PlantGang is a decentralised community of researchers, enthusiasts and 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 specimens, led by a decentralised community of researchers and citizen scientists. 

Plantgang’s virtual herbarium platform will provide the botanical 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. This site is currently under development (funded by Filecoin Foundation) and will have the MVP complete July/August 2023.

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 research 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.