Across Africa and Asia, small and mid-size traders still rely on cash and middlemen to move goods and payments, risking fraud, delays, and lost capital. Traditional trade finance is slow, expensive, and inaccessible, while informal networks remain opaque and unprotected.   Our team, ARC-hitects is building BridgeFi, an AI-powered payment and escrow system for cross-border supply-chain transactions, combining smart contracts, digital dollars (USDC), and AI agents on Arc, a network that bridges the old and the new. Our platform enables buyers and sellers to transact safely with digital proof of funds, instant escrow, and transparent release conditions, while AI agents verify deliveries, automate compliance, and reduce reliance on untrustworthy intermediaries. The Problem: Countless small and mid-sized traders lose millions annually in cross-border transactions, not because of poor products or lack of opportunity, but because trust breaks down in the payment process. Our Solution: At BridgeFi, we're building an AI-powered escrow system on Arc blockchain, using USDC to ensure funds are locked, verified, and released automatically once trade milestones are met. Our AI agents act as neutral digital intermediaries, verifying shipment, quality, and delivery, and resolving disputes transparently, without bias or delay. Core Concept & What We're Building Phase 1: An AI-driven escrow and payment assurance system on Arc blockchain using USDC for stable, cross-border trade settlement.  1. Smart Escrow Contracts (Arc + USDC) 2. AI Trade Agents for Trust and Verification 3. Multi-party Role Management 4. Offline & Low-literacy Friendly Frontend Phase 2: 5. Supply Chain Integration 6. Tokenized Escrow + Reputation Layer 7. AI Learning Network: The Data Flywheel Phase 3: (Optional) 8. Trade Finance Marketplace

In this hybrid hackathon powered by Arc, developers will build the next generation of payment systems using AI + Arc with USDC. Explore a world where AI agents can understand natural language, automate financial actions, and move money with precision. From DeFi to digital content and real-world assets, this is your chance to shape the future of intelligent finance. 📅 October 27 – November 9, 2025 • Oct 27 – Nov 8 (Online Phase) – Collaborate and build with developers and AI innovators from around the world. All projects must be submitted by end of day on November 8. • Nov 8 (New York City – On-site Build Day) – Selected participants will be invited to an exclusive in-person session to refine their projects and connect directly. • Nov 9 (New York City – Live pitching & Awards) – Live pitching sessions to a panel of judges and investors, followed by the official winner announcement. 📍 On-site Venue (Nov 8–9): Babe Ruth Room, Jay Conference Chelsea 159 West 25th Street, New York City, USA 🧠 Get guidance from blockchain and AI experts throughout the event. 🤝 Go solo or team up — it's your flow. 🏆Compete for $10,000 in USDC prizes. 📍 On-site participation is by invitation only. Travel and accommodation expenses will not be covered. 🧑🏻‍💻 Secure your spot now — sign up before the Kick-Off Stream!