Stukey

StuNFTs empowers students with unique digital IDs as NFTs, offering discounts, rewards, and secure blockchain-based identity in a transparent, decentralized ecosystem.

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Inspiration

In today's world, everything is moving online. Blockchain technology is taking this a step further by allowing us to store data securely and transparently. While there are many blockchain applications, our project introduces a system where students can verify their identities on the blockchain.

Currently, students use physical identity cards, but as services shift to the internet, it becomes challenging to verify if someone is truly a student. Our project addresses this problem by enabling each student to have a digital identity online, which helps both students and educational organizations.

Inspired by projects like POAP, we built a decentralized platform where students can:

  • Prove student status online
  • Earn points based on activity—called “Stukey Score”—or receive an NFT reflecting their score

Our aim is to empower students with control over their digital identities and to provide easier access to benefits and discounts in a modern ecosystem.

This system can help students access discounts and other areas requiring student verification. For example, organizations can easily verify a student and offer discounts on educational items like books, pens, hosting, domains, app subscriptions, etc.

What It Does

Stukey runs on the Ethereum blockchain (currently on Sepolia testnet) and uses EVM-compatible wallets like MetaMask for authentication. Users connect their wallets and sign a message to access the platform.

Student identity is verified through GitHub activity (such as commits and pull requests). This activity generates a “StuScore,” which is stored in MongoDB and linked to the user’s Student NFT when minted via our smart contract, serving as a secure, decentralized student ID. Periodic re-verification is required to keep the score valid.

Organizations can set their own reward thresholds, such as 5% discounts for scores under 20 and 10% for scores between 21 and 35. Platforms like the GitHub Student Pack, which require student verification, could benefit from this decentralized approach.

Our architecture creates a trustless, transparent system where students own and control their digital identities and rewards.

How We Built It

We built Stukey with a blend of frontend, backend, and blockchain technologies:

Frontend

  • React with TypeScript: For a dynamic, type-safe interface
  • React Router: For navigation between Home and Dashboard pages
  • Ethers.js: To connect wallets and interact with the blockchain
  • Custom Wallet Integration: Supporting multiple wallets, built in-house (not using third-party libraries)
  • Tailwind CSS: For basic styling (with plans to use more advanced features in the future)

Smart Contract

  • Solidity: Using OpenZeppelin’s ERC721 standard for NFTs and Ownable for access control
  • Remix: For development and deployment to the Sepolia testnet

Backend

  • Node.js with Express: For authentication and secure minting (planned)
  • MongoDB: To store user data, such as authentication records
    (Initially, data is stored in the database; after minting, scores are stored on-chain)

Integration

  • The frontend interacts with the smart contract using its ABI and address.
  • Axios: Handles API requests to the backend.

Our focus was on creating a seamless experience—connecting wallets, authenticating users, and minting NFTs—while ensuring security and transparency.

Challenges We Faced

Building Stukey was not without its difficulties:

  • Smart Contract Security: We ensured security by using OpenZeppelin standards and limiting minting privileges to the contract owner.
  • Wallet Integration: Supporting MetaMask and other wallets, and maintaining user sessions across reloads, required building a WalletContext with localStorage.
  • User Accessibility: Since blockchain technology can be intimidating, we prioritized simple onboarding and clear instructions.
  • Testnet Deployment: Obtaining test ETH and configuring contracts on Sepolia required extra effort. Tools like faucets and Remix helped.
  • Scalability: Preparing for mainnet gas fees and scalability is a future challenge; we are considering layer-2 solutions and secure backend minting to address this.

Each challenge taught us how to balance technical complexity with user needs.

Accomplishments We're Proud Of

We’re excited about what we've achieved:

  • Seamless Blockchain Integration: Connecting wallets, authenticating users, and minting NFTs through a friendly interface.
  • Decentralized Student ID: Using NFTs to provide a verifiable, student-owned digital identity.
  • Engagement Score Vision: Gamifying engagement to build community.
  • Multi-Wallet Support: Inclusion by supporting various wallet providers.
  • Real-World Impact: Helping students make education more affordable and engaging globally.

These accomplishments reflect our commitment to both technical excellence and practical value.

What We Learned

Building Stukey taught us valuable skills:

  • Blockchain Development: Writing and deploying Solidity contracts with tools like Remix.
  • Web3 Integration: Using ethers.js for integrating blockchain with React and managing wallet interactions.
  • User Experience: Making complex concepts accessible for non-technical users.
  • Security Best Practices: Incorporating message signing and owner-only minting.
  • Gamification Concepts: Designing incentives through the engagement score system.
  • Scalability Considerations: Preparing blockchain apps for larger audiences and exploring layer-2 networks.

These lessons will guide our future work on Stukey and beyond.

What's Next for Stukey

We have ambitious plans to expand Stukey:

  • Secure Minting: Enable backend minting so all users can mint NFTs securely via an owner-key request.
  • EAS Integration: Replace MongoDB with Ethereum Attestation Service for enhanced decentralized storage.
  • Discount Marketplace: Launch a vendor-integrated marketplace offering in-app discounts.
  • Mainnet Launch: Move to Ethereum mainnet with a layer-2 solution (e.g., Polygon) to reduce costs and scale.
  • Community Building: Host events, social campaigns, and governance voting for NFT holders.
  • UI Enhancements: Upgrade the user interface with animations and responsiveness.

Our goal is to create a global platform that makes education more accessible and rewarding for students everywhere.

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