & Market Release (Month 9-10)

• A15: Device Prototype Production and Embedding the Software
• A16: Sharing the Prototype with the Community for Marketing and Testing Purposes

Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

Project Setup & Planning (50k ADA):

• Legal and administrative expenses: 20k ADA
• Project Management Software (JIRA): 30k ADA

Design & Development Phase (200k ADA):

• Hardware Design and Engineering: 60k ADA
• Software Engineering for Embedded Hardware: 70k ADA
• Integration of Cardano Node and Wallet: 40k ADA
• API Design, Creation, and Testing: 30k ADA

Testing & Optimization (80k ADA):

• Integration Testing: 30k ADA
• Car Signals Simulation and Device Functionalities Testing: 25k ADA
• Hardware Design and Security Optimization: 25k ADA

Final Integration & Documentation (60k ADA)

• End-to-End Testing and Bug Fixing: 20k ADA
• Official Portal Creation (website development): 20k ADA
• Documentation/Video Creation: 20k ADA

Preparing for Launch (30k ADA):

• Packaging Creation: 15k ADA
• Digital Marketing and Community Creation: 15k ADA

Production & Market Release (30k ADA):

• Prototype Production: 15k ADA
• Community Marketing and Testing: 15k ADA

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

• Oussama Benmahmoud: As CEO and Co-Founder of PeakSoft GmbH, Oussama is a Certified PMP, ITIL, Professional Scrum Master, and Product Owner, and holds an ISTQB Advanced Level Certification. His key roles include Project Management, Software Quality Assurance, and Blockchain Development. His extensive Connected Car Projects experience and achievements as a Plutus Pioneer and Atala PRISM Pioneer make him a valuable asset to the team. LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oussama-benmahmoud-43693926/
• Abderrahim Issaoui: As the CTO and Co-Founder of PeakSoft GmbH, Abderrahim brings over a decade of experience e as a Software Engineer. He is Atala PRISM Pioneer. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abderrahim-issaoui-b3149227/
• Habib Mokni: Habib is our Software Engineer and Frontend Developer. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/habibmokni/
• Mohammed Abdelali: Mohammed is an Electronic and Communication Engineer, focusing on Software Quality Assurance. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammed-abdelali-290b7b101/
• Neyla Issaoui: Neyla is part of the Project Management Office, handling Administration, Accounting, and Coordination tasks. LinkedIn
• Ramla Mahjoub: Ramla works in Software Quality Assurance and some project coordination duties, and she is also ISTQB certified. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramla-mahjoub-25a1843b/

Our team roles and responsibilities for the project are:

1. Project Management - Oussama Benmahmoud (Certified PMP, ITIL, Professional Scrum Master, Product Owner)
2. Blockchain Development - Abderrahim Issaoui, Oussama Benmahmoud (Both Plutus Pioneers)
3. Frontend Development - Abderrahim Issaoui (Lead), Habib Mokni
4. Mobility Integration - Mohammed Abdelali, Oussama Benmahmoud
5. Software Quality Assurance - Mohammed Abdelali, Oussama Benmahmoud, Ramla Mahjoub (All three are ISTQB certified, Oussama at Advanced Level)
6. Administration, Accounting, and Coordination Tasks - Neyla Issaoui, Ramla Mahjoub

The team is prepared to engage external consultants if necessary, as we are always open to bringing in more expertise. We remain committed to active engagement with the Cardano community and technical-group channels and understand the expectations of proof of life verifications and public proposal availability. Our team's combined skills and experience make us well-suited to execute this project and contribute significantly to the Cardano ecosystem.

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

Our project's cost offers significant value for money for the Cardano ecosystem due to our team's expertise, our operational efficiency, and our strategic approach to resource utilization.

Our team comprises highly skilled professionals, with extensive experience in large-scale application development, software quality, and connected car projects. This high caliber of expertise might appear to increase the cost, but it also ensures that we deliver high-quality solutions that are designed to stand the test of time, resulting in long-term savings for the ecosystem.

In terms of operational efficiency, we, as PeakSoft GmbH, a Germany-based consulting company, have years of experience working with prominent clients and managing sizable projects. This experience enables us to streamline our operations, reducing overheads and eliminating unnecessary costs.

Furthermore, as a company, we have full-time employees dedicated to this project, ensuring a high degree of accountability, ownership, and commitment, which in turn leads to better cost management and enhanced output. This commitment also extends to the possibility of deploying external consultants, if necessary, to enhance our capabilities without significantly affecting our cost structure.

The budget for this project has been determined considering the average wages for software professionals in Germany, which is one of the higher wage countries in Europe, reflecting the high level of expertise and quality assurance that we bring to this project. However, we're confident that our team's unique combination of skills and experience in both Web2 and Web3 technologies offers exceptional value for the Cardano ecosystem.

Ultimately, our aim is to provide the Cardano community with solutions that not only solve existing problems but also open up new opportunities. By investing in our project, the community is investing in the potential for future growth and innovation within the ecosystem, making it a value-for-money proposition.