Cardano Techmarket Care

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

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

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

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

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

Develop a Dapp marketplace that connects e-waste collectors, repair experts, and device users.This will ensure easy repairs, and eco-friendly disposal, curbing e-waste while benefiting the community

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

[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 Dependency

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

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

We intend to make the output fully accessible to all. Though this is the feasibility phase, the output from this project would still be fully open source

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Background

Electronic waste (e-waste) is becoming a global problem due to the increasing number of electronic devices being produced and disposed of each year. The improper disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) is a growing global concern, leading to environmental pollution and health hazards, affecting climate change. In Ghana, a large amount of e-waste is generated, with only a fraction being properly processed by formal e-waste recyclers. The absence of certified e-waste collectors, coupled with the lack of accessible and affordable repair services, contribute to the indiscriminate dumping of devices and the increase in e-waste levels. According to a study conducted by Switch Africa, “an estimated 171,000 tons of e-waste was generated in 2011 in Ghana, with a mere 0.2% processed by formal e-waste recyclers. The remaining 99.98% was handled by an informal sector consisting of a widespread network of unlicensed collectors, intermediaries, scrap dealers and dismantlers specializing in the manual disassembly and trading of post-consumer electronics. A lack of proper environmental, health and safety safeguards among these actors’ results in massive environmental pollution and negatively affects the physical well-being of thousands of people”. The growing problem of e-waste could be addressed by making it easier for people to recycle or repair their electronic devices. This could be accomplished by establishment of a network of licensed and certified e-waste collectors, readily accessible for the purpose of gathering e-waste and facilitating its recycling and by providing more accessible repair services. Additionally, the availability of convenient repair services would provide device users with an alternative option to have their electronic devices fixed instead of resorting to indiscriminate dumping when they encounter issues. Such measures would effectively prolong the lifespan of electronic devices and contribute to reducing their environmental impact. By giving people more options on how to dispose of their old electronics, we can help to reduce the amount of e-waste that ends up in landfills and incinerators. Therefore, to tackle this issue, there is the need to develop a decentralized application (DApp) that connects device users with repair experts and e-waste collectors, incentivizing proper device repair, disposal, and recycling.

The proposed Decentralized Application aims to provide a platform where device users can easily access the services of e-waste collectors and repair experts, reducing the need to prematurely dispose of their devices. By this project our team seeks not only to address an environmental problem, which contribute to climate change but also create a conducive working environment for business transaction in the informal sector that will also facilitate the adoption and integration of the cardano dapp infrastructure in the business operation of entrepreneurs.

In light of the framework of the objective of the challenge setting, we’re convinced that the end goal of our project makes it suitable for the Cardano open-concept. Aside the project serving as a marketplace for transaction, the central theme of proposal focused on a solution that helps solve an environmental problem. The main objectives of this project are twofold:

• Tackle the issue of E-waste in Ghana
• Establish a platform where experts and device users can come together to engage in business transaction

THE DECENTRALIZED APPLICATION 

The proposed DApp would be built on the Cardano blockchain and would use smart contracts to automate the repair collection and recycling of electronic devices. The DApp platform will connect device users with repair specialist and e-waste collectors, incentivizing them to repair and properly dispose of their devices. The DApp would be divided into two main components: the Collection Component and Repair Component.

How does it work? 

The DApp platform will provide unique identification for tech repair experts and e-waste collectors. The unique identification system will be develop using AtalaPRISM, which will assign a digital ID to each repair experts and e-waste collectors. This ID serves as a virtual "business card" and makes it simple for individuals with broken devices to find the right repair specialist or e-waste collector for their needs. In Ghana the difficulty in getting certified e-waste collectors and quality repair services due to proximity and cost of transport compel device owners to prematurely dispose of their devices into the environment, increasing the level of E-waste. However, by this initiative, we seek to discourage this practice by providing damaged devices a new life through the services of repair experts so as to prevent device owners from resorting to dumping old devices into the environment for new devices. Ultimately, we anticipate that this initiative will help reduce e-waste in various community.

