Agro Technology Cardano: IoT Sensors + Real time monitoring app

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Ciro Gélvez

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co proposers and Additional applicants

Juan Vargas (Physicist - Software Engineer)

Jesús Prada (Physicist - Data Scientist)

Camilo Ávila (Economist - Financial Advisor)

Nicolás Mantilla (Agroindustrial Engineer - Innovation Catalyst)

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

130000

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

12

[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 IoT system with blockchain to record and trace climate data, and an AI-powered app for real-time monitoring and accurate predictions, improving productivity and decision-making.

[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 dependencies

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

No

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

Open source in 4 years

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG 1: No Poverty: The present project will elevate the incomes level of millions of farmers into depressed countries through the elimination of intermediary people, who carry themself the major incomes of the farmer's products. Also, because not will sell their products in a local market, but their products will sell in foreign markets, at much higher prices. Projected initially to Colombia, Perú and Costa Rica, it will plan applies this project in every country where the farmers’ incomes for the sale of their products would be underpaid.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger: Our project aims to increase agricultural productivity and improve access to nutritious food, contributing to the reduction of hunger and malnutrition. By implementing technologies such as tokenization and traceability in the agricultural sector, we seek to optimize crops and enhance efficiency in the food supply chain, ensuring they reach those in need.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Through the incorporation of technologies like tokenization, IoT, data analysis, and traceability in agriculture, our project drives innovation and enhances agricultural infrastructure. By promoting the use of technological tools, we aim to increase the efficiency of agricultural processes, reduce losses, and improve product quality, thereby fostering a more sustainable agricultural industry.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: Our initiative promotes the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, product traceability, and quality certifications. By utilizing technology to monitor and optimize the use of natural resources, we minimize the environmental impact of agricultural production. Additionally, by providing transparent and reliable information about products, we encourage responsible and sustainable consumption.

SDG 13: Climate Action: Through the implementation of advanced technologies such as IoT sensors and data analysis, our project aims to improve resource management and efficiency in agriculture. By optimizing irrigation, fertilization, and other agricultural processes, we strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change on the agricultural sector.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Our project is built upon collaboration and the formation of partnerships among various stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including farmers, investors, government entities, and civil society organizations. Through these alliances, we seek to promote the exchange of knowledge, resources, and best practices, with the goal of collectively driving sustainable development in agriculture and making a significant impact on society.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

Actual and functional product:

IoT Sensors:

Real Time Monitoring App:

• User Profile and Management
• Administrative Profile
• Sensor Linking
• Type of Crop
• Location
• Sensors per Customer or User
• Geolocation of Sensors on Map

• Sensors Panel by User
• Offline/Online View
• Temperature/Light/Humidity
• Real-Time Monitoring of Environmental Conditions
• Real-Time Graphing of Obtained Data
• View of Maximums, Minimums, and Averages
• Date Selector for Historical Measurements Record

• Push Notifications to Alert Unfavorable Changes
• Temperature
• Humidity
• AI Model for Predictions of Next Day's Environmental Variables
• Actuator Control (irrigation or lighting system) with Programmable On and Off Options

Proposed Solution:

Our project focuses on overcoming the critical challenge of inefficient monitoring in agriculture, significantly exacerbated by problems arising from climate change. These climate challenges, including unpredictable weather patterns, extreme variations in temperature and humidity, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, negatively impact agricultural productivity and complicate effective decision-making.

In response, our proposal focuses on developing and implementing an advanced IoT system integrated with Cardano's blockchain technology. This system will address monitoring and management issues in traditional agriculture and will be crucial for adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change in the agricultural sector.

Milestone 1: Development of IoT Hardware and Software

Months 1 - 4, we will focus on developing a robust and high-precision IoT sensor network. These sensors will be capable of monitoring a wide range of environmental and agricultural variables, including soil moisture, temperature, light levels, pH, and more. Simultaneously, we will develop a sophisticated mobile application with artificial intelligence capabilities for real-time data analysis. This app will facilitate data visualization, personalized alerts, and remote control of devices, such as automated irrigation systems.

