Last updated a month ago
TANESCO (Tanzania's utility) faces 14% revenue losses from issues including meter tampering and billing fraud. Current systems can lack transparency enabling $50M+ losses and limiting energy expansion
AegisGrid creates immutable blockchain records of electricity generation and consumption data, preventing fraud through smart contracts and transparent verification on Cardano.
Please provide your proposal title
AegisGrid: Blockchain-Powered Energy Management
Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA
100000
Please specify how many months you expect your project to last
6
Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated
No
Original Language
en
What is the problem you want to solve?
TANESCO (Tanzania's utility) faces 14% revenue losses from issues including meter tampering and billing fraud. Current systems can lack transparency enabling $50M+ losses and limiting energy expansion
Supporting links
Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?
Yes
Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'
This project depends on access to electricity consumption and generation data from a utility company for real-world implementation. However, this solution can be deployed across multiple developing countries where electricity losses represent a substantial issue, as we have established contacts with utility companies in various emerging markets through our renewable energy certificate operations. Our strategy is to first implement AegisGrid in Tanzania with TANESCO, leveraging our (Grinplus, www.grinplus.com) participation in the UNDP SDG Blockchain Accelerator program (see supporting documentation links). This partnership can provide validated access to consumption and generation data and stakeholder support for pilot deployment. The scalable nature of our solution means that while we can begin with TANESCO, the platform can be rapidly adapted for other utility companies across Africa, Asia, and Latin America where similar fraud and transparency challenges exist. Our track record in developing markets demonstrates our capability to navigate diverse utility partnerships and regulatory environments.
Will your project's outputs be fully open source?
Yes
License and Additional Information
Core smart contracts for energy data recording, consumption verification, and anomaly detection will be open-sourced under MIT License to benefit the Cardano ecosystem. Proprietary components including advanced ML algorithms for fraud detection, utility integration logic, and detailed analytics that provide competitive advantage. This ensures community benefit while protecting key IP.
Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal.
Business Services
Describe what makes your idea innovative compared to what has been previously funded (whether by you or others).
AegisGrid pioneers comprehensive electricity tracking by recording both generation (from wind/solar and other power plants) and consumption data on blockchain. This creates a complete national energy audit system - comparing real-time generation vs consumption to identify losses across the entire grid. Unlike existing energy projects focused on trading, we enable transparent loss analysis for entire countries using immutable Cardano records, revolutionizing utility management in developing economies.
Describe what your prototype or MVP will demonstrate, and where it can be accessed.
AegisGrid MVP demonstrates complete energy transparency using real electricity data: 1) Live generation/consumption recording on Cardano blockchain 2) Loss analysis dashboard comparing generation vs consumption with hourly granularity 3) Automated fraud detection via smart contracts 4) Blockchain verification through Cardano explorer 5) Stakeholder portals for utilities/users. Access via live web portal, GitHub repository, demo video, and verifiable blockchain records. Processes actual data for measurable blockchain energy transparency proof.
Describe realistic measures of success, ideally with on-chain metrics.
5,000+ monthly energy records on Cardano, 2,000+ smart contract transactions, 50+ alert tokens minted, 1,000+ blockchain verification queries. Impact: 80% fraud detection accuracy, 50% reduction in billing disputes, <5% error in loss calculations. Adoption: 80% of 10+ pilot users actively using platform, 95% uptime, <15-minute data processing latency, 10+ GitHub engagement.
Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem
AegisGrid addresses Tanzania's critical electricity revenue losses through a comprehensive blockchain-based energy transparency platform that creates immutable records of both electricity generation and consumption data on the Cardano blockchain.
Core Problem Resolution: TANESCO's 14% annual revenue losses ($50+ million) stem from issues such as meter tampering, billing fraud, and lack of transparent consumption verification. Current centralized systems may not effectively detect fraud or provide stakeholders with verifiable energy data, creating disputes and revenue leakage that limits infrastructure expansion.
Technical Solution Architecture: Our platform integrates directly with TANESCO's existing meter infrastructure through secure APIs, recording real-time electricity generation and consumption data with 15-minute or 1 hour granularity on Cardano smart contracts. This creates an immutable national energy ledger enabling comprehensive loss analysis.
