[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

Problem

Unbox offers innovative payment & value distribution solutions with its groundbreaking Ucoin platform, engineered for secure and targeted fund distribution within closed-loop systems. Using our CLS Engine, Unbox has provided solutions across the globe to solve diverse problems:

• Incentivising 90,000+ users to collect 1.7 Million pieces of litter in Belgium, US, Middle East and the UK (https://www.unboxuniverse.com/post/data-insights-1-million-pieces-of-litter-collected-in-belgium)
• Injecting 14+ Million Euros into the Belgian local economy to save businesses from the brink after COVID-19 Lockdown (https://www.unboxuniverse.com/post/antwerp-ucoin-proves-itself-as-a-booster-for-local-business-in-the-city-of-antwerp)
• Assisting refugees in Gaza promoting digital inclusion and aid distribution through an innovative waste management platform (https://www.unboxuniverse.com/post/digital-inclusion-unbox-and-united-nations-unrwa-launch-unlitter-gaza)
• Web3 wallet to combat Opioid addiction in Gary Indiana, offering financial incentives for those participating in recovery programs

These varied use cases are a testament to our commitment to impactful and sustainable economic models, aligning us closely with the ethos of Cardano.

Relying upon our CLS Engine, Ucoins facilitate direct, verifiable transactions between benefactors and participating organizations for targeted use of funds without leakage or slippage. This innovative approach redefines the relationship between funding sources and recipients, fostering impactful and transparent financial exchanges.

To achieve our goals, we've selected Cardano for its thoughtful focus on impactful projects and its advanced third-generation blockchain. On the Cardano chain, Ucoins are top-tier assets treated with the same priority and importance as the native token ADA. However, while several teams have typically relied on a Haskell/Plutus-based stack, we've opted for Rust for its low-level efficiency and safety guarantees.

Sure enough, Rust provides valuable capabilities, especially concerning effectively using off-chain code. However, the Rust-based testing solutions for Cardano use cases are notably underdeveloped, especially compared to those for Haskell/Plutus. We have directly observed the benefits of a Rust-based stack in our work. Yet, the same testing support is required to ensure our solutions reliably meet demand.

Solution

We propose a Rust client library for testing the Rust stack on Cardano. Our solution will borrow heavily from the Plutus-Simple-Model (PSM).

For those unaware, the Plutus Simple Model is a unit testing library for Plutus which has seen significant use and has even been featured in the fourth iteration of the Plutus Pioneer Program [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sft02LeXA_U]. Plutus Simple Model defines a simple mock model of the Cardano blockchain to test against. Its success can be attributed to several key factors:

• It is easy to use and think about
• It has a minimal dependency set
• It is fast and suitable for property tests
• It provides a reliable estimate of resource usage

Our Rust-based testing library will rely on a similar mock model of the blockchain. This will make testing Rust-based off-chain transaction creation solutions easier, providing more confidence in integrating our high-performance approach. Our library will provide benefits similar to PSM such as resource estimations while aiming to be easy to use, intuitive, and reliable in development.

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

What does this proposal entail?

Inspired by the Plutus Simple Model, This proposal entails developing a Rust client library for testing Cardano applications. It aims to provide a mock blockchain model for efficient and reliable testing of Rust-based off-chain transaction solutions in the Cardano ecosystem.

How does a Rust-based testing framework benefit Cardano developers?

Introducing a Rust-based testing framework for Cardano enhances application integrity by providing a mock blockchain environment for thorough testing, including for Rust-based off-chain transaction solutions. This ensures robust, secure, and efficient off-chain transaction solutions. The framework accelerates development cycles, reduces risk, and keeps pace with evolving Cardano technologies, fostering a stronger, more innovative ecosystem.

[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?

Unbox is made up of almost 45 unique and forward thinking individuals on a mission to build and help rebuild better societies. From a diverse background Unbox prides itself on its diversity of thinkers scattered across the globe with proven expertise in Marketing, Blockchain, Engineering, Design, Finance, Payments, GTM and more.

Unbox's capabilities are backed by its proven track record (awards, project launches, etc see here). This is further backed two global and leading Banks who have invested in Unbox.

We will also subcontract MLabs, experts in Rust development and blockchain technology especially Cardano, ensuring our capability to deliver this project with high trust and accountability. Our experience with the Ucoin platform underscores our proficiency and commitment to innovation in the blockchain space.

That said, to validate the feasibility of our approach, we will conduct rigorous early-stage research and testing. This will involve creating initial prototypes of the testing framework and ongoing performance evaluations. Furthermore, we plan to engage with the Cardano developer community for feedback and collaborative testing, ensuring our solution aligns with the real-world needs of dApp teams and builders. We will share the progress of project through the typical compliance channels as well as on social media.

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

TBD 7th Dec

>TBD 7th Dec

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>TBD 7th Dec

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

Meet the team

Unbox the Universe is an innovative player in the blockchain technology space, where we have created and promoted efficient and targeted funding distribution systems using our CLS Engine. Our closed-loop Ucoin payment networks have seen several real-life use cases, particularly during the recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. It stands as a testament to our team's steadfast drive to merge finance with technology to benefit the lives of everyday people.

The Unbox team is spread across 17 countries and consists of over 50 professionals including seasoned developers, finance experts, and strategists. We have expertise in several programming languages and frameworks, blockchain technologies, and creating solutions that redefine funding distribution.

CEO

Erik Saelens

Erik Saelens is the CEO and founder of Unbox. He brings three decades of experience in strategy, branding, sales, marketing, and technology. Saelens prioritises driving growth and profitability and is a renowned author and expert on brand-driven M&A and IPO strategies.

Before founding Unbox, he was the founder and CEO of Brandhome, a strategic agency specialising in rebranding and renaming operations. Saelens led over 350 brand-change operations for blue-chip companies, governments and politicians across Europe, America, the Middle East, and Africa.

LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eriksaelens/]

CTO

Joeri Torfs

Condemned to be free, I attempt to balance existence, roles and nothingness on my journey to be authentic. I'm passionate about Self Sovereign identity, privacy, transparency and more broadly the disruption blockchain tech is about to bring to institutions.

Versatile manager with more than 15 years of experience supporting multidisciplinary teams of different sizes. Technophile, agile coach, trainer and change agent facilitating organisational agility and engaging workplaces.

LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeritorfs/]

CPO

James Angle

Pioneering Web3 products that rearchitect financial value chains. Responsible for the design and implementation of multi award winning products that bring value to users and clients in the real world. Working with Government, Brands, NGOs to build and rebuild better societies for the communities we live and work in from the Middle East, Europe and the US.

LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesangle0/]

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

TBD 7th Dec

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

This Unbox project represents significant value for the Cardano ecosystem by introducing a vital Rust-based testing framework. It fills a critical gap, enhancing the development process for Rust applications and attracting a broader developer base. Our proven expertise in blockchain innovation ensures efficient resource utilisation, making this a strategic investment in Cardano’s future. This initiative will not only boost innovation and quality in DApps but also enhance the overall appeal and functionality of the Cardano platform, offering a substantial return on investment for the community.