TrialNet: Open Source Clinical Trials Powered by Aiken

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Rivero Martín, PhD

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

Individual

[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

Yes

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

TrialNet secures clinical trial data with Aiken smart contracts and NFTs, reducing breaches, boosting transparency, and ensuring compliance, allowing companies to manage trials safely and build trust.

[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 outputs will be completly OPEN SOURCE, making the smart contracts and blockchain integration code available to the community. The code will be shared on GitHub under a permissive license (e.g., MIT or Apache 2.0), ensuring wide access and promoting innovation across the health sector. Additionally, documentation and developer guides will be provided to facilitate adoption and further development by the community.

[METADATA] Horizons

Healthcare

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

TrialNet protects patient data in clinical trials, addressing risks like breaches, inefficiencies, and lack of transparency. With Aiken smart contracts and NFTs, it helps ensure every participant’s information is secure, builds trust, and supports better health outcomes.

 Key Features of TrialNet:

1. Secure Patient Data: TrialNet’s user-friendly interface securely manages sensitive patient information, storing it on Cardano’s blockchain with encryption and immutabilit

1. Clear Transparency and Trust: Every trial phase is recorded on the blockchain, offering patients, researchers, and regulators a clear, real-time view of the dat

1. Simplified Processes with Smart Contracts: TrialNet automates critical tasks like participant payments and milestone tracking, reducing the burden on clinical teams and ensuring patients are compensated promptl

1. Faster and More Cost-Effective Trials: By minimizing manual work and eliminating intermediaries, TrialNet speeds up the completion of clinical trials, reduces costs, and minimizes errors, ultimately leading to quicker access to safe, effective treatments for patient

1. Open Collaboration for Greater Impact: All Aiken smart contracts used in TrialNet are open source, inviting the Cardano and global scientific communities to collaborat

• How you perceive the problem you are solving 

The problem is the poor data management in clinical trials:

Data Security: Sensitive patient information is vulnerable to breaches and manipulation, compromising privacy and trial integrity.

Lack of Transparency: Limited visibility makes it hard for patients, researchers, and regulators to verify trial phases and data authenticity, leading to distrust.

Inefficiencies: Manual processes cause delays, errors, and high costs, slowing down trials and complicating compliance

• your reasons for approaching it in the way that you have   

TrialNet's approach tackles real-world clinical trial challenges by integrating Aiken smart contracts to secure patient data, ensure compliance, and automate manual processes.

Patient-Focused Solution: TrialNet uses NFTs for patient tracking and smart contracts for payments, prioritizing patient safety and building trust with all stakeholders, including researchers and regulators.

Scalable and Efficient: Automating trials reduces costs and enhances efficiency, making the system scalable for larger studies. TrialNet aims to set a new standard for blockchain use in healthcare, ensuring a lasting impact.

• who will your project engage 

TrialNet engages key stakeholders to enhance clinical trials:

Pharma Companies and Biotech Firms: Secure trial management, compliance, and faster drug development.

CROs: Automates management, ensures data security, and streamlines processes across trial sites.

Researchers: Provides a secure platform for data sharing, boosting collaboration and integrity.

Regulatory Bodies: Transparent, immutable data simplifies audits and accelerates approvals.

Patients: Ensures privacy and trust with secure data and automated compensation via smart contracts.

Developers: Open-source collaboration drives innovation in health and blockchain.

• how you will demonstrate or prove your impact

TrialNet will demonstrate its impact through measurable KPIs and outcomes, proving its effectiveness in clinical trials:

Pilot Trials Success: Collaborate with pharma companies to run secure, transparent pilot trials, showing faster completion rates and increased patient trust.

User Adoption: Measure platform use among pharma companies, CROs, and researchers. High adoption and positive feedback confirm its value and relevance.

• What Makes TrialNet Unique?

TrialNet is an open-source, blockchain-based platform that secures clinical trial data, automates processes, and ensures transparency and compliance:

Data Security: Cardano’s blockchain encrypts and protects patient information, preventing unauthorized access.

Smart Contracts: Automates payments, data collection, and consent, reducing errors and boosting efficiency.

Transparency: Every step, from consent to results, is traceable, building trust among stakeholders.

• Who Benefits?

Pharma Companies & CROs: More efficient trial management, lower costs, and improved data integrity.

Researchers: Secure and transparent data handling enhances collaboration and reliability.

Patients: Secure data, control over information, and automated payments increase trust and engagement.

Regulators: Verifiable audit trails simplify monitoring and compliance.

• Why is TrialNet Important for Cardano?

