Please describe your proposed solution

Cardano Techmarket Care

Project Overview

Tackling the E-Waste Challenge in Ghana

Electronic waste (e-waste) is a growing global issue due to the increasing production and disposal of electronic devices each year. Improper disposal leads to environmental pollution, health hazards, and exacerbates climate change. In Ghana, a large volume of e-waste is generated, but only a fraction is properly processed by formal recyclers. According to a Switch Africa study, 171,000 tons of e-waste were generated in 2011 in Ghana, with only 0.2% handled by formal recyclers. The remaining 99.98% was processed by an informal sector, consisting of unlicensed collectors, intermediaries, and scrap dealers. The lack of proper safety and environmental measures in this sector leads to massive environmental pollution and health risks.

The Problem

The absence of certified e-waste collectors and the lack of affordable repair services contribute to indiscriminate dumping of devices, further increasing e-waste levels. This problem could be mitigated by creating a network of licensed e-waste collectors and offering accessible repair services. By giving people more options to recycle or repair their electronics, we can reduce the amount of e-waste ending up in landfills.

The Solution

To address this issue, we propose the development of a Decentralized Application (DApp) that connects device users with repair experts and certified e-waste collectors. This platform will incentivize proper device repair, disposal, and recycling. By offering users alternatives to dumping devices, we can extend the life cycle of electronics and reduce their environmental impact.

Goals of the Project

1. Combat the Growing E-Waste Problem in Ghana: Develop a network of certified e-waste collectors and repair experts to facilitate responsible disposal and repair of electronic devices.
2. Create a Business Ecosystem: Establish a decentralized platform that connects device users, repair experts, and e-waste collectors, while promoting the adoption of Cardano DApp infrastructure in business operations.
3. Foster Sustainability and Economic Growth: Promote a greener environment while creating jobs in the informal sector.

The Decentralized Application (DApp)

The proposed DApp will be built on the Cardano blockchain and will use smart contracts to automate the repair, collection, and recycling of electronic devices. The DApp will have two main components: the Collection Component and the Repair Component.

How It Works

The platform will provide a unique digital ID for repair experts and e-waste collectors using AtalaPRISM. This ID will serve as a virtual business card, making it easier for device owners to find the right service provider. The DApp will:

• Facilitate the connection between users and repair experts.
• Connect device owners with certified e-waste collectors for proper disposal.
• Use smart contracts to automate transactions and ensure transparency in the repair and collection processes.

Collection Component

The Collection Component incentivizes repair specialists to properly dispose of devices that cannot be refurbished. In Ghana, repair shops often become dumping grounds for electronic devices that cannot be repaired. Without easy access to certified e-waste collectors, repair specialists are forced to dump these devices indiscriminately, often leading to environmental hazards.

Through this project, we will link repair specialists with certified e-waste collectors. The DApp will facilitate negotiations between both parties on pricing for collection services, with transactions automated via smart contracts. This system ensures that e-waste collectors are fairly compensated for their services, and device owners can easily dispose of their e-waste.

Repair Component

Many Ghanaians, especially in rural areas, rely on slightly used electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets. These devices often require repair services, but the absence of accessible and affordable tech repair specialists forces users to dump their devices prematurely.

The Repair Component of the DApp aims to connect tech repair specialists with device users, creating a decentralized, cost-effective peer-to-peer (P2P) ecosystem. The DApp will provide:

• Transparent Pricing: Users and repair experts can agree on prices for repair services, with smart contracts automating payment.
• Proof of Fault: The smart contract will verify and store information about the device’s condition.
• Incentives for Repair: By making repair services more accessible, the DApp reduces the need for device dumping.

How to measure the success of the Goals

The success of this project will be measured in two fold; both long and short term.

<u>Short term measurement</u>

The project's success hinges on some key indicators with specific target for each indicator. After the first 3 month of rolling out the project, an assessment would be conducted to adjust these targets under each indicator based on the assessment report. The assessment report would include a SWOT analysis on data gathered from our platform. And at the end of a successful implementation of this project, we’ll measure the success of this event by;

• The number of users of the platform

• The number of repair experts and e-waste collectors onboarded on the platform

• The volumes of transaction on the platform.

