Midnight Private Balloting: Fraud-resistant surveying, polling & voting by Edda Labs

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Erick Romero

[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)

12

[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)

Using zero-knowledge technology, users can participate anonymously in surveys, polls, and votes, while hosts enforce rules, ensuring fairness without revealing identities or central control.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[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.”

Cardano and Midnight blockchain.

[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 is dedicated to full transparency and active collaboration with the community. We are committed to open-source development to foster innovation and trust within the ecosystem.

License Details: We have chosen the MIT License for all components of our project. This permissive license allows others to freely use, modify, and redistribute our software, including for commercial purposes. It supports open innovation while preserving the original copyright.

Scope of Open Source: The entire project, including smart contract templates, integration logic, and user interface components, will be made open source. This approach ensures that developers can freely contribute to and utilize our tools, enhancing their applications without legal barriers.

Community Engagement: By making our project fully open source, we aim to encourage community-driven development and ensure our solutions are continually refined and expanded to meet diverse needs. This commitment aligns with our goal to simplify the adoption of smart contract technology and to enhance the functionality and security of business platforms.

[METADATA] Horizons

Privacy

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Context and Overview: Collaboration tools like Mentimeter have become popular for gathering feedback and opinions through polls, votes, and surveys without requiring user login. However, this approach has limitations: while anonymity is maintained, the lack of rule enforcement allows participants to manipulate results, undermining the integrity of the platform. This reliance on a centralized authority raises concerns about data privacy and security, highlighting the need for a solution that balances anonymity with effective rule enforcement.

Solving the Problem with Zero-Knowledge Technology: To address the issues of anonymity and rule enforcement, we propose using zero-knowledge technology to maintain user privacy while enabling robust rule enforcement across three main features: polling, voting, and surveying. Our platform will allow participants to engage in these activities without revealing their identities, while still adhering to rules set by the host, such as one vote per person or specific access controls.

Polling will be the first feature developed, allowing participants to select from multiple options while ensuring each participant can only vote once. This will be followed by the voting feature, where more complex rule enforcement will be applied, such as weighting votes or limiting specific actions based on predefined criteria. Finally, the surveying feature will include not only rule enforcement but also moderation tools, allowing hosts to filter and manage responses to ensure a productive and respectful environment.

Additionally, our solution will be provided as a decentralized application (DApp) with an interactive user interface (UI) that enables participants to perform various actions easily. The platform will utilize a reactive database to maintain real-time interactivity throughout the application, ensuring a seamless and responsive user experience.

Flexibility Between Testnet and Mainnet: Our solution is flexible and can operate on both testnet and mainnet. For non-critical data storage and testing purposes, the testnet can be used to reduce operational costs. However, when storing critical information or results is essential, the mainnet provides a secure and permanent solution. This flexibility ensures that the platform remains cost-effective while meeting diverse use case requirements.

Prototype Features: For the prototype, we will incorporate three main features

• Polling – Participants can vote on predefined options anonymously, with rules such as one vote per person enforced through zero-knowledge proofs.
• Voting – More complex voting mechanisms will be implemented, allowing for rule enforcement like vote weighting and specific action limitations.
• Surveying – Participants can submit responses to open-ended questions. Moderation tools will allow hosts to manage inappropriate comments, ensuring a respectful environment.

Rule Enforcement: Through this solution, we will enforce specific rules such as

• Who can perform certain actions (e.g., voting, submitting responses).
• How many times a participant can interact with the platform.
• Moderation capabilities for the host to manage and remove inappropriate comments during surveys.

By leveraging zero-knowledge technology, our platform will provide the anonymity participants desire, while ensuring rules are enforced, preventing exploitation, and maintaining the integrity of the collaboration process.

Community Updates and Blogs: We will provide regular updates through blogs, forums, and social media to keep the community informed about our progress, key milestones, and how our project benefits users and developers. These updates will foster engagement, provide insights into the platform’s features, and demonstrate how users can take advantage of the anonymity and rule enforcement capabilities enabled by zero-knowledge proofs.

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

Bringing Value to Cardano: Our project will significantly enhance the Cardano ecosystem by showcasing the capabilities of Midnight, a fourth-generation blockchain that integrates privacy and decentralized identifiers (DIDs) as core pillars through zero-knowledge technology. This project not only demonstrates how anonymity and rule enforcement can coexist but also sets the stage for businesses seeking privacy-focused solutions to adopt blockchain technology natively.

