MARLOWE & CATALINK: OPTIMIZING RECYCLING FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH IN BRAZIL

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Gustavo Ivanchechen de Almeida

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

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Johnny Flores de França

Lauro Toaldo

Maria Carmo

Erick Romero

Tainá Bugs

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

99920

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

8

[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)

Catalink Platform will optimize recycling by integrating Marlowe and tokenization, enhancing cost efficiency, social inclusion, and providing education, while ensuring regulatory compliance.

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

Yes

[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.”

TS-SDK, Marlowe Runtime.

[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

Our project is dedicated to full transparency and active collaboration with the community. We are committed to open-source all smart contracts on-chain and off-chain APIs.

[METADATA] SDG rating

Waste pickers play a crucial role in the recycling industry and in the promotion of sustainable cities, contributing directly and indirectly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). These associations often operate in informal sectors, and their social needs include recognition of their work, legal rights, fair compensation, and safe working conditions. By integrating waste pickers into the formal waste management system, societies can help ensure a more inclusive approach to recycling and waste management. This not only improves the livelihoods of waste pickers but also enhances environmental sustainability and public health, aligning with the broader objectives of the SDGs to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. The acknowledgment and support of waste picker associations are vital in achieving a more equitable and sustainable future.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Engbio Environmental Solutions initiative, Catalink Platform, represents a significant step towards empowering waste picker associations, mainly composed by women, providing them with the necessary tools and documentation to engage in formal contracts with municipalities and private entities. By facilitating the generation of recycling credits in blockchain, Engbio not only helps these associations to comply with legal requirements but also enables them to participate actively in the environmental compensation process. This shift towards a digital cooperative model could potentially disrupt the traditional top-down approach, offering waste picker associations more control over their operations and the terms of their participation in the recycling industry. This innovative model promotes a more equitable system where waste pickers can assert their value and contribution to environmental sustainability. The Catalink Platform stands as a pioneering initiative set to transform the recycling industry by seamlessly integrating innovative technologies and fostering strategic stakeholder engagement. Rooted in a profound commitment to tackling environmental challenges while championing social empowerment and technological innovation, our platform represents a paradigm shift in the way recycling processes are managed and optimized.

Blockchain & Marlowe Integration and Tokenization

Catalink will harness the combined capabilities of Web2 and Web3 technologies, melding blockchain and Marlowe to enhance operational efficiency and user experience. Leveraging blockchain technology, we will establish a robust marketplace and oversee the tokenization of recycling certificates, ensuring unrivaled transparency, security, and traceability throughout the recycling lifecycle.

Education and Stakeholder Engagement

Our educational endeavors will cater to a diverse array of stakeholders, ranging from waste pickers to industry leaders and regulatory bodies. Through meticulously tailored programs and active feedback mechanisms, we are committed to continuously refining the platform to meet the evolving needs and concerns of stakeholders. This approach is geared towards fostering widespread adoption and efficacy within the recycling ecosystem.

Regulatory Compliance and Adaptive Development

The development of the platform will be conducted in strict adherence to pertinent regulations, with a proactive approach to adapt and align with evolving legal standards based on stakeholder feedback. This proactive stance ensures not only current regulatory compliance but also future readiness, thereby guaranteeing a sustainable and compliant operation.

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

In our journey with Catalink, we prioritize the collection of feedback during the prototype phase to iteratively refine the platform and ensure regulatory compliance. By engaging early stakeholders, including regulatory bodies and participants from the recycling sector, we aim to optimize platform functionality and effectiveness. The pivotal role of education cannot be overstated, and we are committed to closely monitoring the impact of our outreach programs to ensure clarity and understanding among all stakeholders.

Sharing the Journey and Successes

The insights and data gleaned from our initiatives will not be confined within our team; we are dedicated to sharing our findings with the broader community through workshops and discussions. Stakeholder involvement, including waste pickers, recycling associations, and regulators, ensures their voices are not only heard but also integrated into the platform's ongoing development and enhancement.

Benefits to the Cardano Community

Catalink transcends being merely a local initiative; it serves as a catalyst for global attention to the Cardano blockchain. By showcasing Cardano's pivotal role in fostering social inclusion and environmental sustainability, we aim to attract new users and developers, bolstering the ecosystem's growth and reputation. The highly replicable nature of our project holds the promise of benefiting recyclable material collectors across Latin America, Asia, and Africa, thereby significantly expanding the user base and community of Cardano. This, in turn, amplifies the utility and relevance of the Cardano blockchain on a global scale, fostering a thriving ecosystem with far-reaching impacts.

