CardanoPilot: AI powered Smart Contract Audit Companion

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Nahom Teshome

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

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

8

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

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will develop an AI-based tool that automatically reviews and analyzes Plutus/Aiken smart contracts for vulnerabilities, inefficiencies, or potential bugs before smart contract deployment.

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

No

[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.”

N/A

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

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

We will release the entire project under the MIT License, ensuring it remains fully open source throughout its lifecycle. All components, including AI models and code, will be available in a public repository for community access and contribution.

[METADATA] Horizons

Developer Tools

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Problem

Manual audits of smart contracts are:

• Time-consuming
• Costly
• Susceptible to human error
• 
  

Our Solution

An AI-powered auditing tool that automates the process using:

• Advanced machine learning
• Natural language processing algorithms

Key Features and Benefits

1. Tailored for Plutus/Aiken: Built specifically for Cardano's ecosystem
2. Open-source collaboration: MIT License to encourage community involvement
3. Seamless integration: Smooth integration into existing Plutus/Aiken workflows
4. Comprehensive analysis: More thorough and consistent than manual methods
5. Accelerated development: Reduces time and cost of smart contract development

Engagement

We will engage with:

• Plutus/Aiken developers
• Auditors

Impact Metrics

• Number of contracts audited
• Vulnerability detection rate
• User adoption and feedback
• Time saved compared to manual audits

Expected Outcome

• Enhanced security and efficiency of Cardano smart contracts
• Increased trust in the Cardano platform
• Driving adoption and strengthening the ecosystem

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

Our project will significantly enhance the security and reliability of Plutus smart contracts on the Cardano network. By offering an AI-powered auditing tool, we aim to reduce the risk of vulnerabilities and bugs, thereby increasing trust among users and developers. This will encourage more developers to build on Cardano, expanding the ecosystem and driving adoption.

We will measure impact quantitatively by tracking the number of smart contracts audited using our tool, the decrease in reported vulnerabilities post-deployment, and the adoption rate among developers. Qualitative feedback will be gathered through surveys and community engagement to assess user satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.

To share our outputs, we will make the entire project available in a public repository under the MIT License, inviting the community to access, use, and contribute to the tool. We will also engage with developers through forums, workshops, and documentation to facilitate adoption and collaboration, ensuring that the benefits of our project are widely disseminated throughout the Cardano community.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team comprises experienced developers and AI specialists with a proven track record in building secure, scalable blockchain solutions. We have successfully delivered open-source projects in the past, demonstrating our ability to manage complex development cycles and community-driven initiatives.

To validate our approach's feasibility, we will conduct a series of pilot tests using real Plutus/Aiken contracts to refine the AI model's accuracy and efficiency. We will engage with early adopters and gather feedback to iteratively improve the tool.

We ensure transparency in fund management through detailed reporting, regular project updates, and adherence to a milestone-based development plan. This includes publicly sharing progress reports and financial statements, ensuring accountability at every stage of the project. Our commitment to open-source principles further guarantees that all aspects of the project are accessible for review by the community, reinforcing our trustworthiness and dedication to delivering high-impact results.

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

Milestone 1: Project Planning and Technical Architecture Design

A: Milestone Outputs

• Comprehensive project plan detailing timelines, resources, and deliverables.
• Detailed technical architecture document outlining the design of the AI auditing tool.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Project plan includes defined milestones, tasks, team roles, and deadlines.
• Technical architecture document covers system components, AI models, data flow diagrams, and integration points with Plutus smart contracts.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Submission of the finalized project plan document.
• Submission of the technical architecture design document.

Milestone 2: Development of AI Models and Algorithms

A: Milestone Outputs

• Development or Fine tuning of initial AI models for code analysis.
• Implementation of core algorithms for vulnerability detection in Plutus contracts.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• AI models can analyze sample Plutus smart contracts and identify predefined vulnerabilities.
• Algorithms demonstrate at least 70% accuracy in initial testing phases.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Updated code in the public repository showcasing the AI models and algorithms.
• Test reports demonstrating model performance and accuracy rates.
• Documentation explaining the functionality and usage of the AI models.

Milestone 3: Tool Integration and User Interface Development

A: Milestone Outputs

• Integration of AI models into a user-friendly auditing tool.
• Development of a graphical user interface (GUI) for ease of use.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• The tool accepts Plutus smart contracts as input and provides analysis reports.
• The GUI is intuitive, allowing users to navigate and utilize tool features efficiently.
• Successful internal testing with multiple Plutus contracts showing consistent results.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Release of a functional prototype in the public repository.
• User guides and documentation detailing how to operate the tool.
• Video demonstrations showcasing the tool's features and functionalities.

Milestone 4: Testing, Refinement, and Community Feedback

A: Milestone Outputs

• Comprehensive testing phase involving community beta testers.
• Refinement of the tool based on feedback and test results.
• Finalized version of the AI-powered auditing tool ready for public release.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Achieve at least 90% accuracy in detecting vulnerabilities after refinements.
• Positive feedback from beta testers within the Cardano community.
• Resolution of all critical bugs and implementation of suggested improvements.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Test reports summarizing feedback and accuracy improvements.
• Updated tool and documentation in the public repository reflecting refinements.
• Testimonials or endorsements from community members who participated in testing.

