Platform Master Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: 10 November 2025

 

1. PREAMBLE

                     1.1.          Purpose and Scope:

                                    1.1.1.          These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern the access to and use of the DEEP Initiatives Ecosystem ("Platform") accessible at https://deepfunding.ai/,  including its various initiatives and user interfaces. The Platform consists of a set of integrated, interactive websites, applications, and tools designed to support the operation of the DEEP Initiatives program and its community. While certain Platform features may interface with or utilize third-party blockchain networks for verification, payments, or governance purposes, the Platform itself is not built on a blockchain and operates primarily through web-based infrastructure managed by the Platform Operator. 

                                    1.1.2.          The Platform is established to advance decentralized AI development by providing grants to support innovative, ethical, and impactful AI projects, with the aim of fostering the creation of beneficial Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). In addition, the Platform may support or host partner-led funding initiatives that are not strictly AI-based, provided such initiatives are fully financed by the respective partners and remain aligned with the Platform’s mission, values, and ethical standards. The Platform enables users to participate in a range of activities, including but not limited to: Proposal submission; milestone tracking; Request for Proposal (RFP) responses; funding and ideation initiatives; governance and community engagement; and identity and compliance tools.

                                    1.1.3.          These Terms do not constitute or replace any grant agreement. Any financial support awarded through DEEP Funding is subject to a separate, legally binding grant agreement entered into between DEEP Initiatives Inc. ("Platform Operator") and the User ("User"). In the event of a conflict between these Terms and the grant agreement, the latter shall prevail. between the User and DEEP Initiatives Inc. ("Platform Operator"). The Platform Operator may update or amend these Terms from time to time, as outlined in Section 1.6.

                     1.2.          Acceptance of Terms:

                                    1.2.1.          By accessing or using the Platform, Users affirm that they have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these Terms, including any amendments, updates, or modifications thereto and that they have the full legal capacity to enter into this agreement and are not prohibited from using the Platform under any Applicable Laws or regulations. If a User does not agree with these Terms in whole or in part, they must immediately discontinue their use of the Platform.

                                    1.2.2.          Acceptance of these Terms is deemed to occur when a User:

                                                    1.2.2.1.          Accesses the Platform;

                                                    1.2.2.2.          Engages in any interaction with the Platform, including viewing, transacting, submitting proposals, participating in governance, using identity tools or engaging in platform-based activities;

                                                    1.2.2.3.          Connects their blockchain wallet where required to use a specific on-chain feature (e.g., Automated Milestone Payment System transactions); or

                                                    1.2.2.4.          Utilises any services provided by the Platform Operator or its affiliates through the Platform.

                     1.3.          Professional Use Only

The Platform is intended for use exclusively by professional and knowledgeable Users acting in a business or professional capacity. It is not intended for use by individual consumers or companies that are not acting in their capacity as professionals. Accordingly, consumer protection laws do not apply to the use of the Platform.

By accepting these Terms, the User certifies that they have sufficient expertise to understand and assess the legal and financial issues related to the use of the Platform. Users accessing the Platform represent and warrant that they are acting in a business or professional capacity. The User acknowledges and agrees that it is their responsibility to ensure their own competence, and if not, they must seek the advice of a qualified professional before proceeding with the use of the proposed services on the Platform.

                     1.4.          Nature of the Platform:

                                    1.4.1.          The Platform is based on an automated, decentralised protocol through autonomous Smart Contracts deployed on a Third-Party Blockchain Network.

                                    1.4.2.          Users retain full control and responsibility over their assets and transactions, as set forth in Section 5 (Platform Operator).

                     1.5.          Registration and Wallet Connection

Access to the Platform does not currently require Users to connect a blockchain wallet. Most Platform features, including browsing, proposal submission, and community participation, are available through standard web-based interfaces.

However, authorized partners or grantees who access the back-office or operations portal for Automated Milestone Payment System funding and settlement operations may be required to connect a compatible blockchain wallet for transactional purposes.

By connecting their wallet, Users acknowledge and agree to the following:

                                    1.5.1.          Acceptance of Terms: The act of connecting a wallet constitutes acceptance of these Terms including full awareness and understanding of associated risks.

                                    1.5.2.          Understanding of Risk Disclosure: Users confirm that they have read and understood the Risk Disclosure outlined in Section 11 (Risk Disclosure).

                                    1.5.3.          Self-Custody Responsibility: Users are responsible for securing their blockchain wallets, private keys, and recovery phrases. The Platform Operator does not control the wallets, manage or recover lost credentials.

                     1.6.          Amendments and Modifications:

                                    1.6.1.          The Platform Operator reserves the right to amend, modify, or update these Terms at any time, at its sole discretion, to reflect changes in legal, regulatory, technical, or business requirements. Users will be notified of any material changes through official communication channels, including but not limited to:

                                                    1.6.1.1.          Notices published on the Platform;

                                                    1.6.1.2.          Email notifications (if applicable);

                                                    1.6.1.3.          Updates within the Platform's user interface.

                                    1.6.2.          Ongoing use of the Platform following any modifications signifies the acceptance of the updated Terms. Users are advised to regularly review the Terms to stay aware of their rights and duties.

                     1.7.          Eligibility and Restrictions:       

                                    1.7.1.          The Platform is intended solely for individuals or entities that possess sufficient knowledge and expertise to understand the risks associated with the services offered on the Platform. All eligibility determinations are made at the discretion of the Platform in conjunction with the Platform Operator and are considered final and binding. The Platform reserves the right to amend or supplement these criteria as necessary to comply with evolving legal, regulatory, and program-specific requirements. Accordingly, the following categories are eligible to apply for funding:

                                                    1.7.1.1.          Individuals:

                                                                   1.7.1.1.1.          Independent developers, researchers, or professionals contributing to decentralized AI and blockchain innovation.

                                                                   1.7.1.1.2.          Must demonstrate expertise and a commitment to ethical and responsible development.

                                                    1.7.1.2.          Teams and Organizations:

                                                                   1.7.1.2.1.          Startup teams, research groups, companies, and non-profit organizations.

                                                                   1.7.1.2.2.          Teams must have clearly defined roles, relevant qualifications, and a track record of delivering results.

                                                                   1.7.1.2.3.          Multidisciplinary teams are encouraged to ensure a broader project scope.

                                                    1.7.1.3.          Global Participation:

                                                                   1.7.1.3.1.          Applicants from any country can apply, ensuring a diverse and inclusive program.

                                    1.7.2.          By using the Platform, Users represent and warrant that:

                                                    1.7.2.1.          Individuals are at least 18 years old or the age of majority in their jurisdiction, provided they are acting in a business or professional capacity as required by Section 1.3 (Professional Use Only);

                                                    1.7.2.2.          They have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements;

                                                    1.7.2.3.          They will comply with all Applicable Laws and regulations;

                                                    1.7.2.4.          They are not located in, under the control of, or a national or resident of any jurisdiction where the use of the Platform is prohibited or would subject the Platform Operator to any legal or regulatory liabilities.

                                                    1.7.2.5.          They are not subject to economic sanctions imposed by the United Nations, the European Union, the United States, or any other applicable jurisdiction.

                                    1.7.3.          The Platform Operator reserves the right to restrict or terminate access to Users who do not meet these eligibility criteria.

                     1.8.          Compliance and Regulatory Considerations:

                                    1.8.1.          No Financial, Legal, or Tax Advice

The Platform Operator does not provide financial, legal, or tax advice. All information provided through the User Interface is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice of any kind.

                                    1.8.2.          Users are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable legal, tax, and regulatory obligations in their jurisdiction. The Platform Operator makes no representations regarding the legality of the Platform's services in any specific country or region. Regulatory requirements and compliance obligations may vary, and Users should seek independent professional advice if needed.

                     1.9.          Contact and Support:

                                    1.9.1.          For inquiries, support, or feedback regarding the Platform or these Terms, Users may contact the Platform Operator via official communication channels listed on the Platform's website.

2. DEFINITIONS

                     2.1.          For the purposes of these Terms, the following capitalised terms shall have the meanings set forth below, regardless of whether they appear in singular or plural form:

                                    2.1.1.          “Tokens”: Digital representations of value or rights that may be transferred and stored electronically using blockchain technology or similar technology, excluding the Token. Tokens representing securities or financial instruments shall not be considered as “Tokens” for the purpose of these Terms and shall not be exchanged or transferred via the Platform.

                                    2.1.2.          “Token Transaction”: refers to any transfer, exchange, minting, redemption, or interaction involving Tokens conducted through the Smart Contracts on a Third-Party Blockchain Network.

                                    2.1.3.          “Platform”: The DEEP Initiatives Ecosystem Platform refers to the decentralized financial ecosystem, provided by SingularityNET and operated and maintained by the Platform Operator. The Platform operates independently of any central authority or intermediary, and its functionality is governed by the rules encoded within the Smart Contracts deployed on a Third-Party Blockchain Network.

                                    2.1.4.          “Platform Operator”: refers to DEEP Initiatives Inc. or any designated affiliated entity responsible for operating and maintaining the Platform interfaces and coordination of Initiatives.

