vote pending
Unbox: Smart Token Dynamic Deposit Return System using KERI (Key Event Receipt Infrastructure)
Current Project Status
vote pending
Amount
Received
₳0
Amount
Requested
₳1,389,285
Percentage
Received
0.00%
Solution

Unbox Smart Tokens with KERI enable secure, transparent, automated deposit tracking, reducing fraud and streamlining the Digital Deposit Return System for greater efficiency and decentralization.

Problem

Classical Deposit Return Systems often face inefficiencies in tracking, fraud risks, and high administrative costs, leading to reduced participation, trust issues, and financial waste.

Unbox-KERI-170b98.png

Team

1 member

Unbox: Smart Token Dynamic Deposit Return System using KERI (Key Event Receipt Infrastructure)

Please describe your proposed solution

Unbox will be integrating Key Event Receipt Infrastructure (KERI) as a decentralized identity system into our Smart Token platform to improve its award winning Digital Deposit Return System (DDRS).

KERI Enables:

  • Truly Decentralized Identity
  • GDPR Compliance
  • Self-Certifying Identifiers
  • Scalability
  • Key Management Infrastructure

Best Practices:

  • KERI uses best practices for key management which include a novel key rotation scheme called pre-rotation. This simplifies key management infrastructure. Pre-rotation is also post-quantum secure. KERI supports enterprise scalability features such as delegated identifiers that support hierarchical key management infrastructure.

Security:

  • KERI‘s design recognizes that It’s much easier to secure one’s own keys well than to secure everyone else’s internet computing infrastructure well.

How Unbox has Contributed to this Solution:

Unbox was mandated by the Belgian Government to integrate a country wide Digital Deposit Return System trial. With the project name 'Urban Mining’, Unbox was successful in incentivizing and onboarding over 100,000 citizens of Belgium to collect over 2,000,000 pieces of litter through its advanced Digital Deposit Return System, each piece of litter was meticulously documented to create a unique record of human impact on the environment in Belgium.

Unbox is proposing to create a DDRS system utilizing Smart Tokens going beyond data points. Using it’s Smart Tokens and KERI to create Smart Assets (on Cardano). Foundational building blocks for a smarter, more autonomous tomorrow that will enable the Digital Deposit Return System (DDRS) to be implemented efficiently and effectively in various rollouts.

Through Smart Token technology, Unbox can create Smart Assets on Cardano that autonomously track and manage waste, paving the way for the Autonomy of Things—a future where every discarded item has a memory, a purpose, and a voice.

The future extends beyond DDRS, with Smart Tokens becoming the model for everything that needs to become smart—giving each piece of waste a memory, a consciousness, and a tangible value.

Bringing Governmental Compliant DRS System to Cardano:

We want to bring the full blown deployment and improvement of Unbox’s DDRS system across Europe and the US, including temporary or event-based DDRS systems (e.g. large sport events, festivals) to the Cardano blockchain, by combining our smart tokens with decentralized KERI (Key Event Receipt Infrastructure).

How A Smart Token based Digital Deposit Return System Can Work:

Key components:

  • Digital Identity: KERI root of trust
  • Physical Identity: QR (or other physical unique identifier)
  • Ownership: Smart Identities

Implementation of KERI Identifiers

  • Each FMCG or packaging (e.g. aluminum can, plastic bottle, paper carton) is assigned a unique KERI identifier during the production process. These identifiers are derived from a master key owned by the manufacturer or specific production plant, ensuring a cryptographic link of the good or packaging to the company as the root of trust.
  • A QR code, NFC tag, or RFID chip or feature print is attached to the packaging containing the derived KERI identifier.
  • This gives each package a verifiable and unique digital identity. The KERI protocol ensures that this identity is securely linked to the original producer. This prevents counterfeit products from being introduced into the market

Additional advantages

  • Offline cryptographic validation
  • Direct anonymous communication channel with the Smart Asset
  • This allows the manufacturer to do direct product recalls, bypassing retail.