Four Core Components:
Generation/Consumption Recording - Smart contracts capture and verify all energy production and usage data, creating tamper-proof records accessible to all stakeholders
Automated Loss Detection - Real-time comparison of total generation vs consumption identifies grid losses and irregular patterns with mathematical precision
Fraud Prevention System - Machine learning algorithms analyze consumption patterns, automatically minting alert tokens when anomalies suggest meter tampering or billing irregularities
Transparent Stakeholder Management - Separate portals for TANESCO operators, large power users, and regulators provide role-based access to relevant energy analytics and blockchain verification
Problem Resolution Impact: By providing immutable energy records, AegisGrid eliminates billing disputes through cryptographic verification, enables rapid fraud detection through pattern analysis, and creates unprecedented transparency in utility operations.
Scalable Implementation: Starting with Tanzania's pilot deployment, the platform addresses similar transparency challenges across developing economies where electricity losses represent billions in collective revenue leakage, creating a replicable solution for global utility fraud prevention.
Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community
AegisGrid delivers transformative value to the Cardano ecosystem by pioneering the first blockchain application for utility infrastructure transparency, positioning Cardano as the preferred platform for critical public services in developing economies.
**Ecosystem Innovation Leadership: **Our project establishes Cardano as the first blockchain to tackle utility fraud detection, creating an entirely new application category. This demonstrates Cardano's capability to solve essential infrastructure challenges affecting billions of people, attracting governments, utilities, and development organizations to explore blockchain solutions for public services.
Technical Contributions: AegisGrid contributes open-source smart contracts specifically designed for infrastructure data verification, IoT integration patterns, and automated fraud detection that benefit the entire Cardano developer community.
**Transaction Volume and Network Growth: **The platform generates substantial on-chain activity with monthly energy records, smart contract interactions, and continuous verification queries. This sustained transaction volume demonstrates Cardano's scalability for high-frequency data recording applications while creating measurable network utilization growth.
**Global Market Expansion: **Success in Tanzania validates Cardano's potential for addressing similar infrastructure challenges across 50+ developing economies where utility losses represent billions in collective revenue. This creates a foundation for massive ecosystem expansion as other countries adopt blockchain transparency solutions, potentially generating millions of transactions monthly across global utility networks.
Real-World Utility Validation: AegisGrid proves blockchain technology's practical value, showcasing Cardano's ability to deliver measurable impact on critical infrastructure affecting millions of people daily. This real-world validation attracts institutional adoption and positions Cardano as a serious platform for solving global development challenges.
Developer Community Growth: Our project attracts infrastructure developers, IoT specialists, and government technology teams to the Cardano ecosystem, expanding the developer community beyond traditional DeFi builders. The open-source components and detailed case studies provide educational resources that accelerate blockchain adoption in emerging markets.
Strategic Positioning: AegisGrid establishes Cardano's leadership in infrastructure blockchain applications, creating competitive advantage over other platforms focused primarily on financial services. This differentiation attracts development funding, government partnerships, and institutional collaborations that strengthen Cardano's long-term ecosystem sustainability.
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 Track Record and International Validation: Grinplus demonstrates high capability through $256,000 in validated international funding from climate-focused organizations (UNICEF Venture Fund $106,000, Interamerican Development Lab $150,000), proving our ability to execute innovative blockchain projects. We currently operate with renewable energy certificates across Colombia, Uruguay, and Argentina with more developing countries on the way.
Technical Team Expertise: Our team combines deep blockchain development capabilities with energy sector knowledge: CTO Pablo Ferrari (17+ years programming and cloud management), blockchain specialist Matilde Maccio (certificate verification systems expertise), Senior Software Engineer Federico González (16+ years scalable software solutions including blockchain), and Nicolas Bartesahi (front-end developer with more than 10 years of experience). We also work with energy consultants to provide the necessary domain knowledge for each project. This proven technical foundation ensures capability to execute complex blockchain-utility integrations.
Established Partnership Foundation: Success in UNDP Tanzania SDG Blockchain Accelerator's 10-day rapid prototyping sprint with actual consumption data validates both technical feasibility and stakeholder support. Our partnership with UNDP Tanzania Country Office provides access to data and regulatory backing essential for pilot implementation.
Feasibility Validation Approach:
**Technical Proof of Concept: **We will validate feasibility through phased technical implementation: (1) Deploy smart contracts on Cardano testnet with sample energy data to prove blockchain integration capabilities, (2) Establish secure API connections with TANESCO's existing meter systems to validate data integration feasibility, (3) Implement anomaly detection algorithms using historical consumption patterns to prove fraud detection accuracy.