                                    2.1.5.          “User”: Refers to any individual or entity accessing or utilising the Platform.

                                    2.1.6.          “User Interface” is the front-end web application and is an independent interface that allows Users to interact with the Platform and integrated Smart Contracts. The User Interface simplifies interactions by enabling wallet connections, transaction submissions, and position monitoring, but it does not execute or control any Token Transactions on the Third-Party Blockchain Network.

                                    2.1.7.          “User Rewards”: means any tokens, stablecoins, grants, or other forms of compensation or benefits earned or awarded to Users, Circle Members, or teams through participation in Initiatives or Programs on the Platform, subject to the applicable initiative-specific terms and conditions.

                                    2.1.8.          “Smart Contracts”: Self-executing programs deployed on the Third-Party Blockchain Network that facilitate and govern Token transactions.

                                    2.1.9.          “Third-Party Blockchain Network”: A decentralized blockchain infrastructure that hosts the Token and its associated Smart Contracts.

                                 2.1.10.          “Initiatives”: Collective term for Platform programs, including Funding & Ideation, Governance & Community, and Identity & Compliance.

                                 2.1.11.          “User Generated Content”: or “Submission” means any content, Proposal, idea, deliverable, code, documentation, governance input, or data submitted by Users through any Platform feature or initiative, as further governed by the relevant initiative-specific sections of these Terms.

                                 2.1.12.          “Gas Fees”: Refer to transaction fees paid to a Third-Party Blockchain Network to validate and execute Smart Contracts interactions. Users are solely responsible for paying Gas Fees, which fluctuate based on network demand.

                                 2.1.13.          “Grants”: refers to financial allocations made to selected Proposals, subject to compliance with milestones, KPIs, and initiative-specific requirements.

                                 2.1.14.          “Automated Milestone Payment System” means the smart contract–based process that conditionally releases approved funds or rewards to Users or Grant Recipients upon the confirmation of milestone completion or satisfaction of predefined criteria. This system operates autonomously on a third-party blockchain network and is entirely non-custodial. The Platform Operator does not hold, manage, or control any funds at any stage of the process.

                                 2.1.15.          “Grant Recipient”: means any User, individual, team, or entity whose Proposals has been approved to receive a Grant under the Platform’s Funding & Ideation initiatives, subject to these Terms, and the provisions of Section 17 (Funding & Ideation Rules).

                                 2.1.16.          “Community Content”: means any blogs, posts, comments, reviews, or other content created by Users on community portals (e.g., http://deep-communities.ai).

                                 2.1.17.          “Proposal”: means a project idea or funding request submitted by Users through the Platform for review and potential selection seeking funding, governance approval, or community endorsement.

                                 2.1.18.          “Submission”: refers to any content, proposal, deliverable, or material, including, without limitation, text, code, documentation, designs, or media, that a User uploads, transmits, or otherwise provides through the Platform or in connection with any Initiative (such as Funding & Ideation, or DEEP-Lab). Each Submission remains subject to these Terms and, where applicable, initiative-specific rules and intellectual-property provisions.

                                 2.1.19.          “Milestones”: refers to pre-defined objectives tied to a Proposal that must be achieved before further disbursement of funding.

                                 2.1.20.          “Ideation”: Processes through which Users can submit, refine, or vote on conceptual ideas, whether open-ended or tied to specific challenges or requests-for-proposals (RFPs).

                                 2.1.21.          “Reputation Score”: is a non-transferable indicator of a User’s standing or contribution within the ecosystem, calculated under the Voting Policy and used to weight governance voting alongside token balances.”

                                 2.1.22.          “Request for Proposals” or “RFP”: means a call for Submissions published on the Platform, inviting Users to propose projects addressing specific goals or topics.

                                 2.1.23.          “Wallet Linking Tool”: A feature allowing Users to connect blockchain wallets to identity solutions, subject to third-party wallet providers’ separate terms.

                                 2.1.24.          “Digital ID”: Self-sovereign identity credentials managed via http://deep-id.ai or similar tools.

                                 2.1.25.          “Content”: means any text, data, documents, comments, links, or other material uploaded or shared by Users via the Platform.

                                 2.1.26.          “Applicable Laws” refers to the laws of the British Virgin Islands and legal requirements that govern the use of the Platform, including but not limited to financial regulations, anti-money laundering (AML) laws, tax obligations, and data protection laws.

                                 2.1.27.          “Interim Measures” refer to temporary legal remedies or injunctions granted by a court or arbitrator to preserve the status quo or prevent imminent harm pending the outcome of a dispute resolution process.

                                 2.1.28.          “Arbitral Award” refers to the final and binding decision issued by an arbitrator in accordance with the LCE London, as outlined in Section 13.

3. PLATFORM DESCRIPTION

                     3.1.          Decentralised and Autonomous Infrastructure

The Platform is composed of a suite of web-based applications and integrated tools designed to facilitate participation in the DEEP Funding ecosystem. It operates primarily through conventional technology infrastructure managed by the Platform Operator.

While certain components, such as elements of the back-office for Automated Milestone Payment System-based operations or potential voting portals, may in the future integrate with smart contracts or blockchain-based systems, the Platform as a whole does not currently operate on a blockchain or through autonomous on-chain logic. Any blockchain-enabled features, when introduced, will be communicated transparently and governed by specific technical and legal terms. The Automated Milestone Payment System functions as a non-custodial, self-executing process that conditionally releases approved funds upon the confirmation of predefined milestones, without any custody, control, or discretionary management of funds by the Platform Operator.

The Platform provides a range of initiatives and services supporting the growth and sustainability of the DEEP Funding Ecosystem. These initiatives are organised into four principal categories, Funding & Ideation, Governance & Community, and Identity & Compliance, each of which reflects the evolving needs of the community and may be expanded over time. By participating in any of these initiatives, Users acknowledge and accept that their activities are governed by these Terms as well as by the initiative-specific rules set forth in the relevant Sections 17 to 20 (Initiative-Specific Rules). The Platform provides a suite of decentralised core features grouped as follows:

                     3.2.          Core features

                                     3.2.1.          Funding and Ideation

                                                    3.2.1.1.          The funding and ideation initiatives of the Platform, including but not limited to deepfunding.ai, deep-ideation.ai, and ai4p.ai, constitute the primary mechanisms through which projects and ideas are identified, refined, and supported. Through these sites, Users may submit Proposals for funding, participate in challenges, or contribute innovative ideas aimed at advancing the objectives of the DEEP Initiatives Ecosystem. The Platform is intended to facilitate community participation in the DEEP Funding program by allowing Users to submit, browse, discuss, and provide feedback on project Proposals  and Requests for Proposals (RFPs). It is designed to support transparency, collaboration, and innovation within the SingularityNET ecosystem.

                                                    3.2.1.2.          Proposals are typically subject to review processes, milestone-based funding disbursements, and ongoing reporting obligations. Users engaging in these initiatives understand and agree that funding is not guaranteed, remains conditional upon satisfaction of the relevant criteria, and may be withheld or withdrawn in cases of non-compliance. Ideas and Proposals submitted on the Platform may generate rewards or recognition, but such benefits do not constitute financial instruments, nor do they create enforceable obligations on the part of the Platform Operator.

                                    3.2.2.          Governance and Community

                                                    3.2.2.1.          The Governance and Community feature enables participatory involvement in the development and direction of the DEEP Funding ecosystem. It provides tools and spaces, such as deep-communities.ai, that support collaboration, discussion, and collective input from Users. Community activities primarily focus on operational coordination, facilitated through circles, working groups, and community teams that help organise and review initiatives across the ecosystem. Governance functions are mainly limited to voting on project or grant proposals, allowing the broader community to contribute to funding decisions.

                                                    3.2.2.2.          Governance and community tools operate through web-based systems managed by the Platform Operator. The Platform does not use smart contracts or delegation mechanisms for governance at this time. Future integrations, if introduced, will be communicated transparently and governed by updated terms.

                                    3.2.3.          Identity and Compliance

                                                    3.2.3.1.          The identity and compliance initiatives of the Platform, including but not limited to deep-id.ai, are focused on the development and deployment of decentralised identity solutions and compliance tools. These features may include wallet linking tools, the creation and management of digital identity credentials, and consent-based data flows designed to support self-sovereign identity. Users remain solely responsible for the accuracy of their identity information, the safeguarding of their wallets and credentials, and their compliance with applicable legal and regulatory obligations.

                                                    3.2.3.2.          The Platform Operator provides these tools on an “as-is” basis, makes no representation regarding their sufficiency for regulatory compliance, and disclaims all liability for misuse, security breaches, or failures in identity verification. The use of other privacy-preserving technologies shall not relieve Users of their personal responsibility for legal compliance.

                                    3.2.4.          Future Initiatives

                                                    3.2.4.1.          The Platform Operator reserves the right to launch additional initiatives, features, or services that fall within or complement the categories described above. Such initiatives shall automatically be deemed subject to these Terms and shall be further elaborated in additional terms or policies issued at the time of their release.

