Please describe your proposed solution

Answer:

The Cardano network is developing an ever-expanding roster of use cases that require real-world data, tracking, sensor monitoring, and more. This is creating a demand for a whole host of hardware created for these purposes to allow the projects in this ecosystem to grow.

These devices fall under the category of the Internet of Things (IoT), a term that refers to a whole assortment of sensors and data feeds that monitor various sources of data and report them to an application.

This is a slow process as it requires a constant feed of new devices able to record outside data and feed it on-chain. There is an effort to slowly adapt already existing devices or to create new ones from scratch.

Instead, we propose connecting Cardano to Helium, the largest decentralized IoT network in the industry. There are a whole host of devices that already connect to Helium which can be readily used for Cardano.

Such as:

• [Helium Documentation] (https://docs.helium.com/network-iot/devices/development/ )
• [Helium-Compatible Sensors and Devices] (https://store.rakwireless.com/collections/helium-compatible-sensors-devices )

Some include GPS location trackers, temperature sensors, IoT package labels, and much more. These can be included in any project that aims to do supply-chain management, tokenization of real-world assets, insurance, and other similar proposals.

Our proposal would enable the use of these devices to feed data to Cardano. At first, it would work as an oracle network that manages data feeds from smart contracts. Later, we want to create a data layer on Cardano that allows users to host these devices and receive payments from those looking to get information.

For this effort, we have help from the Helium Foundation and several experienced Cardano developers. We aim to change the way data is incorporated on-chain to Cardano and expand the possibility of use cases.

Joey Hiller Senior Technical Director from the Helium Foundation gave us a quote:

"Mycelium Networks is an official Member of the Helium Foundation for 2024 and has been a long time supporter of both the Helium ecosystem and Helium community. Through recent conversations with the Helium Foundation, confirmation of the Foundation's general support for all ecosystem development efforts, including the creation of a trustable data connection between the IoT network and ecosystems like the Cardano blockchain, has been received. Given Mycelium's status as an official Member of the Helium Foundation, the availability of Foundation team members for Q&A, project direction, technical advisement, and the recommendation of quality and skilled programmers is additionally confirmed."

Message From the Helium Foundation's CEO:

https://x.com/abhay/status/1798432595149267250

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

Cardano doesn’t have a lot of IoT hardware that can connect to the network. There are some workarounds that allow certain sensors to report data on-chain, but they are few and lack support from a full ecosystem.

The Helium network already has a fully matured ecosystem of IoT devices ready to be used. Our project will allow access to this expansive offering to any Cardano project that needs IoT sensors to accomplish its objectives.

This would increase the possible use cases that can be deployed on Cardano. The Helium network is also able to manage many types of data from locations, temperature, velocity, and more that are needed as the blockchain industry becomes more a part of real-world applications.

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?

Our team has Cardano developers who have finished several projects. We have been working in Cardano for a number of years by this point. We are also part of the logistics industry, so we have an understanding of which IoT devices are best suited for these applications.

In the past, we have worked with several Cardano frameworks. We have experience with Plutus, Aiken, and Plu-ts for on-chain code. For off-chain, we’ve worked with Lucid and Mesh on production projects.

Additionally, we have support from the Helium Foundation. They are aware of our initiative in Cardano and we’re actively coordinating with them for technical consultation, help with the Helium side, and also IoT integration.

It’s possible that the Helium Foundation will assign some of its personnel to the project. They would work directly with us and help us with all the Helium technology. This would result in a closer collaboration between the two ecosystems.

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

Milestone 1: Preliminary Testing 1 month:

Initial testing of IoT information recorded on the Cardano blockchain.

Attach sensor data manually to Cardano metadata to determine the best format and cost estimation.

Milestone 2: Smart Contract Design 4 months:

Develop a smart contract to manage IoT devices, functioning as an oracle network that logs data on-chain.

Decide on the language for the smart contract (Plutus, Aiken, or Plutarch).

Milestone 3: Test Network Deployment 3 months:

Deploy the smart contract on a test network and conduct multiple rounds of testing.

Begin seeking partners for project audits.

Milestone 4: Main net Deployment 2 months:

Deploy the smart contract on the main Cardano network.

Monitor performance and IoT device connections

Milestone 5: Data Layer Implementation 1 month:

Prototype direct on-chain information from Helium IoT devices without any middle layers.

Study the requirements for potential consensus for the data layer.

Final Milestone: Final deployment 1 month:

Release the smart contract that retrieves information from the IoT network.

Release results of the audit.

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

Eric den Boer: Founder/partner, 3ken LLC

He is a visionary Blockchain, Web3, AI, and Metaverse Entrepreneur. His career began in IT revolution of the early 1990s in Sweden, leading to contributions within the digital broadcasting technology.

His leadership prowess is demonstrated through his past roles as CEO of Natural State Extracts, driving advancements in supercritical fluid extraction technology and CEO of Pandotec, a Blockchain software company.

With a solid background spanning over 20 years as a Scientific Research Technologist at College of Engineering Research Centers, Eric offers a wealth of knowledge and a strategic edge in technology.

As we step into the age of the Metaverse, Eric is inspired by the belief that blockchain has the key to a truthful internet. Member of the Cardano CoffeDAO.

