DeAdvert: On-Chain Programmatic Ad-Network on Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Amaan Khan

[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

Raihan Khan

[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)

A decentralized onchain programmatic ad-network for Web3, providing transparent, user-centric advertising that empowers without compromising privacy, leveraging web3 stack for effective 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

The project will be open source under MIT License. This will allow anyone to do whatever they wish with the original code, as long as the original copyright and license notice is included either in the distributed source code or software.

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG Goals

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

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

17 - Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

SDG Subgoals

17.19 - By 2030, build on existing initiatives to develop measurements of progress on sustainable development that complement gross domestic product, and support statistical capacity-building in developing countries

9.1 - Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all

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

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Concept Overview:

DeAdvert is a decentralized onchain programmatic ad network built on the Cardano blockchain. This platform aims to facilitate direct, transparent interactions between advertisers and content creators, utilizing Cardano's smart contracts to streamline transactions and maintain data integrity, without the need for intermediaries.

Why Decentralization in Advertising?

The current digital advertising market is dominated by giants like Google, Meta, and Amazon, which control over 54% of the market through walled gardens of first-party data. This centralization limits competition and makes ad targeting inefficient due to restricted access to crucial user data. Web3 and blockchain technology disrupt this model by making on-chain data accessible to all, democratizing information and leading to a more transparent, user-focused, and equitable advertising environment.

In Web3, the availability of on-chain data levels the playing field. Advertisers can base their strategies on transparent user activities and interests rather than relying on restricted first-party data. This shift promises a future where advertising is more about network quality and algorithms and less about association with a specific consumer interface.

Technical Architecture of DeAdvert:

• Smart Contracts for Ad Transactions:
• Ad Auction Contract: Handles the auction of ad spaces, allowing advertisers to bid for slots based on budget and target audience criteria.
• Payment Settlement Contract: Manages secure and immediate transfer of ADA from advertisers to creators when ads are displayed.
• Content Verification Contract: Checks ad content against rules stored on-chain to ensure compliance with platform standards.

• Onchain Ad Content and Metadata Storage:
• Ad assets are represented by native tokens with embedded metadata including content hashes, display parameters, and duration.
• Large ad content is stored off-chain (e.g., IPFS) with links to decentralized identifiers (DIDs) in the metadata of native tokens.

• Programmatic Ad Matching Engine:
• A decentralized engine on Cardano processes bids and offers in real-time, optimizing ad placements based on criteria like viewer interests and demographics.
• Algorithms within Plutus smart contracts automate matching while ensuring user privacy and data security.

• User Consent and Data Privacy:
• Integrates a consent framework in blockchain, allowing users to manage their ad preferences and data-sharing settings securely.
• Employs zero-knowledge proofs to verify user traits for targeted advertising without revealing personal data.

• Transparent Reporting and Analytics:
• Builds an immutable ledger of ad performance metrics and user engagements for transparent analytics accessible by both advertisers and creators.
• Utilizes Oracle services to bring in necessary off-chain data, maintaining authenticity and reliability.

• Dynamic Ad Content and Interactivity:
• Supports dynamic and interactive content by enabling smart contracts to serve as backends for ads that can change based on interaction or external data.
• Advertisers can update ad logic or content through transactions, adapting in real-time to market trends or behaviors.

• Tokenomics and Incentive Mechanisms:
• Introduces a utility token for transactions, governance, and as a staking mechanism to ensure network participation and security.
• Designs incentive models to reward users for viewing ads, providing feedback, or sharing data.

• Cross-Platform Integration and Compatibility:
• Ensures integration with various platforms and social media via APIs and SDKs that interact with Cardano smart contracts.
• Develops cross-platform wallet integration for seamless transactions and ad interactions across devices.

Future Implications

In a future where advertising exchanges operate like any market exchange, DeAdvert can facilitate a fully decentralized ecosystem where bidders and askers trade ad views enriched with relevant data. This can be standardized and decentralized with operations automated by smart contracts. Here, both data access and inventory management could be permissionless, enhancing transparency and efficiency.

Potential innovations include pools of unique data, analytics engines, or advertiser’s reward token pools. There's even potential for end-users to place their first-party data into pools of specific advertisers they trust, earning fees from ads similar to how they earn from swaps on Uniswap.

The transition to such a decentralized model means that the future of advertising on DeAdvert and similar platforms will prioritize user preferences and privacy, breaking away from the oligopoly of current ad giants and moving towards a more open, transparent, and user-empowering ecosystem.

