NFT.Storage: Low-Cost, Transparent NFT Preservation for Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Elizabeth Griffiths

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

12

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We empower the Cardano community with a blockchain-level primitive to aim to ensure the long-term preservation of NFTs, providing creators & minting platforms with a seamless, integrated solution.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

NFT.Storage is fully committed to open source development. All our products are dual-licensed under MIT and Apache 2.0 licenses. Our primary product, the NFT.Storage preservation uploader web app and API, leverages Lighthouse's open-source technology and their proprietary Filecoin storage provider deal engine. This partnership accelerates development and paves the way for a decentralized service framework, enabling us to execute storage deals more frequently and efficiently.

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

KPI: We aim for all future Cardano NFTs to be preserved through NFT.Storage, boosting the long-term value, enabling economic growth in the NFT space

SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

KPI: Add NFT.Storage as a Cardano primitive, providing last infrastructure to the blockchain that enables creators to preserve their off-chain data.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Proposed Solution:

NFT.Storage offers a verifiable decentralized storage solution tailored for Cardano, integrating seamlessly at the protocol layer to ensure reliable NFT preservation. The low one-time fee per GB makes data preservation in NFT.Storage affordable.

Key features include:

• Layer-1 Integration: NFT.Storage allows minting platforms to directly integrate preservation into their processes with minimal effort, simplifying long-term data storage.
• Seamless Minting: Creators can choose NFT.Storage as their storage provider through Cardano’s minting process. This ensures data is content-addressed via IPFS and stored securely in long-term Filecoin deals. 
• Filecoin Network Storage: By leveraging Filecoin's network, we strive to ensure NFTs are accessible while safeguarding digital assets without recurring costs. Our unique approach is designed for longevity through an on-chain endowment, specifically covering Filecoin storage costs. Managed by smart contracts on the Filecoin Ethereum Virtual Machine, this endowment offers transparency, trustlessness, and sustainability, securing long-term NFT protection.
• Customization & Flexibility: Creators can customize their storage preferences, ensuring immediate preservation and flexible retrieval options.
• User Convenience: NFT.Storage is designed with user convenience in mind. Minting platforms can integrate quickly, allowing creators to effortlessly store NFTs. The transition to long-term storage is streamlined, empowering creators and platforms with user-friendly tools and services.
• Content Addressing & Verifiable Storage: Leveraging content addressing with IPFS and the verifiable storage capabilities of Filecoin, NFT.Storage certifies data authenticity via the IPFS hash. Cryptographic checks ensure long-term data preservation, providing mathematical verification of each NFT's originality.

This protocol-layer integration empowers creators to secure their digital assets, ensuring seamless interaction between Cardano and NFT.Storage.

Read more about the vision of NFT.Storage NFT preservation and NFT Token Checker in our Litepaper here: https://nft.storage/litepaper

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

Embedding NFT.Storage at the protocol layer in Cardano has several potential positive impacts on the wider Cardano community, particularly for those involved in the creation and use of NFTs:

1. Simplified Minting Process:Integrating NFT.Storage within Cardano simplifies workflows for NFT creators and minting platforms by streamlining long-term storage of off-chain data. Developers can seamlessly incorporate storage solutions into their decentralized applications (dApps) and minting processes, improving the developer experience and increasing the robustness of Cardano NFTs. This appeal strengthens Cardano's value proposition and attracts more developers to the ecosystem.
2. Enhanced Data Integrity: By leveraging IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) for content addressing, NFT.Storage ensures data is safeguarded without recurring costs. This storage method prevents data tampering, enhancing trust in the authenticity and longevity of NFTs stored through the platform. Collectors can be confident their NFTs are preserved with high integrity.
3. Token Checker Integration: NFT.Storage will include a token checker feature that can be integrated into marketplaces, wallets, and block explorers. This feature verifies the authenticity and integrity of NFTs, helping platforms quickly validate off-chain data associated with minted tokens. By ensuring accurate and trustworthy information, it provides users with more confidence while interacting with the Cardano NFT ecosystem. It also reduces the risks associated with fraudulent or duplicate tokens, ultimately fostering a safer and more transparent marketplace for both creators and collectors.
4. Increased Adoption of Cardano for NFT Projects: The robust, integrated storage solution offered by NFT.Storage makes Cardano an attractive platform for artists, creators, and developers seeking secure, reliable, and efficient long-term NFT preservation. This could lead to a broader adoption of Cardano by those looking for trustworthy blockchain infrastructure that will last.
5. Long-term Asset Preservation: Directly ensuring long-term NFT data storage at minting provides creators and collectors with the peace of mind that their assets are preserved over time. This reliability enhances the perceived value and trustworthiness of Cardano-minted NFTs, encouraging greater engagement with the Cardano NFT ecosystem.
6. Scalability and Efficiency: NFT.Storage can improve Cardano's scalability by assuring creators that their off-chain data will be preserved securely through NFT.Storage, eliminating the need to store large files on-chain. This reduces blockchain resource usage, speeds up transaction times, and lowers costs, enhancing Cardano's scalability for high-volume projects.
7. Community Growth and Engagement: As Cardano becomes more capable and user-friendly, it attracts a broader range of digital artists, blockchain enthusiasts, and collectors. This expanded user base supports the network while fostering a rich ecosystem of applications and services.
8. Empowering Creators: Cardano provides a reliable platform where creators can explore digital ownership and monetize their work without data preservation concerns. NFT.Storage removes technical barriers to long-term storage, making NFT creation more accessible. This encourages creators from diverse backgrounds to contribute their unique styles and ideas, fostering a richer ecosystem of NFT projects that brings together varied creative voices on the Cardano network.

Embedding NFT.Storage directly into Cardano enhances the blockchain's functionality for NFT projects, creating a more robust, secure, and innovative ecosystem. This broad and lasting positive impact on the Cardano community fosters growth and strengthens Cardano's attractiveness as a leading NFT ecosystem.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] 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?

As the lead at NFT.Storage, I bring a wealth of experience in managing complex, large-scale projects with high levels of trust and accountability. My extensive background as a product leader, detailed in my work with NFT.Storage and previous roles at Immutable and Protocol Labs, showcases my ability to oversee critical transitions, such as NFT.Storage's spin-off to become an independent entity. This involved redefining our product vision, strategic planning, and ensuring sustainable financial operations—all underpinned by rigorous data-driven decision-making and stakeholder alignment.

My leadership style emphasizes clarity, consistency, and the empowerment of teams, fostering an environment where accountability is paramount. This approach has not only driven successful outcomes but has also nurtured trust within my teams and with our user base, as evidenced by our seamless handling of over 660 TB of NFT data and the establishment of strategic partnerships across the blockchain ecosystem.

Moreover, my commitment to transparency and community involvement has been instrumental in our project's success, aligning with the core values of trust and accountability required for the management of NFT.Storage. This is further exemplified by my proactive engagement in community and educational initiatives, enhancing the overall integrity and credibility of our operations.

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will conduct a comprehensive feasibility study. This study will include:

1. Prototype Development: Build and test early prototypes to evaluate technical performance and identify potential challenges.
2. Data Analysis: Analyze current and past usage data to predict future demand and refine our design for resource allocation and system optimization.
3. User Feedback: Gather feedback from community surveys, open discussions, and developer outreach to understand user needs and adjust our approach accordingly.
4. Interoperability Testing: Ensure our platform functions seamlessly across different blockchain ecosystems.
5. External Audits: Conduct third-party audits to assess security, scalability, and compatibility with established standards.

This study will help us identify potential risks and confirm the technical and strategic viability of our solution.