COLLECTION COMPONENT 

The collection Component would incentivize repair specialist to properly dispose of devices that cannot be refurbished. In Ghana, repair shops are often the hub of technological devices cannot be refurbished or repaired. These devices end up either at recycling centers or dumped into the environment indiscriminately. Often, these devices end up in the environment which poses health problems when they’re mostly burnt–polluting the atmosphere. The underlyning reason for the indiscriminate disposal into the environment is the difficult in locating certified e-waste collectors, whose responsibility is to collect and convey e-waste to recycling firms. This leaves repair specialist the only option of dumping damaged electronic devices (devices beyond repair) into the environment indiscriminately. In light of this, this phase of the project focuses on connecting the repair specialist to e-waste collectors via the development of a decentralized application. Linking devices owners to e-waste collectors will ease e-waste collections. The purpose is to curb the indiscriminate dumping of electronic devices into the environment by device users and repair shops. Ideally, by easy identification and access to e-waste collectors, we’re convinced that the devices owners and repair shops will properly dispose of their e-waste. With the introduction of the DApp platform, the idea is to allow both parties (repair specialist and e-waste collectors) to negotiate the price for the collection services. Once a price has been agreed upon, a smart contract would be created to automate the transaction. Under this phase, the platform will be designed to deploy smart contracts to verify the condition of e-waste device and assign a value to it. The end goal is to ensure that by this initiative e-waste collectors are properly incentivized for their services. The device owners would be paid in cryptocurrency that could be used to purchase goods and services within the DApp ecosystem. The DApp platform will not only connect devices owners and repair shops to e-waste collectors, and will also link device users to repair experts for their services.

REPAIR COMPONENT

In Africa, slightly used devices are high among the population and the situation is not different in Ghana. Both rural and urban population with low income rely on electronic devices such as phones, laptops, and tablets to interact on the internet and do their daily activities. These tech devices often require repair services when they breakdown. However, the absence of tech repair specialist (tech repair specialist are entrepreneurs in the informal market of Ghana whose specialties include repairing broken devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and tech devices) often forces device users to dump their devices indiscriminately into the environment.

Meanwhile, aside the central business district of Ghana and a few parts of the country, tech repair experts are often difficult to locate in some parts of the country. At the moment, a few repair experts are mostly scattered across the country, with majority centered within the business district, making accessibility and affordability of their services difficult. Therefore, some communities face a challenge accessing the services of these repairmen. This often leaves them with the only option of dumping them into the environment indiscriminately. 

Under the Repair component of this project, the DApp platform which will be developed in this project using Plutus will also connect tech repair specialist directly with device users so as to enable the interaction between tech repair specialist and device users through smart contract. The smart contract would have the main function to show proof of fault (information about broken devices); transparent pricing, and distribution of incentives. The on-chain solution aims at providing a cost-effective and quality P2P ecosystem by identifying repair experts and connecting them to device users.

These talented entrepreneurs specialize in fixing devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets. Our goal is to make it easier for people with broken devices to connect with these repairmen and get their devices fixed quickly.

MAJOR RISK

The main challenge the project is likely to face is the difficulty in enrolling repair specialist unto the Dapp platform. In that regard, we would provide a short video description on how to enroll unto the platform and also provide an incentive program which will be designed to reward tech repair specialist a small amount of Cardano for enrolling on the Dapp platform. In this way, we would also introduce cardano to the repair specialist community.

Conclusion

The proposed DApp would provide a decentralized solution to the problem of e-waste by incentivizing the proper disposal, refurbishment, and recycling of electronic devices. The use of smart contracts would automate the process, making it more efficient and reducing the risk of fraud. The DApp would also provide device owners with a monetary reward for their devices, which would encourage them to properly dispose of their devices and reduce e-waste. The use of cryptocurrency within the DApp ecosystem would create a self-sustaining economy that would benefit all participants.

