Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP) SDK for Privacy in Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Udai Solanki

[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)

7

[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)

Zero-Knowledge Proofs SDK for Cardano will be an open-source toolkit enabling developers to easily integrate ZKP into DApps and smart contracts to simplifies ZKP for privacy, compliance and voting.

[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

The project will be fully open source under MIT License.

It is an open source development and it will be available throughout the entire lifecycle of the project with a published open-source repository.

[METADATA] Horizons

Identity & Verification

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Proposed Solution: Zero-Knowledge Proofs SDK for Cardano

The Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP) SDK for Cardano project aims to solve the challenge of integrating advanced privacy-preserving technologies into decentralized applications (DApps) on the Cardano platform. The growing demand for privacy and regulatory compliance in blockchain applications, such as confidential transactions, KYC/AML requirements, and secure voting systems, necessitates a solution that is both accessible to developers and scalable across use cases.

Problem Perception and Approach:

Privacy and security are becoming increasingly important for blockchain applications, especially as regulatory scrutiny grows. However, the complex nature of cryptographic technologies, like ZKPs, often makes it difficult for developers to implement these solutions without significant expertise. This creates a barrier to entry, limiting the adoption of privacy-focused technologies on the Cardano blockchain.

The Zero-Knowledge Proofs SDK offers a way to lower these barriers by providing pre-built tools, templates, and a user-friendly API, allowing developers to focus on building DApps without needing deep cryptographic knowledge. By doing so, the SDK will help foster a more privacy-centric ecosystem on Cardano.

Key Components of the Solution:

1. Pre-Built ZKP Primitives: The SDK will offer cryptographic building blocks such as ZK-SNARKs (Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge) and ZK-STARKs (Scalable Transparent Arguments of Knowledge). These are essential components for building privacy-preserving features like confidential transactions and selective data disclosure. By providing these primitives, developers will be able to integrate ZKP technology into their DApps with ease, without having to build the cryptographic protocols from scratch.
2. Integration with Cardano Smart Contracts: The SDK will be fully compatible with Plutus smart contracts and other Cardano-native applications, allowing developers to seamlessly integrate ZKP functionality into their existing or new applications. This will enable privacy features such as anonymous transactions, private voting, and selective information sharing within smart contracts, thereby enhancing the capabilities of Cardano-based applications.
3. Privacy Templates for Common Use Cases: To further simplify the development process, the SDK will include ready-made templates for common privacy use cases. These templates will cover scenarios like private asset transfers, anonymous authentication, and proof of identity or proof of funds without revealing full details. This will make it easier for developers to implement complex privacy features into their applications quickly and efficiently.
4. Developer-Friendly API & Documentation: A key feature of the SDK will be its intuitive API, designed to be user-friendly even for developers without a background in cryptography. The SDK will be supported by extensive documentation, including tutorials and code examples, ensuring that developers can easily understand and implement ZKP functionality in their DApps. This will help drive adoption among the broader developer community on Cardano.
5. Audited Security Standards: Given the critical nature of cryptographic security, the SDK will undergo rigorous security audits to ensure that its implementations are both secure and reliable. By adhering to the highest security standards, the SDK will ensure the integrity of the privacy-preserving features it enables, providing confidence to developers and users alike.

Engagement and Impact Measurement:

• Who Will Benefit: The primary beneficiaries of the SDK will be developers building on Cardano, especially those focused on privacy-sensitive industries like finance, healthcare, and identity management. The SDK will also benefit users by giving them greater control over their personal data within Cardano-based DApps, increasing trust in the platform.
• Impact Measurement: We will measure the impact of the SDK through both quantitative and qualitative metrics:
• Quantitative: The number of DApps integrating ZKP functionality, the diversity of use cases implemented, and the growth in privacy-focused transactions on the Cardano blockchain.
• Qualitative: Developer feedback on the SDK’s ease of use, security audit reports, and case studies demonstrating successful implementations of ZKP technologies in Cardano applications.
• Demonstrating Success: The success of the project will be demonstrated by the widespread adoption of the SDK within the Cardano ecosystem, as well as increased usage of privacy-preserving technologies by DApp developers. Regular reports and community updates will be shared to showcase the ongoing impact and development progress.

Uniqueness of the Solution:

What makes this solution unique is its focus on making advanced privacy tools accessible to all levels of developers within the Cardano ecosystem. By removing the technical barriers to implementing zero-knowledge proofs, the SDK will democratize privacy-preserving technologies, enabling a new wave of secure, compliant, and trustworthy DApps on Cardano. This is critically important for Cardano’s growth, especially as privacy concerns and regulatory compliance become more prominent in the blockchain space.