• The number of feed-back from users and repairmen.

The DApp platform for this project would be designed to track the above indicators. And based on the above key performance indicators, we anticipate that, a successful implementation of the project will help achieve the following milestones;

Key Metrics

• 100 new users of the platform.

• 50 repair specialists on boarded

• 50 transactions

• 50 or more feedback from both device owners and repairmen.

Long term measurement

Measuring the success of the proposed project can be done through various indicators and metrics. Here are some ways to measure the success of the project's benefits:

Environmental Impact:

Quantify the reduction in e-waste volume: Measure the decrease in the amount of e-waste improperly disposed of or dumped, comparing it to previous data.

Assess pollution reduction: Evaluate the improvement in environmental pollution indicators, such as air and water quality, associated with proper e-waste disposal and recycling.

Monitor health outcomes: Track health statistics and assess the impact of reduced e-waste pollution on the well-being of communities.

Sustainable Business Transaction:

Adoption and usage statistics: Measure the number of repair specialists, e-waste collectors, and device users actively participating in the DApp platform, indicating the adoption and utilization of the marketplace.

Transaction volume: Track the number and value of transactions conducted through the DApp platform to assess its growth and contribution to the informal sector's business activities.

Feedback and user satisfaction: Collect feedback from users, including repair specialists, e-waste collectors, and device users, to gauge their satisfaction with the platform and its impact on their businesses.

Increased Accessibility and Affordability:

Geographical coverage: Assess the expansion of the platform's reach to previously underserved areas, measuring the increased accessibility of repair services and e-waste collection options.

Cost reduction: Analyze the cost savings for device users in accessing repair services and the overall affordability of e-waste collection, comparing it to alternative methods.

Smart Contracts:

Transaction data and smart contract usage: Monitor the number of transactions facilitated by smart contracts, tracking the proper disposal of e-waste and rewards given to device owners.

Cryptocurrency utilization: Measure the adoption and utilization of the cryptocurrency within the DApp ecosystem, tracking the number of transactions and the value of goods and services exchanged.

Major Risk

The primary challenge we anticipate is the difficulty in enrolling repair specialists onto the platform. To address this, we will:

• Create a short video tutorial on how to enroll in the DApp.

Introduce an incentive program, rewarding repair specialists with small amounts of Cardano for enrolling on the platform. This will also introduce them to the Cardano ecosystem.

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

KEY BENEFITS/ IMPACT OF THE PROJECT TO THE CARDANO ECOSYSTEM

This project is in line with the specifications outlined in the cardno open-concept categor.

In light of the framework of the objective of the category, we’re convinced that the end goal of our project makes it suitable for this category. Aside the project serving as a marketplace for transaction, the central theme of proposal focused on a solution that helps solve an environmental problem. In line with this, the project intends to make the following impact to the cardano ecosystem in the short to long term;

Promotes the adoption of the Cardano DApp infrastructure

The project will help to develop the Cardano ecosystem by providing a new use case for the blockchain. This will make Cardano more attractive to developers and businesses, which will lead to further growth and adoption of the blockchain. Taking into account the myriad of online businesses in Ghana with enough piece of infrastructure for the integration of DApp into their online product and services, the realization of this project will not only create more awareness but would also facilitate the adoption process of the cardano DApp infrastructure in Ghana. Our aim is that by this initiative we'll fast track the transition of business unto the Cardano blockchain in Africa by being a starting point. The DApp platform will serve as a marketplace where repair specialists, e-waste collectors, and device users can engage in business transactions, providing a conducive business environment. It provides a convenient and efficient way for device users to access repair services and proper disposal options. By promoting the adoption and integration of the Cardano DApp infrastructure, the project fosters a conducive working environment for entrepreneurs in the informal sector, enhancing their productivity and business growth.

