Please describe your proposed solution

Problem Statement:

Many members of the Cardano community want to delegate their voting power to a DRep (Delegated Representative) who aligns with their values and vision for the Cardano ecosystem. However, with hundreds of DReps to choose from, it is time-consuming and difficult to research each DRep thoroughly. This makes it hard for individuals to confidently delegate their voting power to someone who truly represents their interests, leading to a lower percentage of the community delegating to DReps.

Solution:

The DRep Explorer and Matching Algorithm is an AI-powered tool designed to help Cardano community members find the most suitable DReps based on their personal values and goals. Using advanced algorithms, the system will research and analyze DReps by combing through their public statements, voting history, and values. It will then match community members with DReps whose profiles align instinctively with the delegator’s preferences.

Technical Summary:

The algorithm combines a RAG system for getting real time research of DReps, NLP for understanding DRep values, vector-based matching for recommendation, and data analytics to ensure the recommendations are both accurate and explainable.

Key Features:

• AI-driven DRep Research: The tool will use natural language processing (NLP) and data analysis to explore the values, voting patterns, and publicly available information about each DRep.
• Personalized Matching: Based on users’ selected preferences (e.g., environmental focus, decentralization support, financial growth), the system will suggest the most suitable DReps.
• User-Friendly Interface: The interface will allow users to input their values and receive a list of DRep recommendations ranked by compatibility.
• Transparency: A detailed report on why each DRep is suggested will be provided, helping users make informed decisions.

Expected Impact:

1. Enhanced confidence in DRep selection by Cardano community members.
2. Increased alignment between delegators and DReps, fostering a more representative and effective governance process.
3. A streamlined DRep research process that saves time and effort for the Cardano community.
4. More Community members engaged in the delegation of their ADA to DReps

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

Positive Impact on the Cardano Community:

1. The DRep Explorer and Matching Algorithm will empower the Cardano community increase delegation onchain by up to 10-20% in the next 2 years, by streamlining the DRep selection process and ensuring that delegators can easily find representatives who align with their values. This tool will foster stronger trust in the Cardano governance system, leading to better representation, increased engagement, and more meaningful participation in Cardano.

2. By reducing the complexity of choosing a DRep, community members will feel more confident in delegating their voting power, ultimately improving the overall effectiveness of governance.

3. Increased participation of the community in the delegation process, we estimate that this tool will bring between 10-20% increased delegation among Cardano community members in the lifetime of this project

How Success Will Bring Value to the Cardano Community:

• Improved Governance Representation: By providing a personalized DRep matching service, community members will delegate to representatives who are truly aligned with their values, which will lead to more balanced and reflective decision-making across Project Catalyst.
• Increased Participation and Engagement: The user-friendly nature of the tool will encourage more community members to actively engage in governance by simplifying the delegation process. This could potentially increase voter turnout and the number of DRep delegations.
• Transparency and Accountability: The tool will provide users with clear information on why certain DReps are recommended, promoting transparency in governance and holding DReps accountable for their actions and decisions.

Measuring Impact:

Quantitative Metrics:

• Number of Users: Track the number of community members using the DRep Explorer tool, both during the beta phase and after the full launch.
• Delegation Decisions: Measure the number of delegations made through the tool, and track any increases in delegation activity over time.
• User Retention Rate: Monitor how many users continue to use the tool and engage in further governance activities.

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?

As one of the DRep pioneer program coordinators, I have been involved in the curating as well as early training of DReps in the ecosystem. This vantage position has given me the insight to the challenges DReps have and the challenge people have delegating to DReps. It is on the wealth of this experience and feedback that I am building this tool, my AI and dev skills become even more complimentary on why I am most suited to deliver on this project.

I will be validating this project through beta testers who are currently interested in the community

Finally, I had a fund9-funded proposal which was executed and brought to completion on time, an F-10 a project which is equally completed and F-11 project that is ongoing, I have been funded as well to execute projects both for my government and other multinational, my ability to execute these projects speaks to my ability to be trusted with funds and my high value for accountability.

This project will undergo a thorough validation process and pilot process to ensure that my approach to solving this problem is feasible.

