Decentralized Messaging board for the Cardano Ecosystem

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Andrew Goodson

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

David Hyatt

Harshit Joshi

[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)

Make a decentralized messaging board linking your profile to a lite wallet with a UI, intuitive search and & filter, able to follow, post, reply, & like by reading on chain messages without censorship

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

Yes

[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.”

The decentralized message board being called Libertas currently, relies on several critical dependencies for success. It will be deployed on Microsoft Azure, requiring expertise in Azure cloud services, .NET for backend development, and React for frontend. Additionally, we need professionals familiar with running a Cardano node to ensure network communication and Dbsync are running. Ensuring access to necessary Azure services and resources will be essential. While we control much of the development and the team are experts in these slated technologies, delays could arise from external dependencies unknown at this time. Our team makes up for this technical dependencies and are considered experts in their filed of Development, security, and cloud infrastructure.

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

No

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

Libertas will initially be closed source to protect our intellectual property (IP) as we pursue external funding beyond the Cardano ecosystem after the MVP is completed. However, in future phases, we anticipate releasing open source tools to query and read messages outside of our platform. While open sourcing the core code could hinder these early funding efforts, the platform's deployment on a complex Azure environment makes it non-replicable as simple "plug-and-play" software. Keeping the code closed ensures our proprietary methods and integrations remain secure, enabling us to focus on growth and investor engagement for future activity and increase of the Cardano Ecosystem.

To be clear, open source features is a goal for us and allows us to continue being censorship free.

[METADATA] Horizons

Social Media

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Libertas addresses the challenge of centralized control over messaging platforms, where users face censorship and a lack of ownership over their communication. Our solution is a decentralized messaging platform built using Cardano blockchain to host messages, allowing secure, censorship resistant communication through the use of the native token, ADA. No NFTs will be created. By leveraging the scalability and security of Cardano's native token, we provide a platform where messages are immutable, publicly searchable, and owned by the users without a introduction of a new token increasing adaptability, and user engagement.

Our approach focuses on ensuring transparency while protecting user privacy through decentralization and a intuitive search & filter for the user. A Messaging board platform that is fun, engaging, and attractive to read, post, and reply to messages being sent on the VolutraX platform or off on chain directly. The goal is increase engagement by reading what is on chain directly.

Libertas uniquely integrates Azure cloud services as the core infrastructure, utilizing .NET for backend and React for frontend development, to create a seamless user experience. This complex infrastructure makes Libertas both powerful and difficult to replicate, ensuring its uniqueness, scalability, and performance.

Our project will engage ADA holders, blockchain experts, and community leaders, offering them a robust platform for communication, marketing, and promoting Cardano. The ability to prove impact comes through measurable network growth, user adoption, and the volume of messages sent securely on the Cardano blockchain with VolutraX.

Libertas's success will benefit the entire Cardano ecosystem by driving blockchain utility and creating a censorship resistant and decentralized social network, critical for fostering decentralization and protecting free speech. By offering this alternative, we contribute to the broader goal of empowering individuals with greater control over their online communications and digital interactions.

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

Impact on the Cardano Community: Libertas will provide a decentralized platform to address growing concerns over censorship in today’s digital world. By allowing users to communicate freely without fear of algorithmic or company content suppression, Libertas will strengthen Cardano’s utility as a hub for free expression. Using ADA tokens, it will increase Cardano's blockchain usage and highlight the real world applications of decentralization of messaging and communication.

Measuring Impact: Success will be tracked through user growth, message volume and interactions being done through the Libertas platform, partnerships with external platforms like Lace, and community feedback. Metrics include blockchain activity, ADA transactions, and user engagement.

Sharing Outputs: We’ll share our progress via Gitbook, public reports through PowerApps, and through the Cardano Community channels. But our true output is going to a fun and engaging website to follow, post, reply, and like messages (messages and interactions are all done on chain) and be able to filter & search on content that you decided to monitor for.

[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?

Capability & Feasibility for Libertas: We have extensive experience in the startup space, cloud infrastructure, blockchain technology, and decentralized applications. Our team consists of three experts: one with deep expertise in Cardano infrastructure and running VoltPool since Epoch 211, and two others with backgrounds in crypto exchange startups, and code development. Libertas will be deployed on Azure, leveraging our cloud architecture, .NET, and React development skills. Our track record with VoltPool, and our Linkedin Profiles ensures we are legitimate, experts in our field, and connected within the community to get the job done.