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

Positive Impact on the Wider Cardano Community

DeAdvert aims to enrich the Cardano ecosystem by enhancing its utility through a sophisticated decentralized advertising model. Here are the key impacts:

• Promote Cardano Adoption:
• Attracts businesses and developers to Cardano, showcasing its capabilities beyond simple transactions.
• Increases Cardano's visibility as a platform for complex decentralized applications.
• Stimulate Economic Activity:
• Creates a transparent and efficient advertising marketplace, increasing direct commerce on Cardano.
• Reduces the friction associated with traditional advertising, leveraging ADA for transactions.
• Enhance User Privacy and Empowerment:
• Implements zero-knowledge proofs and user consent to protect privacy, aligning with Cardano’s secure, user-centric approach.
• Allows users to control their data and earn rewards, making user attention a beneficial asset.
• Drive Innovation in Advertising:
• Introduces new concepts like tokenomics for advertising and dynamic content contracts, encouraging further innovation on Cardano.

Measuring Impact

• Quantitative Metrics:
• Adoption Rate: Track the number of new users and businesses showing interest for DeAdvert.
• User Engagement: Analyze interactions to assess user engagement.
• Qualitative Assessments:
• User Feedback: Collect community feedback to evaluate user satisfaction and platform impact.
• Case Studies: Document how early adopters feedback for DeAdvert.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

• Community Updates:
• Regular updates and insights on community forums and social media to keep the community informed.
• Maintain open documentation on GitHub and DeAdvert’s website.
• Educational Initiatives:
• Conduct workshops and hackathons to educate about DeAdvert and decentralized advertising.
• Partner with academic institutions for further research and innovation exploration.
• Open Source Contributions:
• Release DeAdvert’s core components as open-source, encouraging community contributions.
• Contribute to Cardano Improvement Proposals (CIPs) related to advertising standards.
• Partnerships:
• Collaborate within the Cardano ecosystem for integrated advertising solutions.
• Engage with global networks to showcase DeAdvert and explore interoperability.

DeAdvert is designed to create a significant and lasting impact on the Cardano community by promoting growth, innovation, and user empowerment while maintaining transparency and efficiency.

[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?

Team Expertise and Background

Raihan Khan and Amaan Khan bring over 7 years of combined experience in product development, specializing in Full Stack Development, Cardano, and cybersecurity. Raihan, as the tech lead at PinkSurfing, has a strong foundation in JavaScript, React, Node.js, and MongoDB, while Amaan's expertise lies in web3, blockchain, AI, and the MERN stack.

Project Delivery and Fund Management

• Structured Development Process: Our approach involves rigorous planning, development, testing, and deployment phases with clear milestones and deliverables.

• Open Communication: We commit to maintaining open lines of communication with stakeholders through regular updates via social media, project reports, and community forums.

• Financial Oversight: Implementing detailed budgeting, regular audits, and transparent reporting ensures proper fund management and accountability.

• Validation and Testing: Prototypes will be deployed in controlled environments for validation, with feedback used iteratively to improve the concept.

• Community Engagement and Feedback: Continuous engagement with the Cardano community ensures alignment with user needs and expectations through beta testing and feedback collection.

Conclusion

With over 7 years of combined experience in product development and a robust project management approach, our team is highly capable of successfully conceptualizing ReStake Protocol with trust and accountability, contributing significantly to the growth of the Cardano community.

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

Milestone 1: Research

Objective: Conduct comprehensive research to understand the market needs, identify technical requirements, and establish a foundational understanding of the decentralized advertising landscape on the Cardano blockchain.

A: Milestone Outputs

1. Market Analysis Report: Detailing current advertising models, competitor analysis, potential user base, and identifying the unique selling proposition of DeAdvert.
2. Technical Requirement Document: Outlining the technical specifications based on the Cardano ecosystem, including smart contracts, token standards, and interoperability needs.
3. Feasibility Study: Assessing the practicality of implementing DeAdvert on Cardano, including scalability, privacy, and user engagement aspects.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. Market Analysis Report: Comprehensive analysis including market size, growth potential, key players, and user needs.
2. Technical Requirement Document: Clear specifications for smart contracts, data storage, user interface, and integration points.
3. Feasibility Study: A report demonstrating the technical and economic feasibility, potential challenges, and strategic approaches to overcome them.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Documented Reports: Published reports on market analysis, technical requirements, and feasibility study.

Milestone 2: Design Architecture

Objective: Design the system architecture of DeAdvert, including data flow and smart contracts.

