On-Chain Subscriptions & Pay-As-You-Go Protocol with UTXO Locking Mechanism

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Sricharan Ganta

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

Entity (Incorporated)

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

4

[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)

Smart contract-enabled OnChain subscription protocol with pay-as-you-go features, fostering new revenue models through micropayments in SaaS, gaming, & creator economy, where users only pay for usage.

[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

In the early stages of the project, resources such as time, manpower, and funding are often limited. Open-sourcing a project requires additional effort in terms of managing the community, addressing issues, and integrating external contributions. It may be more efficient to focus on developing a robust and functional product before considering open-sourcing. We do have plans to eventually opensource the protocol.

[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

Our approach develops a modular infrastructure that integrates Cardano smart contracts to support decentralized subscription and pay-as-you-go models. This solution is crafted to include user-friendly payment APIs and versatile smart contracts that encourage widespread adoption across various industries, promoting flexibility, scalability, and enhanced security while reducing dependence on intermediaries.

How It Works:

• Subscription Setup: Service providers configure their subscription models on our platform, setting terms and prices. Subscribers choose their desired services and enter into smart contracts by committing their tokens.

  

• Pay-As-You-Go Mechanics: Users are charged based on their actual usage of the service, calculated per unit of time or other usage metrics. This involves dynamic pricing managed through oracles that fetch real-time data to adjust costs accordingly.

  

• Revenue Distribution: Payments made by subscribers are held in smart contracts and are automatically distributed to service providers according to the agreed terms. This process minimizes transaction times and eliminates the need for manual processing.

  

• Service Adaptability: Providers can update or modify service terms in real-time without significant downtime, allowing for rapid response to market changes or consumer demands.

Key Benefits:

• Platform Operators: Increased revenue opportunities and reduced operational costs.
• Service Providers: Access to a wider audience and enhanced revenue streams.
• Developers: Easy integration of decentralized payment solutions.
• End Users: More control over subscriptions, with improved privacy and transaction security.

Pay-As-You-Go Model:

• For Developers:

Developers can implement a Pay-As-You-Go button, enabling immediate monetization of user interactions and making products more affordable and attractive.

• For Users:

Users benefit from a fair pricing model that charges based on actual usage, promoting more frequent use and reducing overall costs.

Industry Applications:

• NFT, Gaming & Digital Media: Simplifies community subscriptions, offering transparent and straightforward execution.
• Content Creators: Supports cryptocurrency-based fan backing and exclusive access setups.
• API and Cloud Solutions: Facilitates cryptocurrency transactions for software licensing and cloud storage services.
• Educational Platforms: Enables cryptocurrency-based subscriptions for educational content and institutional access.
• Gaming Industry: Offers cryptocurrency transactions for in-game content and premium features.
• Media and Utilities: Allows cryptocurrency transactions for streaming services and regular software updates.
• Clubs and Loyalty Programs: Supports cryptocurrency payments for memberships and rewards programs.

Use Cases:

• NFT, Gaming & Digital Media: Simplifies community subscriptions, offering transparent and straightforward execution.
• Content Creators: Supports cryptocurrency-based fan backing and exclusive access setups.
• API and Cloud Solutions: Facilitates cryptocurrency transactions for software licensing and cloud storage services.
• Educational Platforms: Enables cryptocurrency-based subscriptions for educational content and institutional access.
• Gaming Industry: Offers cryptocurrency transactions for in-game content and premium features.
• Media and Utilities: Allows cryptocurrency transactions for streaming services and regular software updates.
• Clubs and Loyalty Programs: Supports cryptocurrency payments for memberships and rewards programs.

and many more.

Community Engagement and Feedback:

We will engage with the Cardano community to refine our protocol and promote adoption, showcasing use cases and developing tools for easy integration.