Midnight's Impact on Cardano: As a partner chain that borrows security from other networks, Midnight has chosen Cardano as its decentralized security layer, positioning Cardano as a Layer 0 blockchain. This is a monumental win for Cardano, as it will attract millions of businesses that require privacy as a native component of their products. Furthermore, ADA holders will benefit directly: in addition to ADA staking rewards, they will receive Night, Midnight’s native currency, as additional rewards. This dual incentive mechanism strengthens Cardano’s ecosystem, providing more value to its stakeholders and enhancing its role as a foundation for scalable, secure, and privacy-centric applications.

Flexibility and Broader Ecosystem Benefits: By supporting both testnet and mainnet implementations, our project offers flexibility in cost management, making it suitable for a range of applications, from non-critical testing to critical business use cases. This adaptability broadens Cardano’s ecosystem by enabling diverse solutions, including business collaboration tools, governance applications, and interactive platforms that prioritize privacy. This flexibility not only highlights Midnight’s capabilities but also reinforces Cardano’s position as a versatile and robust platform for high-assurance applications.

Measuring Impact: User feedback will be central to measuring the impact of this project. We will collect insights directly from developers and users through GitHub and Discord, focusing on their experience with the platform’s anonymity, rule enforcement, and overall usability. This feedback loop will allow us to continuously refine and improve the solution, ensuring it meets the community’s needs and effectively showcases Midnight’s potential. This community-driven approach will help us gauge adoption, identify areas for enhancement, and ensure the platform remains relevant and impactful.

Long-Term Benefits: The success of this project promises immediate improvements in how businesses and developers utilize Cardano for privacy-focused applications. More importantly, it will have long-term benefits, such as attracting a broader range of developers and businesses to Cardano and its partner chains. By integrating Midnight with Cardano, we foster innovation while promoting sustained growth and adoption. This not only contributes to Cardano’s reputation as a leader in blockchain privacy and governance solutions but also solidifies its role as a crucial player in the evolving blockchain ecosystem. The collaboration between Cardano and Midnight offers unparalleled opportunities for developers, businesses, and ADA holders, driving forward a future of decentralized, privacy-centric applications.

[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?

Proven Expertise in Zero-Knowledge Technology: Edda Labs secured first place in the inaugural virtual Midnight hackathon, competing against 35 participants and showcasing our expertise in zero-knowledge technology (https://midnight.network/blog/virtual-hackathon-winners). This achievement highlights our deep understanding of privacy-focused solutions and positions us as leaders in leveraging Midnight's capabilities. Additionally, our strong relationship with the Midnight core team ensures continuous communication and synergy, allowing us to align our product development with the latest network improvements and upgrades.

Established Track Record: Beyond our hackathon success, we have a proven track record of delivering impactful blockchain solutions. A prime example is our successfully completed Fund 11 Catalyst proposal, which received outstanding community feedback (Close-out video: youtube) (Project Milestones: https://milestones.projectcatalyst.io/projects/1100190). Our achievements demonstrate our ability to execute complex initiatives and contribute meaningfully to the Cardano ecosystem, particularly through innovative projects that leverage the advanced capabilities of Midnight.

Expertise in Privacy and Zero-Knowledge Technology: Edda Labs specializes in developing secure, scalable, and user-friendly blockchain applications tailored to address specific challenges. Our deep expertise in zero-knowledge proofs and privacy-enhancing technologies equips us to build solutions like the Midnight Private Balloting, where privacy, rule enforcement, and moderation are essential. Our portfolio spans various applications, from privacy-focused collaboration tools to enterprise solutions, highlighting our versatility and commitment to advancing blockchain technology.

Global Collaboration and Expansion: At Edda Labs, we are committed to fostering innovation and driving business growth within the blockchain ecosystem. Our active involvement in the Cardano community, including hosting the Cardano Constitutional Workshop in Peru, reflects our leadership in advancing governance and collaboration discussions. We are also supporting Cardano hubs across Latin America, including Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Paraguay, and Brazil, furthering regional innovation and contributing to the widespread adoption of Cardano technology. These initiatives align with our goal of enhancing business opportunities, fostering local and global innovation, and driving the long-term expansion of the Cardano and Midnight ecosystems.

Project Management and Financial Accountability: Led by professionals with extensive experience in project and business management, Edda Labs is committed to delivering projects with strict adherence to timelines and financial accountability. Our successful completion of a Catalyst-funded project and recognition in the Midnight hackathon are testaments to our disciplined approach and ability to meet expectations, earning praise from the community.

Innovative Solutions and Commitment to the Cardano Ecosystem: Edda Labs continues to push the boundaries of blockchain technology by developing privacy-focused solutions and applying advanced technologies such as Midnight, Aiken, Mesh, and reactive databases. By leveraging web frameworks and reactive programming, we build scalable and responsive applications that reinforce our commitment to driving decentralized solutions and advancing the Cardano ecosystem. Our work with Midnight highlights our dedication to integrating cutting-edge privacy technology, making us well-suited to deliver on the promises of the Midnight Private Balloting project.

