Cercle X: Innovating Waste Management Practices with Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Yogesh Patgunan

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

yogesh@cerclex.com

Additional applicants

Sabharinath

Vibhor

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

10

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

No

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.” .

Konma Labz for blockchain support.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

No

[GENERAL] If NO, please describe which outputs are not going to be open source. If YES, please write “Project will be fully open source.”

Software IP & Hardware IP is not opensource

[METADATA] Category of Proposal

dApp

[METADATA] SDG rating

This project aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

Our proposed solution is to leverage the Cardano blockchain to create a transparent, efficient, and sustainable waste management system in India through our platform, Cercle X.

Perception of the Problem: Waste management in India is a significant issue due to the lack of transparency in waste tracking, inefficiencies in waste collection and recycling, and the environmental impact of improper waste disposal. The current systems are often paper-based and lack the necessary data to optimize operations or enforce accountability.

Approach: We are approaching this problem by leveraging the power of blockchain technology, specifically the Cardano blockchain, to create a transparent and immutable record of waste from generation to disposal. This will be combined with IoT devices for real-time tracking, AI/ML for data analysis and prediction, and Digital Twin technology for simulation and optimization.

Engagement: Our project will engage various stakeholders in the waste management value chain, including governments, waste generators, waste collectors, recyclers, and the general public. We will also engage the Cardano community by using the Cardano blockchain and ADA for transactions.

Demonstrating Impact: We will demonstrate our impact through key metrics such as the amount of waste managed, the number of users on our platform, the volume of transactions on the blockchain, and the environmental benefits of our operations. We will also seek feedback from users and stakeholders and conduct regular audits and evaluations.

Uniqueness and Benefits: What is unique about our solution is the integration of blockchain, IoT, AI/ML, and Digital Twin technologies for waste management. This will provide a level of transparency, efficiency, and sustainability that is not possible with current systems. The beneficiaries will include all stakeholders in the waste management value chain, as well as the environment.

This is important to Cardano because it showcases the potential of the Cardano blockchain for solving real-world problems and driving social and environmental impact. It will also bring new users and transactions to the Cardano ecosystem, fostering adoption and innovation.

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

Our proposal directly addresses the "Products and Integrations" challenge by creating a unique product that integrates multiple technologies, including blockchain, IoT, AI/ML, and Digital Twin, to solve a significant real-world problem - waste management.

The impact on Cardano goes beyond just funding our project team. Here are the key ways our project will benefit the Cardano ecosystem:

• New Use Cases: Our project will introduce new use cases for the Cardano blockchain in the waste management sector, showcasing the versatility and applicability of Cardano in diverse industries.

• Increased Adoption: By providing a solution that caters to governments, waste generators, waste collectors, and recyclers, we will be bringing a new user base to the Cardano ecosystem. This increased adoption will drive more transactions on the Cardano blockchain.

• Community Growth: Our initiatives like the Planet Warrior Tribe and Meta Bins NFTs will engage the community, encouraging more people to join the Cardano ecosystem.

• Solving Real-world Problems: Our project will demonstrate how Cardano can be used to solve real-world problems, enhancing Cardano's reputation as a blockchain platform for social and environmental impact.

In terms of quantifying the impact, we aim to manage a significant volume of waste through our platform within the first year of operation, bringing in thousands of new users to the Cardano ecosystem. We also aim to conduct hundreds of transactions on the Cardano blockchain daily as part of our waste tracking and management operations. These are realistic targets based on the size of the waste management market in India and our partnerships with key stakeholders.

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

The success of our project will be measured through a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics that reflect both the operational success of our platform and its impact on the Cardano ecosystem.

Quantitative Metrics:

• Volume of Waste Managed: This will be a key indicator of the operational success of our platform. We aim to manage a significant volume of waste within the first year of operation.
• Number of Users: This will indicate the level of adoption of our platform. We aim to onboard thousands of users, including governments, waste generators, waste collectors, and recyclers.
• Number of Transactions: This will reflect the usage of the Cardano blockchain in our operations. We aim to conduct hundreds of transactions on the Cardano blockchain daily.
• Environmental Impact: We will track the environmental benefits of our operations, such as the amount of waste recycled and the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Qualitative Metrics:

• User Feedback: We will seek feedback from our users on the usability and effectiveness of our platform. This will provide valuable insights for continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Engagement: We will assess the level of engagement and collaboration with our stakeholders, including governments, waste generators, waste collectors, recyclers, and the Cardano community.