Smart Contract Prototype:

Experience our Subscription Protocol on the Cardano Preprod Network: https://preprod.cardanoscan.io/address/addr_test1wrsxy3ylt59wyh2chuavzp0pzzpg5fu4ndc39uqkjv4v6yqrn6ysp

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

Our modular infrastructure enables platform operators, service providers, developers, and end-users to participate in decentralized subscription and pay as you go payment models, empowering them with greater control, autonomy, and security. There have been constant community requests towards such capabilities.

Here is one of those tweets https://x.com/AlfonsoSpencer9/status/1783813865752404203

Value to the Cardano Community

• Enhanced Economic Activity: By introducing efficient, decentralized subscription and pay-as-you-go models, we will open up new avenues for revenue generation within the ecosystem. This will attract a diverse range of content creators, service providers, and developers, thereby increasing the overall economic activity on the Cardano blockchain.

• Increased ADA Utilization: As more users and platforms adopt our payment models, the demand for ADA will rise, increasing its usage and enhancing its value as a utility token. This heightened demand will strengthen the overall ecosystem and contribute to the stability and growth of ADA's market presence.

• Community Growth and Engagement: By providing a transparent, user-friendly, and secure infrastructure, we will attract new users and retain existing ones, fostering a larger and more engaged Cardano community. This growth is crucial for the long-term success and resilience of the network.

• Innovation and Collaboration: Our project will serve as a catalyst for further innovation, encouraging other developers and projects to build on our infrastructure. This collaborative environment will lead to more comprehensive solutions and integrations, promoting a healthy and vibrant development ecosystem within Cardano.

Measuring Impact

To effectively measure the impact of our project, we will use the following metrics:

1. Adoption Rate: By tracking the number of new platforms and services that integrate our subscription and pay-as-you-go protocols, we can quantify the adoption rate. This will include monitoring the number of smart contracts deployed and the variety of industries that adopt our model.
2. Transaction Volume and Value: We will monitor the total volume and value of transactions processed using our protocols. This quantitative measure will help assess how much economic activity is being facilitated by our infrastructure.
3. User Feedback and Satisfaction: Through surveys, interviews, and online feedback mechanisms, we will gather qualitative data from end-users, developers, and platform operators. This will help us gauge satisfaction levels and identify areas where improvements are needed.
4. Community Engagement Metrics: By analyzing participation in forums, social media interactions, and attendance at community events, we can measure how our project influences community growth and engagement.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

To ensure that the Cardano community benefits from our project and can engage with its development, we will:

1. Publish Documentation and Guides: Comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and guides will be published to make it easy for developers and platform operators to integrate and use our protocols.
2. Engage in Community Forums and Social Media: Regular updates, discussions, and support will be provided through Cardano community forums, Reddit, Telegram, and other social media platforms. This will keep the community informed and involved in the project’s progress.
3. Collaborate with Other Projects: By partnering with other projects in the Cardano ecosystem, we will share knowledge, resources, and opportunities. This will enhance interoperability and encourage mutual growth.
4. Publish Impact Reports: Periodic impact reports will be shared with the community, detailing the progress, metrics, and success stories of our project. These reports will help maintain transparency and foster trust within the community.

[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?

Please include the steps or processes that demonstrate that you can be trusted to manage funds properly.

Proven Track Record:

Our team has deployed blockchain solutions that required meticulous planning and robust technical implementation, recognized for their innovation and impact. Our previous Projects can be found at nucastlabs.com

Development Team: Our developers have extensive experience in blockchain development, particularly on the Cardano platform. They have contributed to successful Cardano-based projects and are proficient in cardano dapp development.

SaaS Specialists: Our team includes professionals with deep experience in the SaaS industry, ensuring that our solution is finely tuned to the specific needs and challenges faced by SaaS providers.

Strong Partnerships:

We have established relationships with key platform operators, service providers, developers, ensuring the solution is well-positioned for adoption and scalability.

Community Engagement:

Our team actively contributes to the Cardano community, demonstrating our commitment to the ecosystem’s growth and values.