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

KEY BENEFITS/ IMPACT OF THE PROJECT TO THE CARDANO ECOSYSTEM

This project is in line with the specifications outlined in the cardno open-concept categor.

In light of the framework of the objective of the category, we’re convinced that the end goal of our project makes it suitable for this category. Aside the project serving as a marketplace for transaction, the central theme of proposal focused on a solution that helps solve an environmental problem. In line with this, the project intends to make the following impact to the cardano ecosystem in the short to long term;

Promotes the adoption of the Cardano DApp infrastructure

The project will help to develop the Cardano ecosystem by providing a new use case for the blockchain. This will make Cardano more attractive to developers and businesses, which will lead to further growth and adoption of the blockchain. Taking into account the myriad of online businesses in Ghana with enough piece of infrastructure for the integration of DApp into their online product and services, the realization of this project will not only create more awareness but would also facilitate the adoption process of the cardano DApp infrastructure in Ghana. Our aim is that by this initiative we'll fast track the transition of business unto the Cardano blockchain in Africa by being a starting point. The DApp platform will serve as a marketplace where repair specialists, e-waste collectors, and device users can engage in business transactions, providing a conducive business environment. It provides a convenient and efficient way for device users to access repair services and proper disposal options. By promoting the adoption and integration of the Cardano DApp infrastructure, the project fosters a conducive working environment for entrepreneurs in the informal sector, enhancing their productivity and business growth. 

Position Cardano as a leading force in Promoting Sustainability and Reducing E-waste 

we aim to position Cardano as a leading force in promoting sustainability and reducing e-waste. Together, we can create a greener future, protect the environment, and contribute to the global fight against climate change within the Cardano ecosystem. Our primary objective is to address the pressing issue of e-waste in Ghana while simultaneously positioning the Cardano ecosystem as a champion for environmental sustainability.By offering a readily available e-waste collectors to devices users, and also offering affordable and convenient repair services, we provide an alternative that reduces the accumulation of e-waste in the environment. This approach aligns with Cardano's commitment to sustainable development and establishes the ecosystem as a frontrunner in the fight against climate change. By actively promoting the message of environmental sustainability, our platform positions Cardano as an environmentally friendly ecosystem. We emphasize the importance of responsible consumption and the positive impact of reducing e-waste. Through educational campaigns, partnerships with environmental organizations, and community engagement, we foster a collective commitment to preserving the planet and raise awareness of Cardano's contribution to the cause.

Decentralized Business Transactions

 Through the implementation of our web-based platform, we envision a decentralized marketplace for repair services. This platform will leverage Cardano's blockchain technology to ensure secure and transparent business transactions. By creating a trustworthy environment, we enable repair specialists to engage in seamless transactions, further strengthening the credibility of the Cardano ecosystem.

Government and Blockchain Initiatives

 Successfully implementing our platform has the potential to position Cardano as a central focus for government-led blockchain initiatives. By showcasing the benefits of decentralized technology and its practical applications, we can contribute to the adoption and integration of Cardano in various governmental sectors. This recognition would solidify Cardano's position as a leading blockchain solution, driving further growth and development within the ecosystem.

Streamlined Accessibility

We aim to facilitate easy access to repair specialists for portable device owners. By leveraging the power of Cardano's decentralized infrastructure, we will develop a user-friendly web-based platform that connects device owners with skilled repair professionals. This innovative solution eliminates the need for extensive transportation searches and minimizes additional costs associated with finding reliable tech repair services. By offering convenience and accessibility, we can enhance the overall user experience and contribute to the growth of the Cardano ecosystem.

Boosting Tech Repairers' Income

 Our Dapp platform not only benefits device owners but also empowers tech repair specialists. By providing easy access to their target market, repair professionals can expand their customer base and increase their income levels. The platform serves as a valuable marketing channel, allowing tech repairers to showcase their expertise and services to a wider audience. This enhanced visibility can significantly impact their revenue generation, contributing to their professional growth and financial stability.