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

Milestone 1: Research & Algorithm Development

• A: Milestone Outputs:
• Comprehensive research on DRep profiles and key factors relevant to matching community members with DReps (values, voting history, public statements).
• Development of AI algorithms to analyze DRep data and match them with community members based on preferences (using techniques such as natural language processing and data analysis).
• Initial figma prototype of the algorithm.
• B: Acceptance Criteria:
• A working prototyped figma of the solution
• A report detailing the research findings and the key factors used to match delegators with DReps, including a diagram design of the algorithm flow
• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion:
• Delivery of the initial algorithm design diagram, including documentation on its functionality.
• A demonstration of the prototype figma of the solution
• The research report details the algorithm’s logic and matching criteria.

Milestone 2: User Interface Design & Development

• A: Milestone Outputs:
• A user-friendly interface that allows community members to input their personal values and goals.
• Integration of the AI algorithm into the interface to provide real-time DRep suggestions.
• B: Acceptance Criteria:
• A functional user interface that is intuitive and easy to use for community members with basic inputs (e.g., value-based filters, interest areas).
• The interface successfully integrates with the algorithm to deliver tailored DRep recommendations to users.
• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion:
• A working beta version of the user interface demonstrated via live presentation or video walkthrough.
• User feedback from a small group of beta testers showing that the interface is accessible and meets user needs.

Milestone 3: Beta Testing & Community Feedback

• A: Milestone Outputs:
• Launch of a beta version of the tool to a select group of community members for feedback.
• Collection of feedback on the tool’s performance, accuracy of recommendations, and overall user experience.
• B: Acceptance Criteria:
• At least 10 beta users are actively testing the tool and providing feedback.
• A report summarizing user feedback and necessary improvements based on real-world testing.
• Refinement of the tool based on feedback.
• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion:
• Detailed feedback forms or survey results collected from beta testers.
• A final report summarizing changes made and any remaining improvements.

Final Milestone: Full Launch, Community Integration and Final Report

• A: Milestone Outputs:
• Full release of the DRep Explorer and Matching Algorithm to the Cardano community.
• A marketing campaign to raise awareness of the tool’s availability.
• Documentation and tutorials on how to use the tool.
• Final report and Video
• B: Acceptance Criteria:
• A stable, fully functional tool available for use by all Cardano community members.
• Clear documentation and tutorials shared with the community.
• A domain and/ or repo where the tool can be accesed
• Final Report and Video follows Catalyst standards
• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion:
• Confirmation of the tool’s public release and availability on the relevant platforms
• A recording of the first community engagement session done online(or physically) for users to engage with the tool
• Publication of documentation and tutorials
• Final report and video

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

UBIO OBU: The CEO of Remostart, is a blockchain and AI researcher, his academic background is in Artificial Intelligence. Ubio has about 4 years of experience in researching, his research works have cut across different fields, from AI, to IoT, Agriculture, environment, blockchain, HR, human behaviors etc. He currently has about 7 research paper publications in reputable journals like the American Institute of Physics, and IEEE, etc, he has 2 patents under application and a Copyright on a book titled "Research writing for beginners".

Ubio is a Microsoft Winsider Recipient, KECTIL leadership fellow, and a SingularityNet Ambassador.

He is among the early Cardano DRep Pioneer program coordinator and an Intersect constitutional council member.

Ubio will be in charge of the AI development and resource management

<https://www.linkedin.com/in/ubio-obu-71927276/>

<https://www.github.com/ubiodee/>

Ediyangha Otogho: Full-stack software and Blockchain developer with 8 years of of software development experience and 3 years blockchain development experience. Ediyangha has won several hackathons and techatrons and was the chief technology officer behind Send funds, a fintech solution building a Bharatpe for Africa. Funfact Ediyangha can code efficiently in more than 7 programming languages. For this project he will be the blockchain and fullstack developer

<https://www.linkedin.com/in/edinyanga-ottoho-02801517a/>

<https://www.github.com/EdinyangaOttoho>

Yash Ambekar : B.Tech-Computer Engineering, Full stack Developer, 7 years experience in Software development, a Smart India hackathon winner, with about 3 Research paper publications. In this project he will coordinate the front end developer especially the UI/UX aspects.

<https://github.com/yashambkr>

Daniel Effiom: He is a co-founder at RemoStart, a Reconciliation analyst at ETransact international PLC. With 5 years experience in data analysis, process monitoring and operational procedures. He has managed several projects for RemoStart and ETransact and is why he will be the project and product manager for this project.

