[Proposal setup] Proposal title

Please provide your proposal title

CSPO-CLI: Secure, Simple Key Management for Cardano SPOs

[Proposal Summary] Budget Information

Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA

20000

[Proposal Summary] Time

Please specify how many months you expect your project to last

4

[Proposal Summary] Translation Information

Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated

Yes

Original Language

en

[Proposal Summary] Problem Statement

What is the problem you want to solve?

Most Cardano pools rely on one pledge key. Creating keys needs cardano-cli or CNTools with a live node, blocking non-technical partners and limiting decentralization.

[Proposal Summary] Supporting Documentation

Supporting links

• https://github.com/UPTODATE-DEV/cspocli
,
• https://github.com/UPTODATE-DEV/cspocli/blob/main/docs/CODE_EXAMPLES.md
,
• https://uptodatedevelopers.com

[Proposal Summary] Project Dependencies

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

No

Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'

No dependencies

[Proposal Summary] Project Open Source

Will your project's outputs be fully open source?

Yes

License and Additional Information

COTS uses the MIT license, which allows open-source use, modification, and distribution with minimal restrictions, ideal for developer tools.

[Theme Selection] Theme

Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal

Off-chain

[Campaign Category] Category Questions

Mention your open source license and describe your open source license rationale.

1. Open source license and rationale

We will release CSPO CLI under the MIT License. This permissive license allows anyone to use, modify, and distribute the code while ensuring proper attribution. It encourages community contributions, rapid adoption, and integration with other Cardano ecosystem tools without legal or commercial restrictions.

How do you make sure your source code is accessible to the public from project start, and people are informed?

2. Public source code accessibility

The source code will be hosted in a public GitHub repository from day one of development. All commits, issues, and milestones will be openly tracked. Updates will be announced via Cardano community channels, Catalyst updates, and social media to keep the community informed and engaged.

How will you provide high quality documentation?

3. High quality documentation

We will provide comprehensive documentation in a dedicated GitHub Pages site, including installation guides, usage examples, command references, and security best practices. The documentation will be versioned, regularly updated, and supported by tutorial videos and step-by-step guides for both technical and non-technical users.

[Your Project and Solution] Solution

Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem

Problem Statement

Operating a Cardano stake pool or contributing pledge requires generating cryptographic keys and certificates using tools like cardano-cli or CNTools. These tools demand advanced blockchain knowledge, a fully synced Cardano node, and complex command sequences, creating significant barriers for non-technical users. As a result, most stake pools rely on a single pledge key holder, introducing centralization risks, limiting community participation, and increasing the potential for errors in key management.

Solution Overview

The Cardano SPO CLI cspocli is an open-source, professional-grade command-line tool designed to simplify and secure the creation of cryptographic keys and certificates for Cardano stake pool operations and pledge contributions. It replaces complex workflows with a unified, user-friendly interface that guides users—technical or non-technical—through the process without requiring a synced node or deep blockchain expertise. By enabling secure, offline key generation and supporting multiple contributors, the CLI promotes decentralization, enhances security, and accelerates onboarding for stake pool operators (SPOs) and pledge contributors.

Key Features

Key Features of cspocli

🔑 Wallet & Key Generation

• Generates secure Cardano wallets for stake pool operations, pledge, rewards, and general use.

• Supports all Cardano networks: mainnet, testnet, preview, preprod.

• Generates 24-word BIP-39 mnemonics (recovery phrases) with secure local storage.

• Derives root, account, payment, and staking keys using cardano-address (CIP-1852, CIP-1854, CIP-1855).

• Supports custom account index and multiple child indexes for batch wallet/key generation.

• Generates all address types:

  • Base (payment + stake)

  • Enterprise (payment only)

  • Reward (stake only)

  • Byron/Icarus/Trezor bootstrap addresses

  • Pointer addresses (advanced)

• Generates credentials and key hashes for payment and stake keys.

File Outputs

• Standardized file outputs for compatibility:

  • payment.addr – payment (enterprise/base) address

  • payment.vkey – payment verification key (Bech32 and Cardano CLI JSON)

  • payment.skey – payment signing key (Bech32 and Cardano CLI JSON)

  • stake.vkey – stake verification key (Bech32 and Cardano CLI JSON)

  • stake.skey – stake signing key (Bech32 and Cardano CLI JSON)

  • reward.addr – reward (stake) address

  • payment.cred – payment key hash (credential)

  • stake.cred – stake key hash (credential)

  • mnemonic.txt – recovery phrase (secure permissions)

• Optional export to Cardano CLI/CNTools JSON format for direct compatibility.