[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?

Engbio Environmental Solutions has more than 12 years of solid performance in recycling sector (www.engbioambiental.com) Our operational team made up of 3 professionals with training in the environmental area, environmental engineering, biology, with extensive experience in the waste management sector, major waste recycling chains, excellent opening with regional associations and cooperatives, and with public agencies. These team worked for many years providing a bridge between associations and cooperatives and the current mechanism for marketing recycling credits. It was from this decade of immersion in this market sector that the concept of this new format came up. It will be these team responsible for present and gathering associations and companies for membership in the project.

Education

Maria, an accomplished educator, content creator, entrepreneur, and Stake Pool Operator (SPO), brings invaluable expertise to the Catalink project. As the co-founder of Lovelace Academy and DEFI School, and through her collaboration with Catalyst School Latam and Learning Hub from Cardano Feed, Maria has established a proven track record in developing and delivering educational programs within the Cardano community. Her extensive experience ensures that Catalink's educational strategy will effectively equip all users, from novices to advanced, with the skills and knowledge necessary to engage with and benefit from the platform, promoting broader adoption and deeper understanding of blockchain technology.

Established Track Record:

Our development team, led by Erick Romero and Taina Bugs, has successfully secured Catalyst funding for a key project focused on testing the Marlowe TypeScript SDK, enhancing web integration, and smart contract manipulation (Marlowe Enhanced)

Comprehensive Blockchain Expertise:

Our development team brings deep knowledge and hands-on experience in blockchain application and web development. They have developed Dapps prototypes using Aiken and Lucid for renewable energy compensation (Karbonity Dapp) showcasing their technical proficiency. Erick’s involvement in both the Plutus and Marlowe Pioneer programs, along with his ongoing collaboration with the Marlowe core team, provides us with strategic partnership and access to cutting-edge features for Marlowe integration.

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

Foundation

 

1.1. Market Fit:

Duration: 2 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• Market Analysis and Stakeholder Mapping

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Detailed identification of all relevant stakeholders, including associations, cooperatives, independent collectors, processing industries, regulatory bodies and other key participants in the sector.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Comprehensive market research report to understand the current dynamics of the recycling industry in Brazil.

 

1.2. Regulatory Base:

Duration: 2 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• Analysis of Federal and State legislation

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Identification of all relevant laws, regulations and standards that affect the operation of the CATALINK project at national and state levels.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Detailed review of Brazilian legislation related to reverse logistics, recycling, environmental protection and business activities related to the recycling sector.

 

1.3. Prototype Development (Initial Mockup Design):

Duration: 2 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• Initial design mockup focusing on UI/UX, tailored to integrate both Web2 and Web3 functionalities, ensuring a seamless experience.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Mockup reflects an intuitive and engaging user interface that effectively combines Web2 and Web3 elements.
• Initial feedback from stakeholders indicates satisfaction with the interface design and navigation ease.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Visual representations (videos) of the UI/UX designs.
• Summary of initial feedback from stakeholders highlighting reactions to the UI/UX design.

Validation and Mock-up

 

2.1. Market Fit

Duration: 2 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• Validation of the Concept with Stakeholders

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Conducting individual interviews and group workshops with representatives of all identified stakeholders.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Collection of detailed feedback on the CATALINK project proposal, focusing on feasibility, usefulness and market acceptance.

 

2.2. Regulatory Base

Duration: 2 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• Development of Compliance Strategies

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Collaboration with specialized legal advisors to correctly interpret and apply laws and regulations relevant to the project.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Developing a comprehensive plan to ensure legal and regulatory compliance of the CATALINK project in all relevant jurisdictions, including a regularly updating operational procedures and internal policies to reflect changes in legislation and ensure ongoing compliance over time.