                                                    3.2.4.2.          Users acknowledge and agree that participation in future initiatives carries the same risks, obligations, and limitations of liability as those set out herein.

                                    3.2.5.          The detailed rules governing these initiatives are set out in Sections 17 to 20 (Initiative-Specific Rules).

4. DECENTRALISATION AND AUTONOMY

While the Platform itself operates primarily through conventional web infrastructure, certain operational components may integrate with autonomous Smart Contracts deployed on third-party blockchain networks: 

                     4.1.          Autonomous Smart Contracts: Certain operational transactions, particularly those related to back-office and Automated Milestone Payment System-based funding or settlement activities, may be facilitated through autonomous Smart Contracts deployed on third-party blockchain networks. These Smart Contracts operate independently of the Platform’s core infrastructure and execute automatically according to predefined rules and technical conditions established in their underlying code. These Smart Contracts operate independently, and all transfers made through the Automated Milestone Payment System occur directly between the participating blockchain wallets; the Platform Operator never takes possession or control of any funds.

                     4.2.          No intermediary role: In relation to any Automated Milestone Payment System-based payments, milestone settlements, or other transactions executed through Smart Contracts, the Platform Operator does not act as an intermediary, custodian, or counterparty. Such transactions occur directly between the participating Users (or their authorised partners) and the relevant blockchain network. Users who interact with Smart Contracts do so at their own discretion and risk, and are solely responsible for verifying the contract parameters, transaction details, and wallet security before initiating or confirming any transaction.

5. PLATFORM OPERATOR

The Platform Operator is responsible for providing, maintaining, and developing the web-based infrastructure that enables Users to access and participate in the DEEP Funding ecosystem, including its initiatives, programs, and related tools. While most Platform interactions occur through conventional web interfaces, certain operational processes, such as Automated Milestone Payment System-based funding or settlement operations, may integrate with Smart Contracts deployed on third-party blockchain networks. In such cases, the Platform Operator’s role is limited to facilitating the connection between Users and those external systems.

                     5.1.          Duties of the Platform Operator

The Platform Operator shall, to the extent possible, provide and maintain the User Interface through which Users can access the Platform.

                     5.2.          No Custodial Services

The Platform Operator does not provide custodial services for any Tokens. Users remain solely responsible for securing their wallets, private keys, and recovery phrases as set forth in Section 6.3 (Security and User Responsibility).

The Platform Operator:

                                    5.2.1.          Does not store or manage user assets: All Tokens are managed directly by the Smart Contracts on the Third-Party Blockchain Network.

                                    5.2.2.          Cannot recover lost credentials: The Platform Operator has no ability to recover lost or compromised private keys.

6. ACCESS AND USE OF THE PLATFORM

                     6.1.          Wallet Connection Requirement (Automated Milestone Payment System Operations Only)

Most Users can access and use the Platform’s web-based features without connecting a blockchain wallet. However, Users must connect a compatible blockchain wallet to interact with  the Platform’s Automated Milestone Payment System services. The Platform currently supports Metamask wallets. Users are responsible for ensuring that:

                                    6.1.1.          Their connected wallet is properly configured to interact with the Platform.

                                    6.1.2.          They have sufficient funds in their wallet to cover Token Transactions and associated Gas Fees.

                                    6.1.3.          They understand the mechanics and risks of interacting with Smart Contracts.

The Platform Operator disclaims all liability for losses resulting from errors, misconfigurations, or unauthorised access to Users’ wallets.

                     6.2.          Conditions of Use

By connecting to the Platform, Users represent and warrant that they:

                                    6.2.1.          Are authorized to use the Platform: Users confirm that they have the legal capacity and authority to enter into a binding agreement under these Terms.

                                    6.2.2.          Are acting in a professional capacity: Users acknowledge that the Platform is intended for professional use by professional individuals or entities that have sufficient expertise to understand and assess the legal and financial issues related to the use of the Platform. Users represent that they are not accessing the Platform for personal, household, or consumer purposes.

                                    6.2.3.          Are Compliant with Applicable Laws: Users confirm that their activities on the Platform comply with all Applicable Laws, including but not limited to financial regulations, anti-money laundering (AML) requirements.

                                    6.2.4.          Are not subject to sanctions or restrictions: Users confirm that they are not subject to any sanctions or restrictions imposed under Applicable Laws. Users further confirm that they are not listed on any sanction lists maintained by competent authorities, do not directly or indirectly own or control any assets associated with sanctioned persons or entities, and have not received any assets from such persons or entities. Additionally, Users confirm that they will not engage in any transactions or activities on the Platform that involve individuals, entities, or jurisdictions subject to such sanctions or restrictions.

                     6.3.          Security and User Responsibility

Users are responsible for maintaining the security of their access credentials and accounts on the Platform. The Platform Operator may store encrypted versions of access tokens or passwords strictly for authentication and operational continuity purposes. Such data is encrypted using industry-standard methods and cannot be decrypted or accessed by the Platform Operator. Users must nevertheless take all reasonable precautions to prevent unauthorized access to their accounts.. Where a blockchain wallet is used, Users are solely responsible for securing their blockchain wallets and private keys. The Platform Operator does not manage, store, or recover User credentials, and Users must take all necessary precautions to prevent unauthorized access to their wallets.

The User must:

                                    6.3.1.          Secure Their Wallets: Implement appropriate security measures, such as using hardware wallets and securing recovery phrases.

                                    6.3.2.          Verify Transactions: Carefully verify transaction details before initiating any Token Transactions through the User Interface or directly on the Third-Party Blockchain Network.

The Platform Operator disclaims all liability for losses resulting from unauthorised access to User wallets or errors in Token Transactions initiated by Users.

                     6.4.          Suspension or Termination of Access

The Platform Operator reserves the right to suspend or terminate a User’s access to the User Interface at its sole discretion if the User violates these Terms or engages in prohibited activities, as outlined in Section 9.3 (Prohibited Conduct).

Users remain responsible for managing their positions and complying with the protocol’s rules, even if their access to the User Interface is restricted.

7. PLATFORM FEATURES

                     7.1.          Overview of Services:

The Platform provides a suite of web-based tools and integrated services that support participation in the DEEP Funding ecosystem. These tools enable Users to collaborate, submit and review proposals, track milestones, access community resources, and take part in ecosystem initiatives. The key services offered by the Platform include, but are not limited to:

                                    7.1.1.          Funding & Grants (deepfunding.ai)

                                                    7.1.1.1.          The funding initiative constitutes the cornerstone of the Platform. It is designed to provide structured, transparent, and decentralised mechanisms through which Users may seek financial support for projects aligned with the goals of the ecosystem.

                                                    7.1.1.2.          Users may submit proposals through a guided, multi-step interface requiring the provision of project information, milestones, budgets, and anticipated deliverables. Proposals are stored on the Platform’s databases and made accessible to the community for review. Once published, proposals may be subject to open comments, scoring, or governance voting. Successful proposals may qualify for grant disbursements, which are released in tranches tied to specific milestones.

                                                    7.1.1.3.          User rights and obligations

                                                                   7.1.1.3.1.          Users are entitled to have their Proposals published, provided they comply with eligibility criteria.

                                                                   7.1.1.3.2.          Users must ensure that all information submitted is accurate, complete, and not misleading.

                                                                   7.1.1.3.3.          Users receiving grants must report on progress, maintain transparency, and cooperate with monitoring or audit processes.

                                                    7.1.1.4.          Risks and limitations

                                                                   7.1.1.4.1.          Funding is discretionary and subject to compliance with milestones; it may be suspended, withheld, or reclaimed.

                                                                   7.1.1.4.2.          The Platform Operator does not guarantee the sufficiency, timeliness, or continuity of funding.

                                                                   7.1.1.4.3.          The Operator disclaims liability for the success or failure of funded projects.

                                    7.1.2.          Ideation Platforms (deep-ideation.ai and ai4p.ai)

                                                    7.1.2.1.          The ideation platforms are designed to capture, refine, and reward ideas submitted by Users. They operate both as an always-open repository of Proposals and as a challenge-based system linked to specific themes or ecosystem needs.

                                                    7.1.2.2.          Users may submit ideas directly via the web interface. Submissions may include descriptions, supporting documents, or links to external resources. Other Users may review, comment upon, or endorse these ideas. In some cases, Submissions may be automatically linked to reward mechanisms, including token-based incentives. The ai4p.ai platform extends this system by focusing specifically on artificial intelligence projects and employing AI-assisted tools to support Users in drafting and refining their Submissions.

                                                    7.1.2.3.          Users rights and obligations

                                                                   7.1.2.3.1.          Intellectual property treatment for all Proposals and related Submissions shall be governed exclusively by Section 16 (Intellectual Property Rights).

                                                                   7.1.2.3.2.          Users are required to ensure originality and legality of their Submissions, and to avoid infringement of third-party rights.

                                                                   7.1.2.3.3.          Users acknowledge that the Submission of an idea does not guarantee funding, adoption, or further recognition beyond what is explicitly provided.