In terms of benefits for the Cardano ecosystem, our project will drive adoption, increase transaction volume, bring new use cases, and showcase the potential of Cardano for solving real-world problems. These benefits will contribute to Cardano's productivity and growth in both the short and long term.

In the short term, our project will bring immediate transaction volume to the Cardano blockchain and introduce new users to the Cardano ecosystem. In the long term, our project will demonstrate the value of Cardano for social and environmental impact, attracting more projects and users to the Cardano ecosystem and fostering innovation and growth.

We believe these measures are realistic based on the size of the waste management market in India, our partnerships with key stakeholders, and the capabilities of the Cardano blockchain.

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

We have a comprehensive plan to share the outputs and results of our project with various stakeholders and use the results for further research and development activities.

Sharing Outputs and Results:

• Regular Reports: We will produce regular reports detailing our operational performance, environmental impact, and benefits to the Cardano ecosystem. These reports will be made publicly available on our website and shared with our stakeholders. These updates will be shared in the Cercle X space on Konmahood - https://konmahood.konma.io/spaces/11817014/feed
• Blog Posts and Social Media Updates: We will share updates and insights from our project through blog posts and social media. This will provide a more informal and engaging way to share our progress and learnings.
• Presentations at Industry Events and Conferences: We will present our project and its results at industry events and conferences. This will help to raise awareness of our project and the potential of the Cardano blockchain among a wider audience.
• Collaboration with Researchers and Policymakers: We will make our data and insights available to researchers and policymakers to further the understanding and development of sustainable waste management practices.

Using Results for Further Research and Development:

The results from our project will provide valuable insights and data for further research and development activities. For example:

• Improving Our Platform: We will use the feedback from users and the performance data from our operations to continuously improve and optimize our platform.
• Developing New Features and Services: We will use the insights from our project to identify opportunities for new features and services. For example, we might develop new recycling solutions based on the types of waste we are managing.
• Influencing Policy: We will use the data and insights from our project to advocate for policies that support sustainable waste management and the use of blockchain technology in this sector.
• Expanding to New Markets: We will use the success of our project in India as a model for expanding to other markets with similar waste management challenges.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

We have the necessary capabilities to deliver our project with high levels of trust and accountability. Here's an overview of our existing capabilities that demonstrate why we are best suited to deliver this project:

• Expertise in Waste Management: Our team consists of experienced professionals with a deep understanding of waste management practices and challenges. We have successfully implemented waste management projects in the past, demonstrating our expertise in this field.

• Blockchain and Technology Proficiency: We have a strong technical team with expertise in blockchain technology, specifically the Cardano blockchain. We understand the intricacies of blockchain implementation, smart contracts, and data management, ensuring the secure and efficient operation of our platform.

• Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement: We have established partnerships with key stakeholders in the waste management sector, including government bodies, waste generators, waste collectors, and recyclers. These partnerships demonstrate our ability to engage and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to drive the success of our project.

• Financial Management and Transparency: We have a robust financial management system in place to ensure proper allocation and utilization of funds. Our financial processes adhere to industry standards and best practices, ensuring transparency and accountability. We will provide regular financial reports and conduct audits to maintain a high level of trust in our fund management.

• Governance and Compliance: We are committed to adhering to legal and regulatory frameworks related to waste management and blockchain technology. We have a comprehensive governance structure in place to ensure compliance with relevant laws, policies, and ethical standards.

• Risk Management: We have implemented risk management strategies and protocols to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks associated with our project. This includes financial risks, technical risks, and operational risks.

• Track Record and References: We can provide references and testimonials from previous clients and partners who can vouch for our professionalism, competence, and ability to deliver projects on time and within budget.

Our demonstrated capabilities in waste management, blockchain technology, stakeholder engagement, financial management, compliance, risk management, and track record make us the best-suited team to deliver this project with the highest levels of trust and accountability.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

The main goals for our project are as follows:

• Goal 1: Establish a Transparent and Efficient Waste Management System: Our primary goal is to establish a transparent and efficient waste management system using the Cardano blockchain and associated technologies. This includes developing a user-friendly platform for waste tracking, optimizing waste collection and recycling processes, and enabling seamless transactions between stakeholders.

