NAVAIX Research Lab

Introduction

In the ever-changing landscape of DeFi, NAVAIX recognizes the importance of pioneering research and contributing to the collective knowledge base as a public good. Maintaining an edge with accurate knowledge and actionable insights is crucial, and raising all ships with high-quality information is key.

Our Research Program focuses on three core domains: (1) guiding users from centralized to decentralized financial platforms, (2) analyzing the on-chain futures market, and (3) exploring the vast potential of intent-based architecture. Each domain aims to deepen our collective understanding, foster innovation, and expand DeFi accessibility in alignment with NAVAIX project objectives.

Introducing the NAVAIX Research Program, the heart of our commitment to fortifying the collective knowledge base of DeFi and promoting the adoption of on-chain decentralized finance. This grant program aims to delve deep into the possibilities of intents with the goal of contributing to a public, free, and high-quality resource and knowledge base.

NOTE: The NAVAIX Research Program is open to all members of the ecosystem who wish to participate in the primary objectives outlined. We encourage members to reach out to discuss qualification and collaboration opportunities.

Program Objectives

Focused Data Gathering: Give priority to gathering and analyzing data related to intent-based architecture and applications, providing valuable insights into market trends, project performance, and essential metrics.

Public Knowledge Sharing: Our goal extends beyond discovering insights; we also aim to disseminate them. By creating and promoting easily understandable educational content, we aspire to establish a public repository of knowledge and resources for the wider DeFi community.

Collaborative Community Engagement: The vitality of the DeFi ecosystem relies on collaborative endeavors. We actively promote cooperation among researchers, developers, data providers, and DeFi enthusiasts to push the boundaries of what is achievable.

Innovation and Advancement: With the exploration of intent-based architecture applications in their infancy, we strive to contribute to new research and the development of innovative applications. If you are involved in research or building within this domain, we aim to offer support in any way possible.

Program Scopes

The NAVAIX Research Program is dedicated to driving advancements in the DeFi sector, with a specific focus on three primary domains that will be outlined. While the program is not exclusively limited to these three domains, they serve as the primary areas of concentration. Applications related to out-of-scope or edge case topics may be considered on a discretionary basis.

1. Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

   Our approach to DeFi is comprehensive, encompassing both broad topics for comprehensive education and niche areas for targeted advancements.

   Broad Topics & Education:

   • Onboarding the New Generation: The foundational objective is to create resources and educational content facilitating the seamless onboarding of the next wave of users onto blockchain networks.

   • Migration from Centralized Exchanges (CEX) to Decentralized Exchanges (DEX): In-depth research into the challenges, advantages, and processes involved in migrating users from traditional centralized platforms to decentralized ones.

   User Experience & Innovations:

   • Account Abstraction: Exploration of innovations around account abstraction, aiming to simplify user experience by concealing complex processes from the end-user.

   • Enhancements in User Experience: Detailed analysis and proposals to revolutionize the user journey in DeFi, making it more intuitive and user-friendly.

2. On-Chain Perpetual Futures

   The rapidly evolving landscape of on-chain perpetual futures presents numerous research opportunities.

   • Existing Landscape Analysis: A comprehensive examination of the current state of on-chain perpetual futures, including projects, technologies, and operational methodologies.

   • Future Innovations: Identification of gaps in the existing ecosystem and predictions regarding future innovations that could revolutionize on-chain perpetual futures.

   • Data Analytics: In-depth exploration of datasets to uncover trends, anomalies, and patterns providing actionable insights.

   • Comparative Analysis: Contrast of different models and platforms, including Order Books vs. Automated Market Makers (AMMs) vs. Virtual AMMs (vAMMs), and an exploration of aggregators – their role, impact, and future in the perpetual futures space.

3. NAVAIX Intent-Based Architecture

NAVAIX Intent-Based Architecture holds the potential to introduce significant enhancements in user experience and efficiency within the ecosystem.

Going beyond derivatives trading, this declarative paradigm finds applications in various areas, including:

• MEV Minimization

• On-chain Privacy

• Batch Auctions

• Gas Sponsorship & Delegation

• Transaction Batching & Aggregation

• Cross-Domain Settlement

Our goal is to institute research grants specifically in the field of intent-based architecture. This encompasses foundational exploration of what an intent entails, extending to in-depth research on novel applications and their potential impact.

Application for the NAVAI X Research Program

Benefits of Participation:

1. Grant Funding:

   • Successful proposals will receive funding to support their research endeavors.

2. Access to a Vibrant Community:

   • Engage with a community of like-minded researchers, developers, ecosystem participants, and DeFi experts.

3. Publication and Recognition:

   • Outstanding research will have the opportunity to be co-published and promoted in collaboration with NAVAI X and our partners, gaining recognition within the broader DeFi community.

We want to hear from you! This program encompasses a variety of different scopes and can suit contributions in many ways.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Background in DeFi:

   • Whether you're a data analyst, developer, researcher, or a DeFi enthusiast with a keen interest in intent-based architecture, we welcome diverse backgrounds. Prior experience in the DeFi sector will be an advantage.

2. Commitment:

   • A dedication to drive change, bring forth new ideas, and work collaboratively with the community.

3. Project Proposal:

   • Applicants should present a clear research proposal that aligns with the objectives of the NAVAI X Research Initiative.