Find & Flow – A matching platform for used resources

AI Quick Summary

Matching platforms like Uber, Airbnb, or Tinder are success stories – our AI-based open-source platform "Find and Flow" uses this very principle. It connects used materials, which are abundant in our consumer society but often difficult to access. "Find and Flow" catalogs these resources and enables actors – from individuals to companies – to efficiently match supply and demand, making them directly accessible by origin, location, price, and availability. The simple and radical Find&Flow matching platform enables the centralized networking of dispersed actors and materials with minimal effort and through the integration of AI, providing a significant leverage for spreading circular economy principles. It fosters collaborations between actors who would hardly connect through conventional means. The user-friendly platform strengthens existing connections and creates new ones. The partnership between academic institutions and practice-oriented implementation partners generates synergies and perspectives that are often not achieved in traditional teams.Which problem do you want to solve?With the Find&Flow application, we are transforming how used resources are managed and connected. The main problem we solve is the disorganized and inefficient handling of used resources in a decentralized circular economy. By utilizing advanced AI technologies, Find&Flow systematically organizes unstructured, individually managed resources based on key factors and integrates them into an innovative network. An algorithm creates a matrix of attributes covering all relevant parameters such as location, condition, mass, price, availability, destination, and CO2 content. Based on this data matrix, the AI calculates and optimizes "matches" for user queries or specific needs. The results are visualized on an interactive map, where all relevant resources and their characteristics are immediately visible to enable fast and informed decision-making. We create a central, intelligent system that connects supply and demand for used resources in a radically new and efficient way. The outcome is optimized resource usage, which reduces costs and promotes sustainability.Who benefits from the solution and how?The Find&Flow application benefits all actors – from individuals and small to medium-sized businesses to large corporations and municipalities. Individuals and small businesses gain access to used resources that were previously hard to find or required significant effort. For medium and large companies, the AI-based algorithm makes searching for needed materials more efficient by identifying patterns and connections that would be difficult to spot manually. Municipalities can enhance their local circular economy projects by optimizing resource allocation and reducing waste. Those already active in the circular economy benefit from more efficient, transparent, and sustainable processes. Our solution creates a connected, dynamic environment where supply and demand are matched automatically and optimally, leading to an efficiency boost that was hard to achieve manually.Who are the people/organizations in your team, and what role do they play?- Adrian Kiesel, nuar GmbH – Implementation Partner: Architect and circular economy expert. Responsible for platform development, graphical processing, and collaboration with the research institute. Focus on developing the AI matrix and identifying key factors for the AI algorithm.- Dr.sc. Maxime Zaugg – Research and Methodology: Lecturer at the Institute of Urban Landscape, ZHAW. Responsible for research on publicly accessible applications in urban planning, focusing on accessibility and user-friendliness. Researches the societal relevance of the circular economy and communicates with key stakeholders.- Programmer/Game Design Expert – Technical Implementation*: Responsible for the app's technical development, including integrating user-friendly plugins and implementing the AI algorithm.- Communication Expert – Network Building: Supports network creation and mediation between actors in the circular economy who have not yet been connected.- AI Expert (ZHAW) – AI Consulting: Provides expert advice and support in the development and optimization of the AI algorithm and its implementation on the platform.How does the solution positively impact the planet?The Find&Flow application leverages digitalization and AI to maximize resource reuse and significantly reduce resource waste. By intelligently linking material supply and demand, the solution fosters new, innovative networks and local partnerships that had previously gone undiscovered. This reduces the need for new production, lowers energy consumption, and cuts CO2 emissions. Simultaneously, shorter transportation routes minimize the ecological footprint.Has the idea been tested before?This concept has not been tested in its current form because it differs from existing platforms by using targeted AI to automate the creation of optimal "matches." This innovative approach uses AI to enable more efficient and intelligent resource use. The project is currently in its early stages, and a prototype will soon be developed to test the functionality and value of the solution in an initial trial phase.What would you work on during the funding phase?During the funding phase, we aim to develop and build a functional prototype that is flexible and scalable across various levels—from small local networks to larger regional applications. We will conduct a feasibility study to validate the technical requirements and market demand and refine the business model to ensure sustainable scaling. By the end of the booster phase, we will deliver a fully functional prototype that has successfully passed initial practical tests, forming the foundation for a broad application of the solution.What do you expect from the FUS Booster team?We expect the FUS Booster team to help connect actors already active in the circular economy but not yet networked. We also seek expert advice to tailor our AI-based solution to market needs and identify suitable use cases. Additionally, we hope for access to relevant networks and partnerships to maximize the application's reach and impact.Who do you need as experts to drive the project forward?- Programmer/Game Design- Communication/Network Expert- AI Expert – ZHAWHow much budget are you requesting from us, and for what purpose?1. Project development and implementation (CHF 21,000): - Methodology, research, and matrix development: CHF 5,000(Reflection, basic research, and development of the AI-based matching matrix, considering factors such as location, condition, mass, price, availability, destination, CO2 content, etc.) - Prototype development: CHF 8,000 (Costs for developing the prototype by a team of programmers and designers, including software development, user interface, and backend system) - Feasibility study and market research: CHF 4,000 (Studies to validate the business model and analyze market needs) - Infrastructure and tools: CHF 2,000 (Costs for cloud services, software licenses, databases, and tools required for the development and testing of the prototype) - Marketing and communication: CHF 1,000 (Creation of communication materials, website development, and outreach strategies for initial users and partners) - Project management and coordination: CHF 1,000 (Management of project planning, coordination, and control)2. Experts (CHF 4,000): - Programmer/Game Design Expert: CHF 2,000 (Support in developing interactive elements and user interaction) - Mediation Expert: CHF 1,000 (Support in building a network of relevant actors and establishing new partnerships) - AI Expert (ZHAW): CHF 1,000(Consulting and support in developing and optimizing the AI algorithm)

Project Idea Metadata

• Project Idea Name: Find & Flow – A matching platform for used resources
• Date: 9/8/2024 1:31:06 PM
• Administrators:
  • Adrian Kiesel

Project Idea Description

The simple and radical Find&Flow matching platform enables the centralized networking of dispersed actors and materials with minimal effort and through the integration of AI, providing a significant leverage for spreading circular economy principles. It fosters collaborations between actors who would hardly connect through conventional means. The user-friendly platform strengthens existing connections and creates new ones. The partnership between academic institutions and practice-oriented implementation partners generates synergies and perspectives that are often not achieved in traditional teams.

Which problem do you want to solve?

With the Find&Flow application, we are transforming how used resources are managed and connected. The main problem we solve is the disorganized and inefficient handling of used resources in a decentralized circular economy. By utilizing advanced AI technologies, Find&Flow systematically organizes unstructured, individually managed resources based on key factors and integrates them into an innovative network. An algorithm creates a matrix of attributes covering all relevant parameters such as location, condition, mass, price, availability, destination, and CO2 content. Based on this data matrix, the AI calculates and optimizes "matches" for user queries or specific needs. The results are visualized on an interactive map, where all relevant resources and their characteristics are immediately visible to enable fast and informed decision-making. We create a central, intelligent system that connects supply and demand for used resources in a radically new and efficient way. The outcome is optimized resource usage, which reduces costs and promotes sustainability.

Who benefits from the solution and how?

The Find&Flow application benefits all actors – from individuals and small to medium-sized businesses to large corporations and municipalities. Individuals and small businesses gain access to used resources that were previously hard to find or required significant effort. For medium and large companies, the AI-based algorithm makes searching for needed materials more efficient by identifying patterns and connections that would be difficult to spot manually. Municipalities can enhance their local circular economy projects by optimizing resource allocation and reducing waste. Those already active in the circular economy benefit from more efficient, transparent, and sustainable processes. Our solution creates a connected, dynamic environment where supply and demand are matched automatically and optimally, leading to an efficiency boost that was hard to achieve manually.

Who are the people/organizations in your team, and what role do they play?

- Adrian Kiesel, nuar GmbH – Implementation Partner: Architect and circular economy expert. Responsible for platform development, graphical processing, and collaboration with the research institute. Focus on developing the AI matrix and identifying key factors for the AI algorithm.

- Dr.sc. Maxime Zaugg – Research and Methodology: Lecturer at the Institute of Urban Landscape, ZHAW. Responsible for research on publicly accessible applications in urban planning, focusing on accessibility and user-friendliness. Researches the societal relevance of the circular economy and communicates with key stakeholders.

- Programmer/Game Design Expert – Technical Implementation*: Responsible for the app's technical development, including integrating user-friendly plugins and implementing the AI algorithm.

- Communication Expert – Network Building: Supports network creation and mediation between actors in the circular economy who have not yet been connected.

- AI Expert (ZHAW) – AI Consulting: Provides expert advice and support in the development and optimization of the AI algorithm and its implementation on the platform.

How does the solution positively impact the planet?

The Find&Flow application leverages digitalization and AI to maximize resource reuse and significantly reduce resource waste. By intelligently linking material supply and demand, the solution fosters new, innovative networks and local partnerships that had previously gone undiscovered. This reduces the need for new production, lowers energy consumption, and cuts CO2 emissions. Simultaneously, shorter transportation routes minimize the ecological footprint.

Has the idea been tested before?

This concept has not been tested in its current form because it differs from existing platforms by using targeted AI to automate the creation of optimal "matches." This innovative approach uses AI to enable more efficient and intelligent resource use. The project is currently in its early stages, and a prototype will soon be developed to test the functionality and value of the solution in an initial trial phase.

What would you work on during the funding phase?

During the funding phase, we aim to develop and build a functional prototype that is flexible and scalable across various levels—from small local networks to larger regional applications. We will conduct a feasibility study to validate the technical requirements and market demand and refine the business model to ensure sustainable scaling. By the end of the booster phase, we will deliver a fully functional prototype that has successfully passed initial practical tests, forming the foundation for a broad application of the solution.

What do you expect from the FUS Booster team?

We expect the FUS Booster team to help connect actors already active in the circular economy but not yet networked. We also seek expert advice to tailor our AI-based solution to market needs and identify suitable use cases. Additionally, we hope for access to relevant networks and partnerships to maximize the application's reach and impact.

Who do you need as experts to drive the project forward?

- Programmer/Game Design

- Communication/Network Expert

- AI Expert – ZHAW

How much budget are you requesting from us, and for what purpose?

1. Project development and implementation (CHF 21,000):

  - Methodology, research, and matrix development: CHF 5,000

(Reflection, basic research, and development of the AI-based matching matrix, considering factors such as location, condition, mass, price,

availability, destination, CO2 content, etc.)

  - Prototype development: CHF 8,000

    (Costs for developing the prototype by a team of programmers and designers, including software development, user interface, and backend system)

  - Feasibility study and market research: CHF 4,000

    (Studies to validate the business model and analyze market needs)

  - Infrastructure and tools: CHF 2,000

    (Costs for cloud services, software licenses, databases, and tools required for the development and testing of the prototype)

  - Marketing and communication: CHF 1,000

    (Creation of communication materials, website development, and outreach strategies for initial users and partners)

  - Project management and coordination: CHF 1,000

    (Management of project planning, coordination, and control)

2. Experts (CHF 4,000):

  - Programmer/Game Design Expert: CHF 2,000

    (Support in developing interactive elements and user interaction)

  - Mediation Expert: CHF 1,000

    (Support in building a network of relevant actors and establishing new partnerships)

  - AI Expert (ZHAW): CHF 1,000

(Consulting and support in developing and optimizing the AI algorithm)

Matching platforms like Uber, Airbnb, or Tinder are success stories – our AI-based open-source platform "Find and Flow" uses this very principle. It connects used materials, which are abundant in our consumer society but often difficult to access. "Find and Flow" catalogs these resources and enables actors – from individuals to companies – to efficiently match supply and demand, making them directly accessible by origin, location, price, and availability.