Rosetta Stone for API
Coach Name
Dr. Juan Juan
EU Organization
Startin’blox
Members
- Alex Bourlier
- Benoît Alessandroni
- Clément Partiot
- Adrien Maes
CA Organization
Open Food Network (Canada)
Members
- David Thomas
Project Overview
The RSFA project (Rosetta Stone for APIs) addresses the interoperability challenges faced by local food hubs in Canada. The aim of the project is to create a unified digital marketplace where local food hubs can pool their products and make them available across different online platforms.
By implementing the Beckn Protocol, the project enables cross-platform transactions, allowing buyers to discover and purchase products from multiple food hubs via their preferred platform. The project serves as a critical solution to increase the competitiveness of local food hubs against larger supermarkets.
Methods and approaches
Beckn Protocol Implementation
Implementing the Beckn decentralized protocol to enable cross-platform transactions and create a network of interconnected food hubs.
Cross-Platform Interoperability
Developing a solution that allows local food hubs to share their product catalogs seamlessly between different platforms, expanding their reach to both consumers and businesses.
Market Expansion
In collaboration with local food hubs in Quebec and the city of Lévis, the project piloted a cross-platform retail solution that bridges the gap between local producers and larger wholesale buyers.
Key Achievements
Successful Integration of Beckn Protocol
Deployed a Beckn-based infrastructure that enables interoperability between different online food marketplaces, allowing local food hubs to expand their product offerings.
Pilot Deployment
Developed a proof of concept for the cross-platform retail system in collaboration with food hubs in Quebec, helping local hubs reach larger markets and increase their competitiveness.
Commercial Partnerships
Engaged in ongoing commercial discussions with local food hubs, as well as expanding to potential clients in both Canada and the US, resulting in significant business opportunities.
Open Source Contribution
Contributed to the Beckn open-source community by adapting the protocol for use in the food retail sector, and documenting the implementation process for further improvements.
Impact & Results
Increased Market Access for Local Food Hubs
Local food hubs can now offer their products across multiple platforms, reaching a broader audience and competing effectively with larger supermarkets.
Boosted Sustainability and Traceability
The project supports sustainable practices by promoting locally sourced food, allowing buyers to verify product origins and ensuring traceability.
Enhanced Economic Opportunities
By connecting local food hubs with larger markets, the project increases the economic resilience of small-scale food producers and fosters the growth of local economies.
Decentralization of E-Commerce
The success of the project presents a step toward decentralizing the e-commerce ecosystem, reducing the dominance of major platforms like Amazon, and allowing for a more equitable digital economy.
Publications and Open-Source Contributions
Case Study: “Revolutionizing Local Food Commerce in Quebec” – Explores the challenges and successes of the RSFA project in Quebec’s local food ecosystem.
Open Source Contributions:
Future directions
Platform Development
Continue to develop and improve the marketplace for cross-platform food retailing, ensuring it is ready for full-scale deployment in the next phase.
Expanding Global Reach
The team plans to expand the project beyond Canada, exploring partnerships in the EU and US to bring local food hubs into the broader global supply chain.
Development of Financial Transaction Capabilities
Integrate the marketplace with financial transaction systems to facilitate seamless B2B and B2C transactions, supporting the broader goal of a decentralized, open e-commerce ecosystem.
Further Collaboration with Open Food Network
Strengthen partnerships with Open Food Network to scale the project and explore new opportunities within the data space ecosystems, both in the EU and US.