Feasibility Validation: We will validate feasibility through rigorous testing, using lthat simulate real world conditions, load testing, and gathering feedback from the Cardano community to ensure compatibility, scalability and user friendly.

Fund Management: We will maintain transparent reporting with milestone tracking, expenditure audits, and community progress reports. Selected stakeholders will have access to the Azure cost monitoring board within Azure and Quickbooks if required to do so. Updates will be regularly shared through Gitbook and community forums, and a PowerApp. We will use standard financial tools, such as QuickBooks, to ensure accountability and proper allocation of funds.

We are committed to creating a censorship free decentralized messaging platform using ADA, with integrity and transparency as our core values. We are not here to deceive, but to build something transformative for the community through decentralized messaging.

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

Milestone 1: Initial Platform Architecture and Design (Mar 7th 2025)

A. Outputs: Completed system architecture, software Requirements, and backend framework Design.

B. Acceptance Criteria: Design approval from core team and blockchain integration documented.

C. Evidence: Design mockups, architecture and software diagrams, and a GitHub or Azure DevOps repository for backend code created.

Milestone 2: Backend and Frontend Development Alpha (June 7th 2025)

A. Outputs: Development of Node.js backend, React-based frontend, and initial wallet integration into Platform.

B. Acceptance Criteria: Backend processes, on chain messages being sent from VolutraX , and frontend displays UI.

C. Evidence: Demo video of working prototype showing wallet connections and message sending.

Milestone 3: Search & Filter Implementation & Testing (Aug 7th 2025)

A. Outputs: Design and Implementation of Search & Filter for on-chain activities.

B. Acceptance Criteria: Search & Filter model is functional; transactions occur through Ada.

C. Evidence: Transaction logs and a report detailing Search & Filter tests with success rates, and view of messages on-chain.

Milestone 4: Beta Testing & User Feedback (Nov 7th 2025)

A. Outputs: Public beta launch, user onboarding, feedback collection.

B. Acceptance Criteria: At least 200 users onboarded, feedback forms completed.

C. Evidence: User feedback reports, beta test usage metrics, and system performance logs.

Milestone 5: Full Platform Launch & Marketing (Dec 7th 2025)

A. Outputs: Official platform launch.

B. Acceptance Criteria: Platform accessible to the public, over 500 active users.

C. Evidence: User metrics, live platform demo, and Public Documentation.

Final Milestone: Close Outs (Dec 30th 2025)

A. Outputs: Complete platform with all features fully integrated (UI, CPI model, decentralized messaging, and user profiles).

B. Acceptance Criteria: The platform is publicly accessible, with all features operational. Users onboarded and can utilize the messaging system

C. Evidence: Platform usage metrics and reports showing active user base. Demonstration videos of platform features and interactions.

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

Andrew Goodson – Founder of VoltPool

Andrew brings over four years of experience in the Cardano ecosystem and as a Stake Pool Operator (SPO). With an extensive background in cybersecurity and cloud solutions for over a decade, Andrew specializes in Azure and Microsoft cloud technologies, focusing on system and application integrations. For Libertas, he will lead cloud infrastructure design, security, and overall architecture to ensure a reliable, secure, and scalable decentralized messaging platform.

LinkedIn Profile: Andrew Goodson

David Hyatt – Lead Developer

David has over a decade of experience in crypto startups, focusing on complex program development and transaction processing for cryptocurrency exchanges. His expertise lies in building scalable backend solutions that handle high transaction volumes. For Libertas, David will focus on the development of the backend messaging platform that interacts with the Cardano blockchain, leveraging his extensive experience in blockchain integrations.

LinkedIn Profile: David Hyatt

Harshit Joshi – Frontend & Blockchain Integration Developer

With six years in the crypto space, Harshit specializes in wallet processing and high-transaction systems across various cryptocurrency exchanges. He brings deep knowledge of user experience design and system interaction. For Libertas, Harshit will collaborate with David on building the user interface and messaging functionalities, ensuring smooth interaction between users and the Cardano network.