Security

• Sensitive files (mnemonic, signing keys) are stored with secure permissions (read/write for owner only).

• No dummy or fake data: all keys and addresses are generated using real cryptographic derivation.

Advanced Features

• Supports shared wallets (CIP-1854), script credentials (CIP-1855), and legacy Byron derivations.

• Batch generation: create multiple payment/change/stake keys and addresses in one command.

• Import existing keys: compatible with Cardano CLI/CNTools key files.

• Address and key verification: cross-checks generated addresses for correctness.

CLI Experience

• Colorized, beautiful help output for all commands and subcommands.

• Global installation: available everywhere after install, no need to activate a virtual environment.

• Automatic detection and installation instructions for required tools (cardano-address, bech32).

• Cross-platform: works on macOS, Linux, and Windows.

Usage Examples

# Generate a pledge wallet for MYPOOL on mainnet

cspocli generate --ticker MYPOOL --purpose pledge



# Generate batch wallets for account 0, indexes 0-2, on testnet

cspocli generate --ticker MYPOOL --purpose pledge --network testnet --account 0 --count 3



# Import existing CLI/CNTools keys

cspocli import-keys --ticker MYPOOL --purpose pledge --payment-vkey path/to/payment.vkey --payment-skey path/to/payment.skey --stake-vkey path/to/stake.vkey --stake-skey path/to/stake.skey



# View wallet files securely

cspocli view --ticker MYPOOL --purpose pledge --password mypass

Integration

• Fully compatible with Cardano CLI, CNTools, and cardano-address.

• **All outputs can be used for on-chain transactions, pool registration, and wallet

How It Works

1. Users download the Cardano SPO CLI from a public GitHub repository.

2. On first run, the CLI detects installed Cardano tools and prompts the user to select Official Tools Mode or Simplified Mode.

3. Step-by-step prompts guide the user through key and certificate generation, requiring minimal input.

4. Private keys are automatically encrypted with AES-256 and stored securely with user-defined passwords.

5. Outputs include public keys, addresses, and certificates in a standardized folder structure (~/.CSPO_{TICKER_NAME}/{purpose}/), ready for pool registration or pledge contribution.

6. All operations can be performed offline, ensuring maximum security.

Example 1: Non-Technical Contributor

A community member wants to contribute a pledge to a stake pool without relinquishing control of their funds. They run:

cspocli generate --ticker MYPOOL --purpose pledge

The CLI generates an encrypted pledge key set and a public key. The contributor shares only the public key with the pool operator, keeping their private key secure on an offline device (e.g., a USB drive). This process takes minutes and requires no technical expertise.

Example 2: New Pool Operator

An operator aims to set up a mainnet stake pool efficiently:

cspocli generate --ticker MYPOOL --complete --network mainnet

This command generates all necessary keys, addresses, and certificates (e.g., payment, stake, cold/hot, and delegation certificates) in a secure, organized folder. The operator can proceed to register the pool, reducing setup time from hours to minutes.

Impact on Cardano

The Cardano SPO CLI directly supports Cardano’s mission of decentralization and community participation by:

• Lowering Barriers: Enables non-technical users to contribute pledges, broadening participation.

• Enhancing Decentralization: Distributes pledge ownership across multiple independent key holders, reducing centralization risks.

• Improving Security: Offline key generation and AES-256 encryption minimize vulnerabilities.

• Streamlining Operations: Simplifies pool setup, encouraging more SPOs to join the network.

• Reducing Errors: Standardized workflows and guided prompts prevent common mistakes in key management.

Impact Measurement

To evaluate the tool’s success, we will track:

• Number of unique users generating pledge keys with the CLI.

• Percentage of stake pools adopting multi-key pledges post-adoption.

• User satisfaction scores from technical and non-technical users via surveys.

• Community engagement metrics, including workshop participation, documentation downloads, and GitHub activity (e.g., stars, forks, issues).

• Reduction in reported errors during pool setup or pledge contribution processes.

