Last updated 9 months ago
Fake drugs threaten health and cost millions in Ecuador. Poor traceability allows counterfeits to enter supply chains, endangering lives, especially for rare diseases.
We will build an open-source system with Cardano Foundation's Originate to trace medications, ensuring authenticity and safety in Ecuador's supply chain
This is the total amount allocated to Originate MedTrace.
Please provide your proposal title
Originate MedTrace
Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA
100000
Please specify how many months you expect your project to last
12
Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated
Yes
Original Language
es
What is the problem you want to solve?
Fake drugs threaten health and cost millions in Ecuador. Poor traceability allows counterfeits to enter supply chains, endangering lives, especially for rare diseases.
Supporting links
Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?
No
Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'
No dependencies
Will your project's outputs be fully open source?
Yes
License and Additional Information
Apache License 2.0
Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal.
Supply Chain
Describe what makes your idea innovative compared to what has been previously funded (whether by you or others).
Describe what your prototype or MVP will demonstrate, and where it can be accessed.
Describe realistic measures of success, ideally with on-chain metrics.
Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem
Context
The Cardano Foundation created Originate, an open-source traceability infrastructure designed to verify product authenticity and improve supply chain transparency. Furthermore, drug counterfeiting remains a health problem in many countries, including Ecuador, due to the lack of efficient methods to validate origin and authenticity. This not only represents significant losses for the pharmaceutical industry but also poses a significant risk to individuals, especially when it comes to medications for rare or life-threatening diseases.
Currently, there are efforts to combat this problem; however, they are weak mechanisms and isolated from the entire supply chain, and worse yet, they are susceptible to alteration. This is why traceability is a fundamental requirement to ensure supply chain visibility, which, in turn, is essential for providing security and trust. In the pharmaceutical context, traceability involves the ability to track and verify each step in the life cycle of a medication, from its manufacturing to its delivery to the final patient. This includes access to detailed information on the composition and/or active compound, production processes, distribution, and storage, ensuring that medications reach consumers safely and without alterations. Ecuador's "proyecto de ley de blockchain" further supports this by promoting blockchain adoption in key sectors like health, creating an ideal opportunity for innovative solutions.
Proposed solution ´
(Solution with Images and Diagrams)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GyRAc6LOIm0Ge_Rbah_1JZYUirZjqrYp/view?usp=drive_link
We propose to incorporate Cardano Blockchain technology into the production and distribution chain of medications to ensure their traceability and guarantee their authenticity. The proposed solution leverages Originate, an open-source tool developed by the Cardano Foundation, which provides a scalable and customizable infrastructure for verifiable authenticity and supply chain transparency. Originate's core components—its API for seamless integrations, React-based frontend for user-friendly interfaces, and mobile app for real-time verification—allow for efficient, cost-effective implementation without building from scratch. By recording immutable data on the Cardano blockchain, Originate ensures that all records are tamper-proof, auditable, and accessible, combating counterfeiting while aligning with regulatory needs. The proposed solution includes:
We propose to incorporate Cardano Blockchain technology into the production and distribution chain of medications to ensure their traceability and guarantee their authenticity. The proposed solution leverages Originate, an open-source tool developed by the Cardano Foundation, which provides a scalable and customizable infrastructure for verifiable authenticity and supply chain transparency. Originate's core components—its API for seamless integrations, React-based frontend for user-friendly interfaces, and mobile app for real-time verification—allow for efficient, cost-effective implementation without building from scratch. By recording immutable data on the Cardano blockchain, Originate ensures that all records are tamper-proof, auditable, and accessible, combating counterfeiting while aligning with regulatory needs. The proposed solution includes:
Production process
The first step in traceability is registering the production details on the blockchain using Originate. This includes batch identification, medication composition, manufacturer details, and quality certifications. Each production batch will be recorded via Originate's API, creating an immutable entry on a Cardano block. Any changes in the formula or manufacturing errors become easily detectable through transparent audits. Originate's design for enterprise scalability ensures this process is efficient, allowing manufacturers to integrate with existing systems while benefiting from Cardano's low-cost transactions.