How to measure the success of the Goals

The success of this project will be measured in two fold; both long and short term.

Short term measurement

The project's success hinges on some key indicators with specific target for each indicator. After the first 3 month of rolling out the project, an assessment would be conducted to adjust these targets under each indicator based on the assessment report. The assessment report would include a SWOT analysis on data gathered from our platform. And at the end of a successful implementation of this project, we’ll measure the success of this event by;

• The number of users of the platform

• The number of repair experts and e-waste collectors onboarded on the platform

• The volumes of transaction on the platform.

• The number of feed-back from users and repairmen.

The DApp platform for this project would be designed to track the above indicators. And based on the above key performance indicators, we anticipate that, a successful implementation of the project will help achieve the following milestones;

Key Metrics

• 100 new users of the platform.

• 50 repair specialists on boarded

• 50 transactions

• 50 or more feedback from both device owners and repairmen.

Long term measurement 

Measuring the success of the proposed project can be done through various indicators and metrics. Here are some ways to measure the success of the project's benefits:

 Environmental Impact:

Quantify the reduction in e-waste volume: Measure the decrease in the amount of e-waste improperly disposed of or dumped, comparing it to previous data.

Assess pollution reduction: Evaluate the improvement in environmental pollution indicators, such as air and water quality, associated with proper e-waste disposal and recycling.

Monitor health outcomes: Track health statistics and assess the impact of reduced e-waste pollution on the well-being of communities.

Sustainable Business Transaction:

Adoption and usage statistics: Measure the number of repair specialists, e-waste collectors, and device users actively participating in the DApp platform, indicating the adoption and utilization of the marketplace.

Transaction volume: Track the number and value of transactions conducted through the DApp platform to assess its growth and contribution to the informal sector's business activities.

Feedback and user satisfaction: Collect feedback from users, including repair specialists, e-waste collectors, and device users, to gauge their satisfaction with the platform and its impact on their businesses.

Increased Accessibility and Affordability:

Geographical coverage: Assess the expansion of the platform's reach to previously underserved areas, measuring the increased accessibility of repair services and e-waste collection options.

Cost reduction: Analyze the cost savings for device users in accessing repair services and the overall affordability of e-waste collection, comparing it to alternative methods.

Smart Contracts:

Transaction data and smart contract usage: Monitor the number of transactions facilitated by smart contracts, tracking the proper disposal of e-waste and rewards given to device owners.

Cryptocurrency utilization: Measure the adoption and utilization of the cryptocurrency within the DApp ecosystem, tracking the number of transactions and the value of goods and services exchanged.

[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 validate the feasibility of the project's approach, the following steps can be taken:

Ideally the validation of our approach will depend on a well-defined plan from the onset of the project roadmap. Here is our roadmap :

Market Research and Analysis: 4 weeks

Objective: Conduct comprehensive market research to understand the e-waste landscape in Ghana, including the volume of e-waste generated, existing disposal practices, and how the availability of repair services can remedy the situation.

Key Activities: 

• Conduct a literature review of e-waste management in Ghana.
• Survey device users, repair specialists, and e-waste collectors to gather insights into their needs and challenges.
• Analyze data on e-waste generation and disposal in Ghana.
• Business Model and Economic Viability Assessment

Technology Research and Assessment: 4 weeks

Objective: Evaluate various blockchain technologies and smart contract platforms to determine the most suitable solution for the DApp.

Key Activities: 

• Research different blockchain platforms, such as Cardano, Ethereum, and Hyperledger Fabric.
• Assess the suitability of each platform based on factors such as scalability, security, and transaction fees.
• Develop a technical specification for the DApp's smart contract architecture.

