Kikosem Igwubor@Kikosem

VOLTA (Volatility Surface Trading Agent) is an autonomous options trading system that generates alpha by finding relative mispricing within the options market, rather than predicting stock direction. It detects internal inconsistencies across strikes and expirations on the volatility surface and captures them through defined-risk spreads. VOLTA operates through a fully autonomous **12-step trading cycle**: it scans live Alpaca market data, constructs a real-time volatility surface, and applies three anomaly detectors—**strike/skew analysis, term-structure analysis, and local surface z-scores**—to identify subtle pricing inconsistencies. Detected anomalies are transformed into **vertical, calendar, or diagonal spreads**. Candidates are deterministically scored across six dimensions: anomaly strength, liquidity, relative-value edge, risk/reward, execution quality, and portfolio exposure. An LLM then reasons over the highest-quality candidates and makes a final go/no-go decision. Its core architectural principle is the agent Proposes, Deterministic Code Authorizes.” The agent can reason and select trades but cannot invent contracts, alter risk limits, bypass controls, or submit orders. A deterministic risk engine validates every decision, enforcing position limits, DTE constraints, exposure caps, liquidity requirements, and defined-risk rules. Execution occurs through Alpaca MCP, making MCP a genuine architectural component. Every decision is fully auditable from market observation through execution. VOLTA is intentionally **abstention-first**, trading only when opportunities are high-confidence and risk-validated.

ArcAgent is a conversational AI financial assistant built for WhatsApp, designed to make digital payments as natural as chatting. Powered by Arc and Circle, it enables users to send, receive, and manage USDC transactions directly within a familiar messaging interface — no app switching or complexity. Users simply chat with ArcAgent to perform transactions like “Send 10 USDC to Emma,” with optional voice commands powered by Eleven Labs for hands-free payments. The system includes multi-layered security, PIN protection, and encrypted storage for wallet credentials. ArcAgent also introduces smart features like split payments for group expenses, instant transfer confirmations, and automated receipts for every transaction. Built by a team of engineers and designers, ArcAgent aims to redefine how people interact with money by merging the power of conversational AI, blockchain technology, and digital identity. The project leverages Arc’s infrastructure for instant and secure USDC transfers while providing a seamless, human-centered experience inside WhatsApp Business. ArcAgent bridges fintech and conversational AI. Just Chat. Command. and Pay.

🌎 Online Hackathon | 💻 Dates: 28 August–4 September 2026 | 🏆 $6,000 Prize Pool Build AI trading agents on Alpaca — autonomous agents and trading apps using Alpaca's Trading API, MCP server and CLI. 🌍 Fully online hackathon. Join and build from anywhere in the world.

Join our $1,000,000+ startup challenge series powered by Surge 📌 This announcement outlines the launch of a Global Human+AI Exchange — aligning universities, global cities, talent networks, and industry to accelerate human-centered AI innovation, technology transfer, and economic growth. 👉 Read more here ⏱️ 8 days to turn your idea, or existing product, into an investable demo. 📅 February 6 - 15, 2026 • Feb 6 - 14 (Online Phase) - Collaborate and build online with developers and AI innovators from around the world. All projects must be submitted by the end of the online phase on February 14th. 🕙 Doors open at 10:00 AM, first come, first served. • Feb 14 (On‑site Build Day) - Selected participants will be invited to an exclusive in‑person session to refine their projects and connect directly with mentors. • Feb 15 (On‑site Demos & Awards) - Live pitching sessions to a panel of judges and ecosystem partners, followed by the official winner announcement. 🌟 Get feedback from startup mentors and technical experts. 📍 On-site Venue (Feb 14–15): MindsDB SF AI Collective 3154 17th St, San Francisco, California, USA 📲 Real-time on-site updates (SF) For real-time announcements and information during the on-site portion (Feb 14–15), join the LabLab SF Chapter WhatsApp group: 👉 Join the WhatsApp group 🤝 Join solo or with a team. New founders and existing startups are welcome. 🏆 $1,000,000+ in credits, token prizes, perks and funding opportunity. 📍 On-site participation is by invitation only. Travel and accommodation expenses will not be covered. 🧑‍💻 Apply now to build, validate, and pitch with purpose.

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!