                                                    7.1.2.4.          Risks and limitations

                                                                   7.1.2.4.1.          Ideas may be subject to public exposure and may be reused or adapted by others in the community.

                                                                   7.1.2.4.2.          The Platform Operator does not guarantee attribution beyond what is encoded in the Platform.

                                                                   7.1.2.4.3.          Rewards, where available, are limited, discretionary, and subject to change.

                                                    7.1.2.5.          In recognition of the modest rewards associated with idea Submissions (e.g. ideation challenges), Users expressly accept that:

                                                                   7.1.2.5.1.          The reward is compensation for participation only and does not create or imply ownership or proprietary rights in the idea.

                                                                   7.1.2.5.2.          Once submitted, the idea is considered public property of the DEEP Funding community and cannot be withdrawn or made subject to private ownership claims.

                                                                   7.1.2.5.3.          Users may not subsequently demand additional compensation, licensing fees, or recognition beyond what is provided under the rules of the challenge.

                                    7.1.3.           Governance & Community Engagement (https://www.deep-communities.ai/)

                                                    7.1.3.1.          The Governance & Community Engagement feature provides the organisational and collaboration framework for the DEEP Funding ecosystem. It is designed to coordinate operational activities such as proposal assessments, milestone approvals, marketing initiatives, and other ecosystem-related projects. Through deep-communities.ai, Users can join circles, working groups, and community teams that support the execution of these activities. The Platform also hosts libraries of shared resources, workspaces, and communication tools to facilitate efficient coordination and transparency across the ecosystem.

                                                    7.1.3.2.          While limited voting functionality may be available for specific processes, primarily to enable the wider community to evaluate and prioritise project proposals, most activities focus on collaborative operations and execution rather than token-based governance.

                                                    7.1.3.3.          Users rights and obligations

                                                                   7.1.3.3.1.          Users may participate in governance processes within the Platform in accordance with their roles and permissions in the ecosystem.Voting rights are not based on token holdings, and no blockchain wallet connection is required to participate. Participation is facilitated through the Platform’s web-based authentication, with eligibility and any identity checks defined in the applicable program or initiative rules.

                                                                   7.1.3.3.2.          Votes cast on project proposals or similar initiatives are considered binding for their intended purpose, meaning the Platform Operator will implement the results within the operational and programmatic framework of the Platform. However, such votes are not executed or recorded on the blockchain, and no smart contracts govern their outcome.

                                                                   7.1.3.3.3.          Users must respect community standards when contributing content.

                                                                   7.1.3.3.4.          Users submitting Proposals must accept that outcomes are determined by a hybrid voting model combining eligible Token balances with each User’s Reputation Score, which may not align with their interests.

                                                    7.1.3.4.          Risks and limitations

                                                                   7.1.3.4.1.          Governance and voting processes, while binding in outcome, are facilitated through web-based systems and therefore depend on the integrity and performance of those systems. The Platform Operator implements the results in good faith but makes no warranty as to the absence of technical errors or disruptions.

                                                                   7.1.3.4.2.          Voting results and community discussions may be influenced by varying levels of participation, expertise, or alignment of interests among Users.

                                                                   7.1.3.4.3.          Community content, including blogs, posts, comments, and presentations, may be published, reproduced, or distributed by the Platform or its delegates for informational or promotional purposes, without remuneration to the contributing User.

                                    7.1.4.          Digital Identity & Compliance (http://www.deep-id.ai/)

                                                    7.1.4.1.          The digital identity initiative provides Users with tools for establishing and managing self-sovereign identities and compliance-related credentials. Users may create, update, or delete digital identities linked to blockchain wallets. They may also issue or revoke credentials and manage consent for the sharing of data. These features are designed to reduce friction in KYC, AML, or regulatory processes while maintaining decentralisation. Wallet/ID connection is optional unless required by a specific feature (e.g., voting eligibility).

                                                    7.1.4.2.          Users rights and obligations

                                                                   7.1.4.2.1.          Users remain solely responsible for the accuracy of their identity data.

                                                                   7.1.4.2.2.          Users must safeguard their credentials, private keys, and recovery phrases.

                                                                   7.1.4.2.3.          Users must ensure their compliance with all Applicable Laws, as the Platform does not guarantee that ZKPs or digital IDs will satisfy regulatory standards in any jurisdiction.

                                                    7.1.4.3.          Risks and limitations

                                                                   7.1.4.3.1.          The Platform Operator disclaims liability for misuse of credentials, fraudulent activity, or breaches of personal data security.

                                                                   7.1.4.3.2.          Digital ID tools are provided “as-is” and may not be sufficient to satisfy regulators.

                                                                   7.1.4.3.3.          Users assume all risks associated with use of identity tools in third-party contexts.

                                    7.1.5.          Future initiatives

                                                    7.1.5.1.          The Platform is designed to evolve continuously. The Operator may add new initiatives such as staking mechanisms, liquidity provision, ecosystem service hubs, or compliance enhancements. All such initiatives will fall within the scope of these Terms.

                                                    7.1.5.2.          Users agree that their participation in future features carries the same obligations, responsibilities, and limitations described in this document.

                                    7.1.6.          Intellectual Property Framework

All intellectual property matters arising from participation in any Platform feature or initiative, including Funding & Ideation, Governance & Community, Ideation Platforms, Identity & Compliance tools, and any future initiatives introduced under these Terms, together with Sections 17 to 20 (Initiative-Specific Rules). For clarity:

                                                    7.1.6.1.          No additional or conflicting intellectual property provisions shall apply within this Section;

                                                    7.1.6.2.          The ownership, waiver, or licensing of any ideas, Proposals, Submissions, community content, or other user-generated material is determined solely under Section 16 (Intellectual Property Rights); and

                                                    7.1.6.3.          In case of conflict between this Section and any feature-specific rule, Section 16 (Intellectual Property Rights) shall prevail.

8. FEES AND PAYMENTS

                     8.1.          Fee Structure:

                                    8.1.1.          The use of services on the Platform may be subject to fees, which are determined by the Platform Operator and subject to change at any time. The applicable fees include but are not limited to:

                                                    8.1.1.1.          Transaction Fees: Where blockchain-based transactions are involved, for example, in Automated Milestone Payment System or settlement operations, Users or partners may incur third-party network costs such as Gas Fees, which are charged directly by the relevant blockchain network and are not retained by the Platform Operator.

                                                    8.1.1.2.          Future Fees: The Platform Operator may introduce or modify Platform fees in the future by updating these Terms and/or posting a fee schedule on the Platform.

                                    8.1.2.          Users acknowledge and agree to pay all applicable fees in accordance with the current fees schedule published on the Platform.

                     8.2.          Payment Methods:

                                    8.2.1.          Payments for Platform services and disbursements are currently conducted primarily in FET tokens and, in the near future, in supported stablecoins. Partners providing funding through the Platform are expected to fund their escrow accounts in a supported stablecoin. The Platform may also support partner-specific tokens in the future, where such tokens are used exclusively within partner-funded initiatives and subject to the Platform Operator’s prior approval. Each disbursement is executed transparently, ensuring traceability and accountability throughout the payment process. The Platform does not allow payments in traditional fiat currency.

                                    8.2.2.          The Platform Operator may introduce additional payment methods or digital-asset integrations over time. Any such additions will be communicated to Users and reflected in updated Terms and Conditions, which will take effect upon publication.

                                    8.2.3.          Users must ensure that they have sufficient funds in their connected wallet to cover any applicable fees, and failure to do so may result in the inability to access or complete certain transactions.

                     8.3.          Fee Adjustments:

                                    8.3.1.          The Platform Operator reserves the right to adjust, introduce, or remove fees at its sole discretion. Any changes to the fee structure will be communicated to Users via:

                                                    8.3.1.1.          Notices on the Platform;

                                                    8.3.1.2.          Email notifications (if applicable); and

                                                    8.3.1.3.          Updates within the Platform’s user interface.

                                    8.3.2.          Users are encouraged to review the fee schedule periodically to remain informed of any updates.

                     8.4.          Refund Policy:

                                    8.4.1.          All fees paid to the Platform are non-refundable, except as required by applicable law or in cases of verified technical errors directly attributable to the Platform Operator. Refund requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and must be submitted through the official support channels.

                     8.5.          Billing Disputes:

                                    8.5.1.          If a User believes they have been charged incorrectly, they must contact the Platform Operator within thirty (30) days of the transaction. Failure to notify the Platform Operator within this period shall result in the waiver of any claim related to the disputed charge.

                     8.6.          Milestone-Based Disbursements

                                    8.6.1.          Funds allocated under the Platform’s programs or ecosystem initiatives are released through a milestone-based payment system. Disbursement occurs only upon completion of pre-approved milestones, supported by verifiable proof of progress such as deliverables, periodic updates, or third-party audits.

                     8.7.           

9. USER OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

                     9.1.          General Obligations:

                                    9.1.1.          By accessing and using the Platform, Users shall:

                                                    9.1.1.1.          Provide accurate, current, and complete information when required;

                                                    9.1.1.2.          Use the Platform only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms;

                                                    9.1.1.3.          Abstain from any activities that may interfere with the integrity, security, or performance of the Platform;

                                                    9.1.1.4.          Failure to comply with these obligations may result in the suspension or termination of the User's access to the Platform.