The solution will track the medication from the production plant to its delivery to distributors and retailers using Originate's transaction management features. Every movement of the batch will be recorded as an immutable transaction on the blockchain: each transport, storage, or transfer to a new node will be logged via Originate's API. This ensures the medication has passed through approved channels and has not been tampered with. Smart contracts on the Cardano network, integrated through Originate, can automate tracking and trigger alerts for deviations, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing risks in global supply chains.
Final sale/delivery
When the medication reaches the point of sale or final delivery to the patient/consumer, the information recorded during the entire process will be verifiable via Originate's mobile app. Each product can have a QR code generated by Originate, allowing consumers to scan it and confirm authenticity on the blockchain, from manufacturing to delivery. This provides patients and medical professionals with real-time security and confidence, leveraging Originate's user-centric design for accessibility.
Each batch of medications will have a digital certificate of authenticity generated and registered through Originate on the blockchain. This certificate will ensure the batch is original and has passed quality controls, with all data immutably stored. Health authorities or buyers can verify it directly via Originate's frontend or app, without intermediaries, promoting transparency and compliance with standards like those in Ecuador's emerging blockchain regulations.
To ensure security and accountability, each actor involved (manufacturer, transporter, distributor, and seller) will be linked to traceable records via Originate's secure logging. These interactions are recorded as verifiable transactions on Cardano, allowing identification of responsible entities at every step. This guarantees transparent accountability, facilitates investigations, and builds trust across the chain, all powered by Originate's integration capabilities.
Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community
The use of Originate, the Cardano Foundation's open-source traceability tool, for medication traceability in Ecuador will boost Cardano's reputation as a trusted blockchain for healthcare. This project will attract collaborations with government agencies, health regulators, and pharmaceutical firms, enhancing transparency and security in medical supply chains. The emerging "proyecto de ley de blockchain" in Ecuador supports this, aligning Cardano with future regulatory frameworks and amplifying its impact. Success will drive adoption, inspire global use cases, and foster open-source contributions, strengthening the ecosystem.
The project benefits millions—patients, healthcare providers, and the pharmaceutical industry—by reducing counterfeit drug losses, showcasing Cardano's scalability. This value enhances Cardano's market position and community growth.
Impact will be measured quantitatively by tracking 1,000 testnet transactions, 50 testers, and 5 initial expressions of interest from stakeholders within six months, reflecting adoption. Qualitatively, 75% positive feedback from users (professionals, pharmacists, patients) will gauge satisfaction. The emerging Ecuadorian blockchain law will be a key metric, with interest from regulators indicating regulatory alignment.
Outputs will be shared via a public GitHub repository, two webinars, and presentations at Cardano events. We will engage Ecuadorian health authorities, pharma companies, and global organizations (e.g., WHO) to explore partnerships, leveraging the regulatory context to maximize opportunities.
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 ability to deliver this project with high levels of confidence and responsibility is based on solid educational and technical experience:
_Technical Experience: _I am a developer with over 10 years of software development experience and solid technical expertise in blockchain, which allows me to understand and apply the necessary technologies for creating a gamified educational platform. Additionally, I have led the development of projects involving the integration of smart contracts and dApps on the blockchain.
Team Experience: We have an experienced and competent team that possesses in-depth knowledge of blockchain technology, health system, and computer security. In addition, we have the endorsement of some Atala Pioneer members, which adds additional value to our experience and knowledge.
Funded Catalyst Projects: I currently have two proposals funded by Project Catalyst that are in progress, demonstrating my ability to manage complex projects, meet established deadlines, and deliver high-quality results.
**_Blockchain Education Experience: _**We have organized over 20 educational events in Ecuador and Paraguay, where I have taught fundamental blockchain concepts and the specific features of Cardano, including Project Catalyst. These events have had a significant reach, involving students and professionals from various sectors, and have facilitated the early adoption of blockchain in these regions.
High-Quality Documentation and Products: All materials and products generated in these projects have detailed and high-quality documentation, ensuring that the community can fully benefit from the resources and continue contributing to the ecosystem's development and growth.
Validation of Approach Feasibility: To validate that our approach is feasible, we will implement the following strategies:
**_Rapid Iteration and Feedback: _**During the development of the educational game, we will apply an iterative development cycle, releasing beta versions of the product to select groups of users to gather early feedback and adjust our approach based on user needs.
Collaboration with the Cardano Community: We will ensure that our content aligns with the latest advancements of Cardano through ongoing collaboration with the community and key developers. This will also allow us to validate that we are creating a valuable and relevant resource for community members.
Milestone Title
Integration & Architecture
Milestone Outputs
Acceptance Criteria
Evidence of Completion
Delivery Month
2
Cost
20000
Progress
20 %
Milestone Title
Development of Proof of Concept
Milestone Outputs
Acceptance Criteria
Evidence of Completion
Delivery Month
8
Cost
50000
Progress
70 %
Milestone Title
Testing & Deployment
Milestone Outputs
Acceptance Criteria
Evidence of Completion
Delivery Month
12
Cost
20000
Progress
90 %
Milestone Title
Final
Milestone Outputs
Acceptance Criteria
Evidence of Completion
Delivery Month
12
Cost
10000
Progress
100 %
Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources
Phase: Analysis and Design
1 Business Analyst: 80 hr × ₳50/hr = ₳4,000
1 Software Engineer (Architect): 60 hr × ₳50/hr = ₳3,000
Phase: Proof of Concept
1 UX/UI Designer: 120 hr × ₳35/hr = ₳4,200
2 Frontend Software Engineers: 200 hr × ₳45/hr = ₳18,000
2 Backend Software Engineers: 200 hr × ₳50/hr = ₳20,000
1 Infrastructure Engineer: 80 hr × ₳60/hr = ₳4,800
1 Blockchain Engineer: 100 hr × ₳80/hr = ₳8,000
Phase: Originate Integration
1 Frontend Software Engineer: 50 hr × ₳45/hr = ₳2,500
2 Backend Software Engineers: 120 hr × ₳50/hr = ₳12,000
1 Blockchain Engineer: 80 hr × ₳85/hr = ₳6,800
Infrastructure Costs
6 months (cloud services) × ₳2,000/month = ₳12,000
Contingency
Administrative Contingency = ₳4,700
Total =** ₳100,000**
How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?
This project brings immense value to Cardano by establishing a foundational framework for medication traceability using Originate, the Cardano Foundation's open-source tool, setting a benchmark for future applications within the pharmaceutical industry. The integration of Originate enhances Cardano's ecosystem by demonstrating its scalability and real-world utility in combating counterfeit drugs, paving the way for broader adoption across critical sectors.
The project’s impact will be profound, empowering millions of people by providing access to essential information about the origins and quality of their medication through Originate's seamless QR verification and blockchain transparency. This aligns with Ecuador's emerging blockchain regulatory framework, amplifying Cardano's relevance and reach.
Salaries for Expertise:The average salary for experienced developers and IT specialists was determined based on standards set by Ecuador’s Ministry of Labor. These salaries reflect the expertise and technical skills required to successfully implement the Cardano-based traceability project with Originate. This offers Cardano high-quality work at a fraction of the price of 1st world country salaries, ensuring cost-effective innovation and value.
Terms and Conditions:
Yes
David Tacuri
Software Engineer / Lead Full Stack Developer
David has participated in several projects of the Ministry of Public Health of Ecuador., acquiring a profound understanding of health system. Additionally, he possesses technical expertise in various programming languages and databases. As an enthusiastic advocate for blockchain, David has conducted several presentations on blockchain and Cardano at schools and universities in Ecuador and Paraguay."
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-patricio-tacuri-lema-256a08b1/
Andres Flores
Software Engineer / Full Stack Developer
Andrés is a software developer with over 8 years of experience in software development at the Ministry of Health of Ecuador, and an expert in medication management systems.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andres-flores-7b5656209/
Fernando Yánez
Software Engineer / Full Stack Developer
Fernando has been involved in the process of creating solutions for insurance companies, possessing knowledge of multiple programming languages. He has worked in various industries, taking on roles such as developer, team leader, and project manager.