Nurturing Innovation in Artificial Intelligence on Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Ben Gordon

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

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

42000

[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)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec-r_RfYtI8

Ervin, AEYE LABS' flagship, innovates education—AI-driven personalized learning, content tools, and dynamic monetization.

[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?

Yes

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

We plan to make Ervin open source at a later date.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

Ervin revolutionizes education on Cardano with AI-driven personalized learning, offering intuitive content creation tools to empower educators. The platform introduces a dynamic monetization model, enabling educators to provide diverse and engaging courses, fostering a vibrant and accessible educational marketplace. This comprehensive solution pioneers a transformative approach to learning, combining cutting-edge technology with a user-centric focus.

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

Ervin's concept aligns with Cardano's vision by bringing innovation to the education sector on the blockchain. The positive impacts include:

1. Blockchain Synergy: Integration with the Cardano blockchain ensures security, transparency, and seamless transactions through the ERV utility token.
2. Niche Focus: Ervin caters specifically to the education niche, showcasing Cardano's versatility in diverse applications.
3. Community Empowerment: The platform fosters a community-driven ecosystem where learners and educators actively participate in governance through ERV token holdings.
4. Decentralized Learning: By decentralizing education through blockchain, Ervin contributes to Cardano's mission of providing accessible and inclusive solutions.

[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 capability to deliver Ervin with high trust and accountability is demonstrated by our proven track record. As Tangent Protocol, our team successfully delivered a funded Catalyst project from Fund 9. With expertise in Cardano toolsets, including token farming and NFT staking, we collaborated on TangSwap, a token swapper with DexHunter. Currently developing an AI to NFT Image Generator set to launch in Q4 2023, we showcase our commitment to advancing Cardano's ecosystem. Our participation in a Cardano Summit panel discussion attests to our industry leadership and responsible fund management.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kushiran.ervin&pcampaignid=web_share

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

Milestone 1: Feature Integration and Optimization

Objective: Integrate advanced features into the existing Ervin testnet app on the Google Play Store(https://play.google.com/apps/internaltest/4701221517935585076), focusing on AI-driven personalized learning and enhanced content creation tools. Optimize the app for improved user experience.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Implementation of advanced AI algorithms for personalized learning.
• Integration of enhanced content creation tools for educators.
• Optimization of the app for seamless user experience.
• Initial testing of blockchain integration features for secure transactions.

Milestone 2: Content Creation Tools Implementation

Objective: Integrate advanced AI content creation tools for educators within the existing Ervin testnet app. Ensure the tools are intuitive and support diverse learning styles.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Functional content creation tools accessible to educators in the testnet app.
• User testing to validate the effectiveness and user-friendliness of the tools.
• Iterative improvements based on educator feedback.

Milestone 3: Monetization Model and Blockchain Integration

Objective: Implement Ervin's dynamic monetization model within the existing testnet app, allowing educators to offer courses for free or at a fee. Integrate ERV utility token for transactions and rewards.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Functional monetization model enabling educators to set pricing in the testnet app.
• ERV token integration for seamless and secure transactions.
• Test transactions to validate the effectiveness of the monetization system.

Milestone 4: Beta Launch and Community Engagement

Objective: Launch the enhanced Ervin testnet app on Google Play Store to a limited user group. Engage with the Cardano community for feedback, assess platform performance, and gather insights for final refinements.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Enhanced testnet app accessible to a select user group.
• Community feedback channels established and actively monitored.
• Comprehensive report on beta testing results, including user satisfaction and identified areas for improvement.
• 
  

Final project completion report and video milestone

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

Clint Alexander // Chief Technology Officer

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/clint-a-049742233
• Email: calexander@tangent.art
• Responsibilities: Overview, decision-making, development, coding

Bio:

Serial entrepreneur and cryptocurrency enthusiast since 2013. Clint has a background in mining, investment, and digital asset fund management. His expertise includes Solidity back-end smart contract development, and he has served as CEO and manufacturer of Bitcoin SHA256 ASIC miners. Clint has collaborated with prominent Bitcoin mining hardware companies such as Bitmain, Rockminer, and Gekkoscience.

Ben Gordon // Creative Director

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-gordon-352b37232/
• Email: bgordon@tangent.art
• Responsibilities: Overview, decision-making, marketing, development

Bio:

Ben has been a cryptocurrency enthusiast since 2017 and brings diverse experience to the team. His background includes serving as a freelance marketing executive for leading international educational establishments in Asia. Ben was a previous owner of a retail company before transitioning to blockchain project development in 2017. His expertise spans all stages of project development, from brand creation and overall strategy to research, analysis, law, and token creation. He has freelanced on various blockchain projects, including Northern Lights, before co-founding Tangent in 2021.

Recruitment Plan:

No additional team members are planned at this stage. The current team combines technical expertise and creative direction, covering key aspects required for the successful execution of the project.

Engagement with Technical Groups:

The team has engaged with the Cardano community on Discord and other technical group channels, establishing a direct line of communication with relevant individuals and resources required for the project.

Proof of Life Verifications:

Consent has been obtained from team members for public disclosure of information, and the team is prepared for any required 'proof of life' verifications.

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

Feature Integration and Optimization (Milestone 1) - 15,000 ADA

• Developer salaries for enhancing the existing Ervin testnet app.
• User testing expenses, including incentives for participants.
• Blockchain integration costs for secure transactions.

Content Creation Tools Implementation (Milestone 2) - 12,000 ADA

• Developer salaries for integrating advanced AI content creation tools.
• User testing and feedback collection expenses.

Monetization Model and Blockchain Integration (Milestone 3) - 10,000 ADA

• Developer salaries for implementing Ervin's dynamic monetization model.
• ERV token integration costs for transactions and rewards.
• Test transactions to validate the monetization system.

Beta Launch and Community Engagement (Milestone 4) - 5,000 ADA

• Marketing and publicity expenses for the beta launch.
• Community feedback channels setup and monitoring.
• Report generation on beta testing results.

Total Budget: 42,000 ADA

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

User Testing and Incentives

Allocating funds for user testing and incentives is essential for gathering valuable feedback on Ervin's prototype within the Cardano network. This approach ensures a user-centric app, making it more effective and engaging for Cardano users.

Blockchain Integration Costs

The integration of ERV tokens for secure transactions and rewards on the Cardano network requires meticulous implementation. These costs are necessary to ensure the seamless functioning of Ervin's monetization model within the Cardano ecosystem, providing value by enhancing the platform's utility on the Cardano blockchain.

Marketing and Publicity

Allocating funds for marketing and publicity is crucial for the success of Ervin within the Cardano network. This cost is justified as it aims to create awareness, attract Cardano users, and foster community engagement within the Cardano ecosystem. Effective marketing contributes to the growth of the Cardano network by expanding its user base.

Community Engagement and Reporting

Setting aside funds for ongoing community engagement, project management, documentation, and reporting adds value by fostering transparency and accountability within the Cardano community. These activities ensure that the Cardano community remains informed about Ervin's progress and can actively participate in its development on the Cardano network.

Proportional Costs

The costs have been carefully considered in proportion to industry standards and the level of expertise required for each aspect of the project within the Cardano network. The team's diverse skills and experience, coupled with the ambitious goals of Ervin on the Cardano blockchain, justify the allocation of funds to various project components.

Value Proposition

Ervin's innovative approach to personalized learning, AI content creation tools, and dynamic monetization models aligns with the Cardano ecosystem's goal of promoting education and blockchain integration. The costs associated with the project reflect the value it brings by addressing key challenges in the education sector and contributing to the growth and utility of Cardano within its network.

[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