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

Platform Structure and Polling Feature Development

Duration: 3 months

Milestone Outputs:

• Establish the GitHub repository for the platform with a robust code structure to support future features.
• Develop the initial version of the platform, including the user interface (UI) and the integration of zero-knowledge proofs for anonymous participation.
• Implement the polling feature, allowing users to participate anonymously in polls with basic rule enforcement (e.g., one vote per person).
• Integrate the reactive database to support real-time interaction and display of polling results.
• Ensure basic mobile and desktop compatibility for the platform.

Acceptance Criteria:

• GitHub repository is set up and operational with the platform’s initial structure.
• Polling feature is fully functional, with real-time result updates and basic rule enforcement.
• Zero-knowledge proof functionality for anonymous participation is operational.
• UI is functional for polling on both desktop and mobile platforms.
• Reactive database enables real-time updates for the polling feature.

Evidence of Completion:

• Code available on GitHub.
• Demo video showcasing the platform's structure, polling feature, and real-time results.
• Initial documentation published on GitHub.

Voting Feature with Enhanced Rule Enforcement

Duration: 4 months

Milestone Outputs:

• Implement the voting feature, allowing for more complex voting mechanisms such as vote weighting and multiple-choice selections.
• Develop an interactive UI for the voting feature that allows users to submit their votes intuitively.
• Enforce advanced rules, such as one vote per person and additional voting restrictions based on predefined criteria, using zero-knowledge proofs.
• Continue optimizing the reactive database to ensure real-time interaction for the voting feature.
• Further enhance mobile and desktop compatibility for the voting feature.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Voting feature is fully functional with real-time updates and advanced rule enforcement.
• UI is interactive and intuitive for the voting feature on both desktop and mobile.
• Zero-knowledge proofs effectively enforce complex voting rules.
• The platform works seamlessly across mobile and desktop.

Evidence of Completion:

• Code available on GitHub.
• Demonstration video showing the voting feature, including rule enforcement and real-time interaction.
• Updated documentation published on GitHub.

Surveying Feature with Moderation and Rule Enforcement

Duration: 4 months

Milestone Outputs:

• Implement the surveying feature, allowing users to submit responses to open-ended questions.
• Add moderation capabilities for the host to manage and remove inappropriate responses.
• Enforce rules such as one response per person and specific access controls using zero-knowledge proofs.
• Optimize the UI for the surveying feature to ensure a smooth and intuitive user experience.
• Maintain real-time updates through the reactive database for the surveying feature.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Surveying feature is fully functional with real-time updates and moderation capabilities.
• Rule enforcement (one response per person) is implemented and operational.
• Moderation system allows hosts to manage survey responses effectively.
• Real-time interaction works seamlessly across all devices.

Evidence of Completion:

• Code available on GitHub.
• Demo video showcasing the surveying feature, including moderation and rule enforcement.
• Updated documentation on GitHub.

Final Report and Project Wrap-Up

Duration: 1 month

Milestone Outputs:

• Produce a close-out report, detailing development progress and feedback gathered from community members.
• Finalize all documentation and ensure it covers the platform's features, rule enforcement, and real-time interaction capabilities.
• Create a final demo video that showcases all the features and how the platform operates.
• Publish community updates and share the final project outcomes via blogs and social media.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Close-out report is completed and published.
• Documentation is finalized and covers all key aspects of the platform.
• Final validation of the platform, ensuring ease of use and functionality.

Evidence of Completion:

• Final report published on GitHub.
• Final demonstration video showcasing the complete platform.
• Documentation and community updates shared on social media platforms.

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

Erick Romero | Blockchain & Full-Stack Developer & Business Strategy

Background: Engineer

LinkedIn: Erick Romero

Twitter: @ErickRomeroEdda

Erick Romero plays a pivotal role in the technical design and architecture of Edda Labs' blockchain projects. As the Blockchain & Full-Stack Developer, he leads the development of smart contracts, ensuring they are modular, secure, and fully aligned with project goals. Erick combines deep expertise in blockchain technology, software development, and project management, strategically guiding each initiative to ensure technical excellence.

With over 15 years of experience in the tech field, Erick has actively participated in the Plutus Pioneer Program, Aiken-Mesh PBL, Marlowe Pioneer Program, Midnight Pioneer Program and the Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate. He has a robust understanding of zero-knowledge technology and its application in smart contracts, thanks to his role as a lead developer in the Midnight hackathon, where Edda Labs secured first place. Additionally, Erick is the co-host of the Cardano Constitutional Workshop in Peru. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, Erick's ability to communicate across languages aligns with the project’s multilingual content creation goal. His background in project management is bolstered by a master’s degree in renewable energy and an MBA, ensuring financial discipline and transparency across all projects.