**Stakeholder Validation Process: **Continuous validation through TANESCO technical team approval at each milestone, regular feedback sessions with large power users during pilot testing, and transparent progress reporting to UNDP Tanzania Country Office. Our relationships ensure ongoing validation of approach relevance and implementation success.
Risk Mitigation and Accountability: Comprehensive risk management includes technical mentorship through Cardano developer networks, backup data sources to ensure continuous development progress, and milestone-based funding with community-verifiable deliverables. Our operational experience managing international blockchain projects demonstrates proven capability for complex technical and regulatory requirements.
Transparent Management: All project activities will be managed through blockchain-based milestone tracking, regular community reporting through established channels, and open-source release of components previously mentioned. Our track record of responsible fund management through UNICEF and Interamerican Development Lab programs demonstrates commitment to transparent, accountable project execution.
Scalability Validation: The project's feasibility extends beyond Tanzania through our existing utility sector contacts across multiple countries and proven experience adapting blockchain solutions across diverse regulatory environments. Success metrics include transaction volume growth, fraud detection accuracy, and stakeholder adoption rates, all publicly verifiable through blockchain records.
Milestone Title
Technical Architecture and Smart Contract Foundation
Milestone Outputs
Design and deploy core AegisGrid blockchain infrastructure on Cardano testnet. Develop smart contracts for energy data recording, consumption verification, and generation tracking using Plutus/Aiken. Create technical specifications for TANESCO data integration including secure API protocols and data validation processes. Design fraud detection algorithms for identifying consumption anomalies. Produce comprehensive documentation including architecture diagrams, smart contract code, API specifications, and security protocols. Conduct basic testing to validate smart contract functionality and performance on testnet environment.
Acceptance Criteria
Smart contracts successfully deployed on Cardano testnet with verified functionality for energy data recording. Technical documentation approved by TANESCO engineering team with formal written approval. API integration specifications demonstrate feasibility for secure connection to TANESCO systems. Fraud detection algorithms validated with historical data patterns. All code meets Cardano development standards with proper documentation and optimization.
Evidence of Completion
GitHub repository with smart contract source code and comprehensive documentation. Video demonstration of testnet deployment and functionality. Signed technical approval from TANESCO engineering team. Complete technical documentation package. Testnet transaction records with blockchain explorer links. Performance testing reports. Community validation through Cardano developer forum presentation.
Delivery Month
2
Cost
18000
Progress
20 %
Milestone Title
Data Integration and API Development
Milestone Outputs
Establish secure API integration with TANESCO's meter data systems. Develop real-time data processing pipelines for consumption and generation readings with 15-minute or 1 hour granularity. Implement data validation protocols and security measures including encryption and authentication. Create comprehensive logging and audit systems. Conduct integration testing with live TANESCO data from multiple meter types. Optimize performance for production volumes.
Acceptance Criteria
Live API connection to TANESCO systems processing real meter data from 10+ large users and 3+ generation sources. Data processing with <15-minute latency and 99% accuracy. Security audit approval confirming utility-grade protection. Performance testing handling 1,000+ simultaneous readings. End-to-end integration verified through 7-day continuous operation. TANESCO technical team written approval.
Evidence of Completion
Live demonstration of real-time data integration. Performance testing documentation. TANESCO technical validation letter. Continuous blockchain transaction records over 7 days. Complete API documentation. Video of end-to-end data flow demonstration. Updated GitHub repository with integration code.
Delivery Month
3
Cost
30000
Progress
50 %
Milestone Title
Web Portal and Anomaly Detection System
Milestone Outputs
Complete web portal with role-based interfaces for TANESCO operators, power users, and regulators. Implement machine learning anomaly detection system with automated alert token minting. Create dashboards for generation vs consumption analysis and loss calculation. Integrate blockchain explorer for record verification. Develop user authentication and reporting systems. Conduct user acceptance testing with TANESCO staff and pilot users.
Acceptance Criteria
Functional web portal with real TANESCO data and <5-minute update latency. Anomaly detection achieving 80% accuracy identifying billing irregularities. User testing with TANESCO staff achieving 4/5 satisfaction rating. Blockchain verification working consistently. Security testing passed.
Evidence of Completion
Live web portal with demo access. User testing reports . Anomaly detection accuracy test results. Performance testing documentation. GitHub repository with portal source code.
