Anywall and Cur8 Optimized Display Hardware and Software

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

John-Patrick van Rensburg

[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)

4

[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)

Developing a user-friendly platform with advanced display hardware, we empower digital artists to showcase their work and connect with galleries and collectors.

[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

Here are some key outputs that will not be open sourced, along with the rationale:

• Core rendering engine optimizations - These represent core IP and competitive advantage for Anywall. They will be retained for internal use in future commercial products.
• Hardware performance benchmarks - Detailed performance data on Anywall's displays provides insights on capabilities not intended for public disclosure.
• SDK authentication layer - Authentication workflows enabling secure screen pairing will be kept proprietary to maintain integrity.
• Customized CMS integrations - Tight CMS integrations created for specific enterprise clients will remain private.

While documentation, basic SDKs, and integration guides will be made public, proprietary elements of the rendering technology and commercial products built on it will be retained by the developers. This allows for sustainable maintenance and future innovation.

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG Goals

Goal 4 - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

Goal 8 - Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

Goal 9 - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.

Goal 10 - Reduce inequality within and among countries

Goal 11 - Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Goal 16 - Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

Our solution merges two innovative approaches by combining advanced display technology developed by Anywall and Cur8’s integrated digital art platform. This combination is designed to evolve and completely overhaul how Cardano's digital art is rendered, managed, and experienced.

Advanced Display Technology:

Our solution brings Cardano's digital art into the real world by integrating state-of-the-art display technology with a comprehensive digital art platform. This initiative will not only enhance the virtual experience of Cardano's digital assets but also establish their presence in diverse real-world locations globally.

Anywall’s screens are able to render complex, digital art and commercial images with remarkable fidelity. Our affordable, high contrast, anti-glare, high performance, high-resolution screens with flush mounting, along with the optimized firmware, are designed to bring art experiences to diverse settings, from homes to world-renowned galleries.

Integrated Art Platform:

Cur8 is addressing the fragmented landscape of digital art with an all-encompassing platform. It streamlines asset discovery, management, and distribution for creators, and offers robust tools for organizing and showcasing collections for collectors. For exhibitors, Cur8 facilitates the curation of dynamic exhibits, leveraging AR and interactive technologies to create unique art experiences. This platform bridges gaps in the ecosystem, enabling stakeholders to fully exploit the potential of digital art on Cardano.

Impact and Engagement:

This combined solution directly addresses the challenges of displaying and managing digital art within the Cardano ecosystem. Our technology will not only enhance the visual experience of digital art but also make it more accessible and manageable. We aim to attract leading artists and foster innovation, thereby driving adoption and engagement within the Cardano community.

Uniqueness and Benefits:

Our approach is unique in its integration of advanced display technology with a comprehensive digital art management platform. This will benefit a wide range of Cardano ecosystem participants, from artists and collectors to general enthusiasts, by providing a seamless, high-quality experience. 

The combination of Anywall display expertise with Cur8’s integrated platform is set to transform the digital art landscape on Cardano, making it more immersive, accessible, and cohesive. This development will not only showcase the capabilities of Cardano but also position it at the forefront of digital art innovation in real-world settings and galleries.

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

The entire project will bolster the Cardano community's engagement with digital art by providing both a cutting-edge technological framework and a unified platform for artists, collectors, and exhibitors. 

Growing Demand & Evidence

In the realm of generative art, Refik Anadol and Tyler Hobbs are key figures, bringing recognition to this art form. Anadol's pieces, now part of MOMA's collection, and Hobbs' distinct algorithmic creations have significantly increased the visibility and acceptance of this art form. Their success underscores the market demand and artistic value of generative, algorithmic art.

Our engagement with Block Generation Art has led to impactful exhibitions globally. We've collaborated on showcasing this modern art form in Australia, South Africa, and Denmark, contributing actively to the art community and broadening the audience for digital art.

The first exhibition of our Cur8 screens was at the prestigious Enter Art Fair, Northern Europe's largest art fair. This event marked a key milestone, demonstrating the practical application and appeal of our technology in a prominent art setting. Showcasing our screens here highlights the growing interest and potential of integrating digital art into mainstream art venues.