 

2.3. Prototype Development (Refined Mockup After Stakeholder Feedback)

Duration: 2 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• Enhanced mockup incorporating detailed feedback, with refined UI/UX for optimized interaction. Visual representations for the integration of Marlowe and Aiken contracts will be included for planning purposes, but no functional smart contracts will be implemented at this stage.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Refined UI/UX enhances stakeholder engagement and simplifies interactions.
• Visual plans for smart contract integration receive positive feedback from stakeholders, setting the stage for actual implementation in the next phase.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Updated mockup versions with detailed annotations of UI/UX improvements and visuals for smart contract integration.
• Feedback summary document illustrating stakeholder reactions to the updates.

Business development and Prototype

 

3.1. Market Fit

Duration: 2 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• Business Model Development

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Creation of a complete and detailed business model for the CATALINK project, considering different scenarios and monetization strategies.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Comprehensive financial viability analysis, including revenue projections, operating costs, profit margins and growth potential.

 

3.2. Regulatory Base

Duration: 2 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• Preparation of the Terms of Use and contractual basis of the Platform

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Definition of specific clauses that will be encoded in smart contracts to guarantee the automatic and transparent execution of transactions on the platform, based on the regulatory survey presented.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Development of detailed terms of use for the CATALINK platform, addressing issues such as user rights and responsibilities, privacy, intellectual property and dispute resolution procedures. Drafting legally sound contracts between recycling operators, the CATALINK platform and manufacturers, establishing clear guidelines for collaboration, responsibilities, remuneration and other relevant aspects.

 

3.3. Prototype Development (Prototype Development)

Duration: 2 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• A functional early version of our platform that includes basic features such as user login and sign-up. Additionally, it incorporates features using blockchain technology, such as Marlowe and Aiken, to test and demonstrate the secure exchange of digital assets and tokens.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• The prototype must smoothly handle both traditional web functions (like logging in and registering) and new blockchain functions (like creating and listing certificates).
• Smart contracts must work as planned without errors.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Demonstrations of both login functionalities and certificate transactions working on the prototype.
• Videos and reports confirming the successful integration and operation of these features.

 

Testing and Feedback

 

4.1 Market Fit

Duration: 2 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• Prototyping and Usability Testing in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Presentation of functional prototypes of the CATALINK platform, based on the requirements identified during concept validation, for final validation among those involved.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Conducting rigorous usability testing with real users to evaluate user experience and identify possible improvements to the prototype's design and functionality.

 

4.2 Regulatory Base

Duration: 2 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• Results of research to obtaining Approvals and Operating Licenses

B: Acceptance Criteria

• List technical/technological/legal documents and requests necessary to obtain regulatory approvals and licenses essential for the operation of the CATALINK project.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Diligently monitoring the entire requirements for approval process, responding to any requests for clarification or additional documentation as necessary.

 

4.3. Prototype Development (Testing and feedback)

Duration: 2 months

A: Milestone Outputs

• A comprehensive feedback report based on real stakeholder interactions with the prototype. The report will be supplemented by videos demonstrating how the prototype is used, focusing on both traditional and blockchain-specific functionalities.
• The code for the smart contracts, including on-chain and off-chain APIs, will be documented, and shared in a GitHub repository.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• The videos clearly demonstrate the functionality of the platform, ensuring that stakeholders can see the practical application of features.
• The smart contracts' code is accessible, well-documented, and stored in a GitHub repository, making it available for review and further development.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Compiled feedback and analysis reports, along with links to the demonstration videos.
• Links to the GitHub repository containing the smart contract code, complete with documentation and version history.

 

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

Field Operational Team

Gustavo Ivanchechen de Almeida | Environmental Engineer

Background: Environmental Engineer and post graduated in Geoprocessing

LinkedIn: Gustavo Ivanchechen de Almeida

Environmental engineer with more than 10 years of experience in waste management, technically responsible for supervising the operation of landfills in the Curitiba region and metropolitan region, operation coordinator at a plastic waste processing plant (UPET), and at the recovery unit of waste (UVR – Waste Recovery Unit). Another major area of knowledge is the area of climate change, having worked with SEMA-PR in the study of public policies and research related to the area. Postgraduate in geoprocessing, an important tool for management in any area, having worked at EMBRAPA in studies of the effect of climate change on species of interest. He is currently a partner at Engbio Environmental Solutions, working with a focus on managing processes and operations within reverse logistics programs, in addition to conducting environmental studies and licensing for companies.