Sensors to be developed:

Device 1:

• Rain
• Wind direction and speed (without moving parts)
• Barometric pressure
• Solar radiation (Already Developed)
• Ambient temperature and humidity (Already Developed)
• Geolocated

Device 2:

• Nitrogen
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Temperature (Already Developed)
• Moisture (Already Developed)
• pH
• Electroconductivity

Memory

• 32 GB capacity Getaway
• 8 MB/month - 30 nodes - 200 Sensors

Conectivity:

• GPRS (Service Range)
• LoRa (10 km)
• WiFi (100m)

Power supply:

• Solar panels (5W - 5V)
• Li Ion Batteries (3.7V - 2200 mAh)

Milestone 2: Integration with Cardano's Blockchain

Months 5-6, we will integrate these systems with Cardano's blockchain. This integration will allow secure and transparent recording of collected data, essential for applications in agricultural insurance and certifications. Cardano's blockchain will provide a decentralized and secure platform to store critical data, vital for ensuring the integrity and traceability of information in real time.

Milestone 3: Testing and Optimization

Months 6-8 will be dedicated to conducting exhaustive tests of the system in real agricultural environments and optimizing the platform based on feedback from initial users. This phase will ensure that the system is robust, reliable, and easy to use for farmers.

Milestone 4: Implementation and Scalability

Months 9-12, we will focus on large-scale implementation of the system and exploring its scalability. During this period, we will also establish collaborations with insurance companies and certification entities to use the collected data to improve insurance and certification processes.

Benefits for Farmers and the Cardano Network

• For Farmers: Significant improvement in decision-making based on accurate and real-time data, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
• For the Cardano Network: This project demonstrates a practical and valuable use of the blockchain in agriculture, expanding Cardano's scope and applicability in key industrial sectors.

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

Our project will have a significant positive impact on the Cardano community, demonstrating the applicability and usefulness of Cardano's blockchain in solving real and global problems, specifically in the agricultural sector.

Value for the Cardano Community:

• Adoption and Innovation: By integrating Cardano's blockchain technology into a practical and essential application like agriculture, we will stimulate adoption and understanding of blockchain in a key sector. This positions Cardano as an innovative and useful tool in combating global challenges such as climate change and food security.
• Demonstrative Use Case: The success of this project will serve as a compelling and replicable case study for future implementations of Cardano's blockchain in other sectors, increasing its visibility and applicability.

Impact Measurement:

• Quantitative Data: We will measure the quantitative impact through metrics such as the increase in agricultural productivity, reduction in resource use (water, fertilizers), and efficiency in decision-making.
• Qualitative Data: We will collect feedback from farmers and other users on the ease of use, satisfaction, and perception of Cardano's blockchain use.

Sharing Results and Opportunities:

• Publications and Reports: We will compile and publish detailed reports on the progress and results of the project, accessible to the Cardano community and the general public.
• Conferences and Workshops: We will present our findings and lessons learned at conferences related to agriculture and blockchain technology, as well as at Cardano community events.
• Open Collaboration: We will promote open collaboration with developers, researchers, and Cardano enthusiasts, sharing code, methodologies, and best practices.

[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?

To ensure the successful delivery of our project with high levels of trust and accountability, we highlight our existing capabilities and planned approach for validating the feasibility of the project.

Existing Capabilities:

• IoT and Blockchain Experience: Our team has extensive experience in developing IoT solutions and integrating blockchain technologies, including previous projects specific to agriculture.
• Strategic Alliances: We have partnerships with experts in agriculture and technology, providing us access to specialized knowledge and additional resources.
• Success in Previous Projects: We have successfully implemented similar projects in the past, demonstrating our ability to manage and complete complex initiatives.

MVP Developement:

• MVP: We will develop functional MVPs and conduct tests in agricultural environments to validate the integration of the proposed solution with the Cardano Blockchain.
• Continuous Feedback: We will involve end-users from the early stages to ensure that the project meets real needs and adjust the approach as necessary.
• Review and Iterative Adjustments: We will continuously evaluate the progress of the project and make iterative adjustments to ensure that the proposed objectives are met.

Fund Management:

• Detailed Financial Planning: We will present a detailed financial plan, outlining how funds will be allocated and used in each phase of the project.
• Transparency and Reporting: We will maintain a policy of total transparency, providing regular reports on the progress of the project and the use of funds to stakeholders.
• Audits and Internal Controls: We will implement regular audits and internal controls to ensure the proper management and allocation of funds.

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

Milestone 1: Development of IoT Hardware and Software

Months 1 - 4, we will focus on developing a robust and high-precision IoT sensor network. These sensors will be capable of monitoring a wide range of environmental and agricultural variables, including soil moisture, temperature, light levels, pH, and more. Simultaneously, we will develop a sophisticated mobile application with artificial intelligence capabilities for real-time data analysis. This app will facilitate data visualization, personalized alerts, and remote control of devices, such as automated irrigation systems.