Rishi Mittal: Helium/IOT Ecosystem Support

Rishi Mittal is an entrepreneur at the forefront of the decentralized revolution driven by blockchain technology. He was CPA certified directly out of college and worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers for two years before discovering blockchain.

Thirteen years ago, his journey began with Bitcoin mining, igniting a passion for cryptocurrency and Web3 technologies. This interest led him to Helium, a project that uses tokenized hardware to build a decentralized Internet of Things network. Recognizing the potential of applying decentralization principles to information networks, Rishi founded Mycelium during the height of the pandemic.

Mycelium's mission is to accelerate the world's adoption of decentralized networks. Its flagship initiative, the Mycelium Testbed, is the world's first testing ground for decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN), starting with Helium IoT coverage in Northwest Arkansas. Rishi continues to drive advancements in the blockchain and IoT ecosystem, shaping the future of technological innovation.

Steven Witty: Network Engineer

He is a technology professional with experience in the field of system engineering and IT projects. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Arkansas, and an Associate of Applied Science in Automation & Systems Engineering, graduating with honors. He also holds certificates of Proficiency in Electronics Technology and Fanuc Robotics Handling Tool Operation and Programming.

Stephen’s experience is marked by a distinguished 26-year career at FedEx, in various roles, from development and IT system administration to Manager of Technology. At FedEx he was dedicated to leading an R&D team at FedEx Freight, focusing on innovative projects such as RFID shipment tracking, fleet telematics, and shipment dimensioning technology. Under his leadership, his team pushed the boundaries of real-time logistics technology and received a FedEx Five Star award for his RFID efforts.

Stephen’s philosophy, influenced by FedEx founder Fred Smith’s perspective on the value of information, aligns with his commitment to innovation and the belief that understanding and improving the flow of information can significantly transform the logistics and supply-chain industry.

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Smart Contract Developer Salaries: ₳600k

A contract that mints an NFT that contains data from Helium IoT devices

We would use some of the format proposed by decentralized identifiers (DIDs) for these NFTs

A smart contract that deals with the payments on Cardano.

IoT Devices and Hardware: ₳200k

Purchase the IoT for testing the network. We would deploy them ourselves and manage a prototype network for a period of time. Eventually anyone would be able to connect with their Helium devices.

Project Audits: ₳250k

Contract an auditing firm familiar with Cardano and the eUTXO model.

Network Engineer Salaries: ₳300k

The person would manage the Helium IoTs and the data collection from them. There would be a dashboard that gathers the information that we would publish for other to see live.

Support staff salaries: ₳200k

Salaries for community managers, project managers, and graphic designers.

Unforeseen Expenses: ₳100k

If this pool of ADA is not used, we would allocate it for incentives and promotions.

Legal Expenses: ₳150k

Paying for taxes associated with the entity.

Paying for any legal expenses

Total Budget: ₳1.8 million

We depend of the IoT network of Helium.

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

Access to IoT Ecosystem: Connecting Cardano to Helium's IoT ecosystem will exponentially increase the number of use cases and enhance the network's utility. By leveraging the already established Helium network, Cardano can bypass the time and resource-intensive process of developing its own IoT hardware ecosystem. This integration will enable Cardano projects to utilize a wide range of Helium-compatible sensors, thereby accelerating development and deployment.

Diverse Income Sources: Implementing the data layer will provide additional income streams for Cardano users, promoting network longevity. By allowing users to host IoT devices and receive payments for providing data, the project creates a new economic model within the Cardano ecosystem. This diversification of income sources will not only benefit individual users but also contribute to the overall stability and growth of the network.

Expanding Use Cases: The project will enable applications in supply-chain management, real-world asset tokenization, insurance, and more, driving mainstream adoption of the Cardano blockchain. With access to Helium's IoT network, Cardano can support a wide array of real-world applications that require reliable and scalable data feeds. This will attract more developers and businesses to the Cardano ecosystem, fostering innovation and expanding its reach.

The proposed budget of ₳1.8 million will facilitate the successful integration of Cardano with the Helium IoT network, providing significant value to the Cardano ecosystem through expanded use cases, additional income sources, and enhanced real-world applications.

Strategic Partnership: By collaborating with the Helium Foundation and leveraging its established IoT ecosystem, Cardano can quickly and effectively expand its technological capabilities. This partnership not only accelerates development but also brings credibility and expertise to the project, increasing its chances of success.

Economic Impact: The project will create new economic opportunities within the Cardano community. By enabling users to earn income from hosting IoT devices and providing data, it promotes financial inclusion and economic empowerment.

Innovation and Adoption: The integration with Helium will drive innovation within the Cardano ecosystem. Developers will have access to a robust and diverse range of IoT devices, enabling them to create innovative solutions that address real-world challenges. This, in turn, will attract more users and businesses to the Cardano network, driving mainstream adoption and establishing Cardano as a leading blockchain platform.

In summary, this project aligns with the objectives of igniting mainstream adoption and forming premium partnerships to benefit the Cardano blockchain. The proposed budget of ₳1.8 million represents a strategic investment in expanding Cardano's technological capabilities and fostering long-term growth and sustainability.