This proposed solution uniquely addresses the need for privacy and regulatory compliance on Cardano while simplifying the integration of cryptographic tools, ensuring that both developers and end-users benefit from more secure and trusted DApps.

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

Impact on the Wider Cardano Community: Measuring and Sharing Success

The Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP) SDK for Cardano will have a significant positive impact on the Cardano ecosystem, empowering developers and enhancing user trust in decentralized applications (DApps). This project will deliver tangible benefits by making privacy-preserving technologies accessible, ensuring regulatory compliance, and contributing to the growth of the Cardano network.

Key Benefits and Impact:

1. Enhanced Privacy for DApps: The SDK will allow Cardano developers to easily integrate advanced privacy features such as confidential transactions and user anonymity without compromising security or transparency. This will directly lead to the development of more secure and private DApps, meeting the growing demand for privacy across industries like finance, healthcare, and identity management.

• Measurement: The number of DApps utilizing ZKP-based privacy features will serve as a key metric of success. We will track and report on the adoption rate of the SDK by developers within the Cardano ecosystem, analyzing usage through open-source contributions and community feedback.

1. Regulatory Compliance Without Sacrificing Privacy: Zero-Knowledge Proofs enable selective disclosure, allowing DApps to comply with regulatory requirements, such as KYC/AML (Know Your Customer / Anti-Money Laundering), without exposing full user details to third parties. This balance between privacy and compliance is critical for industries operating under strict regulations.

• Measurement: The SDK’s success in supporting regulatory-compliant DApps will be measured by the number of projects that leverage the ZKP technology to meet specific regulatory requirements. We will seek feedback from developers and businesses who have integrated the SDK to evaluate how it has helped them meet compliance standards while protecting user privacy.

1. Lowered Development Barriers: With pre-built tools, templates, and comprehensive documentation, the SDK will remove the complexity typically associated with cryptographic solutions. This will lower the barrier for developers to implement Zero-Knowledge Proofs, even if they do not have advanced cryptography expertise.

• Measurement: We will assess the SDK’s ease of use by gathering qualitative feedback from developers, such as surveys and community discussions. A key indicator of success will be the diversity of projects and developers (including those new to cryptography) that adopt the SDK for privacy solutions.

1. Wider Adoption of Cardano: By introducing accessible privacy tools, the SDK will attract privacy-focused developers and projects, leading to a broader range of use cases built on Cardano. This will contribute to the wider adoption of the Cardano platform, especially in sectors where privacy is paramount.

• Measurement: We will track the growth in the number of privacy-focused projects on Cardano following the SDK’s release. Metrics such as the total number of projects, user activity, and transaction volume on privacy-focused DApps will provide insights into the SDK’s contribution to Cardano’s ecosystem growth.

1. Data Privacy for Users: The SDK will give DApp users greater control over their personal data, allowing them to decide what information they reveal while participating in decentralized applications. This will foster greater user trust and encourage more people to engage with Cardano-based applications.

• Measurement: User feedback will be collected through surveys and community outreach to measure the perceived improvement in data privacy when using DApps that leverage ZKP technology. We will also monitor metrics such as user retention and satisfaction within privacy-focused applications on Cardano.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

• Open-Source Contributions: The ZKP SDK will be released as an open-source project, ensuring that the wider Cardano community has access to the tools and can contribute to its ongoing development. This will allow the community to build upon and refine the SDK, making it more robust over time.
• Developer Workshops and Documentation: We will conduct online workshops, tutorials, and produce detailed documentation to help developers understand and use the SDK effectively. These resources will be made freely available to the community, ensuring widespread access and adoption.
• Community Engagement: The outputs of the project, including case studies and success stories, will be shared via community channels such as Cardano forums, social media, and developer meetups. We will also collaborate with Cardano-affiliated organizations to promote the SDK and encourage its integration into future projects.
• Partnerships and Collaborations: We will actively seek partnerships with businesses, regulatory bodies, and privacy-focused organizations to showcase the SDK’s potential. By demonstrating real-world use cases, we will highlight the opportunities for other Cardano projects to leverage the ZKP technology.

By defining clear metrics for both quantitative and qualitative impact, and actively sharing the project’s outputs and opportunities, the Zero-Knowledge Proofs SDK for Cardano will play a vital role in expanding the Cardano ecosystem, driving adoption, and building trust among both developers and users.

[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?

Zero-Knowledge Proofs SDK for Cardano: Capability & Feasibility Overview

Capability to Deliver the Project with High Levels of Trust and Accountability

We are fully committed to delivering the Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP) SDK for Cardano in a manner that upholds the highest levels of trust and accountability. Our team comprises blockchain engineers, cryptographers, and experienced developers who are well-versed in Cardano's architecture, as well as in the cryptographic principles behind ZKP. Our track record in successfully delivering blockchain projects is proof of our technical competency and reliability.

Existing Capabilities:

Technical Expertise:

• Our team has deep expertise in zero-knowledge cryptography, with members having previously contributed to ZKP implementations on other blockchain platforms such as Ethereum (using zk-SNARKs and zk-STARKs).
• Our developers are proficient in Haskell, the primary language for Cardano’s Plutus smart contracts, and have hands-on experience with building smart contract SDKs.
• We have an in-house team skilled in formal verification and testing frameworks to ensure high-quality code with minimal vulnerabilities.

Cardano Ecosystem Experience:

• Our team members have contributed to other open-source Cardano development tools. We have an established relationship with key actors within the Cardano developer community, including various developer groups, which will allow us to leverage their knowledge and infrastructure.

Project Management:

• We employ agile development methodologies to ensure that we meet project milestones and adapt to any changing requirements. Our team uses project management tools like GitHub for transparent tracking of progress and accountability.
• We have experience with budget management and transparent reporting, having successfully managed grant-funded projects in the past.

Feasibility of the Project

We have designed a well-thought-out, feasible approach for delivering this SDK. This includes clear milestones, validation steps, and mechanisms for continuous feedback from the Cardano developer community.

Steps to Validate Feasibility:

Proof of Concept (PoC):

• We will begin by creating a minimal viable product (MVP) that demonstrates the integration of ZKP into a simple DApp on Cardano. This PoC will help us validate the underlying ZKP protocols and ensure they function as expected within the Cardano ecosystem.
• We will run testnet trials to assess performance, scalability, and security.

Community Feedback and Iteration:

• We will engage the Cardano developer community early through open-source channels like GitHub, where we will document and share progress.
• Incorporating feedback from developers, testers, and stakeholders will allow us to refine the SDK’s features and address any issues promptly.

Documentation and Tutorials:

• Alongside development, we will create comprehensive developer documentation and tutorials to ensure that the SDK is easy to use and accessible to developers with varying levels of experience.
• By lowering the technical barriers for ZKP adoption, we will validate the ease-of-use aspect of the SDK and ensure developer engagement.

Managing Funds Properly

Our approach to managing the funds for this project will be rooted in transparency and accountability:

Milestone-Based Fund Allocation:

• We propose a milestone-based funding structure, where funds are only released upon the successful completion of predefined deliverables. This ensures that funds are properly used and tied to actual progress.
• For each milestone, we will provide detailed progress reports, including project updates, challenges, and financial reports that will be made available to stakeholders and backers.

Open-Source Governance:

• As an open-source project, we will maintain all code repositories and progress reports publicly on platforms like GitHub. This provides an additional layer of accountability, as the community will be able to review and verify our progress.

By drawing upon our proven expertise in cryptography, blockchain development, and project management, we are confident in our ability to deliver a robust, secure, and widely adopted Zero-Knowledge Proof SDK for Cardano.

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

Duration: 2 months

Output:

• Research & Architecture Design

Acceptance Criteria:

• A thorough analysis of Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) technologies such as ZK-SNARKs and ZK-STARKs is completed.
• The proposed SDK architecture is designed to ensure compatibility with Plutus smart contracts and Cardano's UTXO model.
• The feasibility of integrating ZKP technologies with the Cardano ecosystem is clearly evaluated and documented.

Evidence:

• A research report detailing the findings on ZKP technologies and their applicability within Cardano.
• A technical document outlining the SDK architecture, including diagrams, key design decisions, and how it aligns with Plutus and the UTXO model.

Duration: 2 Months

Prototype Development

Output:

• Working prototype of the ZKP SDK
• Initial version of pre-built cryptographic primitives
• Basic use case templates (e.g., private transactions, selective identity proofs)

Acceptance Criteria:

• A functional prototype of the ZKP SDK is developed and runs successfully.
• The cryptographic primitives are integrated and support basic ZKP functionalities.
• Use case templates for private transactions and selective identity proofs are developed and demonstrate the SDK's core capabilities.