                     9.2.          Prohibited Conduct:

                                    9.2.1.          Users shall not engage in any of the following prohibited activities while using the Platform:

                                                    9.2.1.1.          Fraudulent Activities: Engaging in any fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative conduct that could harm the Platform or other Users.

                                                    9.2.1.2.          Unauthorised Access: Attempting to gain unauthorised access to the Platform, its systems, or any associated networks.

                                                    9.2.1.3.          Exploitation of Vulnerabilities: Using the Platform to exploit bugs, vulnerabilities, or loopholes in Smart Contracts or Platform features.

                                                    9.2.1.4.          Circumventing Fees: Users must not attempt to bypass Gas Fees, Platform Fees, or other costs associated with using the Platform.

                                                    9.2.1.5.          Disrupting Network Operations: Users must not deploy bots, scripts, or other automated systems to disrupt or manipulate the Platform’s operations or other Users’ interactions with the Platform.

                                                    9.2.1.6.          Unlawful Activities: Conducting or facilitating any activity that violates Applicable Laws, regulations, or legal obligations, including but not limited to money laundering, terrorism financing, or tax evasion.

                                                    9.2.1.7.          Intellectual Property Violations: Infringing upon the intellectual property rights of the Platform Operator or any third parties.

                     9.3.          Reporting and Cooperation:

                                    9.3.1.          Users shall promptly report any suspected security breaches, unauthorised access, or other suspicious activities related to the Platform. The Platform Operator reserves the right to cooperate with regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies in investigating any such incidents.

                     9.4.          Suspension or Termination of Access:

                                    9.4.1.          Any violation of the provisions in Section 9.3 (Prohibited Conduct) may result in legal action and the immediate suspension or termination of the User's access to the Platform. The Platform Operator reserves the right to suspend or terminate a User's access to the Platform if::

                                                    9.4.1.1.          The User violates these Terms or engages in prohibited conduct;

                                                    9.4.1.2.          Required by applicable law or regulatory order;

                                                    9.4.1.3.          The Platform Operator determines that continued access poses a risk to the Platform's security, stability, or integrity.

                                    9.4.2.          Users whose access has been suspended or terminated shall not attempt to re-access the Platform without prior written approval from the Platform Operator.

10. USER ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Users interact directly with the Platform’s Smart Contracts when engaging in on-chain activities. By initiating any transaction involving Tokens or digital assets (including but not limited to voting, milestone payments, or Automated Milestone Payment System operations).  The Smart Contracts may contain bugs or vulnerabilities that could result in unexpected losses. Failure to verify transaction details or understand the Platform’s rules may result in financial loss, for which the Platform Operator disclaims all liability.

                  10.1.          Users acknowledge and agree that their use of the Platform is subject to compliance with these Terms and all Applicable Laws and regulations in its jurisdiction, such as Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) regulations, and specially in regards to:

                                 10.1.1.          Securities laws and regulations governing digital assets;

                                 10.1.2.          Data protection and privacy laws applicable in their jurisdiction. 

                  10.2.          Irreversibility of Transactions

All Token Transactions conducted through the Smart Contracts are final and irreversible once confirmed on the Third-Party Blockchain Network.

Users must exercise caution when initiating transactions, as they cannot be modified, reversed, or canceled once recorded on the Third-Party Blockchain Network.

                  10.3.          Gas Fees and Transaction Costs

Users acknowledge that all transactions conducted through the Platform require Gas Fees paid to the Third-Party Blockchain Network to validate and process the transaction.

                                 10.3.1.          Responsibility for Gas Fees: Users are solely responsible for ensuring that their wallets contain sufficient funds to cover Gas Fees.

                                 10.3.2.          Fluctuation of Gas Fees: Gas Fees are determined by the underlying blockchain network, are subject to significant fluctuations based on demand, and may increase during periods of high congestion. The Platform Operator bears no responsibility for failed transactions caused by insufficient Gas Fees or network delays.

                                 10.3.3.          Failed Transactions: Transactions may fail if insufficient Gas Fees are provided. The Platform Operator disclaims liability for any failed transactions due to insufficient fees or network conditions.

11. RISK DISCLOSURE

                  11.1.          General Acknowledgment of Risks:

                                 11.1.1.          Users acknowledge that the use of the Platform involves various risks inherent to blockchain-based services and decentralised finance (DeFi). By accessing and using the Platform, Users accept the following risks, including but not limited to:

                                                 11.1.1.1.          Regulatory Risks: The regulatory environment for blockchain technology and digital assets is evolving, and Users must comply with all Applicable Laws and regulations.

                                                 11.1.1.2.          Market Risks: Digital asset prices are highly volatile and can fluctuate significantly, leading to potential financial losses.         

                                                 11.1.1.3.          Security Risks: Users are responsible for securing their accounts, wallets, and private keys against unauthorised access, phishing, and hacking attempts.

                                                 11.1.1.4.          Liquidity Risks: There is no guarantee of liquidity for any digital assets, which may affect Users' ability to buy, sell, or exchange their holdings.

                  11.2.          Smart Contract Risks:

                                 11.2.1.          Users acknowledge that the Platform relies on Smart Contracts deployed on the Third-Party Blockchain Network, which:

                                                 11.2.1.1.          Are immutable once deployed and cannot be modified;

                                                 11.2.1.2.          May contain bugs or security vulnerabilities despite auditing efforts. The Platform Operator does not audit or guarantee Smart Contracts. While the Smart Contracts may be audited by third parties, the Platform Operator does not guarantee their security or functionality.

                                                 11.2.1.3.          Are subject to blockchain network conditions that may impact performance and availability.

                                 11.2.2.          Users agree that they will conduct their own due diligence before interacting with any Smart Contracts on the Platform.

                  11.3.          Third-Party Risks:

                                 11.3.1.          Users acknowledge that the Platform may integrate or rely on third-party services, including decentralised exchanges, liquidity providers, and wallet services. The Platform disclaims any liability for losses or disruptions caused by third-party services.

                  11.4.          No Guarantee of Funding or Profit:

                                 11.4.1.          Users acknowledge that their participation in the Platform, including submitting proposals, joining initiatives, or engaging in community activities, does not guarantee the receipt of any funding, grant, profit, or other financial benefit. Any funding, milestone payment, or User Reward is contingent upon successful selection, approval, and completion of applicable criteria and may be governed by separate agreements between the recipient, the Platform Operator, ASI, or other affiliated entities.

                                 11.4.2.          In the event of any inconsistency or conflict between these Terms and a specific funding or grant agreement, the terms of the specific agreement shall prevail.

                                 11.4.3.          The Platform does not offer staking, trading, or investment services, and no participation in the Platform should be construed as an investment or as creating any expectation of profit. All participation is voluntary and undertaken at the User’s own discretion and risk.

                                 11.4.4.           All financial decisions made by Users are at their own discretion and risk.

12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Users acknowledge that they assume full responsibility for their interactions with the Platform and agree to the following limitations on the Platform Operator’s liability.

                  12.1.          Assumption of Risks for Users

The Platform Operator disclaims all liability for any losses or damages arising from Token Transactions initiated by Users on the Platform.

Specifically, the Platform Operator shall not be liable for these risks, which are not limited to the following list:

                                                 12.1.1.1.          Incorrect or unauthorised transactions: as outlined in section 9.1

                                                 12.1.1.2.          Unauthorised access to wallets: as outlined in Section 6.3

                                                 12.1.1.3.          Transaction failures: as outlined in Section 5.3.

                                                 12.1.1.4.          Loss of private keys:  Users are responsible for securing their private keys, recovery phrases, and other wallet credentials. The Platform Operator cannot recover lost credentials.

                                                 12.1.1.5.          Bugs, vulnerabilities, or exploits: The Smart Contracts may contain bugs, vulnerabilities, or exploits that could result in unexpected behavior or loss of funds.

                                                 12.1.1.6.          Protocol changes or forks: The underlying blockchain may undergo changes, including forks or upgrades, that could impact the functionality of the Smart Contracts.

                                                 12.1.1.7.          Permanent Loss of Funds: Issues with the Smart Contracts may result in permanent loss of funds or positions.

                                                 12.1.1.8.          Network Failures: Issues with the underlying Third-Party Blockchain Network, including node failures, network congestion, or attacks.

                                                 12.1.1.9.          Regulatory Actions: Changes in laws or regulations that affect the operation or legality of the Platform.

                                              12.1.1.10.          Force Majeure Events: Acts of God, natural disasters, wars, cyberattacks, or other unforeseen events.

If any jurisdiction limits the extent to which liability may be disclaimed or limited, the Platform Operator’s liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

                  12.2.          No Warranty:

                                 12.2.1.          The Platform is provided on an "as-is" and "as-available" basis without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to:

                                                 12.2.1.1.          Fitness for a particular purpose;

                                                 12.2.1.2.          Non-infringement;

                                                 12.2.1.3.          Accuracy, reliability, or availability of Platform services.

13. INDEMNIFICATION

                  13.1.          By accessing and using the Platform, Users agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Platform Operator and its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and representatives (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all claims, demands, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses, including reasonable legal fees, arising out of or related to:

                                 13.1.1.          User’s Use of the Platform: Any activities conducted by the User on or through the Platform, including interactions with Smart Contracts and Token Transactions.