Why This Matters

By transforming stake pool setup and pledge participation into a secure, inclusive, and repeatable process, the Cardano SPO CLI empowers a wider range of individuals, organizations, and communities to engage with Cardano’s ecosystem. This strengthens network resilience, fosters greater decentralization, and accelerates the adoption of stake pools, ultimately contributing to Cardano’s long-term success.

[Your Project and Solution] Impact

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

Our project will make it easier for both technical and non-technical users to run a Cardano stake pool, lowering entry barriers and promoting decentralization. By simplifying complex tasks and providing clear guidance, we will empower more individuals and communities to participate in securing the network.

Key positive impacts:

• Greater decentralization: More independent pools mean a healthier and more resilient Cardano network.

• Inclusive participation: Non-technical community members will have an accessible entry point.

• Ecosystem growth: Increased number of operators encourages innovation, collaboration, and regional representation.

• Educational value: Clear step-by-step guidance will create a reusable learning resource for future operators.

Impact measurement:

• Track the number of pools successfully launched using our solution.

• Gather feedback from new operators on usability and accessibility.

• Monitor stake distribution improvements across the network.

Sharing results:

• Publish success stories and guides in Cardano community forums and social channels.

• Host live workshops and AMA sessions to onboard new operators.

• Release regular progress reports with measurable adoption data.

[Your Project and Solution] Capabilities & 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?

Proven Track Record

Uptodate Developers — https://uptodatedevelopers.com is fully equipped to deliver the COTS CLI project with a high level of trust, technical expertise, and proven accountability.

We combine extensive blockchain experience, deep Cardano protocol knowledge, open-source contribution history, and community leadership to ensure successful project delivery.

Our flagship project, Adaex (https://adaex.app), integrates mobile money services, Cardano smart contracts, and on-chain identity systems. This real-world implementation validates our ability to architect, build, and launch sophisticated blockchain-based systems at scale.

Devcommunity (https://devcommunity.io), serving over 2,800 developers and technology enthusiasts.

We also created CSPOCLI (GitHub Docs,) a professional-grade CLI tool for secure stake pool wallet management. It is actively used in the ecosystem and demonstrates our ability to maintain high standards in CLI tooling — directly relevant to COTS CLI.

---

Development Expertise

Our multidisciplinary team of 18+ experienced developers specializes in:

• Backend and frontend web development

• Mobile and desktop application development

• Blockchain architecture and protocol engineering

• UI/UX design for developer and end-user tools

We have delivered over 18 successful projects across industries such as education, fintech, blockchain, and infrastructure, integrating both traditional and decentralized technologies.

---

Blockchain and Cardano Experience

Over 3+ years in blockchain development, with strong emphasis on Cardano. Expertise includes:

• Cardano-node, Plutus, and native token infrastructure

• Smart contract development and testing

• CLI tooling for low-level interaction with Cardano protocol

• Indexing, API integration (Koios, Mesh, Blockfrost), and metadata standards

• UTXO and wallet state modeling (e.g., COTS simulator engine)

Our members have also contributed to DeFi, governance, staking, and wallet technologies across private and public Cardano projects.

---

Community Engagement

We are active members of the Cardano global community:

• Founded Updev Community (https://devcommunity.io), serving over 2,800 developers and technology enthusiasts.

• Educational content reaching 12,000+ monthly unique visitors and 300,000+ annual views.

• Participation and contributions to multiple Cardano Summits (2021–2024) and online community events.

• Hosted workshops, webinars, and live coding sessions, including DeFi space presentations.

• Leadership includes Cardano Ambassadors, promoting adoption through open-source tools and community events.

---

Uptodate Developers — https://uptodatedevelopers.com is committed to delivering COTS CLI as a long-term asset to the Cardano ecosystem, balancing innovation, quality, and accountability.

[Milestones] Project Milestones

Milestone Title

Milestone 1: Universal Wallet & Key Generation Engine

Milestone Outputs

• Refactored wallet/key generation module supporting all Cardano networks, account indexes, batch derivation, and advanced address/key types.

• Automated tests for all major derivation paths and address types.

• Documentation for advanced wallet/key generation features.

Acceptance Criteria

• Users can generate wallets and keys for any network, account index, and multiple indexes/roles.

• All outputs are compatible with cardano-address and Cardano ecosystem tools.

• All generated files pass validation and can be used for on-chain transactions.

Evidence of Completion

• Code in cardano_spo_cli/tools/wallet.py and related modules.

• Test suite results and sample output files.