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

Positive Impact on the Cardano Community:

Showcase Cardano's Capabilities:

  • This project will demonstrate the integration of advanced technologies such as Smart Tokens, KERI, and decentralized identity management within the Cardano ecosystem. By successfully deploying a Digital Deposit Return System (DDRS) utilizing Cardano, we will showcase Cardano’s ability to power sustainable solutions, supporting real-world use cases that emphasize identity, trust, and compliance in waste management and governmental systems.

Increase Adoption:

  • The integration of KERI with Smart Tokens in a DRS model can increase the adoption of Cardano by providing a practical solution for industries and governments. This will position Cardano as the blockchain of choice for projects seeking to enhance sustainability, compliance (GDPR), and security, particularly for applications requiring trusted decentralized identities.

Promote Sustainability:

  • Focusing on a global rollout of DDRS highlights the sustainability aspect of the project. Our project ensures that each waste item has a traceable digital identity creating an environment of accountability for waste management. This can help governments and companies reduce their environmental impact, promoting a circular economy through efficient recycling programs.

Measuring Impact:

Research-Based Metrics:

  • Smart Token and KERI Identifier Implementation: Analyze the deployment of Smart Tokens and KERI identifiers within Belgium’s waste management system, focusing on their impact on efficiency and security.

  • System Efficiency: Evaluate the performance of the system in tracking and recycling waste, supported by data on operational effectiveness.

  • Institutional Partnerships: Study the formation and impact of partnerships with Belgian governmental agencies and corporate entities to support the DDRS solution.

  • Participation Evaluation: Assess the engagement of Belgian citizens and government institutions, identifying factors that influence participation in the DRS initiative.

Qualitative Research:

  • Stakeholder Feedback: Collect insights from key stakeholders, including government bodies and waste management authorities in Belgium, to assess the system’s effectiveness and areas for improvement.

  • Public Awareness and Behavior: Research the impact of the DDRS system on public awareness and behavior towards recycling and sustainability in Belgium.

  • Case Study: Develop a comprehensive case study demonstrating how the DDRS system helps reduce environmental waste in Belgium, highlighting how it can be scaled globally and the measurable outcomes.

Sharing Outputs:

  • Research Reports: Publish detailed reports on the effectiveness and adoption of the DDRS system in Belgium, supported by qualitative and quantitative findings.

  • Partnership Announcements: Share insights from collaborations with Belgian governmental and waste management organizations.

  • Open-Source Contributions: Publish code, technical guidelines, and integration documents related to the Belgian implementation of Smart Tokens and KERI.

  • Community Engagement: Present research findings and case studies through Unbox social channels to demonstrate the replicability and success of the system.

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?

Existing Capabilities:

Unbox has already proven its ability to integrate large-scale systems with governmental support through our Unbox Litters initiatives in Belgium as well as the US and the United Nations in the Middle East. This program engaged over 100,000 people, tracking 2 million pieces of litter. Proving our capability to manage decentralized solutions at scale. Our team has extensive experience in blockchain technology, smart contracts, and impact measurement, positioning us uniquely to deliver this innovative solution.

We also have partnerships with governments, a track record of sustainability projects, and expertise in blockchain infrastructure, which gives us the foundation to ensure the success of this project.

Validation of Feasibility:

We will first develop and test the Smart Token Dynamic Deposit Return System (DDRS) with KERI integration through a structured POC project in a controlled environment. This pilot will allow us to assess the system’s efficiency, user experience, and scalability. Feedback from key stakeholders, including Belgian regulatory authorities, waste management experts, and citizens, will be collected to ensure our approach aligns with compliance standards, real-world use cases, and public engagement.

After refining the system, we will integrate it fully into the Unbox toolset. Ensuring the solution is robust, scalable, and ready to be used by our clients.