• Goal 2: Onboard and Engage Stakeholders: We aim to onboard key stakeholders, including governments, waste generators, waste collectors, and recyclers, onto our platform. Engaging these stakeholders will be crucial for the success and sustainability of our project. We will measure the achievement of this goal by the number of stakeholders actively using our platform and participating in waste management activities.

• Goal 3: Manage a Significant Volume of Waste: We aspire to manage a substantial volume of waste through our platform within the first year of operation. This goal will be quantitatively measured by the amount of waste processed, recycled, or properly disposed of through our system.

• Goal 4: Promote Sustainable Practices: We aim to promote sustainable waste management practices by encouraging recycling, reducing waste generation, and minimizing environmental impact. We will measure the achievement of this goal through metrics such as the percentage increase in recycling rates and the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

• Goal 5: Improve User Experience: Ensuring a positive user experience is essential for the adoption and success of our platform. We will continuously strive to improve the user interface, responsiveness, and functionality of our platform based on user feedback. This goal will be evaluated qualitatively through user surveys, feedback, and user retention rates.

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will:

• Conduct Pilot Projects: We will implement pilot projects in collaboration with selected stakeholders to test the functionality, usability, and effectiveness of our platform. The feedback and results from these pilots will inform further refinements and improvements.

• Performance Monitoring: We will closely monitor the performance of our platform, including transaction processing speed, data accuracy, and system stability. Regular performance assessments and benchmarks will be conducted to validate the feasibility of our approach.

• User Feedback and Satisfaction: We will gather user feedback through surveys, interviews, and user testing sessions to assess user satisfaction, identify pain points, and make necessary adjustments to improve our approach.

• Collaborative Learning: We will actively engage with other waste management projects, research organizations, and industry experts to learn from their experiences, gather insights, and adapt our approach accordingly.

The implementation of our approach will involve a phased and iterative development process, incorporating user feedback, technology enhancements, and continuous improvement. We will follow established software development best practices, including agile methodologies, to ensure efficient and effective implementation.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] 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.

The implementation plan follows a logical order of milestones, each with its key activities. Here is an overview:

Milestone 1: Platform Development and Testing (1-3 month)

• Key Activities:
• Requirements gathering and analysis
• Platform design and architecture
• Smart contract development
• User interface and experience design
• Backend development
• Integration of blockchain, IoT, AI/ML, and Digital Twin technologies
• Testing and quality assurance
• Timeline: 3 months
• Success Criteria:
• Completed platform design and architecture
• Smart contracts deployed and functional
• User interface and experience design finalized
• Backend systems implemented and integrated
• Successful completion of testing phase

Milestone 2: Stakeholder Onboarding and Pilot Projects (1-6 month)

• Key Activities:
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership agreements
• Onboarding waste generators, collectors, recyclers, and governments
• Conducting pilot projects in selected regions or cities
• Gathering user feedback and iterating on the platform based on pilot results
• Timeline: 6 months
• Success Criteria:
• Signed partnership agreements with key stakeholders
• Successful onboarding of initial stakeholders onto the platform
• Completion of pilot projects and collection of valuable feedback
• Iterative improvements made to the platform based on user feedback

Milestone 3: Scaling Operations and Expansion (1-10 month)

• Key Activities:
• Scaling up waste management operations on the platform
• Expansion to additional regions and cities
• Enhancing platform capabilities based on operational experience
• Marketing and awareness campaigns to attract more users
• Timeline: 10 months
• Success Criteria:
• Significant volume of waste managed through the platform
• Expansion to multiple cities and regions
• Increased user adoption and engagement
• Continuous platform enhancements based on operational feedback

Milestone 4: Environmental Impact Assessment and Reporting (Ongoing)

• Key Activities:
• Environmental impact assessment of waste management practices
• Monitoring and reporting of key environmental metrics
• Collaborating with environmental agencies for data validation and verification
• Publishing regular reports on environmental impact and sustainability achievements
• Success Criteria:
• Completion of environmental impact assessment
• Regular monitoring and reporting of key environmental metrics
• Collaboration with environmental agencies for data validation
• Publishing of comprehensive reports on environmental impact and sustainability achievements

Milestone 5: Community Engagement and Growth (Ongoing)

• Key Activities:
• Community building and engagement initiatives
• Launching the Planet Warrior Tribe program
• Introduction of Meta Bins NFTs to incentivize waste management
• Collaborating with educational institutions and NGOs for awareness campaigns
• Success Criteria:
• Active and engaged community members in the Planet Warrior Tribe
• Successful launch and adoption of Meta Bins NFTs
• Collaborative partnerships with educational institutions and NGOs for awareness campaigns

