[SkyBrain] Neurotech Platform with Data Management on Blockchain

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Rakesh C Jakati

[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)

6

[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 are developing a platform that gives users control over their brain data, enabling secure control, while contributing for the advancements in AI driven Mental Health Solutions in an ethical way.

[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.”

No

[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

Considering the sensitive nature of EEG data, which includes highly personal and private information related to brain activity, it is crucial to properly handle the balance between open-source transparency and the need for privacy and security.

Open-Source Components (with enhanced privacy and security focus):

1. Blockchain Elements:
2. Smart contracts for data ownership and consent: These will be open-sourced, allowing public scrutiny to ensure security, privacy, and compliance with data protection laws. However, the data itself will remain encrypted and securely stored off-chain to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Consent Management System:
4. The decentralized consent management system will be open-source to ensure transparency about how users' EEG data is shared and accessed. Users will have granular control over who can access their data, what portions of their data can be used, and under what conditions.
5. User-controlled encryption keys: While the consent system is open-source, the control over encryption keys will be user-specific, adding another layer of privacy protection.

Proprietary Components (for added data protection):

1. EEG Data Encryption and Storage Mechanisms:
2. The encryption methods and the secure off-chain storage solutions for sensitive EEG data will remain proprietary, to ensure the highest level of security and to prevent breaches. This includes advanced encryption algorithms, secure key management, and distributed data storage systems.
3. Encryption will be employed as proprietary methods to allow researchers to work with data without direct access to the raw, sensitive EEG signals.
4. Data Anonymization Techniques:
5. The methods used to anonymize EEG data before it is shared on the platform might be proprietary, ensuring that personal identifiers are removed while still maintaining data integrity for research purposes. These anonymization protocols could involve proprietary machine learning models or algorithms that minimize data re-identification risks.
6. Signal Processing Algorithms:
7. These proprietary algorithms may include specialized noise reduction, signal extraction, and real-time EEG data processing, which are critical for accurate data analysis and are often vendor-specific.

[METADATA] Horizons

Healthcare

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Problem Perception

Today, health-tech wearables are widely being used by general users. The neurotech advancements have paved way for development of EEG wearables for measuring the brain activity. Users are picking up these personal EEG devices and using it to measure their brain activity.

In this age of AI, people are very concerned about their private, sensitive data and general users do not seem to realize how sensitive their EEG data is. With numerous startups offering their devices and users are lacking ownership over their brain data, and have no idea on how it is stored and used.

Recently Colorado passed a law for protecting user's brain data [LINK]

We believe these concerns and centralized way of doing things will impact the availability of neurotech data, particularly EEG (Brain), thereby limiting AI healthcare advancements.

Our Solution

SkyBrain's EEG Collection and Access Platform built on Web2 principles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zDFeNc7aO4

We will improve this platform by integrating blockchain to securely collect and share EEG data.

1. Human Brain -> EEG Headset
2. The process starts with the human brain sending signals, which are captured by a headset or hardware device.
3. Headset-> Apps Database:
4. The headset transmits the captured brain signals to an apps database for further processing. This involves transforming the signal into a format that can be stored or analyzed.
5. Apps Database -> JSON Converter:
6. The apps database then sends the stored brain signal data to a JSON converter. This step is critical because JSON is a format used for transmitting data across systems, especially blockchain platforms.
7. JSON Converter -> NFT Blockchain:
8. The JSON converter processes the brain signal data and converts it into a structured JSON format. NFT is minted with the JSON data as the metadata.
9. NFT Blockchain -> NFT Holder:
10. A smart contract validates the data and assigns it to a specific NFT, which is associated with unlockable content.
11. Once the metadata is added to the NFT, access to unlockable content can be granted to the others by the owner.
12. NFT Holder -> Owner:
13. In exchange for unlocking this content, the user who needs the EEG data sends a payment to the owner of the NFT. This payment might be facilitated through the blockchain system as well.

The blockchain integration will allow users to upload their EEG data while retaining full control through a consent management system. Researchers get access to high-quality datasets through our platform. Through our partnerships with universities, we will engage students in data collection, research.

Who We Engage

1. Students will collect, contribute, work with datasets while learning about blockchain and AI.
2. Researchers & Developers will have access to our platform for high-quality datasets for research and development purposes.