Sensors to be developed:

Device 1:

• Rain
• Wind direction and speed (without moving parts)
• Barometric pressure
• Solar radiation (Already Developed)
• Ambient temperature and humidity (Already Developed)
• Geolocated

Device 2

• Nitrogen
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Temperature (Already Developed)
• Moisture (Already Developed)
• pH
• Electroconductivity

Memory

• 32 GB capacity Getaway
• 8 MB/month - 30 nodes - 200 Sensors

Conectivity:

• GPRS (Service Range)
• LoRa (10 km)
• WiFi (100m)

Power supply:

• Solar panels (5W - 5V)
• Li Ion Batteries (3.7V - 2200 mAh)

Milestone 2: Integration with Cardano's Blockchain

Timeline: Months 5-6

During this phase, we will focus on the crucial task of integrating our IoT system with Cardano's blockchain. This integration is pivotal for ensuring the security, transparency, and reliability of the data collected from our agricultural monitoring systems.

Key Development Points:

Blockchain Integration Architecture Development:

• Develop a robust architecture for integrating IoT devices with the Cardano blockchain.
• Ensure that this architecture supports seamless data transfer and storage, maintaining data integrity and security.

Smart Contract Implementation:

• Design and implement smart contracts to automate the recording of data onto the blockchain.
• These contracts will handle various data types, including climate conditions, soil parameters, and crop health metrics.

Data Security and Privacy:

• Implement advanced encryption techniques to secure data transmission from IoT devices to the blockchain.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy standards and regulations.

Decentralized Data Storage:

• Utilize Cardano's decentralized nature to store data across multiple nodes, enhancing data security and accessibility.
• Develop protocols for data retrieval and verification to ensure that stakeholders can access data reliably and efficiently.

Testing and Validation:

• Conduct extensive testing to ensure the seamless integration of IoT systems with the blockchain.
• Validate the system through pilot runs, ensuring that the data recording and retrieval processes function as intended.

Interface Development for Stakeholders:

• Develop user-friendly interfaces for various stakeholders, including farmers, insurers, and certification bodies, to interact with the blockchain data.
• Include features like data visualization, real-time updates, and alert systems.

Documentation and Training Materials:

• Prepare comprehensive documentation and training materials for end-users to understand the benefits and functionalities of blockchain integration.
• Organize workshops and training sessions for users to familiarize themselves with the system.

Milestone 3: Testing and Optimization

Timeline: Months 6-8

In this crucial phase, we will focus on rigorously testing and optimizing our integrated IoT and blockchain system in actual agricultural settings. This milestone is essential to confirm the system's robustness, reliability, and user-friendliness, particularly for farmers.

Key Development Points:

Field Testing in Real Agricultural Environments:

• Deploy the IoT and blockchain integrated system in selected agricultural fields.
• Monitor and record various environmental and crop conditions using the IoT sensors and blockchain system.

User Feedback Collection:

• Engage with the farmers and other stakeholders who interact with the system.
• Collect detailed feedback on the system's performance, usability, and any encountered issues.

Data Analysis and System Evaluation:

• Analyze the data collected from the field tests for accuracy and reliability.
• Evaluate the system's performance, focusing on the efficiency of data recording, transmission, and blockchain integration.

Optimization of Hardware and Software:

• Make necessary adjustments to IoT hardware for better data collection and durability in various environmental conditions.
• Refine the software, including the blockchain integration, data processing algorithms, and user interfaces, based on test results and feedback.

User Experience Enhancement:

• Improve the system's user interface and overall user experience, making it more intuitive and farmer-friendly.
• Develop and integrate additional features as required, based on user feedback.

Reliability and Scalability Tests:

• Conduct stress tests to evaluate the system's reliability and scalability, ensuring it can handle different scales of agricultural operations.
• Identify and address any scalability challenges, ensuring the system can be effectively used in various agricultural contexts.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Update technical and user documentation to reflect any changes and optimizations made.
• Prepare reports detailing the outcomes of the testing phase, highlighting successes and areas for further improvement.

Milestone 4: Implementation and Scalability

Timeline: Months 9-12

This final phase is dedicated to the large-scale implementation of the system and assessing its scalability. It's a critical period for demonstrating the system's practicality and robustness in diverse agricultural settings and for establishing pivotal collaborations.

