unboundedForum - a community platform for decentralized AI models

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

unboundedMarket Team

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

Entity (Not Incorporated)

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

6

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

No

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

We will create unboundedForum, a platform enabling AI enthusiasts to share, rate, and learn about decentralized AI models collaboratively while exploring more about the Cardano ecosystem.

[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?

No

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

Our project is part of the unboundedMarket product portfolio and parts of the development will be funded with additional funds. To keep our competitive advantage we are not planning to open-source the unboundedForum code at the moment.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Problem Insight: The decentralized AI field lacks a dedicated platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, limiting growth and innovation due to scattered information and insufficient peer interaction.

Our Approach: We aim to launch unboundedForum, a central hub for AI developers, researchers, and enthusiasts to share insights, rate models, and expand learning. This community platform will support structured interactions, including model reviews, ratings, and discussions.

Engagement and Impact: The platform will cater to AI developers and users, offering tools to publish benchmarks, share tutorials, and interact directly. Success will be measured by user engagement levels, resource growth, and improved model feedback.

Uniqueness and Cardano Community Benefit: unboundedForum will integrate a token-based reward system to promote quality contributions. This approach supports Cardano’s goals of sustainability and scalability by encouraging active participation and driving innovation in decentralised AI technologies, benefiting all users within the ecosystem.

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

Positive Impact on the Cardano Community:

unboundedForum will significantly enhance the decentralized AI landscape on the Cardano platform by fostering a robust community of AI practitioners and enthusiasts. This initiative will catalyze innovation, facilitate knowledge sharing, and streamline the development of AI applications, aligning with Cardano's principles of decentralisation and user empowerment.

Impact Measurement:

1. Quantitative Metrics: We will track the number of active users, the frequency of model reviews and ratings and the participation rate in discussions and forums. These metrics will provide clear indicators of user engagement and platform growth.
2. Qualitative Feedback: Regular surveys and feedback forms will be implemented to gauge user satisfaction, gather insights on the usability of the platform, and identify areas for improvement.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

Outputs such as tutorials, benchmark results, and user-generated content will be openly accessible to all platform users, promoting a culture of transparency and collaborative improvement.

[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?

Capability & Feasibility Our team comprises several professionals with 5 to 10 years of experience in the fields of Machine Learning, Data Science, and Blockchain Technology. To validate our approach's feasibility, we decided to use a phased development strategy that aligns with our milestones. Moreover, we will perform regular project updates to our community.

Feasibility & Relevance The feasibility of unboundedForum is aligned with the current trends and needs in decentralized AI technologies. The project addresses a clear gap in the ecosystem for a collaborative, decentralized community platform focused on the Cardano blockchain.

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

Outputs:

Write a research report with the exact features needed for the unboundedForum

Acceptance Criteria:

Complete research output highlighting features needed for a decentralized AI community forum  

Evidence:

Research report in PDF uploaded to GitHub + announcement on X unboundedMarket channel 

Outputs:

Complete the design for unboundedForum, including user interface mockups and plans for integration with the Cardano blockchain.

Acceptance Criteria:

Finalised design documents and diagrams approved by the project team.

Evidence:

Design documents, user interface mockups, and Cardano integration plan in the form of a PDF document

Outputs:

Development of core website features with mockup date

Acceptance Criteria:

Usable website demo that implements all initial user designs

Evidence:

a demo version of the platform available for public access, documentation explaining usager of the demo website with mockup data

Outputs:

Official demo launch of unboundedForum MVP 

Acceptance Criteria:

Usable MVP website with integration to Cardano (should include most of the features outlined in the initial research report), Marketing announcing the launch of the official unboundedForum 

Evidence:

A project close-out report outlining the developments that were achieved over the course of the project, a report and video explaining the MVP website, link to marketing announcement

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

Timo is a visionary entrepreneur with a deep expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence, and cloud engineering. He holds a Master’s degree in Robotics with a focus on AI applications and co-founded an AI-driven agricultural startup. Timo has published his work at a major conference, demonstrating his ability to merge academic research with real-world solutions. Timo is driven by his passion to unlock the pioneering potential in bringing AI solutions to the blockchain.

Samy is a professional with five years of blockchain development experience and nearly eight years in AI and machine learning. As a developer and researcher, Samy has worked on several DeFi protocols and published peer-reviewed articles in top-tier AI journals and conferences.

Chris is a seasoned software developer and entrepreneur, boasting over four years of specialized experience in blockchain and AI technologies. His in-depth research in AI and blockchain testifies his comprehensive knowledge of the DeFi ecosystem, establishing him as a knowledgeable figure within the community.

Phil is a AI & Data scientist with a proven academic track record and several years of industrial experience. His professional career revolved around the robotics industry, where he successfully demonstrated the use of AI to tackle challenging problems. As a crypto-enthusiast, he now seeks to contribute to the next wave of blockchain innovation.

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

Budget and cost breakdown - the budget has been based on the assumption 1 ADA ~ 0.45 USD.

Moreover, any remaining budget deficits will be covered by the unbounded Market team. 

Project Management: Estimated. Cost Overall 5,000 ADA

Research Report: Plan all platform features (incl. write-up): 8,000 ADA

Website UI + UX Design: 

• UX designer planning user flow and features: 10,000 ADA 
• UI Designer for forum: 15,000 ADA
• Software licenses (Design tools) : 1,000 ADA

Website Development (including Reward System, Mockup, MVP and Cardano Integration)

• Frontend Developer Salaries: 25,000 ADA
• Backend Developer Salaries: 15,000 ADA
• Blockchain Developer Salaries: 7,000 ADA
• Quality Assurance Engineer Salaries: 3,500 ADA
• Software licenses (Web development) + Server costs: 1,000 ADA

Documentation + Community Communication: 4,000 ADA

Market Material (incl. announcements): 2,000 ADA

Overall budget required: 96,500 ADA

This budget has been carefully planned to align with the specific milestones and goals of unboundedForum. Each cost element reflects the necessary resources to ensure the project's success, including professional services, software licensing, and community engagement activities.

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

Justification of Costs: The budget for the unboundedForum project aligns with industry standards for blockchain and web development

Software and Licensing Costs: The budget includes necessary design and development tools like Adobe Suite and cloud servers, crucial for a scalable, high-performing platform. These tools are standard for software development, priced according to industry licenses.

Marketing and Project Documentation: Funds allocated for marketing and documentation are essential to build a sustainable user base. This is vital for promoting broad adoption and active participation within the Cardano community.

Return on Investment: Investing in unboundedForum will enhance the collaborative capabilities within the Cardano ecosystem, driving innovation in AI on blockchain and supporting Cardano's goals of technological advancement. The phased release and milestone-based payment structure ensure cost efficiency and project accountability.

Overall, unboundedForum offers excellent value by effectively using the budget to enhance Cardano's technological infrastructure and community engagement, promoting innovation and growth in decentralized AI applications.