Enhancing User Experience and Community Engagement:

By integrating Cur8’s platform with Anywall's optimized display technology, we address the need for a cohesive and immersive digital art experience. Cur8 streamlines the entire digital art journey - from creation to exhibition, making it simpler and more efficient. This unified approach not only enhances the user experience but also strengthens community engagement within the Cardano ecosystem.

Quantitative Measures of Impact:

• Artists and Collectors Onboarding: We aim to onboard over 100 creators and 1,000 collectors within the first 12 months, significantly expanding the community.
• Real venue display: Over a 12 month period we plan on installing displays in 30+ venues primarily focused on galleries and high-end hotels. 
• Community Feedback: Regular surveys and feedback mechanisms to gauge user satisfaction and areas for improvement.

Showcasing Cardano's Potential in Digital Art:

The combination of Cur8’s platform capabilities and Anywall's display technology will showcase Cardano as a frontrunner in the digital art world. This will not only attract new users but also demonstrate the practical and aesthetic applications of blockchain technology, thereby driving broader adoption.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

• Community Engagement: Through regular updates, blogs, and social media, we will share our progress, learnings, and opportunities with the Cardano community.
• Collaborations and Exhibitions: We plan to collaborate with artists and galleries to host exhibitions and showcase the capabilities of our technology, further driving community engagement.

Driving Innovation and Adoption:

Our proposal aims to remove barriers to accessing and enjoying digital art, making it more accessible and appealing. This, in turn, will encourage innovation among artists and developers and attract leading digital art projects to the Cardano ecosystem.

[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 combined team, consisting of experts from Anywall and Cur8, possesses the skills, experience, and community ties to successfully deliver this ambitious project with high levels of trust and accountability. 

Our deep-rooted connections with the Cardano community and alignment with its ecosystem values are evident in our live sites, anywall.io and alpha.cur8.io. These platforms are not just testaments to our technological prowess but also to our commitment to community engagement and feedback.  

Capability and Experience:

• Display Engineering and Blockchain Expertise: With over 15 years of experience in commercial display engineering and a deep understanding of blockchain technology, our team is uniquely qualified to address the technical challenges of rendering complex digital art.
• Proven Track Record: The teams have demonstrated their capabilities through previous successful projects, including the development and launch of Cur8’s platform and the creation of significant digital art collections on Cardano. Our collaborations, including with Block Generation Art, have led to successful exhibitions in Australia, South Africa, and Denmark. Cur8 screens, showcased at prominent events like the Enter Art Fair in Northern Europe. These partnerships and displays underscore the practical impact and rising interest in digital generative art and our ongoing involvement as a team.
• Community Engagement: Our strong ties with the Cardano community, combined with our commitment to ecosystem values, ensure that our project aligns with the community's needs and expectations.

Feasibility and Validation:

• Display Prototype Testing: We are already testing out 10 screens in two different locations. This next benchmark will be to make a commercially saleable Gen 2 display.
• Cur8 Platform Already Live: Our platform is currently in its alpha launch and has the objective to onboard over 100 creators and attract 1,000-3,000+ collectors by H1 2024 

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

Milestone 1: Advanced Display Development (Month 1)

Design and manufacture the Gen 2 Anywall display, featuring enhanced control panels, a flush mounting solution, and exterior frame improvements.

Milestone 2: Integration of Software and Hardware (Month 2)

Seamlessly integrate Cur8’s platform with Anywall’s Gen 2 display technology, enabling projection on up to 6 devices from a single Cur8 account.

Milestone 3: Initial Real-World Testing (Month 3)

Begin deploying the integrated solution in two venues, focusing on testing and user feedback with the installation of 1-2 screens per venue.

Milestone 4: Expanded Real-World Deployment (Month 4)

Complete the rollout across five venues, installing 2-3 screens per venue, and gather comprehensive feedback for final adjustments.

Final Deliverable: Project Completion Report and Video (End of Month 4)

Comprehensive Report and Documentation: Deliver a detailed report covering all aspects of the project's development, including challenges, successes, and comprehensive user feedback.

Showcase Video: Produce a documentary-style video that highlights the technology's deployment in real-world settings and captures user interactions and experiences.

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

Our project team comprises skilled professionals with diverse expertise in product management, software development, hardware engineering, and integration engineering. This multidisciplinary team is crucial for successfully implementing the integrated digital art display and platform development project.