Key Development Points:

Large-Scale Deployment:

• Roll out the integrated IoT and blockchain system across a wide range of agricultural fields and regions.
• Ensure the system's adaptability to different types of crops, climates, and farm sizes.

Scalability Assessment:

• Evaluate the system’s performance and scalability in various agricultural environments.
• Identify and address any challenges encountered in scaling the system, ensuring consistent performance regardless of the operation size.

Collaborations with Insurance and Certification Entities:

• Form partnerships with insurance companies and certification bodies.
• Utilize the collected data to streamline and improve agricultural insurance and certification processes, demonstrating the added value of the system.

Data Utilization for Decision Making:

• Analyze the collected data to provide actionable insights for farmers, insurers, and certifiers.
• Leverage the data to facilitate informed decision-making in agriculture, such as optimizing crop management and risk assessment.

Feedback Loop and Continuous Improvement:

• Establish a feedback loop with all stakeholders to continually gather insights and suggestions.
• Implement a continuous improvement process to refine the system based on ongoing feedback and evolving agricultural needs.

Final Milestone: Comprehensive System Implementation (MVP) and Ecosystem Integration

Description:

The final milestone of our project involves the complete implementation and integration of the IoT and blockchain system within the agricultural sector, encompassing all the developments and enhancements established in the previous milestones. This includes the large-scale deployment of the IoT sensor network, full integration with the Cardano blockchain, extensive field testing, system optimization, and scalability assessments.

Milestone Outputs:

1. Fully Operational IoT and Blockchain System: A robust, scalable IoT network seamlessly integrated with Cardano's blockchain, deployed across various agricultural settings.
2. Optimized User Interface and Experience: A user-friendly interface for farmers and stakeholders, ensuring ease of use and accessibility of the system.
3. Partnerships with Insurance and Certification Bodies: Established collaborations with relevant entities to leverage the system data for insurance and certification purposes.
4. Comprehensive Impact Assessment Report: Detailed documentation of the system's performance, impact on agricultural productivity, and benefits to the Cardano ecosystem.
5. Training and Support Framework: A set of training materials and a support structure to assist users in navigating and maximizing the system benefits.

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

Ciro Gélvez (Physicist, MSc in Blockchain for Enterprises - Blockchain Architect, Product Owner, CEO)

Role: Blockchain architecture, product ownership, and overall project management.

Experience: I have a professional background in physics and extensive experience in nano and microelectronics research, with published articles in renowned scientific journals. Additionally, I hold a Master's degree in Blockchain for Enterprises, where I focused on designing a blockchain infrastructure specifically tailored for the agricultural sector in Colombia. As a co-founder of wseeds, a startup dedicated to implementing technology in agriculture, we have developed IoT devices for real-time environmental monitoring and utilized data analysis to empower farmers in making informed decisions for their crops. With expertise in business and strategic management, as well as proficiency in SCRUM methodology for team leadership, I have a comprehensive understanding of agricultural techniques and crop implementation. Since 2020, I have been actively engaged in blockchain technology and have pursued specialized courses in identity with Atala, Foundations of Blockchain by Emurgo, stake pool operation.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cirogelvezp/

Carlos Corzo: (Electronic Engineer - PhD Proyect Management)

Carlos is a distinguished academic and innovator with a Doctorate in Project Management, focusing on the development of automated greenhouses for cocoa cultivation in Eastern Colombia. He has published a widely translated research book and holds two Colombian patents in process invention and utility model innovation. With a Master's in Electronics and a background in Electronic Engineering, Carlos has developed various technological solutions, including a real-time operating system for remote control robotics. As a university professor and advisor, he specializes in Project Doctorates, Project Management Masters, and Electronic Engineering, with research interests in IoT devices for the agro-industrial sector. He combines his academic pursuits with 32 years of experience in developing Electronic Systems for Precision Agriculture (Agriculture 4.0).

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-lizardo-corzo-ruiz-6b94a454/

Jesús Prada (Physicist - Data Scientist)

Role: Data analysis and development of artificial intelligence models for the project.

Experience: Jesús has knowledge in data analysis, machine learning, and predictive modeling. He has worked on data science projects in various domains.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-prada-452497179/

Juan Vargas (Physicist - Software Engineer)

Role: Software architecture, development, and project coordination.

