Skip to content

Historical page retained for compatibility. It may contain superseded assumptions, incomplete plans, or outdated links and is not current canonical content. See the Archive for context.

Research Proposal: Solvers, Arbitrage & Intent-Based Protocols

Background

Over the past eight months, I’ve developed both a solver engine and an intent-based swap protocol integrating Uniswap v4. My work spans arbitrage detection/execution, real-time streaming, solver frameworks, and resource-efficient intent mechanisms. Retained research material is accessible via Jincubator Research.

Proposal Scope

The aim of this research is twofold: deepen the integration of solver-driven arbitrage with Tycho’s ecosystem, and extend the protocol footprint to Uniswap v4 and beyond.

Key Focus Areas

  • Tycho Streaming & Simulation
    Integrate Tycho’s streaming for real-time arbitrage opportunity intake, and Tycho’s simulation for stress-testing and MEV strategy modeling.

  • Arbitrage Landscape Mapping
    Use Tycho-enabled simulations, dynamic graph construction, and routing algorithms to map multi-chain arbitrage opportunities across Ethereum, Base, and Unichain.

  • Flash Loan Arbitrage Best Practices
    Develop standardized, gas-efficient, risk-mitigated solver strategies for flash-loan driven arbitrage.

  • Uniswap v4 Booster Pools
    Design and prototype “after-swap self-arbitrage” hooks that both optimize swap execution and act as built-in liquidity boosters within v4 pools.

Why Me?

I am exceptionally well-positioned to lead this research based on:

  • Successful Solver & Protocol Development
    Built a modular, real-time arbitrage solver system integrating Bellman-Ford cycle detection, fixed-point math, and flash-loan execution logic.

  • Uniswap v4 Protocol & Intent Integration
    Architected an intent-based swap protocol built on Uniswap v4, with experience in hook development, ERC-6909 resource management (based on the-compact), and 1-inch routing integration.
    This work demonstrates both technical feasibility and architectural insight into scalable solver systems. A retained overview of this opinionated architecture is available under Solver Architecture.

  • Deep Research & Engineering Expertise
    With a background as a research engineer, I’ve delivered DeFi infrastructure, academic-grade research, and production systems. My experience extends to zero-knowledge primitives, consensus research, and cross-chain bridging (johnwhitton.com).

  • Proven Technical Leadership
    As a former Engineering Manager, Ecosystem Architect, and CTO, I have led and scaled engineering teams, driven multi-team projects, and guided ecosystem initiatives across companies such as Harmony, Eco, and Loyyal (johnwhitton.com).

Proposed Collaboration

Simultaneously with the research, I propose extending the existing solver repository to include Uniswap v4 hook integration aligned with Tycho’s upcoming v4 release—delivering strategic alignment and practical proof-of-concept.

Outcomes

The deliverables will include:

  1. A research framework combining Tycho’s tools with intent-based arbitrage strategy.
  2. A functional Uniswap v4 hook integrated solver, illustrating real-world capability.
  3. A reference architecture for multi-chain, MEV-aware solver infrastructure.

This research will enrich Tycho’s ecosystem and serve as a clear, professional introduction to key stakeholders like Gauntlet, FlashBots, Paradigm, and other arbitrage-focused entities.

References