Initial Prototype on Testnet: We have developed a Subscriptions Smart Contract PoC, deployed on the Cardano testnet, showcasing core functionalities like time based subscription deposit and remittance.

Testnet Transaction: https://preprod.cardanoscan.io/transaction/5eea2082b24a56df24a1a23039d30af22fef16ae5ba461397d1aa4fdc139e068?tab=contracts

Smart Contract Address:

https://preprod.cardanoscan.io/address/addr_test1wrsxy3ylt59wyh2chuavzp0pzzpg5fu4ndc39uqkjv4v6yqrn6ysp

Iterative Feedback and Refinement: We will develop and refine the MVP based on feedback from initial users and stakeholders, focusing on integration and usability.

MVP Piloting Program with Partners:

Partner Collaboration for Pilot Testing: We will collaborate closely with our platform partners to conduct pilot tests of the MVP. These pilots are designed to validate the solution in real-world scenarios and will help us identify any operational challenges.

Validating Feasibility:

To ensure the solution is feasible and effective, we will focus on a practical MVP and pilot testing with our partners

Adjustments Based on MVP Piloting Results: Insights from these pilots will guide necessary adjustments to the Nuauth protocol. We aim to fine-tune functionality, enhance user experience, and ensure seamless integration with partner systems.

Budgeting and Financial Reporting:

We will maintain a transparent budget and provide for the community according to the catalyst guidelines. Regular updates on our progress, challenges, and milestones will be shared with the Cardano community via forums and social media. We will actively seek and incorporate community feedback.

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

Milestone 1: Protocol Design and Initial Development

A: Milestone Outputs

Protocol Specification Document

• A detailed document outlining the architecture, components, and operation of the decentralized subscription and pay-as-you-go payment protocol.

API Specification and Initial Implementation

• The initial set of APIs for integrating the subscription protocol into various platforms.

B: Acceptance Criteria

Protocol Specification Document

• The document should provide a complete architectural overview, including data flows, entity relationships, and interaction with the Cardano blockchain.
• It must clearly define the roles and responsibilities within the protocol, such as subscribers, publishers, and administrators.

API Specification and Initial Implementation

• Clear and detailed documentation of API endpoints, including request/response formats and error handling.
• Functional APIs allowing basic interactions with the smart contracts for subscription management.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

Protocol Specification Document

• A PDF or shared online document link, including version history and authorship.

API Specification and Initial Implementation

• Documentation hosted on a platform like Swagger or Postman, accompanied by a code repository link for the API implementation.

Milestone 2: Integration and Extended Testing

A: Milestone Outputs

Enhanced Smart Contract Features

• Updated smart contracts to include advanced subscription features such as variable billing cycles, grace periods, and trial offers.

Comprehensive API Development

• Fully developed APIs that support all intended interactions with the smart contracts and provide a smooth integration experience for external platforms.

Pilot Testing Report

• A report from pilot testing the protocol with initial partners, including feedback and adjustments made.

B: Acceptance Criteria

Enhanced Smart Contract Features

• Smart contracts should now support a wider range of subscription scenarios and be robust against common issues like race conditions and reentrancy attacks.

Comprehensive API Development

• APIs should be stable, with comprehensive error handling and support for all required operations, including subscription modifications and cancellations.

Pilot Testing Report

• The report should demonstrate successful integration and operation in real-world scenario.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

Enhanced Smart Contract Features

• Updated contract addresses on the test network and links to the updated codebase.

Comprehensive API Development

• Updated API documentation and links to the final API codebase.

Integration Toolkit and Documentation

• Links to the integration toolkit repository and online documentation with example projects.

Pilot Testing Report

• A compiled report including user feedback, and operational data from the testing phase.

Milestone 3: Optimization and Community Engagement

A: Milestone Outputs

• Protocol Optimization
• Optimized smart contracts and APIs for performance and cost efficiency, ready for mainnet deployment.