Experience: Physicist with over 5 years of software development experience, is an expert at the crossroads of technology and innovation. With a profound involvement in product planning and user interactions, he has been a driving force in startups and small teams. Founding two companies himself, Juan's journey led him to a prominent role as a software engineer at a renowned LMS developer. As the CTO of Colombian startup Wseeds, he's spearheading affordable agricultural technology to fortify South America's global market presence in food production.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-vargas-a049a29a/

Pablo Lazo (Systems Engineer - Blockchain Architect)

Role: Design and development of the project's blockchain architecture.

Experience: Systems Engineer since 1997 with extensive experience in system departments of multinational companies since 1994. In 2018, I became aware of Blockchain and became self-taught in the following years, until 2021 when I opted for a one-year master's program that took the entirety of 2022. This allowed me to acquire the necessary knowledge base in this field. In the mentioned master's program, our thesis topic was agricultural traceability on the blockchain and crop tokenization. We conducted our work based on Cardano and explored the Atala applications built on that network, namely Atala Trace, Scan, and Prism. I took a course on Prism and have plans to expand the use of Cardano through the dissemination of our enterprise applications, starting with the crop traceability one.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablo-lazo-villanueva-38b68b7/

Camilo Ávila (Economist - Financial Advisor)

Role: Financial advisory and economic modeling for the project.

Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business Administration Minor with focus in Finance, at Los Andes University. Approved CFA Level I and Scrum Master certification. Strong analytical and quantitative skills. 1 year of experience in research, 2 years of experience in consulting at PwC and 4+ years of experience in investment banking and private equity in LATAM and the US. Currently working at Skylightride a private equity company in Atlanta, US. Proven track record in project and company valuation, database management, and team leadership.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/camilo-avila-montes-59b812110/

Nicolás Mantilla (Agroindustrial Engineer - Innovation Catalyst)

Role: Support in innovation management and development of technological solutions for the agroindustrial sector.

Experience: Bachelor´s degree in Agroindustrial Production Engineering. 1.5 years of experience in CRM at a manufacturing company, 1 year of experience in Innovation with startups in the banking industry, and 3 years of experience in Corporate Banking Innovation as the Innovation Leader (currently). Mainly focused in work with startups to accelerate their launch-to-market or their current strategies to success.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-mantilla-beltran-9a37a7b5/

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

Milestone 1: Development of IoT Hardware and Software

Timeline: Months 1 - 4

Budget: 60000 ADA

Milestone 2: Integration with Cardano's Blockchain

Timeline: Months 5-6

Budget: 30000 ADA

Milestone 3: Testing and Optimization

Timeline: Months 6-8

Budget: 20000 ADA

Milestone 4: Implementation and Scalability

Timeline: Months 9-12

Budget: 20000 ADA

Total: 130000 ADA

We will allocate an additional $6500 USD (20000 ADA) for investment in infrastructure and additional working hours. We are also actively seeking $500,000 USD (1.600.000 ADA) in additional funding to further support the project

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

The cost of our project offers substantial value for the Cardano ecosystem, considering the comprehensive planning and alignment with the project's ambitious objectives. Each aspect of the budget has been meticulously calculated to reflect the complexity and extensive scope of work across all milestones, guaranteeing efficient resource allocation.

In establishing the costs, we evaluated multiple factors, including the high level of expertise required from our team, the substantial time and effort necessary for each project phase, and the prevailing market rates for comparable high-tech projects in the industry. Special attention was given to the unique skills and specialized knowledge necessary for successful execution, particularly in areas like blockchain technology, software development, financial modeling, agriculture, and user experience design.

While some costs might seem substantial, they are justified by the exceptional expertise each team member contributes. Our team's extensive experience, particularly in blockchain and technology-related projects, ensures effective and efficient project execution. The costs align with market rates for specialized services and accurately reflect the effort and quality needed for achieving the desired outcomes.

Moreover, the project adds significant value to the Cardano ecosystem by tackling critical challenges and seizing vital opportunities. It envisages creating a technological ecosystem where tokens backed by agricultural land offer attractive returns to investors while promoting sustainable agriculture. The anticipated benefits, including enhanced transparency, efficiency, and financial inclusion, substantially enrich the Cardano ecosystem's value.

We commit to meticulous budget and resource management to maximize investment returns and ensure optimal fund utilization. Our dedication extends to delivering the promised outcomes within the set timeframe and maintaining transparency and accountability through regular community updates and reports.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agrees to Fund 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