Measuring Impact

1. We keep a track on the number of students enrolling in our neurotech educational programs. This will help understand need and the effectiveness of our programs.
2. Tracking the number of users contributing to data collection on the platform. This includes monitoring how actively they engage with data collection processes and ensuring that their contributions meet quality standards for AI development.
3. Monitoring the frequency and quality of each individual's interactions within the platform and usage of the data sharing and consent features.

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

• We’re bringing students, researchers, and healthcare professionals into the Cardano ecosystem, offering them hands-on experience with blockchain technology.

• Our project shows how decentralized technology can transform healthcare through secure and transparent data sharing. By utilizing Cardano’s infrastructure, we’re setting an example for future healthcare innovations powered by blockchain.

• We are building the foundation where people can securely collect and share their brain data. This paves way for a Neurotech Data marketplace in the near-future which will rely on decentralized principles, ensuring data contributors retain control.

• We are equipping students with skills in Blockchain, Neurotech, and AI. By immersing them in decentralized technologies, we’re preparing the next wave of innovators who will build the technologies of tomorrow.

• By making neurotech data more accessible, we’re unlocking new possibilities in AI and healthcare research. With decentralization and Cardano at the core, our platform will help drive breakthroughs and speed up innovation.

[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?

With our in-house blockchain experts we have validated our idea of minting an NFT for a given EEG session and here is the transaction details - [LINK] along with the github code repository - [LINK]

Core Team

• Rakesh C Jakati - Neurotech Expert
• Developed several BCI system including a real-time EEG emotion prediction system.

• Dr. Ganesh Naik - Top 2% Scientists in Biomedical Engineering (Worldwide)
• Progress in Brain-Computer Interface: Challenges and Opportunities - Link

• Dr. Bhaskar Tripathi - AI Expert
• EEG Emotion Classification in Financial Trading using Deep Learning - Link

• Sangeet Muralidhar - Web3 Solutions Specialist
• Expert in EVM, Cardano Ecosystem Based Blockchain Development.

Proven Success in Real-World Projects

1. Developed and deployed a real-time EEG emotion prediction system.
2. Established partnerships with universities to collect data on emotion, motor imagery, and neurofeedback.
3. A current project using a 21-channel EEG system to study how impact of wellness products for a well-known brand.

Managing the funds responsibly

1. Each part of the project will have a clear defined budget and spending tracked.
2. With expenditure monitoring tools like Zoho Books, the team will have access to dashboards that show how funds are being utilized at any given point.

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

Platform Optimization (Web2 to Web3 Transition Preparation)

• Objective: Prepare our current Web2 Neurotech platform for a seamless transition to Web3, focusing on scalability, security, and performance.

Tasks:

• Platform Audit and Optimization:
• Review current platform infrastructure for performance bottlenecks.
• Optimize queries and database structure for handling neurotech data.
• Implement optimizations for faster data processing and retrieval.
• Security Enhancement:
• Conduct a security audit to identify vulnerabilities.
• Enhance encryption for sensitive data.
• Load and Stress Testing:
• Conduct load testing for increased data volumes.
• Run stress tests to ensure stability.

Deliverables:

• Database enhancement report.
• Security protocols report.

Web3 Infrastructure and Blockchain Setup

Objective: Set up decentralized blockchain infrastructure for data consent, management, and wallet integration.

Tasks:

1. Blockchain Integration:
2. Set up blockchain nodes.
3. Secure wallet integration for user authentication and payments.
4. Decentralized Consent Management:
5. Develop a decentralized consent mechanism for data control.
6. Testing Blockchain Interactions:
7. Simulate and test blockchain transactions for data consent and payments.
8. Workshops
9. Hosting events, workshops, and community engagement initiatives to drive awareness and user onboarding.

Deliverables:

1. Consent management system demo.
2. User interaction logs and screenshots.
3. Event summaries and community engagement reports.

Smart Contract Development

Objective: Develop and deploy smart contracts for user data ownership and secure consent management.

Tasks:

1. Smart Contract Design:
2. Designing contracts for data permissions and ownership.
3. Ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations.
4. Contract Development and Testing:
5. Developing Smart Contracts.
6. Deployment and Integration:
7. Deploy smart contracts on blockchain.

Deliverables:

1. Working demo for user consent interactions.

User Onboarding

Objective: Onboard initial users and partners to test the platform and provide feedback on the functionality.

