Please describe your proposed solution

About Proposed Solution

The Voltaire era represents a pivotal moment for Cardano, one that will define its future as a truly decentralized ecosystem. As this transition unfolds, it is crucial to ensure that the promise of decentralization is not undermined by imbalances in power or resources. We believe that every project, regardless of size, should have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to Cardano's evolution.

At the core of this proposal is a continuation of our previously funded initiative from Fund 11, where we developed tools to prevent gaming and abuse in Catalyst funding. By building on that success, we aim to ensure fairness and transparency remain at the heart of the ecosystem, especially as the funding landscape shifts in the Voltaire era. Without mechanisms that protect smaller projects, the risk of centralization and exclusion increases, stifling innovation and creativity.

Development Continuity

Our MVP, a native token data portal built from our previous proposal, already tracks and backtests 20 native tokens from funded projects, revealing key risk metrics and using quantitative tools to improve funding visibility and use of native tokens. This portal serves as the foundation for Arvo, which will scale these insights into a product that provides real-time governance tracking and automated monitoring. With Arvo, we ensure transparent and fair decision-making in decentralized systems. Our MVP proves the concept, and Arvo takes it to the next level, positioning us for SG Launchpad expansion and decentralized governance leadership.

<https://github.com/Sapient-Predictive-Analytics/dataportal/blob/main/risk/risk.md>

Approach and Rationale

Our approach builds upon the foundation laid in Fund 11 Data-Driven_Catalyst/Funds/examples.md at main · Sapient-Predictive-Analytics/Data-Driven_Catalyst · GitHub , where we addressed the issue of gaming and abuse in the funding landscape. This time, we are focused on expanding those principles by creating a platform that empowers emerging projects to launch tokens and secure funding in a fair and decentralized manner.

We see fairness not just as a technical requirement but as a moral imperative for the future of Cardano. This is why we’ve chosen to center our platform on transparency, community involvement, and fair access. By supporting smaller projects, we are actively working to protect the diversity and decentralization that define Cardano’s ethos.

Target Audience and Engagement

Our platform, Arvo, is designed for small and emerging projects, which are often overshadowed in traditional funding landscapes. It will also engage the broader Cardano community, developers, and token holders, providing them with the tools to participate in token launches and governance decisions. By making the process more transparent and accessible, we ensure that all voices are heard, and that the power to influence Cardano’s future remains decentralized.

Demonstrating Impact

The impact of our solution is far-reaching. By building on the tools we developed in Fund 11 to prevent gaming and abuse, we will now expand to ensure inclusivity in funding, supporting smaller projects that might otherwise be left behind. Our platform will act as a catalyst for innovation by making token launches accessible to all, while our voting mechanism ensures that funding decisions are made fairly, without the influence of large stakeholders dominating the process.

This proposal is not just about improving the funding process—it’s about ensuring Cardano’s future remains decentralized, diverse, and innovative.

Uniqueness of the Solution

What sets our solution apart is its proven track record. We have already developed a successful system to prevent gaming and abuse, and now we are expanding this work to include fair token launches and inclusive funding opportunities. Our platform goes beyond addressing the problem—it prevents it from arising, ensuring that fairness and transparency are deeply ingrained in the ecosystem.

Why This is Important for Cardano

This proposal is critical for Cardano’s long-term success, especially as it enters the Voltaire era. Without mechanisms to protect fair access to funding, the ecosystem risks becoming centralized, dominated by a few large stakeholders. By ensuring smaller projects have a platform to succeed, we are safeguarding the decentralized future of Cardano. This isn’t just important—it’s vital. Without inclusivity, Cardano’s progress could stall, but with this platform, we can ensure that every project has a chance to contribute, making Cardano a leader in blockchain-based innovation and real-world impact.

Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

This proposal builds on the success of our previously funded initiative, where community-selected research topics helped shape the project’s direction on Catalyst funding:

<https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/11/catalyst-systems-improvements-discovery/data-driven-catalyst-toolkit-for-on-chain-and-off-chain-data-analytics-and-insight-optimize-governance-and-prevent-gaming-and-abuse>

The Voltaire era, which introduces decentralized governance to the Cardano ecosystem, represents a significant shift. While this transition aims to empower the community through voting and treasury management, there are valid concerns about how smaller projects will fare. With CIP-1694 laying the foundation for this new governance model, there is a risk that large stakeholders or influential entities could dominate decision-making. This is especially worrying for smaller projects, as the voting system may not inherently protect against a "winner-takes-all" dynamic, potentially sidelining innovative ideas and new entrants

As governance decisions become more decentralized, the funding landscape will change. Many teams fear that, without measures to ensure fairness, the distribution of resources could become imbalanced, favoring established projects or those with more significant influence in the ecosystem.

<https://forum.cardano.org/t/voltaire-report-navigating-the-new-age-of-cardano-governance/120660>

Core concept

Our platform offers a solution that not only promotes fair funding mechanisms but also ensures that smaller projects maintain a competitive edge in the post-Voltaire era. As a previously funded proposer with a proven track record, having successfully completed Fund 11, we bring credibility and demonstrate our commitment to fostering long-lasting impact within the ecosystem.

By supporting token launches for emerging projects, our platform fosters inclusivity, enabling smaller players to actively participate alongside larger entities. This approach nurtures innovation and diversity within Cardano, mitigating the risks of centralization and ensuring a more sustainable and equitable future.

As governance evolves in the Voltaire era, we are dedicated to maintaining a fair and open platform where all projects, regardless of size, have equal access to funding opportunities. Our platform will serve as a catalyst for the multiple use cases of Real-World Assets (RWAs) on Cardano, positioning Cardano as a key player in real-world asset tokenization and solidifying its role in driving blockchain-based solutions for the global economy.

Measuring impact

· Number of small projects successfully launching tokens: We aim to onboard and support at least 10 projects in the first cohort, providing them with the tools to launch their tokens and engage in the ecosystem.

· Community engagement in the voting process: We target around 80-100 active community members participating in the voting process, ensuring a fair and decentralized selection of projects.

· Percentage of projects receiving funding: At least 70% of the projects supported by our platform should secure funding, demonstrating the effectiveness of our platform in leveling the playing field.

· Feedback and platform improvement: We will continuously gather feedback, with a target of a 75% satisfaction rate from participating projects and community members, leading to ongoing improvements.

By incorporating community feedback, usability testing, and transparent voting, our proposal will boost engagement, encouraging participation and support for projects, which strengthens Cardano’s decentralized governance.

The outputs of this project will be shared widely with the Cardano and blockchain communities. We plan to publish regular updates, reports, and key insights on open platforms such as GitHub and GitBook to ensure easy access for developers, token holders, and interested community members. We will host AMA sessions, community calls, and provide detailed documentation to encourage feedback and collaboration. This approach not only keeps the community informed but also empowers them to contribute to the project’s growth and success.

What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team has been providing community advisory and mentoring since Fund-7 and team members continuously participated in Challenge Teams (Boosting Cardano DeFi, Developer Ecosystem, Great Migration from Ethereum to Cardano, dRep Improvement), and GeniusX ambassador. We have worked closely with Singapore-based venture funds, launchpads and government agencies to boost the startup ecosystem and innovation since 2018.

Team members have worked decades in TradFi markets, hold Master of Finance and quantitative finance degrees and work with financial and commodity companies for trading, risk management and decision making software.

Sapient Predictive Analytics has been in the data science, machine learning and collective intelligence space since 2018, winning awards and recognition in Singapore and beyond. We have previously worked with Fraunhofer Institute, Macquarie bank and many small and medium size companies for their decision making, governance, data analytics and trading desks.

Our platform is already designed to support token launches and Real-World Asset (RWA) integration, which means the core infrastructure is in place. By leveraging Cardano’s native features, such as Plutus smart contracts, and integrating existing tools like Chainlink oracles for cross-chain functionality, the technical foundation is well-prepared for this solution.

