PlantGang is a decentralised community of citizen scientists dedicated to protecting and immortalising nature through 3D scanned scientific NFT specimen collections.

We’re using cutting edge 3D modelling technologies to build the first Virtual Herbarium, a scientifically accurate collection of immersive 3D models of real-world scanned plant and fungi specimens, led by a decentralised community of researchers and citizen scientists.

Plantgang’s virtual herbarium platform will provide the support and technical 3D processing capabilities for our community, using basic tech such as a smartphone, to collect scientific data and scan real-world plant specimens.

After simply uploading a short video of their chosen plant specimen to the Virtual Herbarium, PlantGang will use 3D modelling technologies (NeRF and Photogrammetry) to generate photoreal 3D model specimens.

Our new research economy is underpinned by allowing citizen scientists scanners to sell their uploaded 3D specimens as open collectible NFTs. Funds from NFT collectible sales are transferred transparently on chain to both scanners and community selected conservation projects, helping to create a virtuous cycle where our scientific collections support and incentivize the community making these valuable captures.

This aims to create a new era for open academic research not limited by social, economical or geographic backgrounds while supporting local researchers and environmental habitats through regenerative economics powered by 3D-model NFT sales.

Crucially, whilst this directly supports local researchers, we’re also protecting the planet and ensuring we’re recording nature in our fight against climate change and biodiversity loss.

Why capture nature with scientific 3D plant specimens?

Currently, scientific plant specimens are 2D pressings stored physically in herbariums, restricting access to specimens for both scientists and general enthusiasts outside of that location. And whilst the digitalisation of these scientific collections is underway globally, they still ultimately remain in their 2D form.

Conversely, PlantGang’s community driven 3D scans improve upon traditional physical 2D dead plant specimens with additional details of morphology and colouration, capturing the plant as it would be in its natural environment. Additionally, since each specimen is collected with associated scientific metadata from its geolocation and collection date to phenology and associated species, all importantly stored on chain, giving each specimen an immutable scientific context grounding them in reality for use in research and education.

The Future We Envision

We hope to support a vision for a world where people can view and explore rare and inspiring digital specimens from across the globe, collected and uploaded by academic researchers, 3D-modellers and citizen scientists, whilst helping preserve IRL ecosystems and species through community funded research and conservation.

In these environmentally challenging times, we face a pivotal moment. Our rich living ecosystems are threatened and suffering; we must find ways to proactively reduce climate change and live harmoniously with nature, documenting the world around us and utilising the digital to preserve the physical in an safe, environmentally-friendly and untamperable format.

This effort is underpinned by the world-wide activation of citizen scientists and established researchers alike, brought together by a shared aim to support scientific research, education and conservation.

Our Impact

We break barriers: -In specimen collection, powering a 2D → 3D digital revolution -In scientific engagement, driving science at all levels, available for all, from citizens to academics -We remove location and economic obstacles to education

We Immortalise: -Decentralized preservation and future proofing of natural specimens and scientific data on chain -Recording ‘moments in time’ in nature in vivid detail, allowing people to connect with this fleeting moment even after it has been and gone.

We Empower: -Create a tradition of hyper-local conservation & research funding, giving power back to communities who understand their local environments and want to protect and live harmoniously with them -Community driven NFT creation and sales provide a self-funding mechanism that bypasses the need for institutional intermediaries, offering collectors ownership of real-world assets on chain whilst driving positive impact.

Meet the team

Project Lead - HarryThePlantBoi

Biochemistry graduate, plant obsessor and adventurer. Research lead on PlantGang's Expedition #1, Co-steward at DreamDAO, Ethereum Foundation Scholar 22 www.linkedin.com/in/harry-fancy-195832202/

Developer (Backend) - Matthew Watman

Full-stack developer with experience in the non-profit sector, now focusing on ReFi and public goods app development in the Ethereum ecosystem. Work includes projects for Solidity Guild, Ambire Wallet DAO and Cabin DAO. www.linkedin.com/in/matthewwatman/

Product Partner (Frontend development) - Matt Bachle

CEO of Grade, a serial founder and product manager with delivery of successful digital work for clients like Audi, Qantas, Foxtel, Nestle, PayPal, LG, PlayStation UK, Toyota, Virgin Mobile, and Unilever. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattbachle/

Creative Director & Branding Lead - Domingo Beta

Creative Director at JUMP, co-founder of Veleta Studiolab, art direction at RADAR. Guiding brands that want to expand their visual universe into new realms since 2011. www.linkedin.com/in/domingo-beta-9474216/

Since our foundation we’ve had many skilled advisors involved with the project, with core roles in projects including RADAR, Protein and the BBC:

Community - FANCY www.linkedin.com/in/fancy-y-b06477132/

3D modelling - Steve Flanagan www.linkedin.com/in/immersive-e/