Position Cardano as a leading force in Promoting Sustainability and Reducing E-waste

we aim to position Cardano as a leading force in promoting sustainability and reducing e-waste. Together, we can create a greener future, protect the environment, and contribute to the global fight against climate change within the Cardano ecosystem. Our primary objective is to address the pressing issue of e-waste in Ghana while simultaneously positioning the Cardano ecosystem as a champion for environmental sustainability.By offering a readily available e-waste collectors to devices users, and also offering affordable and convenient repair services, we provide an alternative that reduces the accumulation of e-waste in the environment. This approach aligns with Cardano's commitment to sustainable development and establishes the ecosystem as a frontrunner in the fight against climate change. By actively promoting the message of environmental sustainability, our platform positions Cardano as an environmentally friendly ecosystem. We emphasize the importance of responsible consumption and the positive impact of reducing e-waste. Through educational campaigns, partnerships with environmental organizations, and community engagement, we foster a collective commitment to preserving the planet and raise awareness of Cardano's contribution to the cause.

Decentralized Business Transactions

Through the implementation of our web-based platform, we envision a decentralized marketplace for repair services. This platform will leverage Cardano's blockchain technology to ensure secure and transparent business transactions. By creating a trustworthy environment, we enable repair specialists to engage in seamless transactions, further strengthening the credibility of the Cardano ecosystem.

Government and Blockchain Initiatives

Successfully implementing our platform has the potential to position Cardano as a central focus for government-led blockchain initiatives. By showcasing the benefits of decentralized technology and its practical applications, we can contribute to the adoption and integration of Cardano in various governmental sectors. This recognition would solidify Cardano's position as a leading blockchain solution, driving further growth and development within the ecosystem.

Streamlined Accessibility

We aim to facilitate easy access to repair specialists for portable device owners. By leveraging the power of Cardano's decentralized infrastructure, we will develop a user-friendly web-based platform that connects device owners with skilled repair professionals. This innovative solution eliminates the need for extensive transportation searches and minimizes additional costs associated with finding reliable tech repair services. By offering convenience and accessibility, we can enhance the overall user experience and contribute to the growth of the Cardano ecosystem.

Boosting Tech Repairers' Income

Our Dapp platform not only benefits device owners but also empowers tech repair specialists. By providing easy access to their target market, repair professionals can expand their customer base and increase their income levels. The platform serves as a valuable marketing channel, allowing tech repairers to showcase their expertise and services to a wider audience. This enhanced visibility can significantly impact their revenue generation, contributing to their professional growth and financial stability.

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?

To validate the feasibility of the project's approach, the following steps can be taken:

Ideally the validation of our approach will depend on a well-defined plan from the onset of the project roadmap. Here is our roadmap :

Market Research and Analysis: 4 weeks

<u>Objective:</u> Conduct comprehensive market research to understand the e-waste landscape in Ghana, including the volume of e-waste generated, existing disposal practices, and how the availability of repair services can remedy the situation.

<u>Key Activities:</u>

• Conduct a literature review of e-waste management in Ghana.
• Survey device users, repair specialists, and e-waste collectors to gather insights into their needs and challenges.
• Analyze data on e-waste generation and disposal in Ghana.
• Business Model and Economic Viability Assessment

Technology Research and Assessment: 4 weeks

<u>Objective:</u>**<u> </u>**Evaluate various blockchain technologies and smart contract platforms to determine the most suitable solution for the DApp.

<u>Key Activities: </u>

• Research different blockchain platforms, such as Cardano, Ethereum, and Hyperledger Fabric.
• Assess the suitability of each platform based on factors such as scalability, security, and transaction fees.
• Develop a technical specification for the DApp's smart contract architecture.

Regulatory and Legal Research: 4 weeks

<u>Objective:</u> Identify and assess applicable regulations and laws related to e-waste management, cryptocurrency, and blockchain technology in Ghana.

<u>Key Activities: </u>

• Consult with legal experts to understand the legal implications of the DApp.
• Develop a compliance plan to ensure that the DApp adheres to all applicable regulations.
• Obtain necessary permits and licenses for the DApp's operation.

User Experience (UX) Research: 4 weeks

<u>Objective: </u>Conduct user research to understand the needs and preferences of device users, repair specialists, and e-waste collectors.

