Startup Tekkon Uses Crypto, Crowdsourcing to Spot Infrastructure Problems
A new start-up called Tekkon has recently launched with the goal of using blockchain technology and crowdsourcing to help spot infrastructure problems in various places around the world. The company believes that they can use the decentralized nature of blockchain to create a platform where a community of volunteers can share information about infrastructure degradation and damage, and use that information to prompt action from governments and organizations who are responsible for maintaining various public and private structures.
Tekkon is primarily focused on identifying water infrastructure problems, including water mains, pumps, and reservoirs. Water is a resource that is critical to life, and it is also one of the most vulnerable to degradation and contamination. The company’s blockchain-powered crowdsourcing platform is designed to help collect and verify data about water infrastructure that might be problematic. This could include information about leaks, corrosion, or other types of damage that are not visible from the surface.
To get started, Tekkon has created a decentralized application (dApp) called Waterpoint Data. Using this app, users can report on their local water infrastructure, including details about any problems they have noticed. The data is then anonymized and stored on the blockchain. Other users can read and verify the data, flag it if needed, and provide additional information if they have it.
Members of the Tekkon community are rewarded for their contributions with cryptocurrency tokens called TEK. These tokens can be used to access additional features of the Waterpoint Data app, or traded on cryptocurrency exchanges for other currencies. Tekkon has created a total of 100 million TEK tokens, of which 10 million are earmarked for rewards to community members who contribute information.
In addition to the Waterpoint Data app, Tekkon is also working on a number of other tools to help with infrastructure management. One of these tools is called WaterSAM, which stands for Water System Asset Management. WaterSAM is a software platform that helps water system managers to identify equipment that is nearing the end of its useful life, and plan for replacements before it fails.
WaterSAM is designed to be interoperable with the Waterpoint Data app. By collecting information about water infrastructure problems, Tekkon and their community members hope to help manage the long-term maintenance of critical infrastructure, ensuring that it remains safe and serviceable for years to come.
As with any crowdsourcing initiative, there are some challenges that Tekkon will need to address in order to be successful. One of the biggest challenges will be attracting and retaining a community of users who are willing to contribute information on a regular basis. The company will need to provide incentives and rewards that are compelling enough to keep users engaged and motivated to participate.
Another challenge will be ensuring that the information submitted by users is accurate and reliable. Tekkon will need to implement tools and processes to verify the data, and ensure that it is not being manipulated or corrupted by bad actors.
Despite these challenges, Tekkon represents an exciting new approach to infrastructure management. By harnessing the power of blockchain and crowdsourcing, the company believes that they can help to solve some of the most pressing infrastructure problems around the world. If they succeed, they could help to preserve critical resources like water, promote public safety, and improve the quality of life for people in many different communities.
On a hot Saturday afternoon, a group of 12 individuals met up in Valenzuela, just outside of Manila in the Philippines. What would drive people to gather during such a scorching day? These individuals had a mission: to search for manholes and utility poles and snap photos of them.
The group consisted of infrastructure hunters who had found each other on the Discord channel for Tekkon, a Pokemon Go-like app. Tekkon utilizes crowdsourcing to collect information that public utilities need to maintain power lines and water networks.
It might sound odd at first, but Tekkon is serving an essential purpose in the community. Many cities in the Philippines have outdated or incomplete maps, making it challenging for public utilities to coordinate their maintenance efforts. Tekkon seeks to provide accurate and up-to-date information, making it easier for public utilities to operate efficiently.
By taking photos of manhole covers and utility poles, Tekkon users can map out the precise location of these vital pieces of infrastructure. They can also note down specific details such as the diameter of manholes or the height of utility poles, which can help public utility workers in their maintenance efforts.
Tekkon’s founder, Ruel Antonio, had the idea for the app after experiencing several power outages in his own neighborhood. He saw how disproportionate the allocation of public utilities was in different areas, and he wanted to create a way for people to help bridge the gap. With Tekkon, anyone can contribute to improving public infrastructure, regardless of their expertise or background.
The app has gained popularity in the Philippines, with over 200,000 downloads since its launch. Users can earn points for contributing information, which can be redeemed for rewards such as mobile load credits or discounts from partner merchants.
But Tekkon’s impact goes beyond its rewards program. By getting citizens involved in infrastructure maintenance efforts, the app is fostering a sense of community involvement and civic responsibility. It is encouraging individuals to take an active role in improving their neighborhoods and public utilities.
Additionally, Tekkon’s data can be crucial in disaster response efforts. When typhoons or other natural disasters hit the Philippines, public utilities are often in disarray. Having accurate and up-to-date maps of infrastructure can help emergency responders pinpoint areas that need assistance quickly.
In conclusion, Tekkon may seem like a small app at first glance, but its impact is significant. By crowdsourcing information on infrastructure, Tekkon is improving public utilities’ efficiency and fostering community involvement. With the app’s growing popularity, it is possible that Tekkon could become a significant player in shaping infrastructure maintenance in the Philippines and beyond.
