The problem MicroEther solves

Empowering Emerging Markets: Decentralized Microfinancing with Trust, Transparency, and Tangibility.

In emerging markets, access to traditional financing is often limited, especially for those without tangible collateral. MicroEther bridges this gap, harnessing the power of the Ethereum blockchain. Our platform offers:

• Decentralized Identity: With any decentralized identity integration, we ensure genuine participants without compromising privacy.
• Dynamic Credit Scoring: New to the platform? Start with a neutral credit score. As you transact, your score evolves based on repayment history, social collateral, and tangible assets, ensuring fair interest rates tailored to you.
• Social Collateral: A unique feature where the community vouches for you, enhancing trust and improving your creditworthiness.

Regulated Onboarding: Using the Molecule Protocol, we ensure a secure and compliant onboarding process, aligning with global standards.

Through MicroEther, we're not just offering loans; we're building communities empowering sovereign individuals, promoting trust, and fostering financial inclusivity, especially in regions that need it the most.

Challenges we ran into

Developing a collateral-independent DeFi platform presented multifaceted challenges. Here’s our breakdown:

Dev Challenges:

• No-Collateral Model: Transitioning from collateral-dependent DeFi models required intensive research and prototyping. Through methodical iteration, we successfully designed a model that resonates with our vision.
• Decentralized Identity: Ensuring user authenticity without infringing on privacy was paramount. After rigorous evaluation, the integration with World ID emerged as the optimal solution, providing a robust and compliant user verification system.
• Creating a DeFi Credit System: Establishing a credit mechanism in a limited timeframe was demanding. Collaborative brainstorming sessions and iterative feedback allowed us to solidify a preliminary foundation.

Team Dynamics:

• Losing Our Developer: The departure of our primary (Web3) developer could have been detrimental. However, leveraging the diverse skill set of our management team and under the guidance of our first-year Informatics student, we effectively navigated the technical challenges.
• First-Time Experiences: Our foray into Web3 technologies required rapid upskilling. Comprehensive resource sharing and collaborative problem-solving ensured we effectively addressed technical hurdles.

General:

• Time Constraints: The pressing timeline necessitated efficient project management. We employed strategic prioritization to ensure optimal progress.
• Navigating Web3 & Hackathon Format: As newcomers to both the hackathon format and Web3 domain, we encountered initial challenges. Systematic research, peer consultations, and a continuous learning approach ensured we surmounted these challenges. The process, while challenging, was an enlightening experience.
  In culmination, our MVP stands as a testament to our team's resilience, adaptability, and commitment to disruptive & innovative financial solutions bringing crypto to 1bn+ people.