<u>Key Activities: </u>

• Conduct user interviews and usability testing to gather feedback on the DApp's design and functionality.
• Develop user personas to represent the target audience of the DApp.
• Create wireframes and prototypes of the DApp's user interface.

In light of this, how feasible our approach to the project will also depends on our preliminary research on our target audience and the general market framework. To validate the feasibility of the proposed approach, several steps can be taken, this includes;

1. Market research: Conduct thorough market research to understand the demand for e-waste management services in Ghana. Identify the target audience, their needs, and their willingness to use a decentralized application for e-waste disposal and repair.
2. Stakeholder engagement: Engage with relevant stakeholders such as e-waste collectors, repair specialists, and device users to gather their feedback and assess their interest in participating in the proposed DApp platform.Understand their challenges, expectations, and potential barriers to adoption.
3. Technical assessment: Evaluate the technical requirements and feasibility of building a DApp on the Cardano blockchain. Assess the scalability, security, and efficiency of the blockchain infrastructure to handle the expected transaction volume and user interactions.
4. Prototyping and user testing: Develop a prototype of the DApp platform to validate its usability and functionality. Conduct user testing sessions with a representative sample of device users, repair specialists, and e-waste collectors to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.
5. Partnerships and collaborations: Explore partnerships with local e-waste recycling facilities, repair shops, and relevant organizations to enhance the credibility and reach of the DApp platform. Collaborate with existing initiatives or government agencies working on e-waste management to leverage their expertise and resources.
6. Pilot program: Implement a pilot program in a specific region or community to test the effectiveness of the DApp platform in real-world conditions. Collect data, measure key performance indicators, and gather user feedback to validate the impact and feasibility of the project.
7. Iterative development: Based on the findings from market research, user testing, and pilot program, refine and iterate the DApp platform to address any identified issues or gaps. Continuously gather feedback and make improvements to ensure the project's long-term viability and sustainability.

COMMUNITY ACCOUNTABILITY

Our team have been active in the catalyst ecosystem since fund 7. As a project lead, our team member has been engaged as challenge team members in the development and infrastructure. since fund 7, we’ve been active community Advisors, voters and proponent with four community funded, executed and completed projects. From these credentials, it’s worth noting that our contribution to the ecosystem has been immerse especially in spearheading the cardano community goal of scalability and growth via catalyst.

Apart from our active involvement in the catalyst space, our team brings not only extensive experience but also a profound level of engagement in the Cardano Catalyst space, specifically in terms of project implementation. We have led several initiatives that received funding from the Catalyst community. Through our active involvement in the Catalyst community, we have successfully executed three major projects, all of which are open source and available for community verification.

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

Milestone 1: - Market Research and Analysis

Milestone Output

• To have Market Research and Analysis conducted

Milestone Acceptable criteria

• Evidence of research conducted

Milestone Acceptable criteria

• Evidence of research conducted

Milestone 2: User Experience (UX) Research

Milestone Output

• To have Experience (UX) Research conducted

Milestone Acceptable criteria

• Evidence of research conducted

Final Milestone: close report and video

Milestone Output

• To have close report and video

Milestone Acceptable criteria

• Evidence of close report and video

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

Team members and Roles for the project

Our team members have varied level of experience across various field which is well cut out for the project. Based on the expertise the team presents, we’re convinced that our team have the capacity to implement the project. However, there will be a few areas where we’ll outsource the services of expertise via hiring, specifically the area of dapp development. Below are our team members with their accompanying roles:

Innocent Norvinu - Finance and Marketing Manager

Background of team members

Innocent Norvinu

He is a cryptocurrency enthusiast with a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Professional Studies in Ghana. He is the Cofounder of gateway to blockchain. A former marketing specialist at Tech markets solutions. His over 7 years of experience within the finance industry as a risk and compliance officer has been key in ensuring that Unique Step Microfinance survive financial sanctions emanating from lack of regulatory compliance and also helping banks and micro-finance institutions survive various financial clean-up exercise in Ghana. He is a fund 7, 8 and 9 community Advisor, a voter and a proponent with two community funded and executed project. He was also a fund 10 challenge team member.

