Open-Source API for generating NFT collections via AI

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Eric Duneau

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

Individual

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

3

[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)

An open-source plugin to connect AI models to NFT libraries, streamlining NFT generation. Upload input image, type a prompt, select the model, set parameters, then receive 100s of ready-to-mint NFTs.

[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

Project will be fully open source, under MIT license.

1/ The JS plugin available to developers will be fully open source.

2/ A sample webpage making use of the plugin will be fully open source.

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG goals:

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

SDG subgoals:

9.b Support domestic technology development, research and innovation in developing countries, including by ensuring a conducive policy environment for, inter alia, industrial diversification and value addition to commodities

Key Performance Indicator (KPI):

9.c.1 Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

I aim to address the need for streamlined NFT generation by leveraging the OpenSourceAIs.com platform, which I have developed and maintain. OpenSourceAIs.com (OSAIS) was voted top project by the community of SingularityNet users in the Round 2 funding of April 2023. It empowers users to harness popular open-source AIs for Generative Arts through API calls, enabling the generation of artwork with customizable parameters.

For developers, I will develop an open-source JS plugin that seamlessly integrates OSAIS with an NFT creation library and with the requesting app (ReactJS or NodeJS). This plugin will automate the artwork generation process and make them readily available for minting on the target library. In terms of NFT minting, I intend to integrate two libraries to showcase the extensibility of the solution, and to force the design for such extensibility. The initial choice is to integrate Tango Crypto and NMKR.

The JS plugin will automatically create an NFT project, upload files, and metadata to the project, preparing them for minting. These files and metadata are the automated outputs of the plugin's calls to the AIs hosted on OSAIS. The plugin will provide APIs but will not include a User Interface (UI) component, which will be delivered as a separate component.

In addition to the plugin, I will create a sample webpage that implements a simple UI for a comprehensive end-to-end integration, from an end-user perspective. Both the plugin and the sample webpage will be available as open-source resources.

To demonstrate the easy integration of the plugin and its sample UI webpage into any application, and to make the service accessible to end-users, not just developers, I will make the sample webpage available on a dedicated URL. This webpage will enable end-users, such as artists, to effortlessly prepare an entire AI-generated NFT collection with just a few clicks. This collection is then immediately ready for minting, for example via Tango Crypto or NMKR.

This unique solution benefits artists, developers, and the overall growth of the Cardano ecosystem. By promoting accessibility, creativity, and growth, it propels the Cardano NFT space forward by incorporating the latest AI technologies for the Arts.

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

My proposed solution directly addresses the challenge of advancing the Cardano NFT ecosystem by streamlining NFT generation and promoting accessibility. By leveraging OSAIS, developing an open-source JS plugin for developers, and offering a simple web access for artists, AI-generated artwork will be easily created and minted as NFTs on Cardano via a plugin extension to NFT generation libraries, the first two implementations being NMKR and Tango Crypto.

This project brings a significant benefit to the Cardano ecosystem by opening the door to the world of AI Art. As the trend of AI-generated art continues to grow, this solution becomes a very valuable asset to the community.

Upon completion of the project, I anticipate that the plugin will be embraced by dozens of developers. Based on my past experience delivering open-source libraries, I have achieved over 1,000 downloads within a few months (see https://www.npmjs.com/package/@incubiq/siww), and the libraries have been copied/relayed by others too.

The introduction of this solution not only expands the creative possibilities on Cardano but also attracts more users and developers to the ecosystem. It contributes to the growing adoption of NFTs and strengthens Cardano's position in the market, as well as simplifying the use of NFT libraries (such as those from Tango Crypto and NMKR).

[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?

I have a proven track record of delivering projects within the Cardano community, demonstrating my capability to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability. The following projects exemplify my successful delivery:

1. Fund 8, Sign-in with Cardano: (Link: https://cardano.ideascale.com/c/idea/62330)
2. Fund 7, NFT Picture Profile AI Generator: (Link: https://cardano.ideascale.com/c/idea/60921), for which I made a full integration with https://www.tangocrypto.com/ ; a proof that I know how to deliver this part of the solution.

Furthermore, I am currently in the final stage of delivering the OpenSourceAIs project to SingularityNet, which was voted as the best project in its pool in April 2023. The specifications of this project can be accessed through the following application: (Link: https://proposals.deepfunding.ai/graduated/accepted/9ad5eb8a-5b19-41fb-a5d9-52b6d18e0844). The project is now in final Beta stage, and its integration within SingularityNet is imminent.

Payments will be made upon the completion of the three milestones, as described below. This approach ensures alignment with project goals and minimizes the risk of deviation.

Additionally, I have developed a fully documented JS sample application for integrating a NodeJS backend with OpenSourceAis, including accessing AI models via API (see here : https://incubiq.gitbook.io/opensourceais/sample-app/nodejs-sample). This is a good backbone for integrating with NFT libraries such as NMKR or Tango Crypto. I believe that this demonstrates my capability to deliver and provide reliable technical solutions in a transparent manner.

Given my track record, experience, and the contained development effort (less than 20 days in total) required to refactor the solution into a plugin, I am confident in my ability to successfully deliver this project on time and on budget without any significant technology risks.

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

Delivery of the JS Plugin

• [2 working day] Setup of repositories, configuration files, project backbone code, etc...
• [2 working days] full integration with OSAIS
• [2 working days] Development of a generic integration for minting NFTs
• [2 working days] Specific integration to support NMKR
• [2 working days] Specific integration to support Tango Crypto
• [4 working days] Final dev of the JS plugin

Acceptance:

• the JS plugin works and is on GitHub ;
• it is possible to generate dozens of images from one set of instruction, and to upload them directly into a new NMKR or Tango Crypto project. 

Deliverables:

• The JS plugin on GitHub in alpha stage.
• A video report is made showing all those capabilities.

Intended Outcomes:

• Developers gain access to the JS plugin in Alpha release.
• The plugin provides an easy to use API for generating an NFT collection from simple initial input.

Progress Tracking and Measurement:

• Successful setup, preparation of GitHub repositories, and NMKR / Tango Crypto configuration.
• Completion of plugin development and its availability on GitHub.

Robust test, full doc, and delivery of an End-User Web Page for NFT Artists

• [5 working days] Development of an end-user web page, utilizing the plugin. This web page will enable artists to easily generate an NFT project containing a collection of AiArt, ready to be minted on NMKR or Tango Crypto.
• [3 working days] Building automated test scripts
• [3 working days] Full documentation of the solution ands APIs.
• [2 working days] Packaging, and overall project management to ensure a comprehensive and user-friendly solution.

Acceptance:

• the JS plugin is marked official release;
• the webpage making use of the plugin is accessible and works as planned ;
• it is possible to generate a collection of a hundred images from one set of instruction, and to have them automatically uploaded into a new project (either NMKR or Tango Crypto). 
• A video report is made showing all those capabilities.

Deliverables:

• The UI web page on GitHub in alpha stage, also hosted on a dedicated URL for showcasing the capabilities.
• Documentation is accessible online
• Postman test scripts are delivered in the project GitHub
• Testing, documentation, packaging, and project management for a comprehensive and user-friendly solution.

Intended Outcomes:

• The end-user web page simplifies the process, allowing artists to create an AI generated collection on NMKR or TangoCrypto with just a few clicks.
• Listing of the plugin on the NMKR "Open Source Repositories" page
• Documentation and packaging of the solution for easy adoption and implementation by developers and artists.

Progress Tracking and Measurement:

• Completion of the webpage UI development and its availability on GitHub.
• Functionality testing of the plugin and webpage, ensuring seamless generation of NFT collections on NMKR or TangoCrypto.
• Video report showcasing the capabilities of the plugin, demonstrating successful outcomes.
• Finalization of documentation and packaging, ensuring comprehensive resources for users.

N/A

N/A

N/A

Community Engagement, Video Production, and Packaging

• [3 working days] Marketing activities, including demos, video production showcasing the benefits of the solution.
• [3 working days] Various community engagement sessions with Cardano, Catalyst, NMKR and Tango Crypto.

Acceptance:

• A marketing video was produced to showcase the full product.
• At least one recorded video of community engagement

Deliverables:

• Liaison with NMKR and Tango Crypto communities to ensure collaboration and alignment.
• Marketing activities, including demos and video production highlighting the benefits of the solution.

Intended Outcomes:

• Increased community engagement and awareness of the plugin's capabilities and benefits.
• Completion of marketing activities, including the production of a marketing video showcasing the integration with NMKR and the advantages of the solution.

Progress Tracking and Measurement:

• User feedback and engagement, measuring adoption and satisfaction with the plugin.
• Successful collaboration and alignment with NMKR, Tango Crypto, and the community.
• Completion of marketing activities, measuring user engagement and feedback.
• Video report highlighting the outcomes and successes of the project.

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

The project team consists of Eric Duneau, who will manage, design, develop, and test the entire project. Eric brings extensive experience in the software industry, with over 20 years of experience and prior experience as CEO/CTO of a $30 million software business. After successfully selling the business in 2019, Eric has redirected his focus towards AI and Digital Identity projects on Cardano.

Eric has a proven track record of delivering projects within the Cardano ecosystem, and has set a delivery deadline for this project of three months. Note that this project is estimated at 32 days at most, of which 4 weeks only shall require Eric's time. Therefore, it is set on a path of "easy to achieve" deadlines over 3 months.

Video production, marketing, and documentation may be subcontracted to a team which Eric has been working with for several years.

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

Budget breakdown

The budget of the entire project is ₳49,556, which was rounded down to ₳49,500. It is calculated as follows:

• Cost per hour: dev at $85 ph ; test at $55 ph ; doc and marketing at $35 ph
• Total number of days = 32, for an average of less than $70 per hour across the project
• ADA/USD conversion rate: 0.36

The table below explains the cost per each activity

In summary, the payments are as per below:

• Milestone 1: ₳26,444 (53%)
• Milestone 2: ₳18,444 (37%)
• Milestone 3: ₳4,667 (9%)

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

The cost of the project represents excellent value for money. As the main developer, Eric is based in the UK, where he generally command a rate way in excess of the average $70 per hour agreed for this project.

The project's cost accounts for less than 0.65% of the allocated budget for this category. If all projects deliver comparable value, it would allow for the funding of 153 projects in this category alone.

This project addresses a growing need in the NFT market: using AI to generate Art. The value for money is not just felt by one single project, but by all the community of Developers and Artists on Cardano. The reach is wide.

Finally, the project's costs have been carefully considered and down-adjusted to reflect a fair and proportionate investment. By delivering exceptional value for money, at less than 50,000 ADA, this project maximizes the impact of the allocated resources and aligns with the goals and aspirations of the Cardano ecosystem.

[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