• Marketing and Outreach Materials
• Promotional materials to support broader adoption and understanding of the protocol.

B: Acceptance Criteria

Community-Driven Improvements and Documentation

• Clear evidence of community contributions and their integration into the project documentation

Marketing and Outreach Materials

• High-quality, informative materials that effectively communicate the benefits and use cases of the protocol.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• The mainnet deployment of the optimized contracts.
• Community-Driven Improvements and Documentation
• Updated documents and code repositories, with logs of community interactions.
• Marketing and Outreach Materials
• Samples of the marketing materials (e.g., brochures, videos, blog posts).

Final Milestone: Project Close-out Report and Video

A: Milestone Outputs

Project Close-out Report

• A comprehensive report detailing the entire project's outcomes, including technical achievements, community feedback, and lessons learned.

Demonstration Video

• A professional video showcasing the protocol in action, including demonstrations of key features and testimonials from early adopters.

B: Acceptance Criteria

Project Close-out Report

• The report must be comprehensive, covering all phases of the project, and include a section on future development directions.

Demonstration Video

• The video should be clear, informative, and engaging, effectively demonstrating how the protocol works and its benefits.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

Project Close-out Report

• A PDF or digital link to the close-out report, including appendices for detailed technical data.

Demonstration Video

• A link to the video hosted on a platform like YouTube or Vimeo.

Final Security Audit Report

• A digital copy of the final security audit, including links to discussions of how each issue was addressed.

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

Sricharan Ganta, CEO @ Nucast

Sricharan is a successful entrepreneur and business development strategist with over seven years of experience in business-driven roles and over four years of experience in the web3 domain. He has a successful track record of delivering innovative products on the Cardano Blockchain. As the CEO of Nucast, Charan is extremely passionate about community building and pioneering solutions. He currently leads a dynamic team of 15+ professionals at Nucast Labs. Additionally, he holds a Masters in Computer Science from the University of Central Missouri, USA.

Sam Jeffrey M, CTO @ Nucast

Building tech on Cardano for 3+ years. Worked as Plutus Consultant at Gimbalabs. Awarded the Presidential Award for Innovation 2021 by the Government of India.

Nucast Labs : Successfully built various scalable Cardano dapps. Nucast is proud to host a highly skilled and experienced development team of 15+ members with over 30 years of combined industry experience.

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

Milestone 1

Full Stack Developer: 10000 ADA

Senior Solution Architect: 8000 ADA

Smart Contract Developer: 12000 ADA

UI UX Designer: 2500 ADA

Total: 32500

Milestone 2

Senior Cardano Developer: 20000 ADA

Smart Contract Architect: 21000 ADA

Total: 41000 ADA

Milestone 3 -

Smart Contract Developer: 15000 ADA

Full stack Developer: 15000 ADA

Total: 30000 ADA

Final Milestone-

Smart Contract Developer: 5000 ADA

Full stack Developer: 5000 ADA

Marketing budget: 2500 ADA

Total 12500 ADA

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

The project offers significant value for the Cardano ecosystem by enabling Pay as you go and Subscription based automated payments.

Decentralized Revenue Opportunities: Platform operators can access new revenue streams through decentralized subscription and pay-as-you-go models, while service providers benefit from expanded customer bases.

Cost Reduction: Decentralized solutions can potentially reduce operational costs associated with intermediaries and streamline payment processes.

User Empowerment: End-users gain greater control over their subscriptions, with enhanced privacy and security in transactions.

Industry Advancement: The project contributes to the evolution of decentralized finance (DeFi) by offering practical applications in subscription management across various sectors, including NFTs, gaming, and digital media.

We adopt a lean development approach, prioritizing MVP development and improvements based on partner and community feedback, which ensures cost-effective use of funds. Our strategic use of a geographically diverse across US, Singapore and India team enables us to optimize our development costs while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.