ModelTrust: Decentralized AI Model Verification Framework

[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)

5

[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 build a platform on Cardano that allows AI model creators and auditors to register and verify models, enabling users to easily check audit authenticity and model trustworthiness.

[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

Our project will be fully open source throughout its lifecycle, with the code and smart contracts released under the MIT License. This ensures that all elements of the platform, including the smart contracts, front-end code, and documentation, are accessible to the public. We will maintain an open-source repository on GitHub, allowing the community to contribute, and build on the platform.

[METADATA] Horizons

AI

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution, ModelTrust, addresses the critical issue of trust and transparency in AI models by leveraging the decentralized and secure infrastructure of the Cardano blockchain. As AI models grow in usage across industries, concerns about the authenticity, integrity, and ethical behavior of these models are rising. Current systems lack a transparent and universally accessible way for users to verify whether an AI model has been audited or trusted by recognized authorities. We believe that blockchain, with its immutability and decentralized nature, is the ideal technology to solve this problem. 

Our Approach:

1. Decentralized Verification Framework: We will develop a platform that allows AI model creators to create an on-chain entry of their models. Each model’s entry will contain metadata, including details about the model’s functionality, creator, and timestamp, making it immutable and verifiable by anyone.
2. Audit Entries and Transparency: We will allow audit companies and individual auditors to create verifiable audit entries on-chain, linked to on-chain AI model representations. Auditors’ reputations and records of trust can also be verified through their on-chain presence. This allows any user to check not only whether an AI model was audited but also by whom, and how many times it has been verified. Establishing an immutable, verifiable trust-chain for AI models.

Engagement and Impact:

Our project engages with several distinct groups:

• AI Model Creators: They will use our platform to establish trust in their models and ensure wider adoption.
• Audit Companies and Auditors: We will empower them to certify AI models in a decentralized and transparent manner, increasing the credibility of their audits.
• End Users/Developers using AI models: They will have a seamless and reliable way to verify the models they use, based on trusted audits and open verification records.
• Cardano Ecosystem: By building on the Cardano blockchain, we enhance the platform's utility by creating a real-world use case for decentralized trust in AI.

Uniqueness of the Solution and Benefits for Cardano

Our solution is unique because it allows us to establish a decentralized root of trust for AI models. Unlike centralized solutions, our system will be fully decentralized, ensuring that no single entity can control or alter the records. This creates a higher level of trust in AI systems globally. Building this project on Cardano emphasizes Cardano’s strengths in scalability, security, and sustainability. It will showcase the blockchain's ability to support real-world use cases that require transparency, immutability, and global accessibility.

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

ModelTrust will positively impact the Cardano community by driving adoption through a decentralized AI model verification platform, attracting new users such as AI developers, audit firms, and users. As we will deploy ModelTrust as part of the UnboundedMarket Platform we already have a first project that can leverage this open-source framework. By using the Cardano blockchain, we will create a trusted environment for AI model authentication and audit transparency, showcasing Cardano’s strength in real-world applications. We will measure success through user feedback from the wider decentralized AI and Cardano community. Our outputs, including open-source code, and reports, that will be shared via GitHub and the UnboundedMarket social media platforms.

[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 & Accountability

Our team comprises several team members with 5 to 10 years of experience in Machine Learning, Data Science, and Blockchain Technology, each with a track record of delivering successful AI and blockchain projects. To ensure the project'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.

Our work-philosophy is best described by:

Open: Achievements and insights are shared with our community on a regular basis. Key results and components of our work are published and made available as open-source on GitHub, benefiting all Cardano users.

Transparent: Using clear documentation and academic rigor, we build trust and accountability. Whenever appropriate, we are happy to discuss our work with the community at top-tier blockchain and AI conferences around the globe.

Collaborative: Through collaboration with established industry-peers from our earlier blockchain ventures, we gain regular feedback to continuously improve and adjust where required.

By following these principles of openness, transparency, and collaboration, our team demonstrates its capacity not only to deliver a viable solution but also to foster community trust and engagement throughout the project’s lifecycle.

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

A: Milestone Outputs: Complete technical architecture for the decentralized verification platform outlined in a technical report.

B: Acceptance Criteria: A comprehensive document outlining system architecture, smart contract setup, and user flows.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion: A public design document published on GitHub and shared with the community, including architecture diagrams and technical specifications.

A: Milestone Outputs: Develop smart contracts on the Cardano Preprod testnet for AI model registration and audit entries. This includes initial testing for functionality and security.

B: Acceptance Criteria: Smart contracts are successfully deployed on the Cardano Preprod testnet including model registration and audit verification.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion: Testnet transaction records, smart contract code available on GitHub.

A: Milestone Outputs: Launch a basic functioning frontend-end interface, allowing users to register AI models and add and verify audits. 

B: Acceptance Criteria: Users can interact with the platform, register models, and view audit entries. 

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion: A live puvlic testnet frontend, available for testing

A: Milestone Outputs: Deploy the platform on the Cardano mainnet, perform community outreach including a detailed Medium Article and X post on the UnboundedMarket channel.

B: Acceptance Criteria: A operational platform on the mainnet

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion: Link to deployed platform on mainnet, link to post on UnboundedMarket channel, link to Medium article announcing launch of the platform 

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

Team Members:

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 former 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.

Future Recruitment: We plan to potentially recruit additional Cardano-experienced blockchain developers and UI/UX designers as needed to further scale our development efforts.

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

Platform Architecture and Design:

Resources: Technical Architect, Project Manager, Legal Consultation (smart contract compliance, regulatory alignment), Documentation & Whitepaper Creation

Cost 20,000 ADA: Technical Architect: 10,000 ADA, Project Manager: 5,000 ADA, Extermal Consultation: 3,000 ADA, Documentation & Whitepaper: 2,000 ADA

Smart Contract Development and Testing:

Resources: Blockchain Developer,Testnet Deployment and Bug Bounty Program (incentivized public testing)

Cost 36,000 ADA: Smart Contract Development 18,000 ADA, Testing (unit and integration) 7,000 ADA, Internal Bug Bounty 3,000 ADA, Off-Chain Code 8,000 ADA

Frontend Development Resources:

Resources: Front-End Developer, Blockchain Developer, UI/UX Designer, Backend Developer, Hosting and Infrastructure

Cost 31,000 ADA: Front-End Development 14,000 ADA, Blockchain Integration: 7,000 ADA, UI/UX Designer: 5,000 ADA, Backend Developer: 3,000 ADA Hosting and Infrastructure: 2,000 ADA

Mainnet Launch and Community Engagement:

Resources: Marketing & Outreach (Community Manager, content creation, PR), Hosting and Infrastructure (Mainnet), Public Relations and Media Campaign (blog posts, partnerships, social media), Frontend Developer (deployment of infrastructure on mainnet), Ongoing Support & Maintenance

Cost: 8,000 ADA: Marketing & Outreach 2,000 ADA, Code Adjustments & Deployment & Infrastructure (Mainnet): 4,000 ADA, Maintenance & User Support: 2,000 ADA

Contingency and Miscellaneous Expenses:

Resources: Miscellaneous project costs (unforeseen expenses, extra development time)

Cost: 3,000 ADA

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

The cost of the project represents strong value for money as it aims to solve a critical issue - AI model transparency and audit verification - on a decentralized platform, leveraging Cardano’s strengths. The budget reflects competitive industry rates.. By attracting AI developers, auditors, and users to the Cardano ecosystem, our project drives adoption and showcases Cardano’s real-world utility, delivering lasting value for the Cardano community.