Regulatory and Legal Research: 4 weeks

Objective: Identify and assess applicable regulations and laws related to e-waste management, cryptocurrency, and blockchain technology in Ghana.

Key Activities: 

• Consult with legal experts to understand the legal implications of the DApp.
• Develop a compliance plan to ensure that the DApp adheres to all applicable regulations.
• Obtain necessary permits and licenses for the DApp's operation.

User Experience (UX) Research: 4 weeks

Objective: Conduct user research to understand the needs and preferences of device users, repair specialists, and e-waste collectors.

Key Activities: 

• Conduct user interviews and usability testing to gather feedback on the DApp's design and functionality.
• Develop user personas to represent the target audience of the DApp.
• Create wireframes and prototypes of the DApp's user interface.

In light of this, how feasible our approach to the project will also depends on our preliminary research on our target audience and the general market framework. To validate the feasibility of the proposed approach, several steps can be taken, this includes;

1. Market research: Conduct thorough market research to understand the demand for e-waste management services in Ghana. Identify the target audience, their needs, and their willingness to use a decentralized application for e-waste disposal and repair.
2. Stakeholder engagement: Engage with relevant stakeholders such as e-waste collectors, repair specialists, and device users to gather their feedback and assess their interest in participating in the proposed DApp platform.Understand their challenges, expectations, and potential barriers to adoption.
3. Technical assessment: Evaluate the technical requirements and feasibility of building a DApp on the Cardano blockchain. Assess the scalability, security, and efficiency of the blockchain infrastructure to handle the expected transaction volume and user interactions.
4. Prototyping and user testing: Develop a prototype of the DApp platform to validate its usability and functionality. Conduct user testing sessions with a representative sample of device users, repair specialists, and e-waste collectors to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.
5. Partnerships and collaborations: Explore partnerships with local e-waste recycling facilities, repair shops, and relevant organizations to enhance the credibility and reach of the DApp platform. Collaborate with existing initiatives or government agencies working on e-waste management to leverage their expertise and resources.
6. Pilot program: Implement a pilot program in a specific region or community to test the effectiveness of the DApp platform in real-world conditions. Collect data, measure key performance indicators, and gather user feedback to validate the impact and feasibility of the project.
7. Iterative development: Based on the findings from market research, user testing, and pilot program, refine and iterate the DApp platform to address any identified issues or gaps. Continuously gather feedback and make improvements to ensure the project's long-term viability and sustainability.

COMMUNITY ACCOUNTABILITY

Our team have been active in the catalyst ecosystem since fund 7. As a project lead, our team member has been engaged as challenge team members in the development and infrastructure. since fund 7, we’ve been active community Advisors, voters and proponent with four community funded, executed and completed projects. From these credentials, it’s worth noting that our contribution to the ecosystem has been immerse especially in spearheading the cardano community goal of scalability and growth via catalyst. 

Apart from our active involvement in the catalyst space, our team brings not only extensive experience but also a profound level of engagement in the Cardano Catalyst space, specifically in terms of project implementation. We have led several initiatives that received funding from the Catalyst community. Through our active involvement in the Catalyst community, we have successfully executed three major projects, all of which are open source and available for community verification.

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

Milestone 1

• Market Research and Analysis

Milestone Output

• To have Market Research and Analysis conducted

Milestone Acceptable criteria 

• Evidence of research conducted

Milestone Acceptable criteria 

• Evidence of research conducted

Milestone 2:

• User Experience (UX) Research

Milestone Output

• To have Experience (UX) Research conducted 

Milestone Acceptable criteria 

• Evidence of research conducted

Final Milestone:

• close report and video

Milestone Output

• To have close report and video

Milestone Acceptable criteria 

• Evidence of close report and video

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

Team members and Roles for the project

Our team members have varied level of experience across various field which is well cut out for the project. Based on the expertise the team presents, we’re convinced that our team have the capacity to implement the project. However, there will be a few areas where we’ll outsource the services of expertise via hiring, specifically the area of dapp development. Below are our team members with their accompanying roles:

Innocent Norvinu - Finance and Marketing Manager

Background of team members

Innocent Norvinu 

He is a cryptocurrency enthusiast with a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Professional Studies in Ghana. He is the Cofounder of gateway to blockchain. A former marketing specialist at Tech markets solutions. His over 7 years of experience within the finance industry as a risk and compliance officer has been key in ensuring that Unique Step Microfinance survive financial sanctions emanating from lack of regulatory compliance and also helping banks and microfinance institutions survive various financial clean-up exercise in Ghana. He is a fund 7, 8 and 9 community Advisor, a voter and a proponent with two community funded and executed project. He was also a fund 10 challenge team member.

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/innocent-norvinu-a096931a9

Other team members

The other key team members will be hired, as part. of the initial phase

• Research Anayst
• Developer

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

BUDGET BREAKDOWN

The budget breakdown is in line with the structure of the project roadmap. Our project is requesting for an amount of 23500ADA. This amount allocation is based on a price of 0.2 per ADA, this represents the market value at the time of the writing the proposal. However, please note that the actual costs may vary depending on the time of assessments. Therefore, for the purpose of clear understanding, the reviewers should use the price provided in the proposal.

 Market Research: 2500

Stakeholder Engagement: 3500

Technical Assessment: 2500  

Regulatory and Legal Assessment:4500

User Experience (UX) Research:9500   

Miscellaneous Expenses: 1000   

Total Project Budget: 23500

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

Given the prevailing market prices of the items listed in our budget breakdown, we believe our team has accurately presented a budget consistent with the market prices. In drafting the budget, we were also not oblivious to the fact that the ADA prices fluctuate, hence our budget factored in the changes in the price levels of ADA which is likely to affect the all-overall amount requested. More importantly, the current cryptocurrency market atmosphere has been more bearish in nature in recent months, therefore we designed our budget to in a way that is consistent with the cryptocurrency so as to ensure that we’re able to implement our project irrespective the changes in the price levels of the cardano coin. Nonetheless, we are certain that the value addition of our project outweighs the amount allocated for the proposal. The intrinsic value proposition of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem in several ways:

• Environmental Impact: The project directly addresses the problem of electronic waste and its environmental risks. By connecting device users with certified e-waste collectors and repair experts, the DApp facilitates proper recycling, repairs, and eco-friendly disposal of electronic devices. This helps curb e-waste levels, reduces pollution, and contributes to environmental sustainability.

• Adoption of Cardano DApp Infrastructure: The project aligns with the specifications outlined in the product and integration challenge. By developing the DApp on the Cardano blockchain and leveraging smart contracts functionalities, the project promotes the adoption and integration of Cardano's DApp infrastructure in the business operations of entrepreneurs. This can help accelerate the transition of businesses onto the Cardano blockchain in Africa.

• Market Expansion: The project aims to create a marketplace for repair services and e-waste collection, which can foster economic growth and job opportunities within the informal sector in Ghana. By connecting repair specialists and e-waste collectors with device users, the DApp creates a conducive working environment for business transactions and can contribute to the growth of the repair industry.

• Reduction of E-waste: The project aims to discourage the indiscriminate dumping of electronic devices into the environment by providing device owners with alternative options such as repair services and proper disposal. This initiative can help reduce e-waste levels in Ghana and create a more sustainable approach to handling electronic devices.

• Accessibility and Convenience: The DApp platform aims to provide easy access to repair specialists for device users, especially in areas where access to repair services is limited. By connecting device users with repair experts through smart contracts, the project improves accessibility and convenience of repair services, reducing the need for premature device disposal.

• Revenue Increase for Repair Specialists: The DApp platform provides repair specialists with a platform to reach their target market more easily. By connecting repair experts directly with device users and streamlining their activities, the project aims to boost the income level of repair specialists, thus contributing to economic growth and financial empowerment.