How did you and your team get started?

As someone from MENA, I've witnessed firsthand the struggles people face in keeping up with crises. Sending remittances has been costly, inefficient, and filled with worries about the process.

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Moreover, the disbursement of aid after events like the Beirut explosion and earthquakes in Syria and Turkey has been complicated. Three major problems arise:

Aid delivery and bulk payments are often expensive and slow for NGOs, especially during emergencies.
Last-mile cash-aid delivery poses safety risks for transporters and collectors, and it is susceptible to fraud.
NGO operators and recipients often lack knowledge of operating in the web3 space, hindering efficient operations.

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These challenges highlight the need for innovative solutions to streamline aid disbursement and ensure efficient and secure support reaches those in need.

What did you build during the SCF Startup Camp on Stellar/Soroban?

Participating in the camp provided us with a valuable opportunity to further refine our idea and delve deeper into its technical aspects. We aimed to develop one of the most user-friendly applications in the blockchain space.

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During the camp, we engaged in discussions and brainstorming sessions to explore innovative solutions. We considered the technical intricacies of integrating blockchain technology, ensuring transparency, security, and efficiency in aid distribution. We focused on creating a seamless user experience, simplifying the process for both NGO operators and recipients.

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Collaborating with like-minded individuals passionate about leveraging technology for social impact was inspiring. We exchanged ideas, shared expertise, and collectively worked towards our common goal of streamlining aid disbursement in MENA.

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What was your experience like?

After our initial submission to the SCF, we received feedback highlighting areas where our application lacked clarity. The reviewer recommended participating in the Startup camp, and we decided to take that advice. Little did we know how valuable this experience would be.

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Throughout the camp, we were exposed to a wealth of knowledge at the intersection of blockchain technology, user experience, and social impact. Engaging with experts and like-minded individuals allowed us to gain invaluable insights and perspectives. We were able to refine our understanding of how these elements intertwine and influence one another.

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We successfully developed a comprehensive mobile interface dynamic prototype for our application. This prototype effectively showcases the user experience from both the sender and receiver perspectives.

Memorable moments

During the Startup camp, we had pivotal "Aha" moments that guided our approach:

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1. Technical Challenges and Custody of Funds:

We found a breakthrough in addressing the technical challenges of building a user-friendly experience while ensuring users have custody and control over their funds. We discovered a method to seamlessly integrate solutions for onramping and off-ramping funds.

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2. Seamless and Frictionless User Experience:

We realized the significance of creating a user experience that is both seamless and frictionless. Through exploring different user interface designs and implementing intuitive features, we identified optimal design choices to ensure effortless navigation, even for individuals with limited technological literacy.

Lessons learned

Networking with like-minded and passionate individuals is essential for success in any field.
Striking a balance between technical challenges and user-friendliness is crucial for onboarding millions of users.

Next steps

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Words of wisdom for future teams

Embrace the opportunity to learn and grow: The SCF Startup Camp offers a unique chance to expand your knowledge, network with experts, and gain valuable insights. Embrace this experience as a learning journey and be open to new perspectives and ideas.

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Be prepared for the unexpected: Startup camps can be intense and fast-paced. Be prepared to adapt and handle unexpected challenges. Stay resilient, flexible, and open to adjusting your plans as needed.

Disclaimer: The SCF Startup Camp finalists (collectively, “SCF Finalists”) are selected based on set criteria and are assessed by a selection panel composed of employees of Stellar Development Foundation (“SDF”) and DFS Lab (“DFS Lab”), as well as community members selected by SDF and/or DFS Lab to participate on such selection panel (collectively, “Panel Members”). While the Panel Members have sought to evaluate SCF Finalists as part of the SCF Startup Camp, none of SDF, DFS Lab, or the Panel Members makes any claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the submissions made by such SCF Finalists. No warranty of any kind, implied, expressed, or statutory, including but not limited to the warranties of non-infringement of third party rights, title, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose is given by SDF, DFS Lab, or any Panel Member. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SDF or DFS Lab. Nothing herein should be construed as financial, legal, or investment advice. If you choose to interact with any SCF Startup Camp Finalist, you should ensure you understand the technology, the assets, and that you are aware of the risks involved in such operations.

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