Showcases Cardano’s Strengths: Demonstrates real-world impact in healthcare using Aiken’s smart contracts.

Expands Cardano’s Reach: Applies blockchain in a regulated, data-sensitive industry, boosting adoption.

Global Healthcare Impact: Successful implementation enhances Cardano’s credibility and contributes to medical innovation.

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

TrialNet's Positive Impact on Cardano

Driving Adoption in Healthcare: TrialNet showcases Cardano's secure, transparent solution for clinical trial data, encouraging healthcare institutions and pharma companies to adopt Cardano, strengthening its reputation in regulated industries.

Ecosystem Growth: By integrating with other dApps on Cardano, TrialNet promotes innovation and collaboration, contributing to the network's growth and diversity.

Building Trust in Cardano: TrialNet’s success demonstrates Cardano’s ability to manage complex, sensitive data securely, boosting confidence in its technology for enterprise solutions.

Raising Global Visibility: Targeting healthcare globally, TrialNet increases awareness of Cardano’s scalable and secure solutions, enhancing network visibility.

Measuring Impact

Quantitative:

• Track clinical trials managed using TrialNet to show efficiency improvements.
• Measure the number of organizations using TrialNet to gauge adoption and growth.

Qualitative:

• Collect feedback from patients, researchers, and sponsors on ease of use, transparency, and security to assess user satisfaction.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

Open Source Contributions:

• Publish code, smart contracts, and documentation on GitHub under an open-source license, allowing community collaboration and development.
• Provide guides and tutorials for easy adoption.

Regular Updates:

• Publish case studies and insights on platforms like Medium, LinkedIn, and Cardano blogs, highlighting TrialNet’s impact and opportunities for further integration.

Open Access to Results:

• Share impact reports with the Cardano community and healthcare stakeholders, detailing trial results and feedback to showcase benefits and future opportunities.

[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?

Our team combines scientific and blockchain expertise, making us highly qualified to execute this project successfully.

Martin Rivero holds a PhD in Medical Sciences and a Bachelor’s in Biotechnology, with over 10 years of research experience. He has led preclinical trials, published scientific papers, and secured international grants, demonstrating his ability to manage complex projects. As COO of a biotech company, Martin has proven leadership in managing interdisciplinary teams efficiently. In the blockchain space, he is a Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate and has co-led a successful Project Catalyst (Fund 11) proposal. Martin also serves as a SingularityNET LATAM ambassador and DeSci LATAM member, promoting innovation at the intersection of AI and decentralized science.

Damián Hryb, a respected Cardano engineer and founder of CardanoTrees, has extensive experience in Cardano projects. He completed the smart contract programming course from IOHK, organized by ADALAB -UTN.

Together, we won second place in the Cardano LATAM Builders Hackathon, showcasing our technical competence with a project similar to our Fund 13 proposal. Our combined expertise in blockchain, scientific research, and project management ensures we can deliver this project with excellence. Supported by experts in data analysis, finance, and design, our team is equipped to guarantee trust, accountability, and innovation throughout the project lifecycle.

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

Title: Smart Contract and DApp Design, Web & Social Media Setup

A: Outputs: 

• Research and design of smart contract models and DApp architecture.
• Development of a TrialNet website to present the project, its functionalities, and its roadmap.
• Creation of social media accounts (Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) to communicate project updates to the community and attract future collaborators and institutions.

 

B: Acceptance Criteria: 

• Detailed technical document of the smart contract and its implementation in Aiken. 
• TrialNet website published and accessible, with detailed project information and its functionalities. 
• Social media accounts created and active, with an initial communication strategy focused on sharing project progress and key milestones.

 

C: Evidence of Completion:  

• Published technical document detailing the smart contract design and DApp architecture. 
• Website up and running, showcasing relevant project information. 
• Active social media accounts with at least two initial posts sharing project status and goals.

 

Cost (ADA): 30,000 ADA 

Delivery Month: Month 2 

Completion: 30%

Title: Front-End Implementation, Smart Contract Integration, and Pilot Project Selection

A: Outputs: 

• Development of a fully functional smart contract in Aiken.
• Development of a simple front-end and smart contract integration, enabling the management of clinical trials directly through the DApp.
• Creation of a form to select companies or scientific research projects to make a pilot project.  
• Selection process for projects via a form, evaluation of proposals, and announcement of the selected projects for implementation.

 

B: Acceptance Criteria: 

• Operational front-end connected to the smart contract, enabling clinical trial management. 
• Publication of the smart contract for the community, with clear documentation on its usage. 
• Creation of a form and launch of the call for companies or research projects to be selected. 
• Selection of at least one project for the free implementation of the smart contract.