 

Johnny de Flores França | Biologist

Background: Biological Sciences and Master’s in Urban and Industrial Environment

LinkedIn: Johnny de Flores França

Graduate in biological sciences from the pontifical Universidade Católica do Paraná (2009), masters in urban and industrial environment (UFPR). He was one of 11 young brazilian activists chosen to participate in the british council's climate generation program. Has professional experience with public power, where, he developed actions such as: participation and organization of the paranaense forum on climate change, preparation of a tool for the inventory of greenhouse gas emissions, study on the state of the art of research in climate change, inventory of greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector in the state of Paraná, contributed to the formatting of the state climate change policy and in the dissemination of the municipal climate change program. He is a consultant in the area of environmental licensing, greenhouse gas emission inventory and solid waste management. Developed projects by the Chico Mendes institute of research and social and environmental responsibility, including the pea program and Pronec. He was a technical advisor at the pro citizenship institute of Curitiba, where he worked with the associations of recyclable material collectors of the ecocitizen program, in the preparation of projects for the UVR – Waste Recovery Unit. He is currently a partner of the company Engbio Environmental Solutions, where he implemented reverse logistics systems and helped to implement new recycling chains.

 

Lauriciano Francisco Toaldo | Biologist

Background: Biological Sciences and Specialist in Environmental Analysis

LinkedIn: Lauro Toaldo

Biologist graduated from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, with a degree in biological sciences, specialist in environmental analysis from the geography department of the earth sciences sector of the Federal University of Paraná. Advisor to cooperatives and associations of recyclable materials collectors: technical-administrative, inspection and management of recycling units, processes and procedures (institutional quality, prospecting for new partners and customers, seeking to capture resources, materials, to develop an integrated work of business sustainability in a corporate environment. Development of socio-environmental actions, development of studies and research; holding lectures, seminars and short courses for the entity's educators, development of educational materials. SEMA), inventory of CO² emissions from SEMA-PR aiming at their reduction and neutralization. Engbio Soluções Ambientais, working in communication with customers and institutional relationships.

Education Team

Maria Carmo | Educator & Content Creator & SPO

Twitter: @MariaCarmo369

Maria is a seasoned educator and entrepreneur deeply engaged in the Cardano blockchain community. She co-founded Lovelace Academy and DEFI School, spearheading efforts to demystify blockchain and decentralized finance through accessible educational content. Her collaborations with Catalyst School Latam and Learning Hub from Cardano Feed further highlight her commitment to community education. As a Stake Pool Operator in the Cardano blockchain, Maria combines her technical expertise and educational skills to enhance community understanding and engagement, making her a pivotal asset to the Catacoin project.

 

Development Team

 

Erick Romero | Blockchain & Full-Stack Developer & Business Strategy

Background: Engineer

LinkedIn: Erick Romero

Twitter: @ErickRomeroEdda

Github: Repos

As the Blockchain & Full-Stack Developer, Erick responsibilities include overseeing the development of smart contracts, ensuring they are modular, secure, and fully integrated with the latest features of the Marlowe TS-SDK & AIKEN. Erick combines his deep expertise in blockchain technology, software development, and project management to strategically guide the project, ensuring technical excellence and alignment with blockchain advancements. Participated in the Plutus Pioneer Program, Marlowe Pioneer Program, and Cardano-Foundation Blockchain Course.

 

Tainá Bugs | Full-Stack Developer & UI/UX Design & Product Owner

Background: Engineer

LinkedIn: Tainá Bugs

Twitter: @tainabugs

Tainá is responsible for the full-stack development of the project, utilizing her expertise with Next.js 14 and its App Router to efficiently manage both backend and frontend functionalities. This full-stack framework enhances her ability to deliver integrated solutions swiftly, covering all aspects from the server-side logic to client-side interactivity. Her role includes not only UI/UX design but also the comprehensive development of front-end functionalities that allow for the direct configuration of smart contracts. Additionally, Tainá has enriched her blockchain development skills through participation in the Cardano-Foundation Blockchain Course.

