SUPERTECH SEEDS - ASTRO CHAIN
Case study with Astro Chain founder Aadon Crouch.
Advances in technology have made it easier than ever to view and capture images and video of once in a lifetime space events. Establishing the ownership and veracity of space images, however, has proven difficult. SuperTech speaks to space enthusiast, Aadon Crouch, who, with the support of SuperTech Seeds, has created a new solution that provides a unique way of establishing the origins and ownership of images and video.
What is the challenge you’re looking to solve?
From the 1960s on there has been controversy over the potential to alter space images. Up until now it has been extremely difficult to objectively identify exactly when and where an image was taken, who it belongs to and that it has not been altered in any way.
Tell us about your solution
Astro Chain records images, videos, and scientific data of specific space events such as fireballs, meteors or supernovas and converts them into a non-fungible token (NFT). This establishes beyond doubt origins, authenticity, and ownership.
Astro Chain is the first platform to create a blockchain-based database of Astro anomalies. We’re taking unedited footage and statistical analysis of astronomical events directly from the sky onto the blockchain.
What are your aims?
We want to promote education, scientific research, innovation and help bring people together through a shared love of space.
What has it been like working with SuperTech?
I’ve been working on this idea for a little over a year. The intervention of SuperTech has propelled Astro Chain forward at a faster rate than I could have ever expected.
I wasn’t sure if my idea was quite right for SuperTech at first, but you don’t know unless you try. Working with developers on the app, with a more in-depth knowledge than my own has been fantastic. The specialised support has definitely brought me and the business on leaps and bounds.
Why is decentralisation important to you?
Decentralisation unlocks barriers. If you want to put your app onto the Apple or Android marketplace there are a lot of restrictions and requirements. Doing it this way, we have more options and control and can develop in a lot of different directions.
What are your thoughts on no-code?
It’s a brilliant tool, an eventuality that needed to happen. Working closely with the developers it’s been incredible to see exactly what can be achieved in such a short period of time. The accessibility and flexibility are definitely two of the key advantages of no-code. It takes away the anxiety of do I have to learn code? Do I have to increase my technical ability to be able to realise my innovation? The answer now is no, you just need to understand some very intuitive user-friendly tools. Once you’ve got to grips with them, you’re only limited by your imagination.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
If you have a dream, a passion and can see a gap in the market absolutely go for it. At the start I was quite hesitant, but this has definitely taught to me reach for the stars.
What is next for you and your business?
I’d like to say world domination, but essentially, we’re focusing on the next 12 months. Getting processes in place, ensuring everything is operational and growing from there. There’s a massive target audience of space and technology professionals and enthusiasts we can appeal to from multiple angles. We’re now bringing in the next stage of talent to develop the physical Astro Hubs that will record the images, video, and statistical data.
Further details about Astro Chain can be found at: www.astrochain.info.
To find out more about SuperTech and how to get involved in the SuperTech Seeds programme visit: www.supertechwm.com/seeds