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

Milestone 1: Research and Architecture Development for KERI Integration (Month 1-2)

Output:

  • In-depth research on KERI integration with DDRS strategy.
  • System architecture design for KERI-enabled Smart Tokens.

Acceptance Criteria:

  • Architecture design reviewed and approved by internal stakeholders and technical experts.
  • Research report includes implementation strategy and technical considerations.

Milestone 2: Development of the Smart Token Dynamic Return System (Month 3-4)

Output:

  • Functional POC for Smart Token Dynamic Return System (DDRS).
  • KERI identifier management system integrated with Smart Tokens.

Acceptance Criteria:

  • Successful internal testing of the system with functional KERI identifier generation and linkage to Smart Tokens.
  • System demonstrates the ability to track waste items through cryptographic linkage.

Milestone 3: Pilot Implementation and Full Integration into Unbox Toolset (Month 5-6)

Output:

  • Pilot POC deployment of DDRS in a controlled environment.
  • Integration of the DDRS into the Unbox toolset.

Acceptance Criteria:

  • Pilot POC initiated with user engagement.
  • Integration successfully implemented and validated through real-world pilot.

Milestone 4: Testing and Refinement (Month 7-8)

Output:

  • Refined DDRS system based on pilot results.
  • Fully tested and optimized system ready for scaling.

Acceptance Criteria:

  • Analysis of pilot data completed and system improvements implemented.
  • System passes additional tests, meeting performance, security, and usability benchmarks.

Final Milestone: Final Research Report and Project Close-Out (Month 9-10)

Output:

  • Published research report detailing system performance and scalability recommendations.
  • Final project close-out summary report shared with the Cardano and Unbox communities.

Acceptance Criteria:

  • Research report reviewed, finalized, and shared with key stakeholders.
  • Close-out report includes key learnings, impact assessment, and next steps for scaling the solution.

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

Unbox Team:

The Unbox team is spread across 17 countries and consists of almost 45 professionals including seasoned developers, finance experts, and strategists. We have expertise in several programming languages and frameworks, blockchain technologies, and creating solutions that redefine funding distribution.

CEO - Erik Saelens

Erik Saelens is the CEO and founder of Unbox. He brings three decades of experience in strategy, branding, sales, marketing, and technology. Saelens prioritises driving growth and profitability and is a renowned author and expert on brand-driven M&A and IPO strategies.

Before founding Unbox, he was the founder and CEO of Brandhome, a strategic agency specialising in rebranding and renaming operations. Saelens led over 350 brand-change operations for blue-chip companies, governments and politicians across Europe, America, the Middle East, and Africa.

  • LinkedIn [<https://www.linkedin.com/in/eriksaelens/>]

CTO - Joeri Torfs

Condemned to be free, I attempt to balance existence, roles and nothingness on my journey to be authentic. I'm passionate about Self Sovereign identity, privacy, transparency and more broadly the disruption blockchain tech is about to bring to institutions.

Versatile manager with more than 15 years of experience supporting multidisciplinary teams of different sizes. Technophile, agile coach, trainer and change agent facilitating organisational agility and engaging workplaces.

  • LinkedIn [<https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeritorfs/>]

Head of Development - Benjamin Houdebert

Software architect, Senior developer, I have a strong background in java, spring, ci, docker (…) but also in architecture and (my favorite) in api design.

Working with the latest version of java, Quarkus, vert.x and vavr is now a real pleasure.

Fond of functional programming FP, I do love Haskell and Purescript.

Even if Rust is not a functional language, imperative, it brings several concept of Haskell making it something very interesting! Honestly this is at the moment my go to language.

  • LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-houdebert/>

CPO - James Angle

Pioneering Web3 products that rearchitect financial value chains. Responsible for the design and implementation of multi award winning products that bring value to users and clients in the real world. Working with Government, Brands, NGOs to build and rebuild better societies for the communities we live and work in from the Middle East, Europe and the US.