A: Milestone Outputs

1. System Architecture Diagram: Visual representation of DeAdvert’s components and interactions.
2. Data Flow Diagram: How data moves through the system, focusing on privacy.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. Detailed system architecture covering all components.
2. Clear depiction of data flow and security.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Complete set of design documents including technical architecture design.
2. Initial plan for developing a low-fidelity prototype based on the architecture.

Milestone 3: Launch a Low Fidelity Prototype with Project Closure Report

Objective: Develop and launch a low fidelity prototype of DeAdvert, and summarize the project's findings and future recommendations.

A: Milestone Outputs

1. Low Fidelity Prototype: Low level deployed prototype on testnet demonstrating basic features.
2. Testing Report: Results from testing the prototype, including issues and resolutions.
3. Project Closure Report: Summary of project learnings, challenges, and future development recommendations.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. Functional low fidelity prototype with demonstrable core features.
2. Clear testing outcomes with most issues resolved.
3. Detailed project closure report with key learnings and next steps.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Video or live demo of the prototype on the Cardano testnet.
2. Completed testing report with documented outcomes.
3. Published project closure report shared with stakeholders.

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

Amaan Khan is a full-stack developer, Opshin developer, and cybersecurity enthusiast with four years of professional experience. He has worked on numerous innovative projects across web3, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the MERN stack. Amaan has successfully completed a variety of freelancing projects, delivering exceptional solutions to his clients. In addition to his development work, he runs a graphic design company, where he collaborates with his team to provide creative and impactful solutions.

Furthermore, Amaan is passionate about cybersecurity and shares his knowledge through a dedicated channel. On this platform, he creates informative content covering topics such as blockchain, AI, and cybersecurity, helping to spread awareness and educate people about these critical areas. His diverse skills and commitment to both technology and education make him a valuable contributor to the tech community.

https://twitter.com/amaan_sec

https://www.instagram.com/amaan_sec/

https://www.instagram.com/amaan.designlab/

https://amaancoderx.github.io/portfolio/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amaan-khan-20292823a/

Raihan Khan, a Full Stack and Blockchain Developer with a comprehensive 3+ years of background in developing scalable and efficient web applications. He is currently a tech lead at https://pinksurfing.com/. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Rajshahi University, He have deep expertise in a range of technologies including JavaScript, React, Node.js, and MongoDB. His approach combines a keen understanding of user experience with robust backend logic to create seamless digital solutions that drive business success.

https://www.instagram.com/theraihhan/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/raihan-khan-07a1aa21b/

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

• Research: 25,000 ADA
• Project Manager: 4,000 ADA
• Lead Developer: 8,000 ADA
• Protocol Architect: 10,000 ADA
• Technical Writers: 3,000 ADA

• Design: 20,000 ADA
• Project Manager: 2,000 ADA
• Lead Developer: 8,000 ADA
• Protocol Architect: 10,000 ADA

• Low-Fidelity Prototype: 25,000 ADA
• Project Manager: 4,000 ADA
• Marketing activities: 12,000 ADA
• Backend Developers (2): 6,000 ADA
• QA Engineers: 2,000 ADA
• Technical Writers: 1,000 ADA

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

The cost of the project, set at 70,000 ADA, represents significant value for money for the Cardano ecosystem, taking into account the following factors:

Expertise in Cardano: The project necessitates skilled professionals with specialized knowledge of the Cardano blockchain & ecosystem.

These skills are in high demand and command premium rates. The budgeted costs are aligned with industry standards for such expertise.

• Efficient Resource Allocation: The proposed costs for conceptualizing this idea on the Cardano blockchain are carefully evaluated to ensure efficient resource allocation. By leveraging existing infrastructure and expertise within the Cardano community, the project minimizes unnecessary expenditures while maximizing the impact of the investment.

• Feasibility Assessment: The costs are determined based on a thorough feasibility assessment, taking into account factors such as development complexity, regulatory considerations, and market dynamics. This rigorous evaluation process minimizes the risk of budget overruns and ensures that the project remains financially viable throughout its lifecycle.

• Value Proposition: The costs of the proposal are justified by the potential value it brings to the Cardano ecosystem. The project has the potential to unlock new opportunities for growth and development, ultimately delivering significant long-term value for stakeholders.

In summary, the costs associated with the proposal are justified by the efficient allocation of resources, community-driven development approach, thorough feasibility assessment, and the value proposition for the Cardano ecosystem.