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

Onboarding and Team Setup

• Milestone Output(s):
• Onboard project team 
• Assign a team lead for the Catalyst Grant.
• Problem statement alignment
• High level roadmap
• Acceptance Criteria:
• All team members are successfully registered and aligned on project goals.
• Team lead is officially designated with defined responsibilities.
• Key stakeholders have a shared understanding of the problems we are solving
• Info Provided to Verify Milestone Achievement:
• A link to a google shared folder with the following: 

1. List of team members onboarded who are aligned to high level roadmap
2. Documentation of key decisions from kickoff meetings.
3. Document with the problem statement

Research and Strategy Development

• Milestone output(s):
• State of the NFT storage on Cardano research
• Technical feasibility assessments
• Strategy document
• Launch success criteria
• Acceptance criteria:
• Document of insights into Cardano's current NFT storage landscape 
• Document outlining technical strategy and product strategy
• Shared understanding of launch success criteria with key stakeholders
• Info provided to verify the milestone achievement:
• A link to a google shared folder with the following: 
• Product & technical strategy document 
• Launch success criteria document

Discovery and Planning

• Milestone Output(s)
• High-level technical architecture 
• User story map
• Assumption map
• Risk-impact assessment
• Preliminary support and telemetry strategies.
• Delivery plan
• Compliance/security/legal frameworks.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Key stakeholders have shared understanding of detailed roadmap, risks and assumptions
• Initial risk tracker created
• Delivery plan ready
• Info Provided to Verify Milestone Achievement:
• A link to a google shared folder with the following: 

1. High-level technical architecture document
2. User story map document
3. Delivery plan document

Design and Implementation

• Milestone Output(s):
• Release candidate ready for testing
• Up-to-date risk tracker
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Positive user testing feedback
• Key stakeholders aligned on risk mitigation plan
• Info Provided to Verify Milestone Achievement:
• A link to a google shared folder with the following: 

1. User testing insight summary document
2. Up-to-date risk tracker document

Go-To-Market Planning

• Milestone Output(s):
• Marketing and launch strategy.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Go-to-market plan and launch strategy aligned with key stakeholders
• Info Provided to Verify Milestone Achievement:
• A link to a google shared folder with the following: 

1. Finalized marketing plan and launch strategy

Testing and Release

• Milestone Output(s):
• Completed test plan
• Feature released
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Feature released on mainnet
• Info Provided to Verify Milestone Achievement:
• Feature released on mainnet

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

Elizabeth Griffiths

• CEO, NFT.Storage
• Role in project: Project lead
• Bio: Elizabeth Griffiths, CEO of NFT.Storage, has been a trailblazer in the tech industry since transitioning from marketing a decade ago. With a passion for storytelling and emerging technology, she was pivotal in developing ImmutableX, the pioneering layer-2 scaling solution for NFTs on Ethereum. Now at NFT.Storage, she empowers developers by providing long-term decentralized Filecoin storage for off-chain NFT data. Elizabeth is driven by the transformative potential of NFTs and strives to unlock the full potential of Web3 technology.
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethagriffiths/ 
• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ElizabethInAU
• Github: https://github.com/elizabeth-griffiths

Jesse Damiani

• Strategy & BD Lead, Arts & Culture
• Role in project: Strategy and go to market planning support
• Bio: Jesse Damiani leads Strategy and Business Development for Arts and Culture at NFT.Storage, where he plays a pivotal role in defining the platform's vision and outreach efforts. Recently, he strategized, planned, and organized NFT.Storage's iconic launch event at the Museum of Modern Art PS1 during NFT.NYC. The event celebrated the platform's evolution and future, unveiling the new version of NFT.Storage and DAO. Jesse's expertise in art and culture is instrumental in guiding NFT.Storage's partnerships and community engagement strategies. He is also the Senior Curator at Nxt Museum and an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Southern California. 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessedamiani/
• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/JesseDamiani