Delivery Month
5
Cost
30000
Progress
80 %
Milestone Title
Project Completion, Documentation, and Open-Source Release
Milestone Outputs
Complete technical documentation. Open-source code release on GitHub under MIT license. Project Close Out Report with detailed outcomes analysis. Pilot testing results documentation. Scaling recommendations for other utilities. Knowledge transfer to Cardano community.
Acceptance Criteria
Technical documentation enabling independent deployment validated by external developers. Pilot testing showing 75% dispute reduction and 80% fraud detection accuracy. Community presentation completed with documented feedback.
Evidence of Completion
Published technical documentation with download statistics. Pilot testing results with quantified improvements. Community presentation materials and recordings. Final approval letters from stakeholders.
Delivery Month
6
Cost
22000
Progress
100 %
Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources
Cardano smart contract development for energy data recording: ₳18,000
Automated fraud detection and alert token minting systems: ₳12,000
Payment distribution and stakeholder management contracts: ₳10,000
Secure API integration with TANESCO's existing meter data systems: ₳15,000
Real-time data processing and verification protocols: ₳10,000
Dashboard development for TANESCO operators and consumers: ₳8,000
Consumption visualization and billing verification interfaces: ₳4,000
Blockchain explorer integration for transparency: ₳3,000
Cloud hosting and database services: ₳5,000
Security audits and testing environments: ₳3,000
Cardano network transaction fees: ₳2,000
TANESCO staff training and system onboarding: ₳4,000
Community workshops and stakeholder coordination: ₳2,000
Technical documentation and open-source preparation: ₳2,500
Milestone management and community reporting: ₳1,500
How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?
Exceptional Cost-to-Impact Ratio: ₳100,000 addresses $50+ million in annual utility losses while pioneering the first blockchain application for utility fraud detection. This 0.2% cost-to-impact ratio demonstrates immediate real-world value that validates Cardano's practical utility beyond speculative applications.
Strategic Market Positioning: Positions Cardano as the first blockchain to tackle infrastructure transparency. Success attracts governments and utilities globally, potentially generating billions in future transaction volume across 50+ developing economies with similar challenges.
Efficient Resource Allocation: 80% budget focused on core development leverages existing infrastructure and proven team capabilities (validated through $256,000 international funding). Maximizes software innovation while eliminating hardware installation costs.
**Ecosystem Benefits: **Delivers open-source smart contracts for infrastructure applications, 50,000+ monthly on-chain transactions, comprehensive documentation, and proven integration patterns. Creates reusable components that accelerate future utility sector adoption while demonstrating Cardano's capability for high-frequency data recording.
Scalable Foundation: Creates replicable template for global utility transparency, establishing Cardano leadership in critical infrastructure applications affecting billions of people. Success validates blockchain's potential for essential public services, attracting institutional partnerships that strengthen long-term ecosystem growth.
Terms and Conditions:
Yes
Federico González - Lead Blockchain Developer 16+ years delivering scalable software solutions with extensive blockchain programming experience. Leads smart contract development on Cardano, fraud detection algorithms, automated token minting systems, and blockchain integration architecture for AegisGrid.
Pablo Ferrari - Chief Technology Officer 17+ years of programming and cloud management experience. Responsible for overall technical architecture, system scalability, cloud infrastructure, and technical project coordination. Ensures robust platform deployment and performance optimization.
Matilde Maccio - Backend Developer Specialized blockchain expertise with experience in certificate verification systems. Develops API integration with TANESCO systems, data processing pipelines, and backend infrastructure supporting blockchain operations.
Nicolás Bartesaghi - Frontend Developer 10+ years of user interface development experience. Develops dashboard interfaces, user experience components for the web portal, stakeholder-specific interfaces, and data visualization systems for consumption and generation analytics.
Business and Operations Team:
Diego Blixen - Chief Executive Officer 15+ years of sales experience in startups and multinationals with entrepreneurship mentoring background. Leads project management, stakeholder coordination with TANESCO and UNDP Tanzania, and strategic partnerships.
Valentina Chagas - Advanced engineering student focused on pilot testing coordination, user feedback collection, and scaling strategy development.
Profiles available on https://www.linkedin.com/company/grinplus
Domain Expertise:
Energy Consultants - Provide specialized domain knowledge on utility operations, energy loss analysis methodologies, and fraud detection patterns. Support technical validation of loss calculations and industry best practices for utility transparency systems.