                                 13.1.2.          Violation of Terms: Any breach by the User of these Terms.

                                 13.1.3.          Violation of Applicable Laws: Any breach by the User of applicable local, national, or international laws, regulations, or rules.

                                 13.1.4.          Third-Party Claims: Any claims brought by third parties as a result of the User’s actions on the Platform, including claims of intellectual property infringement, fraud, or illegal activities.

                  13.2.           Scope of Indemnification

The User’s indemnification obligation extends to the following:

                                 13.2.1.          Legal Costs and Fees: Reasonable legal costs, attorney fees, court costs, and expenses incurred by the Indemnified Parties in defending any claim.

                                 13.2.2.          Settlement Amounts: Any amounts paid in settlement of a claim, provided that the Platform Operator obtains the User’s consent before agreeing to a settlement (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld).

                                 13.2.3.          Damages and Losses: Any damages, losses, fines, penalties, or liabilities incurred by the Indemnified Parties as a result of the User’s actions.

                  13.3.          Exceptions to Indemnification

The User’s indemnification obligation does not apply to claims, damages, or losses arising solely from:

                                 13.3.1.          Gross Negligence or Willful Misconduct: Any gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Platform Operator or its affiliates.

                                 13.3.2.          Platform Operator’s Breach of Terms: Any fundamental breach of these Terms by the Platform Operator that directly causes harm to the User.

The burden of proving that a claim falls within one of these exceptions lies with the User.

                  13.4.          Third-Party Claims

If any third-party claim is brought against the Platform Operator or other Indemnified Parties as a result of the User’s activities on the Platform, the User agrees to:

                                 13.4.1.          Assume the Defense: Take responsibility for defending the claim at the User’s own expense.

                                 13.4.2.          Appoint Legal Counsel: Appoint legal counsel reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Parties to manage the defense.

                                 13.4.3.          Reimburse Costs: Reimburse the Indemnified Parties for any expenses incurred in participating in the defense of the claim.

The Platform Operator reserves the right to participate in the defense of any third-party claim at its own expense and to approve any proposed settlement terms.

                  13.5.          Indemnification Process

The following process applies to any indemnification claim made under this section:

                                 13.5.1.          Notice of Claim: The Indemnified Parties must notify the User promptly upon becoming aware of any claim that may give rise to an indemnification obligation. Failure to provide timely notice does not relieve the User of their indemnification obligations, except to the extent that the delay materially prejudices the User’s ability to defend the claim.

                                 13.5.2.          Defense and Settlement: The User must assume control of the defense of the claim and may settle the claim only with the prior written consent of the Indemnified Parties.

                                 13.5.3.          Cooperation: The Indemnified Parties agree to cooperate fully with the User in the defense of the claim, including providing documents, information, and testimony as reasonably requested.

                  13.6.          Limitation on Indemnification Liability

The User’s indemnification obligations are subject to the following limitations:

                                 13.6.1.          Proportional Liability: The User’s indemnification obligation is limited to the extent that the damages, losses, or liabilities incurred by the Indemnified Parties are proportionally attributable to the User’s actions or omissions.

                                 13.6.2.          Jurisdictional Limitations: The indemnification obligations are subject to any limitations imposed by the laws of the jurisdiction governing these Terms, as outlined in Section 14 (Governing Law and Dispute Resolution).

                  13.7.           No Waiver of Immunity

Nothing in this section shall be construed as a waiver of any legal immunity or defense available to the Indemnified Parties under applicable law. The Platform Operator reserves the right to assert any and all legal defenses to minimize its liability.

14. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

                  14.1.          Governing Law:

                                 14.1.1.          These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the British Virgin Islands, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any dispute arising from or related to these Terms, including questions regarding their existence, validity, or termination, shall be resolved through arbitration in accordance with the provisions of this section.

                  14.2.          Amicable Dispute Resolution:

                                 14.2.1.          In the event of a dispute arising from or relating to these Terms, the parties agree to resolve the dispute through the following process:

                                                 14.2.1.1.          Negotiation: The parties shall attempt to resolve the dispute amicably through good-faith negotiations.

                                                 14.2.1.2.          Mediation: If the dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation, it shall be referred to mediation administered by a mutually agreed-upon mediator.

                                                 14.2.1.3.          Arbitration: The arbitration shall be conducted as follows:

                                                                14.2.1.3.1.          Number of Arbitrators: The arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator appointed in accordance with the Swiss Rules of International Arbitration.

                                                                14.2.1.3.2.          Seat of Arbitration: The seat of arbitration shall be Switzerland.

                                                                14.2.1.3.3.          Conduct of Proceedings: The arbitration proceedings shall be conducted entirely online via email communications and web conferences, unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.

                                                                14.2.1.3.4.          Language: The language of the arbitration shall be English.

                                                                14.2.1.3.5.          Confidentiality: The arbitration proceedings, including all Submissions, evidence, and decisions, shall be kept strictly confidential by the parties and the arbitrator.

                  14.3.          Allocation of Costs

The party initiating the arbitration shall bear all costs and fees associated with the arbitration proceedings, including but not limited to:

                                 14.3.1.          Arbitrator Fees: The fees and expenses of the arbitrator.

                                 14.3.2.          Administrative Fees: Fees charged by the  Swiss Rules of International Arbitration.

                                 14.3.3.          Other Costs: Any other costs incurred during the arbitration process.

The arbitrator may, at their discretion, reallocate the costs of arbitration between the parties in the final Arbitral Award. However, each party shall be responsible for its own legal fees, consultant fees, expert fees, and other expenses incurred in connection with the arbitration, regardless of the outcome of the proceedings.

                  14.4.          Class Action Waiver:

Users agree that any disputes with the Platform Operator shall be resolved on an individual basis and not as part of any class action or representative proceeding.

                  14.5.          No Limitation of Provisional Relief

Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting the right of either party to seek provisional relief or Interim Measures from a court of competent jurisdiction to preserve the status quo or protect against imminent harm, pending the outcome of the arbitration.

                  14.6.          Jurisdiction

In the event that any claim is not subject to arbitration under applicable law, such claim shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA).

                  14.7.          Survival of Dispute Resolution Provisions

The provisions of this section shall survive the termination of these Terms and shall remain binding on the parties with respect to any dispute arising from or related to the use of the Platform.

15. AMENDMENTS TO THE TERMS

The Platform Operator reserves the right to amend, modify, update, or replace these Terms at any time to reflect changes in business practices, legal or regulatory requirements, technological advancements, or other relevant factors. Such amendments shall become effective upon publication of the updated Terms through the User Interface or another official communication channel designated by the Platform Operator.

                  15.1.          Notification of Amendments

The Platform Operator will notify Users of any material amendments to these Terms by posting a Notice on the User Interface: A notification will be displayed prominently on the Platform.

                  15.2.          User Responsibility to Stay Informed

It is the User’s responsibility to regularly review the Terms to stay informed of any amendments. The most current version of the Terms will always be accessible through a link on the User Interface. Users acknowledge that by continuing to access or use the Platform after the publication of amended Terms, they agree to be bound by the updated Terms. If a User does not agree with any amendment, they must:

                                 15.2.1.          Immediately discontinue use of the Platform; and

                                 15.2.2.          Cease all interactions with the Platform’s Smart Contracts.

Failure to cease use of the Platform after the publication of amendments constitutes acceptance of the amended Terms.

                  15.3.          No Retroactive Amendments

Amendments to these Terms shall not apply retroactively. Any transactions conducted on the Platform prior to the effective date of an amendment will be governed by the version of the Terms in effect at the time the transaction was initiated.

                  15.4.          Severability of Amendments

If any amendment to these Terms is found to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction or through arbitration, the remaining provisions of these Terms shall remain in full force and effect.

The Platform Operator will make reasonable efforts to replace any invalid or unenforceable amendment with a valid provision that achieves the intended purpose as closely as possible.

16. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

                  16.1.          Ownership:

                                 16.1.1.          The Platform Operator retains all intellectual property rights related to the Platform, including but not limited to its design, content, software, trademarks, and underlying technology. Except as expressly provided herein, no rights or licenses are granted to Users.
This Section shall prevail and govern all intellectual property matters across the Platform and its features, including Funding & Ideation, Governance & Community, and Identity & Compliance.

                                 16.1.2.          Users may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, or lease any part of the Platform's intellectual property without the express written permission of the Platform Operator.

                  16.2.          License to Use:

                                 16.2.1.          Subject to compliance with these Terms, the Platform Operator grants Users a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Platform, including the intellectual property therein.

                                 16.2.2.          This license does not grant Users any rights to:

                                                 16.2.2.1.          Use the Platform for unauthorised purposes;

                                                 16.2.2.2.          Reverse-engineer, decompile, or attempt to extract the source code of the Platform;

                                                 16.2.2.3.          Use the Platform in any manner that infringes on the Platform Operator’s intellectual property rights.