Evidence:

• Source code of the working ZKP SDK prototype, with documentation on cryptographic primitives.
• Demonstration of use case templates showcasing private transactions and identity proof scenarios.
• A report detailing the testing and validation of the prototype’s core features.

Duration: 1 Month

Integration with Plutus & Smart Contracts

Output:

• Integration of ZKP SDK with Plutus and Cardano smart contracts
• Developer-friendly API for ZKP proof generation and verification

Acceptance Criteria:

• The ZKP SDK is successfully integrated with Plutus, ensuring compatibility with existing smart contracts and Cardano’s ledger rules.
• A simple and intuitive API for generating and verifying ZKP proofs is developed and fully functional.
• The integration does not disrupt or compromise the performance and security of the smart contracts.

Evidence:

• Source code demonstrating the integration of the ZKP SDK with Plutus.
• API documentation outlining the methods for ZKP proof generation and verification, along with usage examples.
• Test results showing successful execution of ZKP functionality within Cardano smart contracts.

Duration: 1 Month

Testing, Optimization, and Security Audits

Output:

• Extensive testing and benchmarking of the ZKP SDK
• Third-party security audit of the SDK

Acceptance Criteria:

• The SDK is thoroughly tested across a range of use cases, demonstrating reliable performance and scalability.
• Benchmarking results show that the SDK meets or exceeds performance expectations under different load conditions.
• A third-party security audit is completed, confirming the cryptographic integrity and security of the SDK.

Evidence:

• Detailed test reports, including benchmarking results, covering performance and scalability across various use cases.
• Audit report from a third-party security firm, verifying the security and cryptographic soundness of the SDK.
• Documentation of any optimizations made based on testing and audit feedback.

Duration: 1 Month

Full Release and Community Engagement

Output:

• Full release of the ZKP SDK for Cardano
• Comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and code examples
• Community engagement through events such as webinars, hackathons, and workshops
• Final Closing Report and Video submission

Acceptance Criteria:

• The ZKP SDK is officially launched, available for developers with complete documentation, tutorials, and practical code examples.
• Educational materials are published, helping developers understand and implement the SDK in their DApps.
• A series of community engagement events, including webinars, hackathons, and workshops, are organized to promote the SDK and foster its adoption.
• Final Closing Report and Video submitted

Evidence:

• Public release of the ZKP SDK with links to documentation, tutorials, and code examples.
• Recordings of webinars and workshops, along with participant feedback.
• Reports on hackathon participation, showcasing projects and ideas generated using the SDK.
• Link to Final Closing Report and Video

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

We have a very strong team of senior developers and experienced software architects.

Below are our key team members who shall be engaged in this project.

Udai Solanki , CTO at https://www.erevmax.com

Role in Project : Blockchain/Solution Architect and Project Manager

Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/solanki

Technical Architect, Java Programmer, Plutus and Haskell Programmer

23+ years Technology and programming experience

3+ years Cardano Tech Stack experience

Developer Advocate at OSO, https://IntersectMBO.org

Rupanjali Bask

Role in Project : Tech Writer and Tester

Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupanjali-basak/

Product Owner having 14 years in product management and

7 years in IT Support, mostly in Hospitality Industry

Narendra Das

Role: Blockchain Developer

Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naren4das/

Technical Architect , Java Programmer, Plutus and Haskell Programmer

22+ years programming experience

3+ years Cardano Tech Stack experience

Mahendra Sharma

Role in Project: Software Architect, Technical Design and Developer

Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahendra-sharma-79a988b8/

Software Architect, Java Programmer and Delivery Manager

19+ years Programming and Technology experience

Tusarkanta Mohapatra

Role: Cardano Developer, Full Stack Developer

Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tusarkanta-mohapatra-550bb5258/

2+ years of experience in developer on MERN Stack

2+ years of experience in developing on Cardano Blockchain

Ashis Saha

Role: Integration and Partnership Manager

Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahashis/

15+ years of experience in Hospitality domain as Integration and Partnership management

Project Management and Tech Team Management experience over 30+ years

Our team comprises cryptography and blockchain experts with deep experience in privacy technologies, cryptographic protocols, and Cardano smart contracts:

• Lead Cryptographer: Specialist in zero-knowledge cryptography and secure computation protocols, with experience in ZKP projects.
• Blockchain Developer: Experienced in developing smart contracts and SDKs for blockchain ecosystems, particularly with Cardano and Ethereum.
• Full-Stack Developer: Skilled in building user-friendly APIs, documentation, and developer tools to lower the barrier of entry for new technologies.
• Community Outreach Specialist: Dedicated to engaging with the Cardano developer community through educational content, events, and hackathons.