  • LinkedIn [<https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesangle0/>]

Product Manager – Cole Bartlett

Helping build innovative Web3 products and communities that redefine value creation through blockchain technology. Co-Author of “Recalibrating Value, Identity &amp; Impact Through the Blockchain," expertise in designing impactful, user-focused solutions that bridge sustainability, social entrepreneurship, and blockchain. A strong foundation in economics and sustainability, collaborated with a variety of projects in the sustainability, blockchain, and AI space helping implement forward-thinking strategies that foster lasting, positive change.

  • Linkedin [<https://www.linkedin.com/in/cole-bartlett/>]

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

DDRS Platform Development Costs

  • 10 Months &amp; 875 hours @150 USD/hour = 127,500 USD | Total: 10 months low rate of $0.35 EURO/USD: 375,000 ADA

Milestone #1:

  • Development: 100 hours – 15,000 USD – 42,857 ADA

Milestone #2:

  • Development: 225 hours – 33,750 USD – 96,429 ADA

Milestone #3:

  • Development: 225 hours – 33,750 USD – 96,429 ADA

Milestone #4:

  • Development 225 hours - 33,750 USD – 96,429 ADA

Final Milestone:

  • Development: 100 hours - 15,000 USD – 42,857 ADA

KERI Identity Development &amp; Research Costs

  • Development: 10 Months &amp; 700 hours @150 USD/hour = 105,000 USD | Total: 10 months low rate of $0.35 EURO/USD: 300,000 ADA
  • Research: 10 Months &amp; 600 hours @110 USD/hour = 66,000 USD | Total: 10 months low rate of $0.35 EURO/USD: 188,571 ADA

Milestone #1:

  • Development - 100 hours – 15,000 USD – 42,857 ADA
  • Research – 100 hours – 11,000 USD – 31,428 ADA

Milestone #2:

  • Development - 200 hours – 30,000 USD – 85,714 ADA
  • Research – 100 hours – 11,000 USD – 31,428 ADA

Milestone #3:

  • Development - 200 hours – 30,000 USD – 85,714 ADA
  • Research – 100 hours – 11,000 USD – 31,428 ADA

Milestone #4:

  • Development - 100 hours – 15,000 USD – 42,857 ADA
  • Research – 150 hours – 16,500 USD – 47,142 ADA

Final Milestone:

  • Development - 100 hours – 15,000 USD – 42,857 ADA
  • Research – 150 hours – 16,500 USD – 47,142 ADA

TOTAL: Research &amp; Development Cost (302,250 USD / 863,571 ADA)

---------------

Additional Coast:

  • Project Management, Report Writing, Milestone Submission (87,500 USD / 250,000 ADA)
  • Tools &amp; Licensing (52,500 USD / 150,000 ADA)
  • Misc &amp; Extra Costs (44,000 USD / 125,714 ADA)

Total 1,389,285 ADA

No dependencies.

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

The costs for the DDRS project are aligned with the expertise and specialization required to integrate Unbox’s Smart Token platform with KERI for a decentralized Digital Deposit Return System (DDRS). Building a scalable system that leverages Cardano’s blockchain technology for secure identity management, asset tracking, and waste management demands highly skilled professionals with deep knowledge of the Cardano ecosystem and advanced cryptographic standards. By developing a robust platform that connects manufacturers, consumers, and waste management entities, this project will enhance community engagement, drive blockchain adoption, and showcase the power of Cardano’s technology in solving real-world environmental challenges. The DDRS project provides a unique use case that will position Cardano as a leader in sustainability-focused blockchain applications, supporting global efforts to promote recycling and waste reduction.

The costs are justified by the project’s commitment to industry standards, ensuring scalability, security, and long-term impact. This investment represents value for money by contributing to Cardano’s growth, driving innovation in decentralized waste management, and promoting sustainability through cutting-edge blockchain solutions.

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