Chainlink oracle

We select Chainlink oracles as the platform’s well known for data accuracy with full available documentation that enables seamless cross-chain interactions. This should make the platform not only more reliable but also scalable across different blockchain ecosystems. Our team has experience in attending Chainlink RWA bootcamps and successfully completing a previous data project. This next phase will build on the foundation of our previous work, ensuring a greater impact in the RWA sector. With documentation and support from Cardano, Chainlink, and Ethereum, the project is highly achievable.

Genius X

We plan to explore Genius X's accelerator model by reviewing their public resources and processes, learning from both their successes and challenges to inform our approach. One of our team members, a former Genius Yield ambassador, can readily reach out if any roadblocks arise. With the knowledge gained, we will refine our operations and structure the accelerator to effectively support projects in the RWA and decentralized finance space. This approach allows us to avoid common pitfalls, implement proven strategies, and ensure the smooth delivery of a high-quality accelerator experience. Our core mission remains to provide fair funding opportunities to projects concerned about the Voltaire era.

Real world needs RWA

There is a growing demand for Real-World Assets (RWAs) in blockchain and tokenization, particularly within decentralized finance (DeFi) projects. RWAs allow real-world items like real estate, commodities, or other assets to be tokenized and traded on blockchain platforms, opening up new liquidity and investment opportunities. Our platform fills a critical market gap in this transition period by enabling smaller projects to launch tokens and secure funding in this rapidly evolving sector. By supporting these small teams, we provide them with the tools and resources to compete more effectively in a space often dominated by larger players.

Interoperability

The blockchain world is always changing, and while some chains might fade away, those that can connect and work with other ecosystems are the ones most likely to stick around. As cross-chain technologies like Polkadot, Cosmos, and Chainlink become more important, being able to operate across different platforms is key. This project focuses on exactly that-interoperability-by using tools like Chainlink oracles to ensure it can smoothly interact with other blockchains. With this approach, we’re confident the project can scale, adapt, and stay relevant as the blockchain space continues to grow and evolve.

What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Milestone 1: Core Platform Setup (7 weeks)

• Milestone Output:
• Development of the UI and backend for onboarding, token creation, and marketplace functions.
• Secure and scalable platform for small projects.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• User interface allows projects to sign up and create tokens.
• Backend functionality for marketplace and funding rounds operational.
• Evidence of Milestone Completion:
• A working MVP where projects can sign up, create tokens, and participate in funding rounds.
• Public repository link and demo screenshots of MVP

Milestone 2: Chainlink Oracle Integration (6 weeks)

• Milestone Output:
• Integration of Chainlink oracles for cross-chain data feeds.
• Tested cross-chain functionality for data flow between blockchains.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Chainlink oracles are integrated and functional.
• Data flow between blockchains is seamless and secure.
• Evidence of Milestone Completion:
• Cross-chain data feeds and oracle integration demo.
• Public repository with Chainlink integration code.

Milestone 3: Establish Accelerator Program (8 weeks)

• Milestone Output:
• Structured accelerator program with defined mentorship, cohorts, and duration.
• Mentors and partners recruited to support smaller projects.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Program structure is finalized, and mentors are onboarded.
• Educational content and tokenomics workshops are ready.
• Evidence of Milestone Completion:
• First cohort enrolled in the accelerator.
• Program schedule and educational content published

Milestone 4: Community Voting and Selection Process (5 weeks)

• Milestone Output:
• Implementation of a fair voting system for project selection.
• Tools for vote tracking and transparency integrated.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Voting system limits voting power to avoid domination by larger entities.
• Vote tracking system operational for transparency.
• Evidence of Milestone Completion:
• Voting system live and operational.
• Public demo of vote tracking and selection process.

Milestone 5: Successful Token Launch for First Cohort (6 weeks)

· Milestone Output:

• Hands-on support provided to the first cohort for token design and launch.
• Tokens listed on relevant marketplaces and exchanges.

