[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

I aim to address the need for streamlined NFT generation by leveraging the OpenSourceAIs.com platform, which I have developed and maintain. OpenSourceAIs.com (OSAIS) was voted top project by the community of SingularityNet users in the Round 2 funding of April 2023. It empowers users to harness popular open-source AIs for Generative Arts through API calls, enabling the generation of artwork with customizable parameters.

For developers, I will develop an open-source JS plugin that seamlessly integrates OSAIS, NMKR, and the requesting app (ReactJS or NodeJS). This plugin will automate the artwork generation process and make them readily available for minting on NMKR.

The JS plugin will automatically create a NMKR project, upload files, and metadata to the project, preparing them for minting. These files and metadata are the automated outputs of the plugin’s calls to the AIs hosted on OSAIS. The plugin will provide APIs but will not include a User Interface (UI) component.

In addition to the plugin, I will create a sample webpage that implements a simple UI for a comprehensive end-to-end integration, from an end-user perspective. Both the plugin and the sample webpage will be available as open-source resources.

To demonstrate the easy integration of the plugin and its sample UI webpage into any application, and to make the service accessible to end-users, not just developers, I will make the sample webpage available on a dedicated URL. This webpage will enable end-users, such as artists, to effortlessly prepare an entire AI-generated NFT collection with just a few clicks. This collection is then immediately ready for minting via NMKR.

This unique solution benefits artists, developers, and the overall growth of the Cardano ecosystem. By promoting accessibility, creativity, and growth, it propels the Cardano NFT space forward by incorporating the latest AI technologies for the Arts.

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

My proposed solution directly addresses the challenge of advancing the Cardano NFT ecosystem by streamlining NFT generation and promoting accessibility. By leveraging OSAIS, developing an open-source JS plugin for developers, and offering a simple web access for artists, AI-generated artwork will be easily created and minted as NFTs on Cardano via NMKR.

This project brings a significant benefit to NMKR and the Cardano ecosystem by opening the door to the world of AiArt. As the trend of AI-generated art continues to grow, this solution becomes a very valuable asset to the community.

Upon completion of the project, I anticipate that the plugin will be embraced by dozens of developers. Based on my past experience delivering open-source libraries, I have achieved over 1,000 downloads within a few months (see https://www.npmjs.com/package/@incubiq/siww).

The introduction of this solution not only expands the creative possibilities on Cardano but also attracts more users and developers to the ecosystem. It contributes to the growing adoption of NFTs and strengthens Cardano’s and NMKR’s position in the market.

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

In measuring the success of this project, I will focus on the following key points:

1/ Time Efficiency: this innovative plugin will significantly reduce the time required for end-users to generate AiArt collections. I will measure the end-to-end time spent on creating new NFT collections, showcasing the enhanced efficiency of the solution. My expectation is that an entire collection of 100 aiArt NFTs could be generated in no more than 15min.

2/ User Engagement: I will track the number of active users utilizing the plugin (as they will be authenticated into it). This will provide accurate insights into the actual usage and adoption of the solution, indicating its success and popularity.

3/ End-User Feedback: by making the code open-source on GitHub, I will actively encourage and welcome direct feedback from developers. This feedback will be invaluable for implementing future requirements important to the community and ensuring the plugin remains competitive not only within Cardano but also in comparison to other blockchain platforms leveraging AiArt.

In addition to time efficiency and user engagement, the continuous feedback loop from end-users will drive iterative improvements, ensuring the plugin remains responsive to the community’s needs and maintains its competitive edge in the broader AiArt market.

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

I have outlined the following plans to share the outputs and results of this project:

1/ Catalyst Community and NMKR: All outputs will be shared with the Catalyst community and the NMKR point of contact. I aim to feature the plugin on NMKR’s dedicated page for third-party components, as referenced in the brief (see here: https://docs.nmkr.io/helpful-links/open-source-repositories).

2/ OSAIS: The JS plugin will be accessible from the OSAIS website, establishing a good visibility of the NMKR brand.

3/ Showcase web page: aiArt NFT collection creation will be prominently accessible on a showcase URL for end-users (artists).

4/ Video Presentation: A marketing video will be created to explain the benefits of this generative Art approach to NMKR, demonstrating the practical application and impact of the plugin.

Regarding further research and development (R&D) activities, the successful delivery of the plugin opens up opportunities for native AI solutions within NMKR’s own APIs. As a result, OpenSourceAis.com could become an integrated partner, offering not only the access to AIs but also access to affordable GPU processing power—a valuable resource for training and utilizing AI models.

These plans ensure that the outputs and impact of the project reach the relevant stakeholders, including the Catalyst community, NMKR, and the users of OSAIS, which is itself a component part of the SingularityNet large community of AI users.

The integration of the plugin within NMKR’s ecosystem and the potential for future R&D activities solidify the long-term value and opportunities created by this project.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

I have a proven track record of delivering projects within the Cardano community, demonstrating my capability to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability. The following projects exemplify my successful delivery:

1. Fund 8, Sign-in with Cardano: (Link: https://cardano.ideascale.com/c/idea/62330)
2. Fund 7, NFT Picture Profile AI Generator: (Link: https://cardano.ideascale.com/c/idea/60921)

Furthermore, I am currently in the final stage of delivering the OpenSourceAis project to SingularityNet, which was voted as the best project in its pool in April 2022. The specifications of this project can be accessed through the following application: (Link: https://proposals.deepfunding.ai/graduated/accepted/9ad5eb8a-5b19-41fb-a5d9-52b6d18e0844). The project is now in final Beta stage, and its integration within SingularityNet is imminent.

Payments will be made upon the completion of the two milestones, as described below. This approach ensures alignment with project goals and minimizes the risk of deviation.

Additionally, I have developed a fully documented JS sample application for integrating a NodeJS backend with OpenSourceAis, including accessing AI models via API (see here : https://incubiq.gitbook.io/opensourceais/sample-app/nodejs-sample). This is a good backbone for integrating into NMKR. I believe that this demonstrates my capability to deliver and provide reliable technical solutions in a transparent manner.

Given my track record, experience, and the contained effort required to refactor the solution into a plugin for NMKR, I am confident in my ability to successfully deliver this project on time and on budget without any significant technology risks.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

The main goals of this project are as follows:

1/ Develop a robust JS plugin that enables developers to seamlessly integrate into their application the generation of AI Generative Art NFT collections, which they can later mint within NMKR . The plugin’s API will be easy to use and fully documented.

This goal will be validated with the delivery of the second goal below, which will showcase a first implementation of the use of the plugin.

2/ Create a dedicated sample webpage that offers a simple and intuitive UI for utilizing the plugin. This page will allow non-developer end-users (mostly artists) to benefit from the opportunity to generate NFT collections from simple inputs.

This goal will be validated by providing the final solution, alongside a video report of an end-user doing an end-to-end AI Art collection creation within NMKR in just a few clicks.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

Project Milestones

1/ Delivery of the JS Plugin and Access to Artist End-User Web Page:

• [1 working day] Setup of repositories, configuration files, and NMKR integration.
• [5 working days] Development of the plugin and its initial release on GitHub in the alpha stage.
• [5 working days] Development of an end-user web page, utilizing the plugin. This web page will enable artists to easily generate an NFT project containing a collection of AiArt, ready to be minted on NMKR.

Acceptance: the JS plugin works and is on GitHub ; the webpage making use of the plugin is accessible and works as planned ; it is possible to generate dozens of images from one set of instruction, and to upload them directly into a new NMKR project. A video report is made showing all those capabilities.

2/ Community Engagement, Video Production, Documentation, and Packaging:

• [2 working days] Liaison with NMKR and the community to ensure alignment and collaboration.
• [4 working days] Marketing activities, including demos, video production showcasing the benefits of the solution.
• [3 working days] Testing, documentation, packaging, and overall project management to ensure a comprehensive and user-friendly solution.

Acceptance: the JS plugin is marked official release; it is possible to generate a collection of a hundred images from one set of instruction, and to have them automatically uploaded into a new NMKR project. A marketing video was produced to showcase the integration with NMKR. A video report is made showing all those capabilities.

By breaking down the project into these two milestones, it delivers the most important value right from the start as an Alpha release, and then leaves the final touches, documentation and marketing into the second and final stage.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Milestone 1: Delivery of the JS Plugin and Access to Artist End-User Web Page

Deliverables:

• The JS plugin on GitHub in alpha stage.
• The UI web page on GitHub in alpha stage, also hosted on a dedicated URL for showcasing the capabilities.

Intended Outcomes:

• Developers gain access to the JS plugin in Alpha release.
• The plugin provides an easy to use API for generating an NFT collection from simple initial input.
• The end-user web page simplifies the process, allowing artists to create an AI generated collection on NMKR with just a few clicks.

Progress Tracking and Measurement:

• Successful setup, preparation of GitHub repositories, and NMKR configuration.
• Completion of plugin development and its availability on GitHub.
• Completion of the webpage UI development and its availability on GitHub.
• Functionality testing of the plugin and webpage, ensuring seamless generation of NFT collections on NMKR.
• User feedback and engagement, measuring adoption and satisfaction with the plugin.
• Video report showcasing the capabilities of the plugin, demonstrating successful outcomes.

Milestone 2: Community Engagement, Video Production, Documentation, and Packaging

Deliverables:

• Liaison with NMKR and the community to ensure collaboration and alignment.
• Marketing activities, including demos and video production highlighting the benefits of the solution.
• Testing, documentation, packaging, and project management for a comprehensive and user-friendly solution.

Intended Outcomes:

• Increased community engagement and awareness of the plugin’s capabilities and benefits.
• Completion of marketing activities, including the production of a marketing video showcasing the integration with NMKR and the advantages of the solution.
• Listing of the plugin on the NMKR “Open Source Repositories” page
• Documentation and packaging of the solution for easy adoption and implementation by developers and artists.

Progress Tracking and Measurement:

• Successful collaboration and alignment with NMKR and the community.
• Completion of marketing activities, measuring user engagement and feedback.
• Finalization of documentation and packaging, ensuring comprehensive resources for users.
• Video report highlighting the outcomes and successes of the project.

By achieving these milestones and delivering the specified deliverables, the intended outcomes include the availability and adoption of the JS plugin, a dedicated webpage hosted on a dedicated URL for Artists, increased community engagement, and streamlined generation of NFT collections on NMKR. Progress will be tracked through successful completion of deliverables, user engagement, feedback, and the production of a video report showcasing project outcomes.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

Budget breakdown

The budget of the entire project is ₳49,009, which was rounded down to ₳49,000. It is calculated as follows:

• Cost per hour (all activities): $85 per hour
• ADA/USD conversion rate: 0.2775

The table below explains the cost per each activity

In summary, the payments are as per below:

• Milestone 1: ₳26,955 (55%)

• Milestone 2: ₳22,045 (45%)

  [RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Resources

The project team consists of Eric Duneau, who will manage, design, develop, and test the entire project. Eric brings extensive experience in the software industry, with over 20 years of experience and prior experience as CEO/CTO of a $30 million software business. After successfully selling the business in 2019, Eric has redirected his focus towards AI and Digital Identity projects on Cardano.

Eric has a proven track record of delivering projects within the Cardano ecosystem, and has set a delivery deadline for this project of two months. Note that this project is estimated at 20 days at most, of which 2 weeks only shall require Eric’s time. Therefore, it is set on a path of “easy to achieve” deadlines.

Video production, marketing, and documentation may be subcontracted to a team which Eric has been working with for several years.

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

Value for money in the Cardano ecosystem

The cost of the project represents excellent value for money. As the main developer, Eric is based in the UK, where he generally command a rate way in excess of the $85 per hour agreed for this project.

The project’s cost accounts for less than 12.5% of the allocated budget for “Building on MNKR”. If all projects deliver comparable value, it would allow for the funding of 8 projects in this category alone.

This project addresses a growing need in the NFT market: using AI to generate Art. The value for money is not just felt by one single project, but by all the community of developers on NMKR, and of Artists on Cardano. The reach is wide.

Finally, the project’s costs have been carefully considered and down-adjusted to reflect a fair and proportionate investment. By delivering exceptional value for money, at less than 50k ADA, this project maximizes the impact of the allocated resources and aligns with the goals and aspirations of the Cardano ecosystem and NMKR.