                  16.3.          User-Generated Content:

                                 16.3.1.          Users may upload, submit, or share content on the Platform, such as reviews or comments. By doing so, Users grant the Platform Operator a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, and distribute such content for the operation of the Platform.

                                 16.3.2.          For the purposes of this Section, “User-Generated Content” or “Submission” means any content, Proposal, idea, deliverable, code, documentation, governance input, or data submitted by Users through any Platform feature or initiative (as described in Section 7 Platform Features).

                                 16.3.3.          All such Submissions shall be governed exclusively by this Section and, where applicable, by the specific conditions relating to the initiative under which they are submitted. In case of conflict, this Section shall prevail unless specific terms expressly provide otherwise.

                                 16.3.4.          By submitting any Submission, Users acknowledge and agree that:

                                                 16.3.4.1.          They irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any intellectual property or moral rights in the Submission;

                                                 16.3.4.2.          Where such waiver is not legally effective, they hereby assign all intellectual property rights in the Submission to the Platform Operator on a worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free basis, with full rights of sublicense; and

                                                 16.3.4.3.          All content published on the Platform, including (but not limited to) proposals, summaries, comments, and media, are deemed released under an open-source or public domain license (e.g., CC0 or an equivalent permissive model), enabling unrestricted use, modification, and redistribution by the Platform Operator, its affiliates, and the community. Projects developed as a result (the code, models, or IP they produce) may have their own chosen licenses.

                                                 16.3.4.4.          ​​Content that Users submit or publish on the Platform, including proposals, descriptions, documentation, comments, media, or other materials, is considered community-facing content. Unless otherwise specified, such content is deemed released under an open-content license (for example, CC0 or another permissive model) to enable review, collaboration, and transparency within the DEEP Funding Ecosystem.

                                                                16.3.4.4.1.          This open-content licensing applies only to materials displayed or shared through the Platform interface and does not affect the intellectual property or licensing status of the projects themselves.

                                                                16.3.4.4.2.          Exception for confidential submissions: The Platform may, in the future, support confidential or undisclosed submission processes (for example, under DEEP Seed or similar initiatives) in which proposals are visible only to designated reviewers or evaluators. In such cases, copyright and related intellectual property rights shall remain with the proposer, unless otherwise agreed in writing within the relevant initiative’s terms or funding agreement.

                                                                16.3.4.4.3.          Proposers may define the license terms governing their underlying project deliverables or outputs (for example, open-source, dual-licensed, or closed-source models) within their proposal documentation or subsequent grant or funding agreements. In the event of inconsistency, the specific project or funding agreement shall prevail.

                                                 16.3.4.5.          The initiative-specific licensing frameworks applicable to Funding & Ideation, Governance & Community, and Identity & Compliance are integrated into Sections 17 to 20 (Initiative-Specific Rules) of these Terms and shall be interpreted in accordance with this overarching intellectual property policy.

                                 16.3.5.          Users represent and warrant that they have the necessary rights to provide such content and that it does not infringe on any third-party intellectual property rights.

                                 16.3.6.          The Parties acknowledge that, under the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), copyright and related rights subsist automatically in original works, including but not limited to written ideas, Proposals, software, and other creative outputs, without the need for formal registration. Accordingly, Users expressly waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any such rights (including moral rights) in their Submissions, and, where waiver is not legally effective, hereby assign such rights to DEEP Funding.

                  16.4.          Limitations and Conditions:

                                 16.4.1.          While Submissions are made available as open source, the following conditions apply:

                                                 16.4.1.1.          Attribution: The Platform Operator may, but is not obliged to, attribute contributions to the submitting User.

                                                 16.4.1.2.          No Restrictions: Users may not assert ownership, demand royalties, or restrict others from using Submissions made available on the Platform.

                                                 16.4.1.3.          No Liability: The Platform Operator accepts no responsibility for third-party use of Submissions and disclaims all liability arising from any reuse, modification, or distribution thereof.

                  16.5.          Interaction with Platform Features:

The intellectual property framework established under this Section supersedes and integrates the initiative-specific IP provisions described in Section 7 Platform Features.

                                 16.5.1.          For Funding & Ideation, and Governance & Community, any waiver or assignment of IP in Proposals, ideas, or Submissions shall be construed as effected pursuant to this Section.

                                 16.5.2.          For Identity & Compliance tools, Users retain ownership of their identity data and credentials but grant the Platform Operator a limited license to use such data solely for the purpose of providing and improving Platform services.

                                 16.5.3.          In case of discrepancy between this Section and any initiative-specific statement in Section Platform Features, this Section shall prevail.

                  16.6.          Scope of public property declaration:

                                 16.6.1.          All Submissions made to the Platform are considered contributions to a shared pool of knowledge and innovation for the benefit of the community. By submitting content, the User acknowledges that their contribution is intended to be open-source, collaborative, and non-exclusive, and that they will not enforce any intellectual property rights against the Platform Operator, its affiliates, or any third party making use of the Submission.

                  16.7.          Reporting Infringements:

                                 16.7.1.          If a User believes that their intellectual property rights have been infringed upon by any content on the Platform, they may submit a written notice to the Platform Operator at the designated contact address. The notice must include:

                                                 16.7.1.1.          A detailed description of the alleged infringement;

                                                 16.7.1.2.          Identification of the copyrighted work or trademark claimed to have been infringed;

                                                 16.7.1.3.          Contact information of the complaining party.

                                 16.7.2.          The Platform Operator will review such claims and take appropriate action as necessary, including content removal and/or account suspension.

                  16.8.          Third-Party IP Compliance:

Users shall ensure that their Submissions do not include any materials subject to third-party rights (including proprietary datasets, code libraries, or trademarks) unless they hold all necessary permissions or licenses to include them under the open-source framework defined herein.

                  16.9.          Consequences of Violation:

                                 16.9.1.          Any unauthorised use of the Platform Operator’s intellectual property or violation of this chapter may result in:

                                                 16.9.1.1.          Immediate termination of User access to the Platform;

                                                 16.9.1.2.          Legal action to enforce intellectual property rights;

                                                 16.9.1.3.          Compensation claims for damages incurred by the Platform Operator.

               16.10.          Survival:

The obligations and assignments established under this Section survive the termination of the User’s access to the Platform and remain binding with respect to all Submissions made prior to termination.

17. FUNDING & IDEATION RULES

This Section governs the terms applicable to participation in the Platform’s Funding and Ideation initiatives.

                  17.1.          Eligibility and Submission: Users may submit Proposals or ideas that comply with applicable eligibility criteria and are aligned with ecosystem objectives.

                  17.2.          Milestones and Disbursements: Grants are awarded conditionally and released in milestone-based tranches. The Platform Operator or its delegated committees may verify progress before disbursement.

                  17.3.          Grant Recipient Obligations: Grant Recipients must maintain transparency, provide progress updates, and cooperate with audits or reviews. Funding may be withheld, suspended, or reclaimed in the event of non-compliance or misrepresentation.

                  17.4.          Clawback and Termination: The Platform Operator reserves the right to terminate or reclaim Grants for material breach of obligations, fraud, or regulatory non-compliance.

                  17.5.          Intellectual Property and Rewards: IP rights and reward treatment for all Submissions are governed by Section 16 (Intellectual Property Rights).

18. GOVERNANCE & COMMUNITY RULES

This Section governs User participation in governance processes and community engagement.

                  18.1.          Participation: Users may propose and vote within governance mechanisms in proportion to their eligible tokens or roles.

                  18.2.          Conduct: Users must respect community standards and refrain from defamatory, illegal, or disruptive content.

                  18.3.          Community Content: All community-generated materials are governed by Section 16 (Intellectual Property Rights) and may be displayed, reproduced, or redistributed within the ecosystem.

                  18.4.          Governance Outcomes: Governance and voting activities conducted through the Platform are informational and advisory in nature. Results reflect the collective input of community members and are implemented at the discretion of the Platform Operator or relevant program administrators. Governance outcomes are not currently executed or recorded on the blockchain, and therefore have no automatic or technical binding effect.

                  18.5.           

19. DEEP-LAB RULES

This Section governs participation in DEEP-Lab initiatives, which provide an experimental environment for developing, testing, and showcasing prototypes, tools, and concepts that support the goals of the DEEP Funding Ecosystem.

                  19.1.          Eligibility and Participation: Participation in DEEP-Lab initiatives is open to eligible teams, contributors, or partners as determined by the Platform Operator. Specific eligibility requirements or participation guidelines may be published on the Platform or communicated directly to selected participants.

                  19.2.          Submissions and Deliverables: Participants may develop and submit prototypes, code, documentation, or other materials as part of DEEP-Lab projects. All submissions must be original, non-infringing, and compliant with applicable laws and community standards.

                  19.3.          Funding, Support, and Recognition: DEEP-Lab projects may receive technical or financial support, mentorship, or visibility within the ecosystem. Such support is discretionary and contingent upon available resources, alignment with ecosystem objectives, and compliance with applicable agreements or milestones.