LinkedIn Profile: Harshit Joshi

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

1. Infrastructure & Overheads

Libertas will rely on Microsoft Azure for cloud hosting, storage, and security. The infrastructure is crucial for ensuring scalability, security, and availability for our decentralized platform. We will also maintain Cardano blockchain nodes, use third-party software tools for monitoring and performance, and manage backups.

• Cloud Hosting (VMs, Databases, Bandwidth): $24,000/yr or /2k monthly
• This includes servers for backend operations, message handling, and data synchronization with Cardano nodes.
• Blockchain Node Operations:
• Costs associated with running Cardano nodes and ensuring blockchain interactions such as message submission and profile updates are on-chain.
• System Monitoring and Alerts:
• Tools for monitoring performance, uptime, and system health to ensure the platform is always operational.
• Accounting software for financials
• Backup & Redundancy Solutions:
• Data backup and redundancy costs to ensure high availability and disaster recovery solutions.

Total Infrastructure & Overheads: $24,000

 

2. Development & Professional Services

The majority of the project’s technical work involves development of the backend infrastructure (Node.js), frontend (React), integration with the Cardano blockchain, and security auditing. The founding team has development experiences but this would be in support of their efforts.

• Subcontracting Support of Backend Development (Node.js): $4,000
• Development of backend services, API layers, and integration with the blockchain for message handling and user profiles.
• Subcontracting Support of Frontend Development (React): $4,000

Total Development & Subcontracting: $8,000

 

3. Software Licensing & Development Tools

Libertas will utilize a combination of software tools and third-party services for code development, testing, and blockchain synchronization. Software services help streamline both development and operational management.

• Third-party Software Licenses: $2,500
• Required for Developing and software licensing
• Development Tools (CI/CD, GitHub Enterprise): $500
• Continuous Integration and Deployment tools for automating builds and testing during development.

Total Materials & Software: $3,000

 

4. Marketing & Community Engagement

To encourage adoption, build community trust, and promote transparency, we will invest in marketing and outreach efforts targeting the broader Cardano ecosystem and crypto community.

• Marketing Campaigns (Social Media, Ads): $3,000
• Campaigns across Twitter, Cardano forums, and other crypto-based social platforms.
• Content Creation & Documentation: $1,000
• Developing easy-to-understand documentation, explainer videos, and reports to keep the community informed about progress.

Total Marketing & Engagement: $4,000

 

5. Miscellaneous Costs

Additional unforeseen costs, LLC Standup, or legal fees related to the operations and structure of Libertas as a legal Entity.

• Legal Fees: $500
• Includes any legal consultations regarding the platform’s compliance with blockchain regulations and Cardano’s terms.
• LLC Corp Structure : $500
• Creating Legal Entity
• Business Liability Insurance : $3000
• Business Insurance

 

Total Miscellaneous Costs: $4,000

 

Total Budget Requested: $43,000 ~126,000 Ada @ .34

 

Third-party Products/Services

• Microsoft Azure & Product licensing: Cloud hosting, security, storage services, workflow
• GitHub Enterprise: For code repository management and collaboration.
• Jira: For task tracking and project management.
• Azure Kubernetes Services: Containerization of services to simplify deployment.

 

Additional Funding & Sources

If the total project cost exceeds the funding request, we have potential external investors interested in supporting the project and at this time, VoltPool, and the founders are willing to contribute.

Project Management & Reporting

We will adhere to Project Catalyst Fund Rules and will ensure regular reports on progress, community updates, and Proof of Achievement (PoA) at each milestone. We have also allocated funds for documentation and user onboarding materials to keep the community informed.

This budget has been carefully structured to reflect the scope and timeline of the project while ensuring that all key resources and costs are accounted for.

*Please Note, the majority of our cost will go to cloud infrastructure and Development cost.

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

Libertas represents an efficient and impactful use of resources for the Cardano ecosystem by introducing a decentralized, censorship resistant messaging platform that drives both user engagement and blockchain activity with the native token, Ada. The costs associated with the project are carefully planned to ensure high-quality development while maintaining responsible budget management, while this is a POC, we are treating it as a MVP. Here’s why Libertas provides significant value for the Cardano ecosystem:

Alignment with the Cardano Ecosystem

Libertas will contribute directly to increasing Cardano’s network activity by leveraging ADA for every interaction on the platform, from following, commenting on posts, liking post, updating user profiles, and posting messages. Simply put, the more community engagement on the platform, drives additional on-chain transactions and promotes ADA usage. This relationship directly supports the broader Cardano ecosystem by increasing transaction volume, promoting network utility, and demonstrating the versatility of the Cardano blockchain.