 

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

Total Budget: 99,920 ADA

You can see the detailed budget here: https://1drv.ms/x/s!Aj-l_yQM34m5j6ksdpF8gCf7qWSXMg?e=IENq8Z

 

Milestone 1: Foundation

Total for Milestone 1: 25,190 ADA

• Perform a market analysis and research: 3,500 ADA

• Conduct a stakeholder mapping: 3,500 ADA

• Identification laws, regulations and standards: 3,500 ADA

• Catalink Marketing on social media: 2,240 ADA

• Stakeholders training and presentations: 2,450 ADA

• Initial Mock-up design, prototype initial features testing: 10,000 ADA

 

Milestone 2: Validation and Mock-up

Total for Milestone 2: 24,770 ADA

• Conduct interviews/visits with all selected stakeholders: 2,520 ADA

• Analysis and extracting information of interviews: 4,200 ADA

• Meetings with specialized legal consultancy to adapt project parameters: 3,360 ADA

• Strategically disseminate key updates and advancements of Catalink on social media: 2,240 ADA

• Stakeholders training and presentations: 2,450 ADA

• Refined Mockup After Stakeholder Feedback: 10,000 ADA

Milestone 3: Business development and Prototype

Total for Milestone 3: 24,770 ADA

• Creation of a complete and detailed business model: 2,800 ADA

• Financial viability analysis: 2,800 ADA

• Preparation of the Terms of Use and contractual basis: 4,480 ADA

• Strategically disseminate key updates and advancements of Catalink on social media: 2,240 ADA

• Stakeholders training and presentations: 2,450 ADA

• Prototype Development: 10,000 ADA

Milestone 4: Testing and Feedback

Total for Milestone 4: 25,190 ADA

• Presentation of functional prototypes of the CATALINK platform to users: 4,200 ADA

• Conducting rigorous usability testing with real users to evaluate UX: 4,200 ADA

• List technical/technological/legal documents and requests necessary to obtain regulatory approvals: 2,100 ADA

• Strategically disseminate key updates and advancements of Catalink on social media : 2,240 ADA

• Stakeholders training and presentations: 2,450 ADA

• Prototype Testing and feedback: 10,000 ADA

You can see the detailed budget here: https://1drv.ms/x/s!Aj-l_yQM34m5j6ksdpF8gCf7qWSXMg?e=IENq8Z

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

Funding the CATALINK project represents significant value for money for the Cardano ecosystem, both in terms of direct returns and broader, long-term benefits. The costs associated with developing and deploying the CATALINK platform are rooted in comprehensive market research and a deep understanding of the recycling industry's needs, as well as the technological demands of integrating blockchain into existing operations.

 

Cost Justification:

Development Costs: The initial expenses primarily cover the technical development of the hybrid blockchain platform, including the integration of Web2 and Web3 technologies to ensure a seamless user experience. These expenses are needed for advanced security features, the complexity of smart contract implementations, and the development of a user-friendly interface that accommodates both experienced blockchain users and newcomers. These features are essential to create a reliable and efficient marketplace for recycling credits.

Educational and Engagement Costs: Substantial investment in educational programs and stakeholder engagement activities is crucial. These programs are designed to maximize adoption and effective use of the platform across a broad audience, including waste pickers who may have limited prior exposure to digital technology and blockchain. The funds allocated here will ensure that all users can fully leverage the benefits of CATALINK, leading to greater inclusion and operational efficiency.

Regulatory Compliance and Legal Costs: Navigating the complex regulatory landscape requires expert legal advice and ongoing compliance monitoring. These costs ensure that CATALINK operates within legal frameworks, maintaining the platform's integrity and trustworthiness.

 

Value to the Cardano Community:

The expenditure on CATALINK is expected to yield considerable returns:

Technological Showcasing: By successfully implementing this project, Cardano’s capabilities in handling real-world, large-scale applications that combine social and technological objectives are highlighted, promoting broader adoption and trust in the Cardano ecosystem.

Social Impact: The project directly contributes to social equity by empowering a marginalized segment of society, aligning with global sustainability goals and demonstrating the human-centered potential of blockchain technology.

Ecosystem Growth: Each aspect of CATALINK, from tokenization to educational outreach, is designed to attract new users to the Cardano blockchain, expanding the ecosystem and increasing transaction volumes and overall activity.

 

Long-term Benefits:

Replicability: The model developed by CATALINK can be replicated in other regions, including others development countries, multiplying the impact and value generated by the initial investment.

Visibility and Influence: Success stories and case studies from the CATALINK project will serve as powerful marketing tools that enhance Cardano's reputation as a leader in blockchain solutions for social and environmental issues.