                  19.4.          Intellectual Property: Intellectual property and licensing of DEEP-Lab outputs are governed by Section 16 (Intellectual Property Rights), unless otherwise specified in a separate agreement between the participants and the Platform Operator.

                  19.5.          Liability: The Platform Operator is not liable for internal team disputes, project failures, or the use, modification, or distribution of outputs by third parties. Participation in DEEP-Lab initiatives is voluntary and at the participants’ own risk.

20. IDENTITY & COMPLIANCE RULES

This Section governs the use of the Platform’s identity and compliance tools.

                  20.1.          User Responsibilities: Users remain solely responsible for the accuracy of their identity information and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

                  20.2.          Data Handling: The Platform Operator provides digital identity tools on an “as-is” basis, without warranty of regulatory sufficiency.

                  20.3.          Liability: The Platform Operator disclaims all liability for misuse, credential fraud, or data breaches arising from the use of these tools.

                  20.4.          Intellectual Property: Ownership of identity credentials remains with the User, subject to the limited license granted under Section 16 (Intellectual Property Rights) for operational purposes.

21. TERMINATION AND SUSPENSION

                  21.1.          Termination by User:

                                 21.1.1.          Users may terminate their participation and access to the Platform at any time by ceasing to use the services and, where applicable, deleting their account or requesting deletion of their personal data in accordance with Section 24. If a User has access to specific operational environments, such as the back-office or Automated Milestone Payment System portal, they may also terminate such access by discontinuing use of those systems and, if applicable, disconnecting any linked blockchain wallet. Termination does not relieve the User of any obligations incurred prior to the termination date.

                  21.2.          Termination by Platform Operator:

                                 21.2.1.          The Platform Operator may suspend or terminate a User's access to the Platform without prior notice if:

                                                 21.2.1.1.          The User violates these Terms;

                                                 21.2.1.2.          The User engages in fraudulent or illegal activities;

                                                 21.2.1.3.          Required by applicable law or regulatory authorities;

                                                 21.2.1.4.          The security, integrity, or operation of the Platform is threatened.

                  21.3.          Effect of Termination:

                                 21.3.1.          Upon termination, the User’s access to all Platform services will be revoked. The User acknowledges that any pending on-chain transactions initiated by the User may fail, remaining the User’s responsibility with respect to Gas Fees,  and that the Platform Operator holds no liability for any losses incurred.

                  21.4.          Reinstatement:

                                 21.4.1.          Users whose accounts have been suspended or terminated may submit a written request for reinstatement. The Platform Operator reserves the right to reinstate access at its sole discretion and may impose conditions for reinstatement.

22. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

                  22.1.          Entire Agreement:

                                 22.1.1.          These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the User and the Platform Operator regarding the use of the Platform. They supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications, representations, or agreements, whether oral or written, relating to the subject matter of these Terms.

No oral or written statements or representations not expressly included in these Terms shall be binding on either party.

                  22.2.          Assignment:

                                 22.2.1.          The Platform Operator may assign or transfer its rights and obligations under these Terms without the prior consent of the User, including in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets. Users may not assign or transfer their rights or obligations under these Terms without the prior written consent of the Platform Operator. Any attempted assignment or transfer without such consent shall be void and of no effect.

                  22.3.          Notices

All notices or communications required under these Terms must be delivered in writing to the Platform Operator at the contact information provided on the User Interface or through other official communication channels specified by the Platform Operator.

Notices to Users may be delivered via the User Interface, through notifications or updates posted on the Platform.

Users are responsible for regularly checking the User Interface for notices from the Platform Operator.

                  22.4.          Survival:

                                 22.4.1.          All provisions that by their nature should survive termination of these Terms shall survive, including, but not limited to, intellectual property rights, disclaimers, indemnity, and limitations of liability.

                  22.5.          Force Majeure:

                                 22.5.1.          The Platform Operator shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under these Terms due to events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, acts of government, war, cyberattacks, and technical failures.

                  22.6.          No Partnership or Agency:

                                 22.6.1.          Nothing in these Terms shall be construed to create a partnership, joint venture, or agency relationship between the User and the Platform Operator. Each party acts as an independent entity, and neither party has the authority to bind or obligate the other in any manner.

                  22.7.          Survival of Provisions

The following provisions shall survive the termination of these Terms and the User’s access to the Platform:

●       Section 9: User Obligations and Responsibilities

●       Section 10: User Acknowledgments

●       Section 11: Risk Disclosure

●       Section 12: Limitation of Liability

●       Section 13: Indemnification

●       Section 14: Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

●       Section 16: Intellectual-Property Rights

●       Section 18: Miscellaneous

These provisions shall remain effective to the extent necessary to enforce rights and obligations that arose prior to termination or to address ongoing responsibilities.

                  22.8.          Interpretation

The headings and section titles used in these Terms are for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation or meaning of the provisions. Any ambiguities or uncertainties in the language of these Terms shall not be construed against the drafter.

                  22.9.           Language

These Terms are drafted in the English language. If these Terms are translated into another language, the English version shall prevail in the event of any discrepancies or conflicts.

               22.10.          No Third-Party Beneficiaries

These Terms are for the sole benefit of the User and the Platform Operator. No third party shall have any rights to enforce any provision of these Terms, except where expressly stated otherwise.

23. USER PRIVACY AND DATA SECURITY

The protection of User data and privacy is a fundamental principle of the Platform. This Section provides an overview of how personal and transactional data are handled when using the Platform. For a complete description of data processing practices, security measures, and User rights, Users should refer to the DEEP Funding Privacy Policy, available at https://deepfunding.ai/privacy-policy/ (the “Privacy Policy”). The Privacy Policy forms an integral part of these Terms, and by using the Platform, Users acknowledge that they have read and understood both this Section and the Privacy Policy.
Data Collection and Use:

                                 23.1.1.          The Platform Operator is committed to protecting the privacy of its Users. By using the Platform, Users acknowledge and consent to the collection and use of certain data, including but not limited to:

                                                 23.1.1.1.          Blockchain wallet addresses;

                                                 23.1.1.2.          Transaction history and interactions within the Platform;

                                                 23.1.1.3.          Aggregated usage data to improve Platform functionality.

                                 23.1.2.          All data collected will be handled in compliance with applicable data protection laws and regulations.

                  23.2.          User Responsibilities:

                                 23.2.1.          Users acknowledge and agree that they are responsible for safeguarding their personal data and blockchain credentials. Users must:

                                                 23.2.1.1.          Use secure methods to store private keys and recovery phrases;

                                                 23.2.1.2.          Avoid sharing sensitive information with unauthorised parties;

                                                 23.2.1.3.          Regularly review their security settings.

                                 23.2.2.          The Platform Operator is not responsible for any unauthorised access resulting from the User’s failure to secure their personal information.

                  23.3.          Third-Party Services:

                                 23.3.1.          The Platform may integrate with third-party services that have their own privacy policies. Users acknowledge and agree that the Platform Operator does not control and is not responsible for the privacy practices of such third-party services. Users should review third-party policies before engaging with them.

                  23.4.          Data Retention:

                                 23.4.1.          The Platform Operator retains collected data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in these Terms or as required by Applicable Laws. Data may be deleted or anonymised after the retention period expires.

                  23.5.          User Rights:

Considering the inherent characteristics of blockchain technology, particularly its immutability and decentralized nature, access, correction, erasure, and portability of User data may not always be technically feasible. However, where such actions can be reasonably implemented, the Platform will take all appropriate steps to facilitate the exercise of these rights. In general, the Platform processes User data in anonymised or pseudonymised form, meaning it cannot directly identify an individual. Nonetheless, in specific cases where the Platform collects or processes identifiable personal data (such as for Know-Your-Customer (KYC) or Anti-Money Laundering (AML) purposes), Users retain the right to exercise the following rights, in accordance with applicable data protection laws

                                 23.5.1.          Users have the following rights regarding their data, subject to Applicable Laws:[1] [2] 

                                                 23.5.1.1.          The right to access their personal data collected by the Platform;

                                                 23.5.1.2.          The right to correct inaccurate or incomplete information and to delete personal data that is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected;

                                                 23.5.1.3.          Users may manage or delete most of their data directly through their account settings or by submitting a request to the Platform Operator. Certain operational or legal data may be retained as required by law or for legitimate administrative purposes;

                                                 23.5.1.4.          The right to withdraw consent for data processing, where applicable.

                                 23.5.2.          Requests to exercise these rights should be submitted through official support channels provided by the Platform Operator.

                  23.6.          Data Security Measures:

                                 23.6.1.          The Platform Operator implements industry-standard security measures to protect user data, including encryption, secure storage solutions, and access controls. However, Users acknowledge that no system is entirely immune to security breaches.

                  23.7.          Cross-Border Data Transfers:

                                 23.7.1.          By using the Platform, Users consent to their data being transferred and processed in jurisdictions that may have different data protection standards than their home country. The Platform Operator will take reasonable measures to ensure an adequate level of protection for cross-border data transfers.