Lighthouse.Storage, our strategic development partner

• Company website: https://lighthouse.storage/
• Company twitter: https://twitter.com/LighthouseWeb3
• Nandit Mehra, Founder of Lighthouse 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nanditmehra/
• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/nanditmehra
• Github: https://github.com/nandit123

Mooning, our marketing partner

• Company website: https://mooning.com/
• Company twitter: https://twitter.com/mooningagency
• Lisa Teh, Co-Founder of Mooning 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisateh/
• Twitter/X: https://x.com/lisateh_

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Onboarding and Team Setup

Resources:

* Cardano stakeholders, Elizabeth, Jesse, Lighthouse, MooningActivities:

* Onboard project team

* Assign a team lead for the Catalyst Grant.

* Problem statement alignment

* High level roadmap

Deliverables:

* List of team members onboarded who are aligned to high level roadmap

* Documentation of key decisions from kickoff meetings.

* Document with the problem statement

Cost:

* 80,000 ADA

Research and Strategy Development

Resources:

* Cardano stakeholders, Elizabeth, Jesse, Lighthouse, MooningActivities:

* State of the NFT storage on Cardano research

* Technical feasibility assessments

* Strategy development

Deliverables:

* Product & technical strategy document

* Launch success criteria document

Cost:

* 80,000 ADA

Discovery and Planning

Resources:

* Cardano stakeholders, Elizabeth, Jesse, Lighthouse

Activities:

* High-level technical architecture

* User story map

* Assumption map

* Risk-impact assessment

* Preliminary support and telemetry strategies.

* Delivery plan

* Compliance/security/legal frameworks

Deliverables:

* High-level technical architecture document

* User story map document

* Delivery plan document

Cost: 80,000 ADA

Design and Implementation

Resources:

* Cardano stakeholders, Elizabeth, Jesse, Lighthouse

Activities:

* User story writing (detailed)

* Create acceptance criteria

* Build the product

* Create the test plan

* User testing

* Update risk tracker

Deliverables:

* User testing insight summary document

* Up-to-date risk tracker document

Cost:

* 80,000 ADA

Go-To-Market Planning

Resources:

* Cardano stakeholders, Elizabeth, Jesse, Lighthouse, MooningActivities:

* Create marketing and launch strategy and detailed plan

* Create marketing / launch specific deliverables

Deliverables:

Finalized marketing plan and launch strategy

Cost:

* 40,000 ADA

Testing and Release

Resources:

* Cardano stakeholders, Elizabeth, Jesse, Lighthouse, Mooning

Activities:

* Testing

Deliverables:

* Primitive live on mainnet

* Developer docs live

* Go-to-market plan live

Cost:

* 40,000 ADA

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Integrating NFT.Storage into Cardano exemplifies significant value for money by enhancing the blockchain’s utility and attractiveness for NFT developers and users. Our team brings profound expertise in decentralized storage solutions and art community, evidenced by our previous successful products and partnerships. This project not only fortifies Cardano's infrastructure for handling NFTs but also elevates its position as a leader in sustainable and reliable NFT services.

The inclusion of NFT.Storage will streamline development processes for NFT creators by simplifying data management with IPFS content addressing and Filecoin’s verifiable storage, reducing the development cost and time to ensure to the off-chain NFT data is preserved. This makes the Cardano ecosystem more appealing to a broader range of creators, thereby increasing platform activity and ADA utilization.

Moreover, the project extends beyond immediate technical enhancements to foster long-term growth within the Cardano community. By facilitating a more robust framework for NFTs, we support the ecosystem’s scalability and drive wider adoption. Our outreach and educational efforts will amplify awareness of Cardano’s capabilities, attracting new users and developers.

The cost associated with this integration is offset by the substantial, enduring benefits it delivers—enhancing data security, boosting developer efficiency, and expanding user engagement. This alignment with Cardano’s goals of scalability, interoperability, and sustainability ensures that the investment into NFT.Storage provides excellent value for money, positioning Cardano as the preferred platform for future-proof NFT solutions.