SubVT (Substrate Validator Toolkit) For Cardano Mainnet, Preview, and Partner Chains

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Kutsal Kaan Bilgin

[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)

8

[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 will consult Cardano validator operators for their needs, analyze the storage system, extend SubVT’s backend with Cardano-specific components, and integrate Cardano into our iOS and Android apps.

[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

All of Helikon’s products are fully open-source, distributed under the The GNU General Public License v3.0.

[METADATA] Horizons

Developer Tools

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

We will follow the steps below to implement our solution:

1. Ecosystem Analysis and Interviews: Analyze the Cardano validator ecosystem and conduct interviews with select operators to understand their monitoring, reporting and observability requirements.
2. Infrastructure Extension: Extend our infrastructure to include Cardano mainnet and Preview testnet validators, and RPC archive nodes, integrating them into SubVT.
3. Proof-of-Stake and Storage Analysis: Perform a deep analysis of the Cardano proof-of-stake system and storage, and prepare an execution plan for its integration into the SubVT backend.
4. Backend Implementation: Implement the backend extensions into our existing backend.
5. Mobile App Integration: Implement iOS and Android application extensions.

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

SubVT aims to enhance the security of Cardano by offering improved tooling for the validator operators. Additionally, it will contribute to the overall user experience through its well-designed UI and UX.

[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?

Our proven track record in the Polkadot ecosystem over the past four years demonstrates our capability, trust, and accountability. We have successfully delivered two Web3 Foundation grants and one Kusama treasury grant. Additionally, we are part of the Infrastructure Builders Program (IBP), providing RPC services to nearly 30 blockchain networks. We operate validators under both Kusama and Polkadot Thousand Validators programs. Most recently, our Submerge project proposal successfully passed the community vote, further validating our commitment.

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

Research and Technical Analysis

Tasks:

• Overall research into the validator ecosystem.
• Interviews with validator operators for requirements documentation.
• A deep analysis of the proof-of-stake system and storage.
• Execution plan for the integration of Cardano into the SubVT backend.

Deliverables:

• Research report.
• Requirements documentation.
• Storage system analysis report.
• Technical implementation plan for the backend system.

Infrastructure Extension

Tasks:

Extend Helikon infrastructure with Cardano mainnet and Preview testnet validators, and Cardano RPC archive nodes.

Deliverables:

Demonstration of the running infrastructure.

Backend Implementation

Tasks:

Complete implementation of Cardano-specific components in the SubVT backend.

Deliverables:

• Service and storage architecture document.
• Test cases and test documentation.
• Docker components, build and run documentation.
• Documentation for any public-facing services.
• Source code for all components.

iOS App Development

Tasks:

Complete implementation of Cardano support inside the iOS application.

Deliverables:

SubVT iOS application with Cardano extensions available on AppStore.

Android App Development

Tasks:

Complete implementation of Cardano support inside the Android application.

Deliverables:

SubVT Android application with Cardano extensions available on Play Store.

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

Kutsal Kaan Bilgin: Project Manager, Lead Architect and Developer

Eyüp Gürel: Systems and Mobile Developer

Egor Zmaznev: Design Head and Product Consultant

Daria Kravchenko: Project Management and Product Communications

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

One Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) is calculated at $90 per hour, working 8 hours per day, and 23 days per month, totaling $16,560 per month.

Research and Technical Analysis:

1 month, 1 FTE = $16,560.00

Infrastructure Extension

1 month, 1 FTE = $16,560.00

Backend Implementation

2 months, 1 FTE = $33,120.00

iOS App Development

3 months, 1 FTE = $49,680.00

Android App Development

3 months, 1 FTE = $49,680.00

TOTAL: $165,600.00

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

SubVT offers strong value for money, under a modest budget, by leveraging our existing infrastructure, backend and application code base, already proven in the Polkadot ecosystem. We aim to contribute to the overall stability and security of the network by providing improved observability for validator operators. Our solution is fully open-source, ensuring both long-term sustainability and community-driven development.