Grant Proposal: AutomationX – The AI-Powered Automation Layer for Rootstock DeFi
Applicant: AutomationX Team
Grant Program: Rootstock Strategic Grants
Requested Funding: US$12,000
Proposed Timeline: 24 weeks
Categories: DeFi & Cross-Chain Automation, AI Integration, Developer Ecosystem
1. Project Summary
AutomationX is an AI-powered, modular automation protocol designed to serve as the “Zapier for the Rootstock ecosystem.”
It empowers users to execute complex DeFi strategies using simple natural-language commands (e.g., “When BTC price drops 5%, swap my RIF to rUSDT and lend on Tropykus”).
By abstracting away technical complexity, AutomationX makes Rootstock DeFi accessible to non-technical Bitcoin holders, drives capital inflows through automated cross-chain bridging, and provides an open-source SDK for developers to build and deploy their own automation modules.
This project will deliver:
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An AI-Powered Automation Engine: Autonomously executes user instructions based on on-chain and off-chain triggers.
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Cross-Chain Liquidity Bridge: Seamlessly brings ERC-20 assets from Ethereum into the Rootstock DeFi ecosystem.
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A Modular, Open-Source Framework: Allows third-party developers to easily build and integrate new automation strategies.
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A Developer SDK: Empowers the entire Rootstock community to contribute to a growing library of automation tools.
By funding AutomationX, Rootstock is not just funding a product; it is investing in foundational infrastructure that will unlock new users, attract significant TVL, and create a self-sustaining flywheel of developer activity.
2. Team Background
The AutomationX team is composed of seasoned Web3 builders with a proven track record in DeFi, AI, and scalable infrastructure. Our collective experience ensures we can deliver on this ambitious project with lean efficiency.
Ankit Choudhary (Blockchain & DeFi Lead):
Ankit brings 4+ years of deep expertise in smart contract architecture and DeFi protocol security. He has led the development of financial systems designed for high-value transactions.
Akash (Full-stack & AI Lead):
A previously successful exited founder, Akash has over 4 years of experience building autonomous agents and Web3 analytics platforms. His expertise lies in translating complex logic into reliable, AI-driven execution systems.
Dhruv Gera (Web3 & Infrastructure Lead):
A previously successful exited founder, Dhruv specializes in building scalable, resilient backend systems. With 3+ years in the DeFi space, he has architected infrastructure built to handle high-throughput, mission-critical operations.
Our team’s combined 8+ years of hands-on experience building and scaling successful Web3 products gives us the unique capability to build this critical infrastructure for the Rootstock ecosystem.
3. The AutomationX Value Proposition for Rootstock
AutomationX creates a powerful adoption flywheel, turning Rootstock into the premier destination for Bitcoin-secured DeFi.
AutomationX → The Rootstock DeFi Adoption Flywheel
By launching a user-friendly automation layer, AutomationX becomes an onboarding magnet for capital and developers, boosting on-chain activity and cementing Rootstock’s position as the leading Bitcoin sidechain.
How AutomationX Addresses Key Rootstock Challenges
| Challenge | How AutomationX Solves It |
|---|---|
| High Barrier to Entry for Mainstream Users | Our natural language interface allows non-technical Bitcoin holders to access sophisticated DeFi strategies without needing to understand smart contracts or manually execute transactions. |
| Limited Cross-Chain Liquidity & Friction | The integrated, automated bridge makes it effortless to move capital from Ethereum to Rootstock, directly increasing TVL in ecosystem protocols like Sovryn, Tropykus, and MoneyOnChain. |
| Need for More Developer Activity & Tools | Our open-source SDK and modular architecture provide a powerful toolkit for Rootstock developers, encouraging them to build, innovate, and contribute to a shared, growing library of automation modules. |
| Underexposed Utility of Core RSK Components | AutomationX strategies will directly utilize assets like RIF, RBTC, and RNS, embedding them into automated workflows and increasing their on-chain velocity and utility. |
4. Milestones, Timeline, and Budget
Our plan is structured for rapid, iterative delivery with clear, measurable outcomes at each stage.
| Milestone | Deliverables | Timeline | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| M1: Automation Core (Testnet) | 1. Core smart contracts on RSK testnet.2. NLP interface for command input.3. UI dashboard for task monitoring.4. Integration with 2 testnet DeFi protocols. | 6 weeks | $4,000 |
| M2: AI Engine & Bridge Integration | 1. ERC-20 <> Rootstock bridge on testnet.2. Live AI agent for intent parsing.3. Chainlink Automation integration.4. Performance & stress testing completed. | 8 weeks | $4,000 |
| M3: Mainnet Launch & Developer SDK | 1. Full deployment on Rootstock mainnet.2. Open-source SDK published on GitHub.3. Developer workshop hosted.4. Integration with ≥3 mainnet protocols. | 10 weeks | $4,000 |
| Total | 24 weeks | $12,000 |
5. Success Metrics
| KPI | 30-Day Target (Post-Launch) | 90-Day Target (Post-Launch) | Data Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automated Transactions Executed | 500+ | 2,500+ | On-Chain Data |
| Unique Wallets Using AutomationX | 100 | 500 | AutomationX Dashboard |
| TVL Bridged via AutomationX | $50k | $250k+ | Bridge Contract |
| Developers Using/Forking SDK | 15 | 50+ | GitHub |
| Integrated Rootstock Protocols | 3 | 5+ | Project Docs |
6. Return on Investment (ROI)
This $12,000 grant is a high-leverage investment in foundational infrastructure. The ROI for Rootstock will be delivered through three primary channels:
1. Direct Capital Inflow:
Based on our 90-day target of attracting $250k+ in TVL, this grant yields an immediate 20x+ return on capital brought into the ecosystem. This directly benefits all Rootstock dApps by increasing available liquidity.
2. Increased Network Activity:
With a target of over 2,500 automated transactions in the first 90 days, AutomationX will generate significant, sustained on-chain activity, increasing network fee revenue and demonstrating a vibrant, active ecosystem.
3. Developer Ecosystem Multiplier:
The SDK empowers the entire community. By funding this one project, Rootstock seeds an ecosystem where dozens of developers can build new products and strategies, creating a compounding return in ecosystem growth and innovation that far exceeds the initial grant amount.
For a modest $12,000 investment, Rootstock acquires a critical piece of infrastructure that makes the entire ecosystem more attractive to users, capital, and developers.
7. Technical Specifications
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Frontend: React, Wagmi, Tailwind CSS → Deployed on Vercel
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On-Chain (Rootstock): Solidity smart contracts (OpenZeppelin standards) for task scheduling, module registry, and execution
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Off-Chain Services:
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AI & NLP Engine: Node.js service using GPT libraries for intent parsing and module selection
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Event Listener & Trigger: Go-based service monitoring on-chain events and off-chain APIs (e.g., price feeds)
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Cross-Chain Relayer: Secure service for handling bridge events and submitting transactions
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Infrastructure: Microservices architecture hosted on AWS/GCP, managed with Kubernetes for scalability
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Monitoring: Grafana for system health, Forta for on-chain security alerts
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Security: Smart contracts will undergo static analysis (Slither), internal QA, and a professional audit (budget permitting)
8. Demo
- ETHGlobal Showcase: https://ethglobal.com/showcase/automationx-etqcb
Thank you for your consideration.
We are confident that AutomationX will be a game-changer for Rootstock, unlocking its potential as the leading DeFi hub for Bitcoin.
Respectfully,
The AutomationX Team