Our project will be implemented through a structured project management approach, following industry best practices. We will adopt an agile methodology, with iterative development cycles, regular feedback loops, and continuous improvement. The project management plan includes the following steps:

• Project Initiation: Setting up project infrastructure, team formation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Requirements Gathering and Analysis: Collecting and analyzing requirements from stakeholders to inform platform design and features.
• Development and Testing: Iterative development of platform components, integration of technologies, and rigorous testing to ensure quality and functionality.
• Deployment and Onboarding: Rolling out the platform to stakeholders, onboarding users, and conducting pilot projects.
• Operations and Growth: Scaling up operations, expanding to new regions, and focusing on user adoption, community engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring of project milestones, tracking of key metrics, and evaluation of the project's impact and outcomes.

This detailed plan, with specific milestones, tasks, timeline, success criteria, and project management approach, demonstrates our commitment to delivering the project in a structured and accountable manner.

There is a dedicated Notion board for work tracking - https://konmaio.notion.site/Cercle-X-bef997a5bf6c497f95a16ff231d2478f?pvs=4

Click this link to view the open bounty board for this project - https://app.dework.xyz/konma-dao/cercle-x/settings

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Here is a description of the deliverables, outputs, and intended outcomes for each milestone of our project:

Milestone 1: Platform Development and Testing

• Deliverables:
• Completed platform design and architecture documentation
• Deployed smart contracts on the Cardano blockchain
• User interface and experience design prototypes
• Backend systems and infrastructure
• Test plans and reports
• Outputs:
• Functional waste management platform with blockchain, IoT, AI/ML, and Digital Twin integration
• Demonstrable prototype of the user interface and experience
• Intended Outcomes:
• A well-designed and tested platform ready for further implementation and onboarding of stakeholders
• Progress Measurement:
• Completion of platform design and architecture documentation
• Successful deployment of smart contracts
• User acceptance testing results
• Timely completion of milestone tasks

Milestone 2: Stakeholder Onboarding and Pilot Projects

• Deliverables:
• Partnership agreements with waste generators, collectors, recyclers, and governments
• Onboarded stakeholders onto the platform
• Completed pilot project reports and feedback
• Outputs:
• Active engagement and participation of stakeholders on the platform
• Valuable feedback and insights from pilot projects
• Intended Outcomes:
• Establish strong partnerships and collaborations with key stakeholders
• Gather user feedback to enhance the platform based on real-world scenarios
• Progress Measurement:
• Number of stakeholders onboarded
• Successful completion of pilot projects
• Stakeholder satisfaction surveys
• User feedback and engagement metrics

Milestone 3: Scaling Operations and Expansion

• Deliverables:
• Expanded waste management operations to multiple regions and cities
• Enhanced platform features based on operational experience
• Marketing and awareness campaigns materials
• Outputs:
• Increased volume of waste managed through the platform
• User growth and adoption
• Intended Outcomes:
• Scalability and widespread adoption of the waste management platform
• Positive environmental impact through increased recycling and proper waste disposal
• Progress Measurement:
• Volume of waste managed through the platform
• Number of active users and transactions
• Geographic expansion and coverage
• User acquisition and retention rates

Milestone 4: Environmental Impact Assessment and Reporting

• Deliverables:
• Environmental impact assessment report
• Regular monitoring and reporting of key environmental metrics
• Outputs:
• Comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact of waste management practices
• Published reports on environmental metrics and sustainability achievements
• Intended Outcomes:
• Transparent reporting of the project's environmental impact and progress towards sustainability goals
• Progress Measurement:
• Environmental impact assessment completion
• Key environmental metrics tracking and reporting
• Collaboration with environmental agencies for data validation

Milestone 5: Community Engagement and Growth

• Deliverables:
• Community building and engagement initiatives documentation
• Planet Warrior Tribe program launch materials
• Meta Bins NFTs implementation
• Outputs:
• Engaged and active community members in the Planet Warrior Tribe
• Adoption and utilization of Meta Bins NFTs
• Intended Outcomes:
• Strong community support and participation in waste management initiatives
• Increased awareness and engagement with sustainable practices
• Progress Measurement:
• Community engagement metrics (participation, feedback, contributions)
• Adoption and utilization of Meta Bins NFTs
• Collaborative partnerships established with educational institutions and NGOs