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

Requested Funding: ADA 200,000

• Development Costs: ADA 120,000 (for team salaries, research, and SDK development)
• Security Audits: ADA 30,000 (for third-party audits of the cryptographic implementations and API security)
• Infrastructure & Testing: ADA 20,000 (for testing environments, bug bounties, and performance optimization)
• Community Outreach & Developer Engagement: ADA 20,000 (for marketing, workshops, hackathons, and documentation)
• Legal & Compliance Consultation: ADA 10,000 (for legal support to ensure privacy compliance)

This is very challenging project, Scope is very wide and it is difficult to finish it in part so we are proposing complete scope here. If there is any short fall in budget, the company aiquant.in shall bear it. The company team is passionate to develop and work on open-source, this mindset help lot to get these tricky highly technical projected completed within budget.

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

Zero-Knowledge Proofs SDK for Cardano: Value for Money and Strategic Impact

The Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP) SDK for Cardano will provide a powerful toolkit that allows developers to integrate cutting-edge privacy-preserving technologies into decentralized applications (DApps). By offering reusable ZKP tools and templates, the SDK will facilitate the development of secure, privacy-focused solutions across various industries such as finance, healthcare, and identity management. This will reinforce Cardano's position as a leader in blockchain privacy, ensuring the platform meets regulatory standards while maintaining decentralization.

How the Project Represents Value for Money

1. Strategic Long-Term Impact: The integration of Zero-Knowledge Proof technology will not only address the immediate need for privacy but also enable Cardano to stay ahead of regulatory and security requirements. This will make Cardano an attractive platform for industries where privacy and compliance are critical, such as finance and healthcare, resulting in long-term adoption and network growth. The upfront investment in developing this SDK will have a multiplier effect by empowering a broad range of DApps to adopt ZKP features without needing to reinvent the wheel.
2. Cost Justification & Proportionality: The costs associated with developing the ZKP SDK are aligned with standard rates for blockchain development and security expertise. The project requires highly skilled developers and cryptographers, whose rates are proportional to the average wage in the blockchain industry. For example, the average salary for a blockchain developer with cryptography expertise is typically higher than that of a general software developer, due to the specialized knowledge required. However, this investment is essential to ensure the robustness and security of the ZKP tools, providing a strong return on investment for Cardano's ecosystem by enabling future privacy-focused innovations.
3. Reusability and Scalability: By developing reusable components and templates, the SDK will reduce the cost and complexity for future developers looking to implement privacy-preserving features. This will minimize redundancy and lower the barrier to entry for new projects, maximizing the utility of the SDK and driving further innovation. The project will essentially serve as a foundation for future work, saving resources and time for the Cardano community.
4. Benchmarking Against Industry Standards: Similar privacy-focused projects in the blockchain space, such as Zcash’s ZKP implementations, have required substantial investments due to the complexity of cryptographic engineering. However, the ZKP SDK for Cardano is designed to be more cost-efficient by leveraging existing tools, frameworks, and open-source libraries. This reduces development time and cost while ensuring that Cardano developers can build privacy-preserving DApps with ease.
5. Long-Term Cost Efficiency: Once the SDK is developed, maintenance costs will be low compared to the initial investment. As the SDK will be open source, it can be further enhanced by the developer community, reducing the need for ongoing centralized funding. Additionally, by fostering greater adoption of Cardano-based DApps in privacy-critical sectors, the project will generate long-term economic value for the ecosystem, increasing the value of ADA and attracting more projects to the platform.
6. Support from Industry Data: The development costs are supported by data on the average wages for blockchain developers with expertise in cryptography. According to industry reports, the typical salary for a blockchain developer specializing in security and ZKP ranges from $100,000 to $150,000 per year. Freelance rates for cryptography-related projects are similarly high, often exceeding $100 per hour. These figures highlight that the proposed budget is aligned with market norms, ensuring that the project delivers high-quality results while remaining cost-effective.

By demonstrating how the project balances initial costs with long-term ecosystem benefits, this proposal clearly outlines why the Zero-Knowledge Proofs SDK for Cardano represents strong value for money. It provides strategic advantages that will position Cardano at the forefront of privacy-preserving technologies, ensuring future growth and adoption while maintaining financial prudence.