 

Tainá Bugs | Full-Stack Developer & Product Design & Product Owner

Background: Engineer & Designer

LinkedIn: Tainá Bugs

Twitter: @tainabugs

Tainá Bugs is a highly skilled Full-Stack Developer with expertise in Next.js and its App Router, managing both backend and frontend functionalities to deliver integrated solutions swiftly and effectively. In addition to her development work, Tainá is responsible for product design, ensuring that client needs are effectively reflected in the application in the most efficient and user-centric way. Her technical expertise allows her to work across all layers of the application, from server-side logic to client-side interactivity, ensuring a seamless user experience.

With over 10 years of experience in the tech field, Tainá brings a diverse background as a civil and metallurgical engineer, as well as a designer. She has also completed the Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate program and, as part of the team that won the Midnight hackathon, she has hands-on experience in implementing zero-knowledge technology within smart contracts. Additionally, she is a co-host of the Cardano Constitutional Workshop in Peru. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, Tainá is well-positioned to support the project's goal of producing multilingual content. Her blend of full-stack development, product design, and blockchain expertise positions her as a key asset in delivering innovative and user-centric solutions.

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

Total Budget: 150,000.00 ADA

You can see the detailed budget here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12-WzvQvTWi7p2wLYWXSRGlUq5rGuh1bj/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110349680417320756134&rtpof=true&sd=true

Milestone 1: Platform Foundation and Polling Feature Development

Total for Milestone 1: 46,200 ADA

• Blockchain Developer (Zero-Knowledge Proof and Real-Time Database Integration): 19,500 ADA
• Full-Stack Developer & UI/UX Design: 22,500 ADA
• Contingency: 4,200 ADA

Milestone 2: Development of Voting with Rule Enforcement

Total for Milestone 2: 46,200 ADA

• Blockchain Developer (Zero-Knowledge Proofs and Real-Time Database Integration): 19,500 ADA
• Full-Stack Developer & UI/UX Design: 22,500 ADA
• Contingency: 4,200 ADA

Milestone 3: Development of Surveying with Moderation

Total for Milestone 3: 46,200

• Blockchain Developer (Zero-Knowledge Proofs and Real-Time Database Integration): 19,500
• Full-Stack Developer & UI/UX Design: 22,500 ADA
• Contingency: 4,200 ADA

Milestone 4: Project Consolidation and Final Report

Total for Milestone 4: 12,650 ADA

• Blockchain Developer (Testing and Optimization): 6,500 ADA
• Full-Stack Developer & UI/UX Design (Testing and Optimization): 5,000 ADA
• Contingency: 1,150 ADA

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

Our project budget of 150,000 ADA is strategically allocated to deliver a high-impact, privacy-focused platform for anonymous collaboration, featuring polling, voting, and surveying functionalities. By concentrating resources on essential development roles—a Blockchain Developer and a Full-Stack Developer—we ensure efficient use of funds while maximizing the platform's effectiveness.

Key Value Points:

• Addressing Critical Privacy Needs: In an era where data privacy is paramount, businesses urgently require tools that ensure secure and anonymous interactions. Our platform leverages Midnight's zero-knowledge technology to meet this demand, providing a robust solution for collecting opinions, votes, and feedback without compromising user anonymity or data integrity.

• Efficient Resource Utilization: A lean development team minimizes overhead costs while delivering high-quality features. By focusing our budget on core functionalities, we ensure that funds are dedicated to building elements that directly contribute to the platform's success.

• Market Potential and ROI: The global demand for privacy-centric collaboration tools is rapidly growing. By providing such a solution, we position ourselves to capture emerging market opportunities, paving the way for substantial commercial partnerships across various sectors.

• Cost-Effective Rule Enforcement: Traditional collaboration platforms often struggle to enforce rules without compromising privacy. Our use of zero-knowledge proofs enables effective rule enforcement while maintaining user anonymity, addressing this critical industry challenge efficiently.

• Strategic Collaboration and Community Growth: Our strong relationship with the Midnight core team ensures ongoing alignment with the latest network advancements. This collaboration enhances the project's quality and contributes to the broader adoption and growth of the Cardano ecosystem.

By strategically allocating our budget to these high-impact areas, we ensure that every ADA invested contributes to a solution with substantial benefits for businesses, the Cardano community, and the broader market. Our project addresses a pressing need for privacy-focused collaboration, maximizing return on investment and setting the stage for future innovations.