Photrek seeks to Enlighten the Pathway for its customers through the development of machine intelligence capabilities that simplify complex challenges. Our expertise spans the domains of environmental sensor fusion algorithms, the development of ethical AI systems that address societal needs, and the design of governance systems that assure decentralized consensus.

Photrek is leading an initiative to create a community around the concept of Democratic Pluralism. Many blockchain DAOs continue to rely on corporate management methods such as one-coin, one-vote despite the recognition that decentralization requires treating the blockchain as a commons. We seek to provide DAOs with the tools to ground governance in democratic principles and to allow a plural mixture of communities to influence decisions. This is accomplished by giving individuals community rights via a digital identity and through the expression of conviction through quadratic pricing. We are seeking to expand the reach of decentralized communities utilizing quadratic funding and voting. We have worked with several blockchains on different aspects of governance. With SingularityNet we built a prototype and have started work on a product to manage reputation scores to support their use of quadratic weighting. We have also done work with Cardano analyzing their voting system and proposing alternatives. In fact, it was our criticism of Cardano’s governance that highlighted the need for quadratic voting. Goals of Democratic Pluralism group Short term goals: We have an immediate priority to run an experiment on quadratic voting. We propose doing this with real data from a test vote with the SingularityNET Ambassadors program and to use simulations for more comprehensive analysis. SingularityNet is currently implementing a partial quadratic voting system where they are weighting wallets but not weighting preferences. Interestingly enough they do already have functionality for noting preference but they are not pricing the preferences. Doing this research would be beneficial to other networks and could support other communities as a model once proven to be effective. Ultimately our goal is to create cross-chain interest in sound models of governance to create an opportunity for greater cross chain collaborations.

Long term goal: Eventually, we seek to build a DAO to support Democratic Pluralisms. We plan to do this deliberately with the engagement of this new community that is growing. We seek to set this up as a Sociocratic organization that focuses on good governance for decentralized communities. The sociocratic methods emphasize autonomy and alignment as teams decide on appropriate actions. In future grant rounds, we will explore how blockchain technology can support sociocratic decision-making. The Team Kenric Nelson, president and founder of Photrek. Kenric has been designing decision systems for complex environments for two decades and has been focused on blockchain design and governance for 5 years. Kenric’s community engagement includes serving on Cardano Catalyst’s Circle, participating in the SingularityNET Ambassador’s Governance Working Group, and leading the Sociocracy for All @Work Circle.. Megan Hess, Communications Lead, coordinates Photrek’s community outreach and is lead writer for governance proposals. Megan was selected to serve as delegate to Photrek’s Advisory Circle. She has also organized numerous community workshops on blockchain awareness and governance throughout Africa, and is currently living in Cameroon where she and her husband manage a regenerative farm. Juana Attieh, Product Lead, is spearheading Photrek’s development of a reputation system for SingularityNET. Juana designed the minimum viable product and is kick-off the development effort. Juana runs a stakepool focused on the Middle East / North Africa communities. She is serving as Interim Chair for a blockchain community development committee. What has been done so far Published collaborative research papers advocating for quadratic funding Led numerous governance workshops through Cardano Built reputation system for SingularityNet Some of Photrek leadership team members currently in Sociocracy training