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/innocent-norvinu-a096931a9

DAVID MENSAH — RESEARCH AND PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR

David A. Mensah is a multifaceted professional with a background in education, social services, and administration. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Studies and Economics Education from the University of Education Winneba. His diverse experience includes roles in purchasing, warehousing, security, education, and blockchain advocacy. As a seasoned educator, David is dedicated to imparting knowledge and fostering growth. He is also a community advisor and moderator at Cardano Ecosystem and Project Catalyst, and contributes to the WADA organization, an NGO promoting digital technology and blockchain advocacy in Africa. Additionally, he was a former administrator at YAFO Institute, advocating for meaningful change and development. David is the co-founder of Gateway to Blockchain, an online learning platform for blockchain technology. His passion lies in promoting blockchain technology and its potential impact on various industries, driven by his strong background in education and social services.

[email protected]

Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-a-mensah-426848226

Other team members

The other key team members will be hired, as part. of the initial phase

• Research Anayst
• Developer

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

BUDGET BREAKDOWN

The budget breakdown is in line with the structure of the project roadmap. Our project is requesting for an amount of 39500ADA. This amount allocation is based on a price of 0.2 per ADA, this represents the market value at the time of the writing the proposal. However, please note that the actual costs may vary depending on the time of assessments. Therefore, for the purpose of clear understanding, the reviewers should use the price provided in the proposal.

Market Research: 5500

Stakeholder Engagement: 3500

Technical Assessment: 2500

Regulatory and Legal Assessment:4500

User Experience (UX) Research:40500

Miscellaneous Expenses: 1000

Total Project Budget: 57,500

No dependency

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

Given the prevailing market prices of the items listed in our budget breakdown, we believe our team has accurately presented a budget consistent with the market prices. In drafting the budget, we were also not oblivious to the fact that the ADA prices fluctuate, hence our budget factored in the changes in the price levels of ADA which is likely to affect the all-overall amount requested. More importantly, the current cryptocurrency market atmosphere has been more bearish in nature in recent months, therefore we designed our budget to in a way that is consistent with the cryptocurrency so as to ensure that we’re able to implement our project irrespective the changes in the price levels of the cardano coin. Nonetheless, we are certain that the value addition of our project outweighs the amount allocated for the proposal. The intrinsic value proposition of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem in several ways:

• Environmental Impact: The project directly addresses the problem of electronic waste and its environmental risks. By connecting device users with certified e-waste collectors and repair experts, the DApp facilitates proper recycling, repairs, and eco-friendly disposal of electronic devices. This helps curb e-waste levels, reduces pollution, and contributes to environmental sustainability.

• Adoption of Cardano DApp Infrastructure: The project aligns with the specifications outlined in the product and integration challenge. By developing the DApp on the Cardano blockchain and leveraging smart contracts functionalities, the project promotes the adoption and integration of Cardano's DApp infrastructure in the business operations of entrepreneurs. This can help accelerate the transition of businesses onto the Cardano blockchain in Africa.

• Market Expansion: The project aims to create a marketplace for repair services and e-waste collection, which can foster economic growth and job opportunities within the informal sector in Ghana. By connecting repair specialists and e-waste collectors with device users, the DApp creates a conducive working environment for business transactions and can contribute to the growth of the repair industry.

• Reduction of E-waste: The project aims to discourage the indiscriminate dumping of electronic devices into the environment by providing device owners with alternative options such as repair services and proper disposal. This initiative can help reduce e-waste levels in Ghana and create a more sustainable approach to handling electronic devices.

• Accessibility and Convenience: The DApp platform aims to provide easy access to repair specialists for device users, especially in areas where access to repair services is limited. By connecting device users with repair experts through smart contracts, the project improves accessibility and convenience of repair services, reducing the need for premature device disposal.

• Revenue Increase for Repair Specialists: The DApp platform provides repair specialists with a platform to reach their target market more easily. By connecting repair experts directly with device users and streamlining their activities, the project aims to boost the income level of repair specialists, thus contributing to economic growth and financial empowerment.