Tasks:

1. Pilot Program Setup:
2. Select pilot users
3. Prepare onboarding materials and tutorials.
4. User Training and Support:
5. Provide training for collecting EEG data.
6. Collect Feedback and Iterate:
7. Gather user feedback on usability and performance.
8. Implement suggested improvements for user experience.

Deliverables:

1. User guides, video tutorials.
2. Feedback reports and performance assessments.

Data Sharing Feature

Objective: Integrate data sharing feature to platform where users can securely share their neurotech data.

Tasks:

1. Design and Development:
2. Build data sharing architecture for data transactions.
3. Integrate smart contracts for sharing neurotech data.
4. User Interface and Experience:
5. Develop an intuitive interface for data uploads and browsing the uploaded data.
6. Testing and Deployment:
7. Conduct user acceptance testing (UAT) for data sharing functionality.
8. Deploy the data sharing in a live environment.

Deliverables:

1. Screenshots or a video walkthrough of the data sharing interface.
2. Proof of data transactions.

Project Close-Out Report and Video

Objective: Complete the project with final documentation, a summary video

Tasks:

1. Project Reporting:
2. Compile a report outlining achievements, lessons learned, and future roadmap.
3. Summarize:
4. Produce a video summarizing milestones, platform capabilities, and user success stories.
5. Data Collection:
6. Onboard users to complete blockchain transactions.
7. Demonstrate platform functionality, smart contracts, and consent management.

Deliverables:

1. Final project report.
2. Video summarizing the project.
3. Proof of onboarded user's blockchain transactions (explorer links).

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

1. Rakesh C Jakati - Project Lead
2. Provide leadership in R&D, platform development. Leads the overall project vision and execution, ensuring that the neurotech and blockchain align with the goals.
3. Dr. Ganesh Naik - EEG and AI Integration
4. Assists on platform development related to neurotech, ensuring data handling and digital signal processing are aligned with industry standards.
5. Dr. Bhaskar Tripathi - EEG and AI Integration
6. Assists with system architecture for neurotech data processing and supports research initiatives related to EEG and its applications.
7. Sangeet Muralidhar - Blockchain Lead Developer
8. Leads the development of the platform’s blockchain infrastructure, including decentralized consent management and smart contract integration.
9. Aryanak Banerjee - Researcher
10. Assists the project with research. Crafting data collection protocols while ensuring that industry standards are maintained.
11. Akash Malekar - Full Stack Developer
12. Leading the platform development working on both backend and frontend. Integrating blockchain, smart contracts, and Web3 functionalities.

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

1. Platform Optimization (Web2 to Web3 Transition Preparation) | 15K ADA
2. Staffing for platform auditing, optimization, and security improvements. 10K ADA
3. Provision of IT infrastructure (servers, software licenses) and office resources. 5K ADA
4. Web3 Infrastructure and Blockchain Setup | 30K ADA
5. Setting up blockchain nodes, wallet integration, and decentralized identity systems. 20K ADA
6. Campaigns and materials for outreach. 10K ADA
7. Smart Contract Development for Data Consent | 30K ADA
8. Developing and testing smart contracts for data consent and ownership management. 25K ADA
9. Legal assessment for data privacy contracts. 5K ADA
10. User and Partner Onboarding | 25K ADA
11. Onboarding and support for pilot users and partners (universities and research institutions).Cost: 10K ADA
12. Providing support materials and tutorials for platform users. 10K ADA
13. Targeted campaigns for engaging early users and researchers. 5K ADA
14. Data Sharing Integration | 30K ADA
15. Developing the data sharing architecture and integrating smart contracts for data transactions. 25K ADA
16. Collecting user feedback and refining the platform based on testing results. 5K ADA
17. Project Close-Out Report, Video | 20K ADA
18. Preparing the final report, video production. 10K ADA
19. Publicity and outreach for showcasing project outcomes. 10K ADA

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

Strategic Investment in Key Areas

Enabling secure neural data transactions on the Cardano blockchain and demonstrating how Cardano can support high-impact mental healthcare and academic use cases.

Growing the Cardano Community Through Education

Beyond technology, we’re working on community growth and education .This approach not only promotes real-world adoption but also creates a new wave of innovators within the ecosystem.

Long-Term Value for Cardano

By backing our project, the Cardano ecosystem demonstrates a use case that propels actual, on-chain activity, particularly in industries that stand to gain significantly from decentralization. This is in addition to receiving a technical platform.