• Updated documentation in /docs.

Delivery Month

1

Cost

7000

Progress

30 %

Milestone Title

Professional CLI Experience & Global Installation

Milestone Outputs

• Beautiful, colorized CLI help and command outputs.

• Robust global installation scripts for macOS, Linux, and Windows.

• Automated tool detection and installation instructions for cardano-address and bech32.

Acceptance Criteria

• CLI help and all commands are colorized and user-friendly.

• cspocli is available globally after install, with no manual PATH edits required.

• Installation process automatically downloads and configures required binaries for all OSes.

Evidence of Completion

• CSPO-CLI screenshots and demo videos.

• Installation logs.

• Updated install scripts and Makefile.

Delivery Month

2

Cost

7000

Progress

60 %

Milestone Title

Secure Key Management & Advanced Features

Milestone Outputs

• Secure storage and permissions for all sensitive wallet files (mnemonic, signing keys).

• Batch wallet/key generation and import/export compatibility with cardano-address.

• Documentation updates for secure key management and advanced features.

Acceptance Criteria

• All sensitive files are stored with secure permissions (read/write for owner only).

• Users can generate and import/export all advanced wallet/key types.

• Documentation reflects secure key management and advanced features.

Evidence of Completion

• Integration test results with cardano-address.

• Final documentation reflects secure key management and advanced features on github.

Delivery Month

4

Cost

6000

Progress

100 %

[Final Pitch] Budget & Costs

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Total Budget Requested: 20,000 ADA

Project Duration: 4 months

Milestones: 3

---

1. Milestone #1 — Project Setup & Initial Development (7,000 ADA)

Description:

Initial setup of the project environment, repository creation, and development of the base system.

Cost Allocation:

• Project Management — 2,000 ADA

• Development — 3,500 ADA

• Documentation Preparation — 1,000 ADA

• Infrastructure & Tools — 500 ADA

---

2. Milestone #2 — Core Development & Integration (7,000 ADA)

Description:

Continued development of the core system and integration of required modules.

Cost Allocation:

• Development — 4,000 ADA

• Quality Assurance & Testing — 2,000 ADA

• Infrastructure & Tools — 1,000 ADA

---

3. Milestone #3 — Finalization, Testing & Launch (6,000 ADA)

Description:

Final development adjustments, system testing, preparation of documentation, and public release.

Cost Allocation:

• Quality Assurance & Final Testing — 2,000 ADA

• Documentation & User Guide — 1,500 ADA

• Community Engagement & Launch — 1,500 ADA

• Marketing & Publicity — 1,000 ADA

---

Notes:

• No external hardware or costly licenses are required.

• All code will be open-source and available on GitHub.

• Any remaining funds after milestone completion will be directed toward community testing and improvements before the final report.

[Final Pitch] Value for Money

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

Value for the Cardano Ecosystem

The CSPoCLI project represents excellent value for the Cardano ecosystem by providing an open-source, community-driven command-line tool designed specifically for stake pool operators and developers. The tool streamlines complex operational tasks into a structured, efficient process, reducing the learning curve and increasing operational reliability across the network.

Why the Cost is Justified

• Fair regional rates: The cost distribution is aligned with typical freelance developer, project management, and QA rates in our region, ensuring high-quality delivery without inflated costs.

• Direct ecosystem benefit: By simplifying and standardizing SPO operations, the tool lowers barriers for new operators, leading to greater decentralization and network resilience.

• Open-source commitment: All deliverables will be made publicly available under an open-source license, allowing the community to use, adapt, and extend the tool freely.

• Lean resource usage: No budget is allocated to expensive third-party software licenses or hardware — funds go directly to development, testing, documentation, and community engagement.

• Scalable impact: Once developed, the CLI will require minimal maintenance costs and will serve both current and future SPOs without ongoing funding.

Long-term Value

The project will:

• Support decentralization by enabling more participants to run reliable pools.

• Improve network stability through easier configuration and monitoring processes.

• Increase onboarding efficiency, helping new SPOs contribute to the network faster.

• Foster community collaboration, as other developers can contribute enhancements.

In short, the requested budget ensures professional development standards, robust testing, and a sustainable delivery timeline while keeping costs efficient and proportional to the value created for the Cardano community worldwide.

[Required Acknowledgements] Consent & Confirmation

Terms and Conditions:

Yes