C: Evidence of Completion: 

• Link to Operational DApp with a front-end connected to the smart contract and ready for use. 
• Link to Official publication of the smart contract along with user documentation for the community. 
• Link to Form created and selection process completed, with public announcement of the selected projects.

 

Cost (ADA): 40,000 ADA 

Delivery Month: Month 5 

Completion: 60%

Title: Adaptation to Selected Project and Scientific Article Creation

A: Outputs: 

• Adaptation of the smart contract to the specific requirements of the selected project. 
• Implementation of the adapted smart contract for the selected project, allowing the management of clinical trials. 
• Collection of user feedback on the DApp and smart contract, focusing on usability, efficiency, and the security of clinical data management. 
• Creation of a scientific article detailing the technological advancements, the implementation of the smart contract, and the feedback received, for publication in the scientific and blockchain communities.

 

B: Acceptance Criteria: 

• Successful adaptation of the smart contract for the selected project and its functional implementation. 
• Collection of positive feedback from at least 70% of the users. 
• Scientific article written and ready for publication, with a comprehensive analysis of the project’s results.

 

C: Evidence of Completion: 

• Adapted smart contract in use by the selected project. 
• Feedback report with analysis of improvements and suggestions for future versions. 
• Scientific article published or ready for submission to a specialized journal or platform.

 

Cost (ADA): 30,000 ADA 

Delivery Month: Month 7 

Completion: 85%

Title: Final Summary and Reporting 

A: Outputs: 

• Final document summarizing the entire process, from smart contract development to its implementation and adaptation for clinical trials. 
• Creation of a summary video showcasing the development process, implementation, and results achieved with TrialNet, highlighting its impact on clinical trial management.

 

B: Acceptance Criteria: 

• Final document delivered to the Catalyst community with a complete summary of the project and its outcomes. 
• Published summary video, accessible to the community, showcasing the achievements during the 7-month project execution.

 

C: Evidence of Completion: 

• Link to the final document on the Catalyst platform. 
• Summary video available to the Catalyst community.

 

Cost (ADA): 20,000 ADA 

Delivery Month: Month 8 

Completion: 100%

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

Team Overview

Martín Rivero, PhD - Project Manager  

Oversees project planning, team coordination, budget management, and resource allocation to ensure timely achievement of project goals.

• Leads all project phases, including:
• Designing a survey for adapting the smart contract to a scientific project.
• Writing the scientific article.
• Drafting the final report.

Damian Hryb, Eng. - Technical Lead  

• Develops the initial technical requirements document.
• Creates smart contract documentation using Aiken.
• Leads DApp front-end development.
• Adapts the DApp for real-world use cases.

Positions to be Filled:  

• Web Designer  
• Content Manager for Social Media

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

Milestone 1 - 2 months

20000 ADA - Research and design of smart contract models and DApp architecture.

5000 ADA - Creation of website and social media channels.

5000 ADA - Project management.

 

Milestone 2 - 3 months

30000 ADA - Development of a fully functional smart contract. Creation of a simple front-end interface to interact with the smart contract.

5000 ADA - Launch of the call for companies or research projects to make a pilot project. Evaluation of proposals and selection of at least one project.

5000 ADA - Project management.

 

Milestone 3 - 2 months

20000 ADA - Adaptation and customization of the DApp for use by the selected project in a pilot project.

5000 ADA - Writing and submission of a scientific document on the use of Cardano for clinical trials.

5000 ADA - Project management.

 

Final Milestone - 1 month

10000 ADA - Final document summarizing the entire process, from smart contract development to its implementation, adaptation for a partner company and pilot project results.

5000 ADA - Summary video.

5000 ADA - Project management.

 

Total 120000 ADA

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

120,000 ADA over 8 months is just 15,000 ADA per month—an investment that showcases Cardano’s blockchain capabilities to the DeSci community. This project will develop a smart contract using Aiken, a DApp, and NFTs for clinical trial data security, demonstrating Cardano's real-world impact in health and research.

By engaging scientific institutions and pharmaceutical companies, we’ll show the efficiency, security, and transparency that Cardano offers, encouraging adoption. An open-source release and scientific publication will position Cardano as a leader in decentralized science and health innovation.

With our skilled team and clear roadmap, this project promises long-term benefits, expanding Cardano’s user base and utility in the scientific community. It’s a strategic investment to boost adoption, visibility, and trust within the DeSci ecosystem