· Acceptance Criteria:

• First cohort launches tokens on the platform successfully.
• Tokens are listed on at least one marketplace or exchange.

· Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Token launch reports for the first cohort.
• Public links to token listings and marketplace entries.

Final Milestone: Final Platform Delivery, Partnership Formation, and Project Close-out (4 weeks)

• Milestone Output:
• Completion of all core platform functionality and token launches.
• Partnership engagements formed to expand platform reach and cross-chain collaboration.
• Creation and submission of the closed-out report and closed-out video documenting project outcomes.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Platform is fully operational, and token launches are completed.
• Partnerships with other ecosystems or key stakeholders are formalized.
• Final report and video summarizing project achievements are submitted.
• Evidence of Milestone Completion:
• Publicly available closed-out report and closed-out video shared with the community.
• Formal partnership agreements and announcements completed.
• Platform is live with tokens launched and partnerships established.

Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Thomas Wedler: project management and trading-related content

Experienced financial trader and entrepreneur. Ex Shell, Vattenfall, Masefield senior futures and options trader. Individual floor trader at Singapore Exchange. Tom has been building and deploying programs for automated market making and energy derivatives since 2014. 15 years Derivatives experience at multi-national organizations working closely with industry bodies and speaker at market conferences and workshops. Involved in crypto trading since 2014 and DeFi/oracles since 2018. Plutus Pioneer, Marlowe Pioneer and Atala Prism Pioneer.

Thomas is a certified Superforecaster with the Good Judgment Project and winner of the inaugural Hybrid Forecasting Challenge at SAGE / University of Southern California.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-wedler-18960/

Role in Catalyst: Challenge Team (Fund 8-10), Sub-circle3, Catalyst Coordinators (funded proposers), Veteran Proposal Assessor, Reviewer in funded project milestone reporting (PoA pilot) Fund 9 - 12.

June Akra: project management and risk-management related content, community

Sapient developer team: to provide UI front-end and API for the portal

Founding member of BlockCarbon, financial market expert and academic with vast experience in risk management, derivatives and commodities. Experience for various risk functions in 2 billion dollar AUM fund. Holder of Master degree in Investment with distinction and awarded Draper Prize. Certified Quantitative Finance (CQF) alumni London. Experienced video editor, content creator with combined 50,000 followers on social media, NFT collector and creator. Certified python AI practitioner, Plutus Pioneer &amp; Atala Prism Pioneer.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/june-a-a3a0b4174

Role in Catalyst: Challenge Team (Fund 7-10), Sub-circle3, Catalyst Coordinators (funded proposers), Veteran Proposal Assessor, Reviewer in funded project milestone reporting (PoA pilot) Fund 9 - 12.

Sapient team members upon demand:

Data scientist, Senior fullstack developer / head architect, LLM engineer, data engineer

https://www.18hall.com/sapient-predictive-analytics/

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

To help break down the budget with hourly rates, we’ll estimate the number of hours for each task and apply an average rate per hour. Assuming that the average developer rate in the blockchain space can range from 40 ADA - 80 ADA per hour, here’s a breakdown for each section of the project.

1.Core Platform Setup

Budget: 100,000 ADA

• Development of UI, backend, and marketplace functions:

[300 hours at 180 ADA/hour = 60,000 ADA]

• Security auditing and scalability testing:

[150 hours at 150 ADA/hour = 22,500 ADA]

• Project management and coordination:

[50 hours at 100 ADA/hour = 5,000 ADA]

• Platform testing and refinement:

[100 hours at 100 ADA/hour = 10,000 ADA]

2.Chainlink Oracle Integration

Budget: 60,000 ADA

• Chainlink oracle integration development:

[200 hours at 162.5 ADA/hour = 32,500 ADA]

• Cross-chain data testing:

[125 hours at 100 ADA/hour = 12,500 ADA]

• Documentation and integration support:

[50 hours at 100 ADA/hour = 5,000 ADA]

• Oracle performance testing and feedback loop:

[100 hours at 100 ADA/hour = 10,000 ADA]