Final Milestone: Project Close-Out Report and Video Presentation

A: Milestone Outputs

• Comprehensive project close-out report summarizing achievements, challenges, and impact.
• A video presentation demonstrating the tool and highlighting its benefits to the Cardano community.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• The report includes detailed analyses of project outcomes, lessons learned, and future recommendations.
• The video is of high quality, clearly explains the tool's functionalities, and is accessible to a broad audience.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Publication of the project close-out report on relevant platforms and sharing with cardano community.
• Release of the video presentation on public channels (e.g., YouTube) and dissemination through community forums.
• Feedback and engagement metrics indicating the community's reception of the project's conclusion.

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

1: Sibhat Teshome - Product Manager and Blockchain Developer

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sibhat-teshome-9a972b221/

Github: https://github.com/XERZES27 

Role:

Responsible for product development and smart contracts

2: Rufael Fekade - Machine Learning Researcher and Engineer with Machine Learning Major at MBZUAI

• Linkedin Profile: Linkedin account
• Role: Rufael is responsible for the Machine Learning aspect of the project.

3: Nahom Teshome - =Mobile and Web Developer

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nahom-abera-a4a086329?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Github: https://github.com/Nahom-Teshome

Role: Responsible for QA

4: Mikiyas Alemayehu: Backend developer

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikyas-alemayehu/

Github: https://github.com/mikyas1/

Role:

Responsible for Research development

5.Henok Edmealem : UI/UX Developer

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henok-edmealem-21a976197/

Portfolio: Portfolio

Role:

Responsible for UI/UX

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Our budget is structured to cover all necessary aspects of the project, ensuring each milestone is achieved effectively. Below is a detailed breakdown of the costs and resources required:

Budget Allocation by Milestones

Milestone 1: Project Planning and Technical Architecture Design

• Personnel Costs: 15,000 ADA
• Project Management: 5,000 ADA
• Total: 20,000 ADA

Milestone 2: Development of AI Models and Algorithms

• Personnel Costs: 40,000 ADA
• Infrastructure and Tools: 4,000 ADA
• Total: 44,000 ADA

Milestone 3: Tool Integration and User Interface Development

• Personnel Costs: 35,000 ADA
• Infrastructure and Tools: 2,000 ADA
• Total: 37,000 ADA

Milestone 4: Testing, Refinement, and Community Feedback

• Personnel Costs: 20,000 ADA
• Testing and QA: 10,000 ADA
• Community Engagement and Marketing: 5,000 ADA
• Total: 35,000 ADA

Final Milestone: Project Close-Out Report and Video Presentation

• Documentation and Reporting: 10,000 ADA
• Community Engagement and Marketing: 3,000 ADA
• Total: 13,000 ADA

Total Project Cost: 149000 ADA

Third-Party Products and Services

• Cloud Computing Services (e.g., AWS, Azure): For hosting AI models, data storage, and providing the computational power necessary for training and running the AI algorithms.
• Software Licenses: Purchase of any required proprietary software tools or platforms essential for development.
• Legal and Accounting Services: Professional services to manage legal compliance, contracts, and financial reporting.

Additional Budget Elements

Publicity and Community Engagement

• Funds are allocated to promote the tool within the Cardano community through marketing campaigns, social media outreach, and participation in relevant events.

Project Management and Reporting

• Regular updates, progress reports, and a final project close-out report will be prepared to maintain transparency and accountability.

Documentation

• Comprehensive user guides, API documentation, and technical manuals will be created to support users and contributors.

We are fully committed to managing the funds responsibly and ensuring that every ADA is utilized effectively to deliver a high-quality, impactful tool for the Cardano community. All expenditures will be documented, and financial reports will be made available as part of our commitment to transparency.

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

Our project's budget of 149000 ADA represents a strategic investment in the security and robustness of the Cardano ecosystem. By developing an AI-powered auditing tool for Plutus smart contracts, we aim to prevent costly vulnerabilities and enhance developer efficiency, which can lead to significant long-term savings and increased adoption of Cardano.

Justification of Costs:

• Personnel Expenses: The majority of the budget is allocated to skilled professionals, including AI/ML developers and blockchain experts. The rates are competitive and reflective of industry standards for highly specialized talent required to execute a project of this complexity.
• Value of Expertise: Investing in experienced developers ensures high-quality outputs, reducing the likelihood of errors and the need for costly revisions or overhauls in the future.
• Open-Source Commitment: By releasing the tool under the MIT License, we provide unrestricted access to the community. This openness fosters collaboration and continuous improvement without additional financial burden on the ecosystem.
• Preventative Savings: Enhancing smart contract security can prevent potential losses from exploits or bugs, which could far exceed the project's cost. This proactive approach adds significant value by safeguarding assets and maintaining user trust.
• Efficient Resource Allocation: Our detailed budget ensures that funds are allocated to critical areas such as testing, community engagement, and documentation, maximizing the project's impact without unnecessary expenditure.

Value to the Cardano Ecosystem:

• Enhanced Security: A more secure smart contract environment attracts developers and users, promoting growth and adoption.
• Community Growth: By engaging and empowering developers with a valuable tool, we contribute to the ecosystem's overall health and sustainability.
• Economic Efficiency: The tool streamlines the auditing process, saving time and resources for developers who can reinvest those savings elsewhere in the ecosystem.

In conclusion, the project's cost is a prudent investment that offers substantial returns in security, efficiency, and community development, representing excellent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem.