Please describe your proposed solution

Blockchat will be a decentralized Assistant chat AI protocol that will utilize modern point-to-point encryption, with enchain capabilities, offering low-latency and censorship-resistant messaging, built on the Cardano blockchain. Blockchat will enable the Cardano community, dApps, and others a full integration to interact with the protocol, via an open-source API and provide a site if API is not needed.

Blockchat will be an on- and off-line AI assistance system. The off-chain portion will deliver low latency and fast assistance services, but with the differential that in future upgrades will be incentivized to secure, own and decentralize the protocol.

The on-line portion of the assistance messaging protocol will rely on Cardano. Users of the protocol who choose this option will have selected messages validated by the blockchain itself, creating immutable and permanent proofs, in future it will be secured by Cardano L1.

We predict that there will be certain messages, certain data, that needs to be immutable and stored permanently. Perhaps public announcements from certain dApps who need to create a permanent record about a future upgrade, or perhaps about a voting procedure, will prefer to store those messages permanently and on-chain to have both the immutable record but also an indisputable timestamp. Contracts and other legal documents that presently use systems such as DocuSign, could be another potential use case for the assistant messaging system, given that $user could send a signed contract help to $assistant. dApp providers could, in this manner, integrate to the protocol and use it to produce assist documents which their customers could sign with their private keys.

Blockchat will deliver a full open-source SDK for anyone to integrate to.

We will use natural language processing (NLP) algorithms, LLM(large language model) machine learning models and AIs for user interaction analysis, and recommendation systems for personalized assistance.

The Blockchat protocol will run on the Cardano blockchain but will also be made available to anyone outside the community. New users can simply join the messaging system platform, acquire a Handle (or subHandle) and start messaging. Given the decentralization depth of the Cardano blockchain, we believe that Blockchat has the potential of becoming a global assistant standard of blockchain related technologies, especially since certain nation-states enforce censorship on telecommunications. Blockchat will eventually reach a level of decentralization that will make it resistant to any form of censorship from governments. Blockchat will utilize the Cardano users information and chat/messages with the assistant to store in blockchain to store proofs to validate the messaging application.

All assisted AI messages will utilize point-to-point encryption and therefore only the sender and the assistant will be able to read their contents. In the future, when Blockchat Node Operators have been onboarded and are storing the historical data for the protocol, they too will hold a copy of all sent and received messages but given the technology utilized (point-to-point encryption), they will not be able to read any of the contents. Thus, permitting Blockchat to operate as a censorship-resistant messaging protocol, bringing higher assurances of data integrity given that data will be exchanged without a central authority, thereby creating a node-to-node messaging protocol secured by Cardano.

Blockchat will, initially, offer 2 tiers of pricing: Free and Pro. The free plan will allow a typical off-chain assistant, similar to how existing chat services (Telegram, WhatsApp, Signal, etc.) operate but with some limitations given that our goal is to create a differentiated service, one that will be probably decentralized and in the future resistant to censorship. The Pro plans will offer premium services. We will share pricing for the service as we release the different tiers, while also working closely with our community to deliver tiers that suit our users and community.

The AI model will learn from the entire cardano source including Cardano org,cardano foundation, coinbase and more, so the model is based on a reputable source.

Importance to Cardano:

• Elevates Cardano's stature by introducing an innovative, user-centric solution, thereby fostering a dynamic, efficient, and highly competitive ecosystem within the Cardano blockchain.

METHODOLOGY

1. Personal Account: Client is a unique account and he is account related. All data was secure.

2. End to end Encryption: End-to-end encryption is a method for encrypting communications between receiver and sender such that they’re the only parties that can decrypt the data.

3. Send messages: A smart contract is a code or an automated process that handles the transaction in between two parties without a third-party. Contracts are very much like classes in objects-oriented languages. Contracts may have state variables, functions, events, and struct types. Inside the contract we may have modifiers. Once the smart contract governing the organization is deployed on the blockchain network, it becomes independent of its developers and cannot be influenced by any outside entity.

4. Multi-Client Chat Application: It is a Multi-Client Chat Application. Decentralized Application consists of multiple nodes connected to each other in a mesh topology type network. They are connected to each other in a Peer-to-Peer fashion. Blockchain is a sequence of blocks, which holds a complete list of transaction records like conventional public ledger.

5. Blockchain in real time: Real-time tracking and tracing are important in providing a unified view of global supply chains consisting of several parties.

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

Cardano needs a blockbuster platform. One that will bring Cardano to the masses. BlockChat has the potential to become this application, once we achieve its development. Our team believes that, if it's done correctly, we could create an Assistance messaging protocol that will become an alternative to the existing Web2 and centralized messaging applications. This would deliver on onboarding users to Cardano and also on bringing brand awareness to the Cardano blockchain and get help anytime anywhere. creating the first global and verifiably decentralized assistance messaging protocol that is resistant to governments and censorship.

Within the Cardano blockchain there is presently no assistant communications protocol that acts as the standard. Each dApp and project have adopted their unique Web2 messaging solution. Some have opted for Discord, others for Matrix, some opted for Telegram, and many utilize Twitter. We aim to create the standard assistance messaging protocol for the Cardano blockchain. And cardano community users can call this platform and api to use on as they want anytime anywhere. This will allow us to work closely with our community, listen to their feedback and implement features that they need, creating a Cardano-oriented assistance messaging protocol that dApps, wallets and others can integrate to.

To maximize its impact, BlockChat will provide high localization and accessibility features to accommodate users from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Providing multilingual support and user-friendly interfaces to broaden its appeal and adoption.

Web3 presently does not offer a standard for transmission of contracts and other legal documents message history. We believe that presently Web2 products such as DocuSign are still the standard, relying on a centralized (albeit reliable) for all transmissions. We aim to add an option, secured on-chain, for the transmission of these assistant messages, that will provide a provably secure and encrypted solution to send and received messages, that will provide blockchain-verified timestamps for their transmissions, creating immutable proofs that were sent and received.

As Charles Hoskinson once said, this is the year of node operators, given the different streams of revenue that said operators will receive from different projects. We believe that in the future (and this is not directly part of this proposal, as per above, but this proposal brings us the first step in its direction) we will provide an additional source of income by BlockChat cardano protocol, Thus, BlockChat if successful, and in the future, aims to incentivize operators to assist with decentralizing and securing the chat protocol.

We aim to measure the different impacts explained above utilizing an array of metrics. The number of users that get on boarded onto the assistance messaging protocol, the number of daily messages, the number of active users on daily, weekly, monthly and yearly bases, are some of the metrics that we will collect and share with Project Catalyst and the Cardano community to demonstrate how successful we were in pursuing the objectives outlined by this proposal.

There are two assistance chat KPIs to manage here.

1. The first is the average number of messages our users take overall per day. This can help us to plan team numbers and understand roughly how many chats an agent is likely to handle per day.
2. The second is the number of chats an individual agent takes on.

Global Accessibility: Breaking geographical barriers ensures a worldwide influx of ideas and talents, enriching the global Cardano community.

Documentation and Training: In addition to technical documentation that we will prepare, this project will provide user education and training materials to facilitate seamless on boarding and usage of the BlockChat platform. Clear and accessible guidance is essential for maximizing our user engagement and satisfaction.

Measuring Impact: Quantitative metrics and qualitative indicators will be Used

Quantitative Metrics:

1. User engagement metrics, such as time spent, frequency of visits, and number of interactions.
2. Number of active users over time, indicating the growth and sustainability of the user base.
3. Conversion rates from user registration to active participation, highlighting the effectiveness of on boarding processes.
4. User satisfaction scores, gathered through surveys and feedback, to assess overall experience and usability.

Qualitative Metrics:

1. Depth of understanding(user expertise level), evaluated through qualitative assessments or interviews to gauge users.
2. Confidence levels in applying blockchain knowledge get from the assistance, measured by self-reported confidence levels or observed proficiency in discussions or community interactions.
3. Quality of community engagement, assessed through qualitative feedback on the relevance, helpfulness, and inclusive of community interactions facilitated by the platform.
4. Impact on career or academic advancement, determined through user testimonials or case studies showcasing how the platform usage has contributed to professional or educational goals.

Additionally, incorporating qualitative feedback from users and community members offer valuable insights into the project's impact beyond numerical data

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 team is composed of highly skilled engineers that joined Cardano specifically to build an application and api platform.

Delivery Assurance: Proven track record in app development, education technology, API developments, Cloud computing and team management.

Our team is proud to be partnered with MLOps Community, a global organization at the forefront of machine learning, DevOps, and cutting-edge technology. As HOST and ORGANIZER of the Addis Ababa chapter, we facilitate Meetups , YouTube videos, newsletters, podcasts, and more, providing a platform for knowledge sharing and networking. With branches in various countries and partnerships with industry leaders like AWS, NVIDIA, Databricks and more, we have demonstrated our capacity to deliver successful events and initiatives, showcasing our commitment to innovation and community engagement.

Our team has Successfully Developed an AI Powered Assistant chatbot for Healthcare system called HealthPilot. And it Can be found Here and this Platform is Partner With Microsoft

Our team has achieved significant milestones in the realm of educational mobile applications, boasting over 100,000 downloads and maintaining an active user base exceeding 60,000. You can explore our flagship app here: link.

Furthermore, we're proud to highlight our successful participation in 'Cardano for 100,000+ students,' securing funding through Fund 11. You can view our project proposal and track record here: link.

Also We are Official Partner With Microsoft Startup Founder Hub and We receive more than 45 AI related microsoft products. We Are Trusted By Microsoft.

Our Community Include

• Telegram channels : Ethio_BlockChain_Network Group
• Twitter Handle : Ethio BlockChain Network / X
• General Discussion Channel : Code-Night
• Programmer Union: Programmer Union Ethio
• MLOps Community: <https://mlops.community/>

Highly Experienced programmers in Haskell, Plutus, solidity, AI, ML and subject matter experts ensure high-quality resources.

Transparent Financial Management: Clear budgeting, expense tracking, and reporting processes

Trustworthy Partnerships: Collaborations with Educational Institutions and Experts

User Feedback Integration: Actively collecting and addressing user feedback for continuous improvement

Feasibility Validation: Utilizing past success metrics, implementing pilot programs, and committing personal time for project development.

Trust &amp; Fund Management: Transparent budgeting, regular reporting, and community oversight to ensure accountability. And we follow Budget Planning, Transparent Expense Tracking, Regular Reporting

Iterative Development: Adopting an agile development approach, allowing for continuous improvement based on real-world testing and user input. This positions us as a reliable and accountable entity capable of delivering this project with a high level of trust.

Scalability Considerations: As BlockChat aims to become a global messaging protocol, scalability is a primary consideration in its design and development process. Our team and our community will evaluate high potential bottlenecks and performance optimizations, especially as user demand increases over time.

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

Milestone 1:

Internal Development: Proof of Concept (1.5 month)

• Develop the initial version of the BlockChat application for internal testing.
• Documenting the concept and functionality ,this phase of the BlockChat development will be our internal Proof of Concept.
• Given that this initial phase will not produce any externally accessible code, the acceptance criteria: for this milestone will be the documentation that we will create in order to validate the concept and a video demonstrating the core functions.

Acceptance Criteria: Completion of internal documentation and a video demonstration of core functions.

Milestone 2: User Interface and User Experience (1.5 month)

• Enhance UI/UX design to reach Minimum Viable Product (MVP) status.
• Test various application variations and integrations.
• Improve messaging efficiency and integration with dApps.
• Acceptance Criteria: Video showcasing the MVP on private TestNet with improved UI/UX.

Milestone 3: Community Testing (0.5 month)

• Invite selected community members to test BlockChat in its Alpha iteration.
• Conduct tests and demonstrations with the community.
• Gather feedback and reviews from community testers.
• Acceptance Criteria: Video demonstrating BlockChat usage by 15-20 community members with backend data transmission and community feedback.

Milestone 4: Preview and PreProd Launch (0.5 month)

• Launch BlockChat to the general public in Preview mode with end-to-end encryption. Utilizes its protocol as the authentication layer to access the assistance chat interface and messages.
• Conduct thorough testing in a pre-production environment.
• Address any issues or bugs identified during testing.
• Acceptance Criteria: Successful launch of BlockChat Preview with encryption and testing completion in a pre-production environment.
• while providing us with feedback and reviews that Project Catalyst could utilize to confirm our public test and production launch.

Milestone 5: Marketing &amp; Audit (1 month)

• Implement marketing strategies to promote BlockChat in order to raise awareness about the launch.
• Conduct security and compliance audits.
• request additional feedback, and collect additional insights about new functionalities that the community would like from the BlockChat app.
• Address any audit findings and ensure compliance.
• BlockChat will invest in tutorials, FAQs, and community outreach programs.
• **Acceptance Criteria:**will be links to the Telegram Spaces, YouTube interviews and other marketing efforts that we will undergo, in addition to the documentation from our code verifiers confirming that the BlockChat application is ready for Main launch. Implementation of marketing campaigns and successful completion of security and compliance audits.

Final Milestone: Final Milestone: Deployment (1 month)

• Deploy and Provide API of BlockChat for full public use and on Cardano MainNet.
• Monitor performance and address any post-deployment issues.
• Provide ongoing support and maintenance.
• This version of BlockChat will provide the community with the ability to send and receive Assistance messages, using point-to-point encryption.
• Acceptance Criteria: Successful deployment of BlockChat for public use with ongoing support and maintenance in place. During this phase we will also provide Project Catalyst with a closeout video, showcasing the first public version of BlockChat .

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

Sisay Girma(BSs/MSs): 6+ Year Project Manager | Technical Lead | Blockchain Strategist

• Role: Oversees the project's execution, manages resources, and ensures timely delivery.
• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA) -Sisay Certificate Number 53524

2 Biniyam Seid - Experience in Developing Web Applications using Python and JavaScript

• Linkedin : Biniyams Linkedin
• Github: Biniyams Github
• Website : Biniyams Website
• Role: Responsible for web development, focusing on Web-development, UI/UX design and implementation. Dawit brings expertise in creating an intuitive and engaging user interface.

3 Tollan S. Berhanu - AGI Research | AI Development | Cardano Blockchain Developer at Singualritynet | Full-stack Web

• Haskell and plutus developer
• Experienced Chatbot Developer
• Linkedin: Linkedin Profile
• Github : GIthub Profile

4 Yordanos Bogale - API and Mobile App Developer

• Linkedin: Yordanos_linkedin
• GIthub: Yordanos_GIthub
• Handles the backend development and integration of the platform.
• Proficient in server-side programming languages.
• Experience in database management and API integration.

5 Biruk Getachew - Mobile App Developer and Backend Developer

Github : Github_account

• Linkedin: Biruk_Linkedin
• Portofoli: Biruks_portofoli
• Role: Manage backend development and technical part of the project

6 Yared solomon - UX/UI Designer

• Portfolio: yared_solomon_portofoli
• Github:yared’s_github
• Linkedin: Yards_Linkedin
• Responsible for creating intuitive and visually appealing user experiences.
• Proficient in user interface design principles and user-centered design methodologies.
• Experience in designing engaging and user-friendly interfaces for mobile and web applications

7 Betelhem Girmay - Human Resource and Digital Marketing Specialist

Our team experienced professional adept at content creation, copywriting, and promotion. Betelhem will manage HR tasks while leveraging digital marketing strategies to enhance project visibility and engagement.

• Linkedin - Bethlehem's Linkedin

9 Partners and Groups with existing educational and experienced experts

Telegram channels : EB Blockchain Network

Twitter Handle : Twitter / X

General Discussion Channel : Code-Night

MLOps Slack Community: <https://mlops.community/join/>

Direct lines of communication have been established to ensure effective coordination and access to necessary resources.

This community are in short

Community Hub: Our channel serves as a vibrant hub for interested in blockchain technology. It's a place where enthusiasts, developers, and learners come together to share knowledge, ask questions, and explore the vast potential of blockchain.

Learning Opportunities: people Join us to access educational resources, discussions, and insights into blockchain technology. Whether they are a beginner or an expert, there's always something new to discover and learn in our community.

Networking Platform: Connect with like-minded individuals, experts, and professionals in the blockchain space. Forge valuable partnerships, collaborate on projects, and stay updated on the latest developments and opportunities in blockchain ecosystem.

Community Engagement: Engage in lively discussions, community meetups, and awareness campaigns aimed at promoting blockchain adoption and innovation in Ethio. Be part of a movement that's shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship in our country.

Partnership Opportunities: Explore partnership opportunities with blockchain technology companies, startups, and organizations. Together, we can drive meaningful impact and create innovative solutions that benefit our community and beyond.

Note: Our teams are partnered with Binance Africa and started the Process of partnering with Polkadot., Singularitynet And more

We ensure clear communication and coordination among team members, We have Effective project management practices, regular progress updates, and transparent decision-making processes in subject matters.

Additional Team Members (to be recruited):

Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist:

Skills:** Experience 2+ years in software testing and QA processes, ensuring reliability and functionality.

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

BlockChat will provide Regular reporting and transparency regarding expenditure on ongoing monitoring of expenses throughout the project lifecycle so that it helps to maintain trust and accountability.

1: Software Development - 30,000ADA

We estimate 1,360 hours of development to build BlockChat. Our estimates are for 2 developers taking turns in working full-time for 3-4 months,

assuming the exchange rate of ADA at 0.35 USD.

2: Project Management &amp; Business Expenses - 15,000 ADA

To successfully deploy the BlockChat protocol, we estimate that we will need 15K ADA to compensate the business team who will manage the project for us, coordinate milestones with Project Catalyst, and assist the engineering team in all business-related matters to allow the engineering team to focus exclusively on building. These professionals will work part-time, approximately 1-2 hours per day, for the duration of the project, earning 30 USD per hour. 1 hour per day x 30 USD x 30 days x 6 months = 7.2 k ADA. We are also setting aside 7.8k ADA for business expenses during the development, which includes infrastructure and other business-related expenses. Bringing this segment to a total of 15k ADA.

3: Marketing &amp; Community Engagement - 10,000 ADA

We understand that marketing and community engagement are vital for the success of any product. Thus, we plan on investing 10k ADA throughout the entire development of BlockChat to connect with the Cardano community and also with the communities from other blockchains community naming Polkadot, Cosmos, different channels and groups in facebook, matrix, telegram and more , in order to share what BlockChat is, what it will do and also answer other questions and feedback that the community might have. We will utilize social-media platforms (YouTube, Twitter, Reddit) in order to connect with the blockchain community. We aim to invest 1500 ADA per month for the first 3 months of development and then increase expenditure for the last 3 months, as we approach our launch date to 2200 ADA of , bringing us to the approximate total of 10k ADA.

4: Testing &amp; Quality Assurance - 20,000 ADA

In each phase of our development, we will hire external help to assist us with testing and quality assurance. BlockChat will be developed in 6 months. We will coordinate each of the milestones (6 in total) with the testing- and-quality-assurance professionals. Our estimates are to invest 3.3k USD per milestone on testing and quality assurance, bringing us to a total of 3.3 K ADA x 6 = 20K ADA.

5: Code Audit - 10, 000 ADA - (milestone 5)

Upon concluding the development of the first phase of BlockChat, we will review that security verifying and checking the code. This verification will precede launch and will therefore be executed towards the end of the development of this Catalyst proposal. Our goal is to have a clear and secure system in finding flaws and potential vulnerabilities in the protocol. We estimate 10k ADA for these fees.

6: Documentation &amp; Reportingv - 10,000 ADA

BlockChat will include extensive documentation that will allow other projects and interested parties to integrate the protocol. This documentation will be developed and improved throughout the entire development. We estimate that our professionals earning 50 ADA per hour will take between 80 and 100 hours to create all our documentation. This will include the documentation on GitHub, in PDF files, and will describe how the tool and platform will work. For the reporting part, as we develop reports for our stakeholders (team, community), we estimate that this professional will need to invest another 50 to 80 hours. Bringing the total to approximately 180 hours x 55 ADA = 10k ADA.

Risk Mitigation Plan of Reserved funds

5000 ADA

Reserved for addressing unforeseen challenges or additional needs during project execution

Blockchain Integration Challenges: There may be difficulties in integrating BlockChat with the Cardano blockchain due to technical complexities or changes in Cardano's protocol.

Risk Mitigation Strategy:

• Conduct thorough testing and validation of blockchain integration during the development phase. Stay updated with Cardano's development roadmap and engage with the Cardano community for support and guidance.
• Implement robust security measures, including code audits, penetration testing, and continuous monitoring. Engage with security experts and utilize best practices for secure software development.
• Stay informed about regulatory developments and seek legal counsel to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Maintain transparency and documentation of project activities for audit and compliance purposes.
• Prioritize transparency and proactive communication with the community. Develop a crisis management plan to address potential incidents swiftly and effectively. Build trust through ethical practices and consistent delivery of value to users.

Security Vulnerabilities: The decentralized nature of BlockChat may expose it to security vulnerabilities, such as smart contract bugs or encryption weaknesses.

Regulatory Compliance: Evolving regulatory requirements and legal uncertainties in the blockchain space may pose compliance risks.

Negative Public Perception: Incidents such as security breaches or operational failures could damage BlockChat's reputation and credibility.

Long-Term Sustainability and Revenue Strategy :

BlockChat's long-term sustainability is vital for its success and continued growth within the Cardano ecosystem. In addition to attracting and retaining users, the project will implement strategies to ensure ongoing viability and development support. One such strategy involves the implementation of revenue generation models, wherein companies utilizing BlockChat's API will contribute to its sustainability through paid services. By diversifying revenue streams and fostering partnerships with enterprises, BlockChat aims to secure the necessary resources for continuous improvement and innovation, thereby ensuring its longevity and relevance in the blockchain space.

No dependencies.

How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Cardano does not presently have an established real-time low-latency assistance messaging application with Artificial intelligence that allows the community to get information in a secure manner, validated by the blockchain and its node operators. We believe that BlockChat can fill this gap and in turn create a decentralized Assistance protocol utilized by the Cardano community and also the rest of the world Using Artificial Intelligence and ML, We believe that over time, as we expand the BlockChat protocol, it has the potential to become a global Assistance messaging application, resistant to censorship given the decentralized and permission-less nature of future BlockChat Operators (that, as explained above, will not be part of this initial deployment, which focuses exclusively on building the first iteration and on future upgrades onboard). Thus, it is our opinion that developing a messaging protocol that has the potential to become one of the few truly censorship-resistant protocols, that will bring brand awareness to Cardano and to blockchain, can be perceived as offering value for money. We, therefore, believe that it is a valuable service and product. And we believe in its slogan: "BlockChat - Built on Cardan and AI for the world."

Cost Justification:

• Localized Expertise: Costs reflect fair compensation for skilled professionals in Ethio, ensuring the engagement of local talent familiar with the linguistic and cultural nuances, thereby enhancing the educational impact.
• Transparent Allocation: The budget breakdown Each budget item is meticulously justified and ensures a transparent allocation of funds to critical project components, balancing development, content creation, testing, community engagement, and impact assessment.

Proportional Costs:

• Local Context: Costs are aligned with the economic context of Ethio, considering the average wage and freelancing rates within the country. This approach promotes fair compensation and supports the local economy.
• Resource Optimization: Efficient allocation of resources ensures that each aspect of the project receives the necessary attention without unnecessary expenditure, maximizing the value derived from the budget.

NOTE. The cost and budget allocation is determined based on high research and documentation conducted by the Centre for Economic Policy Research