Zero-Sum | Devpost

Inspiration and what it does

ZSG is a barter system inspired web app that dynamically connects businesses so that they can trade any excess goods/resources. This benefits businesses because it helps them gain the resources they need by giving them resources that they don't have, hence the Zero-Sum aspect of the project. This project aims to allow businesses to interact with each other in a positive environment-friendly way so that everyone benefits and no one loses.

How we built it

It is built using React.js 19, Next.js 15, Firebase, Google Gemini, Node emailer, TailwindCSS, and of course HTML/CSS/Javascript.

Challenges we ran into

During development, we encountered issues with prompt engineering and version control. However, we quickly identified and implemented fixes, enabling us to stay on track and meet our goals.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

One of our biggest achievements is the chatbot, which simplifies the user experience by providing intuitive guidance and support within the web app. We're also proud of the messaging system that enables smooth communication between businesses, enhancing collaboration.

What we learned

The journey taught us how to work with technologies: Next.js, Firebase, and the Google Gemini API. We also gained valuable insights into prompt engineering and improved our version control workflows.

What's next for Zero-Sum

The future of Zero-Sum lies in scalability and deeper integrations. Partnering with material manufacturers and suppliers could streamline the barter process, allowing companies to exchange resources effortlessly without direct involvement. Expanding AI-powered chatbot capabilities is another exciting frontier—enabling users to manipulate their resource data, track trends, and even generate predictive insights through natural language queries. We envision features like intelligent matchmaking based on industry-specific needs, automated resource management suggestions, and eco-impact reporting to help businesses meet sustainability goals. Additionally, integrating APIs with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems could make Zero-Sum an indispensable tool for businesses globally, simplifying resource sharing at scale.

Built With

firebase
gemini
javascript
next.js
nodemailer
react.js

Submitted to

SwampHacks X

Created by

Hi my name is Lucas and I was mainly working on working with firebase database profile changes. I worked on the Profile page where you can edit your information and add/remove what resources your organization needs. I was able to integrate firebase across the whole platform so that everything seemlessly updates across all pages.

Lucas Perez
Hi, I'm Taylor and I'm a computer engineering major. I worked on the front-end. My main contributions were to the home page, where the cards are displayed with the users and their needs/services, as well as the profile photos, the layout of the page, cards flipping over, cards moving when you hover over them, and other small features. I also created the logo with drawing it out and then letting AI interpret it into a new image. I learned how to use React, Javascript, Firebase, Next.js, and Visual Studios all for the first time as well as working in front-end.

Taylor Schmitt
My name is Kalim, I'm a computer science major and I did my part to develop Zero-Sum by designing and implementing the majority of the backend and frontend logic for user authentication using Firebase. This included building secure login, registration, and password reset flows. I also developed the email notification system that alerts users upon registration when a company shares a resource they need, enhancing engagement and usability. Additionally, I built the real-time chat system, enabling seamless communication between businesses through their company cards, making resource-sharing intuitive and efficient.

Kalim Qazi
My name is Nihar Devireddy, and I am a computer science major at UF. I primarily worked on developing the chatbot feature, focusing on both the front-end and back-end to ensure seamless integration and functionality. I enabled the chatbot to parse through the Firebase database to answer user queries relating to other users and integrated the Google Gemini API for intelligent, context-aware responses. Additionally, I optimized API calls and collaborated on back-end development using Next.js, refining the chatbot's performance and ensuring smooth interactions with other platform components. My efforts significantly enhanced the user experience by making the chatbot a key tool for navigating the ZSG web app. Finally, I assisted my teammates in their respective contributions and version control.

Nihar Devireddy