Team Members:

David Harris - Strategy and Partnerships

Role: Leading gallery partnerships and will be responsible for identifying best partners and managing shipping and on-site installation.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidharris1/

Aaron Arfman - Product

Role: Overseeing the project's overall vision and strategy, ensuring that the product aligns with user needs and project goals.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-arfman-cfa-1209a95/   

John-Patrick van Rensburg - Marketing

Role: Global Marketing

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/provident/ 

Dee Boshoff - Marketing

Role: Global Marketing 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dee-boshoff-53818393/ 

Matt Hook - Lead Developer

Role: Leading the software development efforts, including optimizing image rendering, and integrating Cur8 display on Anywall screens; leveraging his experience as a developer, artist, and Cardano enthusiast.

X: https://x.com/hookman1979?s=20 

Paolo Diaz - Front-end developer

Role: Focus on enhancing user experience and ensuring responsive design across devices. Paulo plays a crucial role in integrating design with functionality, vital for the Cur8 & Anywall digital art platforms.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulo-d%C3%ADaz-023579223/ 

Ronen Simhi - Hardware Engineering (Anywall Display Technology)

Role: Selecting and specifying display panel components and managing manufacturer relationships.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronensimhi/ 

Jeff Hackman - Integration Engineering (Anywall Display Technology)

Role: Managing the integration process, including developing documentation and integration guides, and overseeing firmware and SDK releases.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyhackman/ 

Engagement and Communication:

• The team members have been engaged and are committed to the project. We maintain regular communication through channels like Discord and Twitter, ensuring that all members are aligned and informed about the project’s progress.
• We have also established direct lines of communication with all necessary resources and stakeholders to ensure smooth collaboration and project execution.

Consent and Verification:

• All team members have consented to their involvement and the sharing of their professional profiles. We understand the importance of 'proof of life' verifications and are prepared to comply with Catalyst funding requirements.

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

• Engineering (USD25,000)
• Hardware engineering - 160 development hours at USD80/hour = USD12,800
• Software engineering - 160 development hours at USD80/hour = USD12,800

• Production Readiness (USD35,000)
• Parts & Labor - USD10,000
• Tooling - USD15,000
• Testing & Process engineering - USD10,000

• Marketing & Promotion (USD35,000)
• Art Fairs & Exhibitions - USD10,000
• Galleries - USD10,000
• Advertising & Media - USD15,000

• Production - customer financed 

• Total Requested Funding: USD95,000 = [260,000] ADA

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

The proposed budget for our integrated digital art display and platform development project represents a substantial investment into the Cardano ecosystem, designed to deliver high value and impactful returns.

Value Justification:

1. Flagship Digital Art Platform and Advanced Display Technology: The combined solution of Cur8's platform and Anywall's display technology is set to be a flagship development in the Cardano ecosystem, showcasing its versatility and driving adoption among a diverse group of stakeholders including artists, collectors, and galleries.
2. Market-Aligned Budgeting: Our budget allocations, particularly in engineering and development, reflect competitive market rates for skilled blockchain developers and are in line with industry standards. We've based our cost estimates on typical freelance wages in the smart contract/DeFi space, ensuring that our spending is both reasonable and justifiable.
3. Strategic Outreach and Community Engagement: The allocation for marketing, operations, and legal services is optimized to achieve effective community growth and project execution, contributing significantly to the ecosystem's expansion.

ROI and Ecosystem Impact:

• Expected Outcomes: With conservative projections of onboarding 100 new creators, 1,000-3,000 collectors, and facilitating significant digital art sales, the impact on the Cardano ecosystem is expected to be substantial, outweighing the initial investment.
• Reusability and New Use Cases: The technology and solutions developed through this project will have applications beyond the scope of the initial implementation, offering opportunities for reuse and exploration of new use cases within the Cardano ecosystem.

Comparison with Similar Projects:

• Compared to other Catalyst-funded projects with similar ambitions, such as Adapty, MuesliSwap, and SundaeSwap, our budget is aligned with the scale of work required. This is indicative of our commitment to responsible fund management and maximizing value for the Cardano community.

Our focus on impactful deliverables, combined with market-aligned budgeting and the anticipated high return on investment, ensures that the project offers optimal value for money for the Cardano community.

[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