<https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-effiom-a2b377199/>

Ese Williams ( Campaign Strategist ) - Web3 Marketing Expert, Branding position expert, Designer, UI/UX Designer. As a seasoned professional in the Web3 marketing domain, I specialize in branding strategy and marketing consultancy and event organisation. My expertise extends to successfully establishing and nurturing the Unified Cardano Student Club across six universities, effectively integrating them into a cohesive community network. Additionally, I have orchestrated a notable AI and Blockchain event featuring hands-on workshops attended by AI and Blockchain developers, showcasing my ability to facilitate engaging and informative industry gatherings. With a track record of driving community engagement and fostering collaboration, I bring a unique blend of marketing acumen and design prowess to every project I undertake.

Profile: https://twitter.com/EseWilliams5

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

1. Product Development and Research (47.5% of the budget – 57,000 ADA)

This includes the costs associated with researching DReps, developing the AI algorithm, and creating the tool’s user interface.

• AI Algorithm Development – 25,000 ADA
• Design and implementation of the algorithm, including natural language processing (NLP) to research DReps and user preference matching.
• User Interface (UI) Design – 16,000 ADA
• Design and development of a user-friendly interface.
• Integration and Testing – 10,000 ADA
• Integrating the algorithm into the UI and thorough testing of the system.
• Research &amp; Data Collection – 6,000 ADA
• Gathering and analyzing data on DReps’ values, voting history, and public information.

2. Beta Testing &amp; User Feedback (7.5% of budget – 9,000 ADA)

During this phase, the tool will be beta-tested by a select group of community members to ensure accuracy, usability, and overall performance.

• Beta User Incentives – 3,000 ADA
• Offering incentives for 10-20 users to actively participate in testing and providing feedback all through the product development phase.
• Feedback Collection and Analysis – 3,000 ADA
• Tools and services used to collect and analyze user feedback.
• Bug Fixes &amp; Refinement – 3,000 ADA
• Fixing bugs and refining the tool based on feedback.

1. Marketing, Publicity, and Community Engagement (15% of budget – 18,000 ADA)

This will ensure the community is well-informed and aware of the tool’s capabilities, driving adoption and engagement.

• Marketing &amp; Publicity Campaign – 12,000 ADA
• Campaigns across Cardano community platforms, social media, and outreach to increase awareness of the tool.
• Community Engagement – 6,000 ADA
• Organizing online workshops, AMAs (Ask Me Anything), and other events to educate community members on how to use the tool.

4. Third-Party Services (10% of budget – 12,000 ADA)

This category covers necessary third-party services required for the project, such as specialized software or professional services.

• Data Hosting and Cloud Services – 5,000 ADA
• Costs for hosting and maintaining the backend infrastructure.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance – 3,000 ADA
• Ensuring the tool meets relevant regulations for data privacy and governance.
• Software Licenses – 4,000 ADA
• Necessary software licenses for AI tool development and user interface design.

5. Project Management &amp; Reporting (10% of budget – 12,000 ADA)

Ensuring the project is well-coordinated and regularly reported back to the Cardano community.

• Project Management – 8,000 ADA
• Overseeing all aspects of the project, ensuring milestones are met, and facilitating collaboration between teams.
• Community Reporting &amp; Documentation – 4,000 ADA
• Regular updates and detailed reports to the Cardano community, as well as final documentation of the tool for users.

6. Contingency Fund (10% of budget – 12,000 ADA)

A contingency reserve to handle unexpected costs or additional resource needs during development.

• Contingency Reserve – 12,000 ADA

N/B: This budget estimate is made with 1 ADA=0.36USD which is the prevailing price as at the time of this application.

Total Budget: 120,000 ADA

No dependencies

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

The cost of the "DRep Explorer and Matching Algorithm" project represents value for money due to its potential long-term benefits for the Cardano ecosystem. By simplifying the DRep selection process and promoting greater community participation in governance, this tool will foster more informed and representative decision-making in Cardano.

The costs were carefully allocated based on industry standards for AI development, UI design, and project management. For example, the budget for AI algorithm development reflects standard freelance rates for machine learning experts and data scientists, while the marketing budget ensures community engagement and adoption. Additionally, our decision to allocate 40% of the budget to development ensures that the core functionality of the tool is well-supported, while the remaining resources are dedicated to quality testing, community outreach, and project management.

The cost of building and integrating most AI solutions and adding to tools stands around 50k to 500k USD according to this report our solution is more cost-efficient especially considering it also includes the marketing component as well, showing a greater return of value for each ADA spent on this project

Compared to the potential benefits of increased governance participation and more representative voting power delegation, the total budget is reasonable and proportional to the project's impact. Moreover, by providing transparency and open access to the tool, the Cardano community will benefit from long-term use without additional ongoing costs.