Transparent Cost Breakdown

All costs associated with the project have been detailed and justified, ensuring transparency and value:

              • Development Costs: Libertas requires both backend and frontend development for smooth blockchain integration and a user-friendly interface. These costs are in line with industry-standard freelance rates for blockchain and React/Node.js development, ensuring quality without excessive expenditure. While we have two primary developers as the founders with direct experience in what we are developing. The primary cost will be for outside unknown development.

              • Infrastructure & Overheads: Hosting Libertas on Microsoft Azure provides scalability, security, and reliability. These costs are essential to ensure high availability, security and data integrity. This is where our majority of our funds will be allocated too. The ability to send messages on Cardano has already been proven time and time again. The trick is making a user friendly and interactive engagement of this feature of Ada that hasn't been fully developed yet. We are treating this like a MVP vs a POC.

              • Marketing & Community Engagement: We’ve allocated a reasonable budget for community outreach to ensure that the platform is adopted by a broad audience, contributing to mass adoption of decentralized messaging. This helps Libertas gain visibility while growing the Cardano user base. While we understand marketing will make or break a product and could easily eat up all the funds. Our goal here isn't marketing but developing the MVP. I do foresee future funding will be needed after the MVP towards marketing once we have moved from MVP to produce either from future Project Catalyst or outside funding.

              • Miscellaneous Costs: A small portion of the budget has been reserved for unforeseen expenses and legal fees to ensure smooth project management and insurance.

Proportionality to Industry Standards

The cost breakdown has been carefully aligned with typical industry rates for developers, cloud infrastructure, and marketing campaigns. For instance:

              • Developer and Subcontractor Costs: The hourly rates for backend and frontend developers are based on average freelance wages for highly skilled blockchain developers (150-200/hr). This ensures we attract talent without overextending resources. While our founders are developers, we want to ensure there is room for outside development for other expertise that arises when needed.

              • Cloud Infrastructure: The choice of Azure ensures scalability, security, and availability, which is crucial as Libertas expands its user base, and the allocated budget is based on standard pricing for Azure cloud services. This is where our primary budget will consist off. Running infrastructure cost will be our biggest expense. But with all the founders having experience in Azure, we can ensure proper budget techniques are used for cost effectiveness. Getting an exact estimated price on our Azure cost is rudimentary at best until the full design and Architecture is developed.

              • Marketing & Outreach: The marketing budget is less than proportional to the need for outreach, allowing us to run minimal effective campaigns within the Cardano community while promoting the decentralized principles behind Libertas world wide. Note Marketing is important but not our primary focus for the MVP and our budget reflects this.

High Impact at Reasonable Cost

Libertas’s impact on the Cardano ecosystem is designed to directly increase Ada transactions:

              • Increased On-Chain Activity: Every user interaction results in a blockchain transaction, creating additional network traffic and contributing to Cardano’s transaction volume.

              • User Empowerment: Libertas gives users control over their communications and profiles, enhancing their experience with blockchain technology in a non-financial context.

              • Promotion of Decentralized Messaging: Libertas showcases the potential of decentralizedmessaging and censorship on Cardano, promoting wider adoption across other use cases and freedom of speech.

• Censorship Proof Messaging: This is were we will shine. Our filter & search feature for the user allows them to be in control of what they see, alerted on, and view. While we have challenges ahead to address. This will be the core feature of Libertas, a censorship free platform where the end user is in control of what they see.

              

Conclusion

Libertas is designed to drive on-chain activity and can be easily measured. It offers excellent value for money by efficiently utilizing the native token Ada and already existing infrastructure to deliver a secure, scalable, and decentralized messaging platform. Each cost category has been carefully planned to balance quality and cost-effectiveness, ensuring that the project contributes meaningfully to the Cardano ecosystem while maintaining budget integrity and respect for other projects request for funding.

The Libertas Whitepaper can be found on our Libertas Gitbook site.