3.Establish Accelerator Program

Budget: 90,000 ADA

• Accelerator program design (structure, cohorts, mentorship):

[400 hours at 100 ADA/hour = 40,000 ADA]

• Recruitment of mentors and partners:

[150 hours at 100 ADA/hour = 15,000 ADA]

• Educational content and workshops development:

[125 hours at 110 ADA/hour = 13,750 ADA]

• Program onboarding and feedback gathering:

[125 hours at 110 ADA/hour = 13,750 ADA]

4.Community Voting and Selection Process

Budget: 65,000 ADA

• Voting system design and development:

[200 hours at 150 ADA/hour = 30,000 ADA]

• Vote tracking and transparency tool integration:

[100 hours at 110 ADA/hour = 11,000 ADA]

• Testing, community feedback, and refinement:

[100 hours at 110 ADA/hour = 11,000 ADA]

• Deployment and final testing:

[100 hours at 110 ADA/hour = 11,000 ADA]

5.Successful Token Launch for First Cohort

Budget: 65,000 ADA

• Token design and launch support:

[125 hours at 120 ADA/hour = 15,000 ADA]

• Marketplace and exchange listing support:

[200 hours at 100 ADA/hour = 20,000 ADA]

• Technical support and monitoring for launches:

[100 hours at 110 ADA/hour = 11,000 ADA]

• Token tracking and performance evaluation:

[125 hours at 110 ADA/hour = 13,750 ADA]

6.Expand Cross-Chain and Ecosystem Partnerships

Budget: 55,000 ADA

• Partnership negotiations and onboarding:

[125 hours at 110 ADA/hour = 13,750 ADA]

• Cross-chain integration development:

[125 hours at 110 ADA/hour = 13,750 ADA]

• Partnership announcement and PR management:

[125 hours at 90 ADA/hour = 6,750 ADA]

• Cross-chain performance testing:

[125 hours at 110 ADA/hour = 13,750 ADA]

Contingency Fund: 15,000 ADA (This fund is set aside to cover unexpected issues during development and deployment. It ensures the project stays on track if we face technical challenges, extra testing, or changes due to regulations.)

No dependencies.

How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The primary value for money in this proposal lies in addressing a key concern many teams have as we transition into the Voltaire era: the funding landscape is expected to change significantly, and without a focus on fair and transparent funding mechanisms, the growth of the ecosystem could be hindered. This proposal is essential to ensuring that innovative yet small projects continue to thrive, even in a more competitive or uncertain funding environment. By fostering an accelerator program and implementing fair community-driven voting systems, this project guarantees that funding opportunities remain accessible to all, which is critical for the long-term survival and growth of Project Catalyst.

The project provides strong value for the Cardano ecosystem by:

1. Efficient Resource Use: The 500,000 ADA budget is focused on core tasks like infrastructure, token launches, and cross-chain integration, ensuring progress at every stage.
2. Scalability: Built to scale across Cardano, Ethereum, and Solana, with a focus on RWAs and Chainlink for long-term adaptability.
3. Community Impact: Promotes fairness through a voting system and accelerator, giving smaller projects equal opportunity.
4. Technical Expertise: Experienced developers and strong partnerships ensure a solid foundation for growth.
5. ROI: Drives participation, innovation, and token diversity, attracting investment to Cardano.

As a team that has already successfully completed a proposal in Fund 11 <https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/11/cardano-use-cases-concept/the-ultimate-cardano-assets-data-portal-clean-data-backtesting-and-price-models-for-native-tokens>, we are committed to making a lasting impact. Our goal is not just to navigate the upcoming changes but to nurture the ecosystem’s growth by ensuring a continuous pipeline of innovation and participation. Without fresh ideas and a fair funding process, the ecosystem risks stagnation. This proposal is the solution to keep the Cardano community engaged and ensure future funding remains accessible to all. Voting for this proposal means supporting innovation, fairness, and a thriving ecosystem. Your vote will help secure a future where all projects, big or small, have a fair shot at success.