To track the progress of our project, we will measure key indicators related to each milestone's deliverables, outputs, and intended outcomes. This includes metrics such as the number of stakeholders onboarded, volume of waste managed, user adoption and engagement rates, environmental impact metrics (e.g., recycling rates, greenhouse gas emissions), community participation, and feedback. We will use a combination of data analytics, surveys, user feedback, and reports to measure and evaluate our project's progress against these indicators. Regular progress reports and milestone reviews will also be conducted to ensure accountability and transparency.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

Here is a detailed budget breakdown for the proposed project with a total of 300,000 ADA:

• Platform Development and Testing - 80,000 ADA
• Development resources: 50,000 ADA
• Testing and quality assurance: 15,000 ADA
• Infrastructure and hosting: 10,000 ADA
• Miscellaneous expenses: 5,000 ADA

• Stakeholder Onboarding and Pilot Projects - 60,000 ADA
• Partnership agreements: 20,000 ADA
• Onboarding and training materials: 10,000 ADA
• Pilot project implementation: 25,000 ADA
• Feedback collection and analysis: 5,000 ADA

• Scaling Operations and Expansion - 80,000 ADA
• Marketing and awareness campaigns: 30,000 ADA
• Geographic expansion costs: 40,000 ADA
• Platform enhancements and upgrades: 10,000 ADA

• Environmental Impact Assessment and Reporting - 30,000 ADA
• Environmental assessment and reporting: 20,000 ADA
• Collaboration with environmental agencies: 10,000 ADA

• Community Engagement and Growth - 30,000 ADA
• Community building initiatives: 10,000 ADA
• Planet Warrior Tribe program launch: 5,000 ADA
• Meta Bins NFTs implementation: 15,000 ADA

• Project Management and Documentation - 20,000 ADA
• Project management expenses: 10,000 ADA
• Documentation and reporting: 10,000 ADA

It is the project team's responsibility to manage the funds provided and ensure they are utilized efficiently and effectively to deliver the project's objectives. This includes cost monitoring, expense tracking, and reporting to ensure transparency and accountability in managing the allocated funds.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The cost of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem based on the following justifications:

• Scope and Complexity: The proposed project involves the development of a comprehensive waste management platform that integrates blockchain, IoT, AI/ML, and Digital Twin technologies. The costs associated with such a project are proportional to the scope and complexity of the solution being developed. The inclusion of advanced technologies and the need for extensive development, testing, and infrastructure investments contribute to the overall cost.

• Market Rates and Industry Standards: The costs outlined in the budget are determined based on market rates and industry standards for similar projects. We have considered typical freelance rates, software development costs, infrastructure expenses, and professional services fees. By aligning our costs with prevailing industry standards, we ensure that the budget reflects a fair and reasonable estimate for the resources required to deliver a high-quality solution.

• Value of Impact and Outcomes: The proposed project aims to address key challenges in waste management, drive adoption of sustainable practices, and showcase the potential of Cardano as a transformative platform. The costs associated with the project are justified by the potential impact and outcomes it can deliver. By creating a scalable and innovative waste management solution, the project has the potential to generate significant environmental benefits, attract new users to the Cardano ecosystem, and foster long-term growth and sustainability.

• Efficiency and Accountability: The budget breakdown reflects a meticulous analysis of the project's requirements and associated costs. We have considered both direct expenses, such as development resources and infrastructure, as well as indirect costs, including marketing, community engagement, and reporting. The allocation of funds demonstrates our commitment to efficient resource management and accountability in delivering the project.

• Transparency and Collaboration: The budget provides clear visibility into the project's financial aspects, allowing stakeholders to understand how the allocated funds will be utilized. It demonstrates a responsible and transparent approach to managing resources, fostering trust and confidence among the Cardano community. The proposed project embraces collaboration with stakeholders, environmental agencies, and the wider community, maximizing the value generated from the allocated budget.

By considering the project's scope, industry standards, potential impact, efficiency, transparency, and collaboration, we believe that the proposed costs are justified and represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem. We are committed to maximizing the effectiveness of the allocated funds and delivering tangible outcomes that contribute to the growth, sustainability, and adoption of Cardano.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agreed to Fund10 rules and also that data in the Submission Form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept