Arcana

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1.6 billion people have been forcibly displaced due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. In these situations, individuals often lose access to their homes, personal possessions, and most importantly, their forms of identification. This lack of identification creates significant challenges, such as difficulties accessing healthcare, receiving proper medical treatment, increased risk of misdiagnosis, incorrect treatments, higher risk of death, and delayed response times for aid. The WHO conducted a study that found that a lack of proper medical identification causes 30% of misdiagnoses and incorrect treatments in emergency scenarios. In fragile contexts globally, underserved communities like ethnic minorities, women, people with disabilities, and older adults are frequently disproportionately impacted. These populations often face added barriers when accessing healthcare, which is further exacerbated by the problems caused by a lack of medical identification.

Arcana aims to address these critical issues by offering a secure and reliable digital ID that can be used for medical care and treatment for people in remote areas during humanitarian emergencies. Traditional forms of identification may be unavailable or lost, so it is essential to have a secure and reliable form of identification even in areas with limited access to electricity or the internet. 

Arcana is a standalone device designed to provide biometric medical identification for individuals in remote areas during humanitarian emergencies. Its primary purpose is to create a secure digital ID, storing critical medical information such as allergies, chronic conditions, and vaccination records, allowing for easy identification and access to medical records in emergency situations. Arcana combines biometric identification (fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scanning), blockchain technology, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and long-range wireless technology (LoRaWAN) to create a secure and reliable identification. When a user wants to create a unique ID, they input their biometric data into the device, which then encrypts the data into a secure cryptographic code and sends it to a public blockchain network. This secure code acts as the user's online ID.

 Arcana is also designed to be interoperable with existing systems and infrastructure, using open standards and protocols for data transfer and storage, such as HL7 for electronic health records and FHIR or IHE for data exchange between systems. Arcana integrates with existing identification systems and can communicate with other systems through APIs, allowing for real-time data sharing. Furthermore, the device utilizes cloud-based services for data storage and analysis, making it easier for different humanitarian aid organizations, healthcare providers, and government agencies to access and use the data and integrate it into existing healthcare systems and aid distribution networks. The use of Arcana can help these aid organizations to better coordinate their efforts, streamline their processes, and provide more effective and efficient assistance to those in need.

Arcana serves individuals who face challenges in obtaining proper identification and their medical information during humanitarian emergencies, such as refugees, disaster victims, and people impacted by transitional justice processes. These individuals often reside in remote areas and are at risk of inadequate health care and treatment without a reliable form of identification. Vulnerable communities, including women, minorities, people with disabilities, and the elderly, are often most affected by these challenges.

The current systems are insufficient in meeting the needs of these individuals and often leave them underserved. Arcana addresses this issue by providing a secure and accessible identification solution that stores crucial medical information, allowing for easy aid in emergency situations. This solution not only improves the access to medical care and treatment but also enhances the overall health and well-being of the individuals it serves. Additionally, the solution helps aid organizations and healthcare providers coordinate their efforts and provide more effective and efficient assistance, positively impacting the lives of those in need.

As an African woman living in America, I have a unique perspective on the needs and challenges faced by communities in remote areas during humanitarian emergencies. Growing up, I was exposed to the diverse experiences of communities in remote areas, particularly those affected by humanitarian emergencies. I saw firsthand the challenges they face, including limited access to medical care and difficulties in obtaining reliable identification. This drove me to help those in need and inspired me to develop a solution that addresses these pressing issues. 

In order to ensure that my solution is informed by the needs and perspectives of the communities it serves, I am engaging in a two-way conversation with those who have experienced these challenges firsthand. I am talking to refugees from Africa, victims of the recent Kahramanmaras earthquake, and individuals affected by transitional justice processes to better understand their experiences and the ways in which they have been impacted by the lack of a secure and reliable form of identification. I am also in the process of connecting with healthcare providers, humanitarian aid organizations, and government agencies to learn about the challenges they face and how they can better support those in need. The design and implementation of my solution are meaningfully guided by the input, ideas, and agendas of the communities it serves. I am using this information to develop a solution that meets the specific needs of these communities, while also ensuring that it is feasible and scalable. I believe that my unique combination of passion, cultural background, and engagement with the communities I am serving positions me well to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.

Arcana has moved beyond just a concept and into a tangible prototype. I have utilized computer-aided design to create a full visual model of the product, allowing me to clearly see how it will work in practice. This has also allowed me to determine a unit price for the product, making it easier to plan for future production and sales.

One of the key advantages of Arcana is that it doesn't require a large amount of initial funding to get started. The materials required to develop the product are easily attainable, and the computational aspects of Arcana have been completed. In order to bring Arcana to market, I estimate I will need $5,000 USD in initial funding and $10,000 USD for a patent.

I am also committed to ensuring that Arcana is not just a one-time solution, but a sustainable and self-sufficient one. To achieve this, I have developed a comprehensive social enterprise business plan that takes into account not just the needs of the target population, but also the long-term viability of the solution.

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I am applying to Solve because I hope to overcome financial, technical, legal, cultural, and market barriers that prevent me from bringing my prototype, Arcana, to life. I believe that Solve can help me advance my solution by providing monetary and non-monetary support, including funding, access to a network of impact-minded leaders, leadership coaching, monitoring and evaluation support, exposure in media and conferences, and in-kind resources like software licenses and legal services. I am excited to join a class of impressive peers and receive guidance and inspiration as I work to make a positive impact in the world.

Arcana offers a new and innovative approach to addressing humanitarian aid challenges by using cutting-edge technology to improve people's lives. It leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to create a scalable and accessible identification system, while also prioritizing engagement with the communities it serves to ensure the solution is informed by their needs and perspectives. This approach not only makes Arcana more effective, but it also helps to build trust and encourage widespread adoption. If successful, Arcana could change the market by setting a new standard for secure and reliable identification in humanitarian emergencies and inspire other organizations and governments to invest in similar solutions.

For the next year, my impact goal is to launch a pilot program for Arcana in a select number of communities, focusing on providing secure identification and improving access to aid in emergency situations. To achieve this, I will be working to secure partnerships with humanitarian organizations and government agencies, as well as building relationships with the communities that Arcana will serve. This will involve conducting outreach and engagement activities, as well as working with local stakeholders to ensure that the solution meets the needs and expectations of the communities it serves.

In the next five years, my goal is to scale Arcana to serve communities in multiple countries and become a leading provider of secure identification in emergency situations. To achieve this, I will be working to secure additional funding and build a strong network of partnerships and collaborations. I will also be working to expand the reach of Arcana by developing strategic partnerships with other organizations and governments and engaging with communities to ensure that the solution is tailored to their needs and priorities. Additionally, I will be working to continue to develop and refine the technology behind Arcana, to ensure that it remains cutting-edge and effective. Ultimately, my goal is to create a world where people can access the aid they need, even in the most challenging circumstances, and where communities are empowered to take control of their own futures.

As Arcana is still in its prototype stage and hasn't been fully tested yet, it is challenging to measure my progress toward the desired impact. However, I do have some indicators in mind that will help me determine my progress as I move forward. One of my primary goals is to improve the accuracy of the identification system. To achieve this, I plan to conduct regular tests of the system, both in simulation and real-world settings. These tests will help me determine how well the system is working and where I need to make improvements.

Another goal is to increase the number of users of the system. This will help me gauge how well the system is being received by the target population and how well it is meeting their needs. I will track this by monitoring the number of individuals who are using the system and the feedback I receive from them. Finally, I also aim to demonstrate the value and impact that technology can have in addressing humanitarian challenges. To measure this, I will collect data on the number of lives positively impacted by the system, and the number of other organizations and governments that are inspired to invest in similar solutions. Overall, my goal is to ensure that Arcana is making a tangible difference in the lives of the people it serves, and these indicators will help me determine whether I am on track to achieving that impact.

Arcana's theory of change is centered on the belief that using technology to improve identification systems in humanitarian emergencies can have a transformative impact on people's lives. By leveraging advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, Arcana aims to create an identification system that is both scalable and accessible to those who need it most. This system will not only improve the efficiency of aid delivery but also help to build trust with the communities it serves by being informed by their needs and perspectives.

To achieve this impact, Arcana has a two-pronged approach: Designing and implementing a user-centered identification system and engaging with communities to ensure that the solution is informed by their needs and perspectives. These activities will lead to immediate outputs, such as an improved identification system and increased community engagement, which will in turn result in longer-term outcomes such as more efficient aid delivery and increased trust in aid organizations.

The strength of this theory of change is supported by research and data that demonstrates the potential for technology to improve identification systems in humanitarian emergencies. Arcana's approach is also aligned with best practices in the humanitarian aid sector, which emphasize the importance of community engagement and user-centered design. Although the solution is still a prototype and has not been fully tested, I am confident that it has the potential to have a significant impact, and I am committed to using data and evidence to continually refine and improve the solution.

Arcana is designed with a NXP i.MX RT1050 processor, a fingerprint reader, a front-facing camera with facial recognition capability, an iris scanner with an IR sensor, and multiple USB tokens, all housed in a compact and portable design with external solar panels to ensure its usability in remote areas. To connect to the internet and transmit data, it utilizes the long-range wireless technology, LoRaWAN, which enables low-power devices to communicate over long distances.

When a user inputs their fingerprint, the device uses its facial recognition capability, iris scanner, and IR sensor to encrypt the biometric information into a cryptographic hash and sends it to a public blockchain via the LoRaWAN network. This process, known as biometric hashing, merges biometric recognition and cryptographic methods to create a unique ID while hiding private information related to the biometric data. Storing unique and private data on an immutable and decentralized ledger, such as the blockchain, creates a secure online ID that is less susceptible to bureaucratic costs and data manipulation. Additionally, Arcana uses advanced AI/ML to generate math-based signatures that are fully anonymous.

Arcana is designed to be interoperable with existing systems and infrastructure by using open standards and protocols for data transfer and storage, such as HL7 for electronic health records and FHIR or IHE for data exchange between systems. It also integrates with existing identification systems and can communicate with other systems through APIs, allowing for real-time data sharing. Furthermore, the device uses cloud-based services for data storage and analysis, making it easier for different organizations to access and use the data and integrate it into existing healthcare systems and aid distribution networks.

As the creator of Arcana and the only person currently working on it, I'm committed to incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity into my work. Although I don't have a team yet, I recognize the importance of representing a range of backgrounds, perspectives, and identities in order to better serve the populations that Arcana is designed for. In terms of actions I've taken, I've sought out feedback from a diverse group of individuals and stakeholders, including those from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. I've also made sure to listen carefully to their feedback and suggestions and to incorporate their ideas into my work where possible.

As I continue to develop Arcana and grow my team, my goal is to actively seek out and recruit individuals who bring a range of experiences and perspectives to the table. I believe that building a diverse and inclusive team is crucial to our success and to ensure that we can best serve the communities we aim to support.

As the creator of Arcana, Arcana’s business model centers around providing a reliable and secure identification solution for people in humanitarian crises in remote areas who lack access to traditional forms of identification. My business provides the Arcana device, which uses biometric identification and other technologies to create a unique and secure online ID. Arcana's key customers are government agencies such as humanitarian organizations and healthcare providers who need to accurately identify and provide aid to vulnerable populations. The business generates revenue by selling the Arcana device and providing ongoing support and maintenance services. Arcana also offers data management and analysis services to our customers, helping them make better decisions and improve their aid delivery processes. The pricing model is based on a combination of hardware and software costs, as well as ongoing service and support fees.

Ultimately, the goal is to provide value to the populations it serves by enabling them to access essential healthcare and aid, as well as to protect their identity and privacy in the process. By doing so, I hope to have a positive impact on the lives of millions of people around the world who are facing these crises. 

As the creator of Arcana, my plan for becoming financially sustainable involves a combination of funding sources. Initially, I plan to seek grants and donations from organizations and governments that are committed to supporting humanitarian efforts, such as the United Nations and other aid agencies. I also plan to sell the Arcana device and related services to non-profit organizations and government agencies involved in disaster response and humanitarian aid.

In the long term, I plan to generate revenue through service contracts with governments and other organizations that require reliable biometric identification systems. I also plan to explore potential partnerships with companies that are interested in providing biometric authentication and identification services for various applications. Additionally, I plan to explore the possibility of raising investment capital from impact investors and venture capitalists who are interested in supporting social enterprises that address humanitarian and social issues. This would allow me to scale my operations and develop new products and services that expand impact.

Overall, my goal is to develop a sustainable business model that allows me to continue providing valuable services to the population I serve, while also generating enough revenue to cover expenses and support future growth.

Since Arcana is still in the prototype stage, I have not yet received any grants or generated any revenue. However, I have taken steps to position Arcana for future financial sustainability. I have conducted extensive market research and have identified potential customers and partners who have expressed interest in the technology. I have also reached out to various organizations and individuals who are involved in disaster response and humanitarian aid to get their feedback and assess the potential for collaboration. In addition, I have begun to establish relationships with impact investors and venture capitalists who are interested in supporting social enterprises that address humanitarian and social issues. While I have not yet raised any investment capital, I have received positive feedback from several potential investors who are intrigued by the potential of Arcana. I am actively seeking grant opportunities and plan to apply for several in the coming months. I have already identified a few organizations that are committed to supporting humanitarian efforts and are interested in biometric identification technologies. Overall, while I have not yet received any funding or generated revenue, I have taken important steps to lay the foundation for future financial sustainability. I am confident that with continued effort and dedication, I will be able to secure the resources necessary to bring Arcana to market and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by disasters and humanitarian crises.