Last updated 2 months ago
In Brazil, families of missing persons lack safe and legal ways to share information, since data protection laws stopped public dissemination.
We will research and design a blockchain-based portal that ensures legal, transparent, and secure dissemination of missing persons’ cases in Brazil.
This is the total amount allocated to Blockchain Portal for Missing Persons in Brazil.
Please provide your proposal title
Blockchain Portal for Missing Persons in Brazil
Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA
100000
Please specify how many months you expect your project to last
6
Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated
No
Original Language
en
What is the problem you want to solve?
In Brazil, families of missing persons lack safe and legal ways to share information, since data protection laws stopped public dissemination.
Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?
No
Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'
no dependencies
Will your project's outputs be fully open source?
Yes
License and Additional Information
open source
Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal.
Authentication
Describe what makes your idea innovative compared to what has been previously funded (whether by you or others).
Target Audience
Universities and experts in law and technology.
Why this matters for Cardano
Describe what your prototype or MVP will demonstrate, and where it can be accessed.
This project will deliver a comprehensive blueprint for a future MVP of a Blockchain Portal for Missing Persons in Brazil. The study will define legal, technical, and social frameworks, showing how the portal should function, ensure compliance with data protection, and be securely accessed online. The outcome will be a solid foundation to develop the MVP in the next stage.
Describe realistic measures of success, ideally with on-chain metrics.
Completion of at least 30 structured interviews with families, NGOs, specialists, and authorities.
Engagement of at least 5 institutional partners formally supporting the research.
Publication of a final research report in English and Portuguese, openly shared with the Cardano community.
Delivery of a detailed blueprint and roadmap for the future MVP, including legal, technical, and social frameworks.
Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem
Understanding the Problem
Brazil faces a severe challenge regarding missing persons. Families who lose contact with their loved ones often depend on wide public dissemination of photos and information to increase the chances of finding them. However, with the implementation of the Brazilian General Data Protection Law (Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados – Law 13.709/2018), many official channels stopped publishing this data. The law requires explicit consent for the use of personal information, and in cases of missing persons this became legally unclear.
The result is that dissemination decreased drastically, leaving families with fewer tools, and pushing many to rely only on improvised use of social networks. This has weakened public trust and reduced the efficiency of searches, deepening the suffering of families.
Why We Are Approaching It This Way
Instead of rushing into a technological prototype, this project focuses first on research and feasibility. This is the responsible step to ensure that any future blockchain solution will be legally sound, socially accepted, and technically viable.
By producing a blueprint for a future MVP, we will align the solution with:
This approach ensures that when the MVP is developed in a future Catalyst round, it will have a strong foundation, support from stakeholders, and a clear path to impact.
The Proposed Solution
This project will deliver a research-based blueprint for a future Blockchain Portal for Missing Persons in Brazil.
The study will:
The outcome will be a clear and detailed framework that shows how the portal should work, how families can safely register missing persons, how consent will be stored, and how dissemination can be legally and securely managed.
Who We Will Engage
Demonstrating Impact
We will measure success through:
The impact will be demonstrated by the clarity of the framework, the involvement of key stakeholders, and the readiness to move into MVP development in the next Catalyst fund.
What Is Unique About This Solution
Why This Matters to Cardano
This project positions Cardano as a blockchain ecosystem that serves humanity, not only finance or speculation. It demonstrates Cardano’s commitment to:
By supporting this proposal, the Catalyst community helps build a pioneering humanitarian project in Brazil, with potential to inspire similar initiatives worldwide.
Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community
This project addresses a real and urgent problem: in Brazil, families of missing persons face barriers to disseminating information, because data protection laws created a legal impasse that authorities have not solved. By proposing a research-based blueprint for a blockchain solution, the project demonstrates how Cardano can offer innovation where governments have failed, building trust and hope for families.
Measuring Impact
Sharing Results
Outputs will be shared openly with the Cardano community through reports, governance forums, and Town Halls. Findings will include governance models that may evolve into a DAO, reinforcing Cardano’s role in decentralized and transparent solutions.
Value for Cardano
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?
Ability to Deliver with Trust and Accountability
The successful execution of previous initiatives — including the Intersect Education and Multimedia Grant and the Cardano Community Hub in Brazil funded by Catalyst Fund 13 — demonstrates the solid foundation of trust, accountability, and delivery capacity established.
Both have a proven track record in the Cardano community, deep expertise in decentralized governance, and the ability to lead impactful projects that combine educational outreach with strategic partnerships. Their experience ensures not only the capacity to execute but also to manage resources transparently and deliver measurable results.
Key Achievements Under Intersect
Under the Intersect Education and Multimedia Grant, Daniela and Maria launched GovChainLab, a platform dedicated to producing educational materials on decentralized governance. This initiative included:
Online and in-person workshops.
Informative content on Substack.
Tutorial videos in Portuguese.
This work significantly expanded Portuguese-language educational outreach within the Cardano ecosystem.
🔗 GovChainLab Substack: https://govchainlab.substack.com/
DRep Pioneer Workshop – Co-organized with the Institute of Technology and Society in Rio de Janeiro, generating strong interest and opening new collaboration opportunities: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/drep-pioneer-program-brasil?utm_source=publication-search
Curitiba Event at Hard Rock Café – Focused on decentralization in Cardano, received high praise and sparked institutional interest for future partnerships: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/cardano-na-mesa-do-hard-rock-cafe-6ad?utm_source=publication-search
Constitutional Workshop at ESPM (São Paulo) – A milestone event that deepened discussions on decentralized governance and generated demand for further activities: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/saiba-como-foi-o-workshop-constitucional?utm_source=publication-search
Workshop at Insper – Provided in-depth education on Cardano governance to students and professionals: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/evento-da-govchainlab-no-insper?utm_source=publication-search
Online Workshop for Youth in Portuguese-Speaking Countries – Reached participants from five countries, promoting understanding of decentralized governance across the Lusophone world: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/workshop-sobre-governanca-descentralizada?utm_source=publication-search
Presentation at ExpoBlockchain – Highlighted GovChainLab’s initiatives and engaged a diverse audience in governance discussions: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/govchainlab-na-expoblockchain-em?utm_source=publication-search
Execution of the Cardano Community Hub Brazil (H1 2025)
In the first half of 2025, the Hub exceeded expectations, delivering not only the planned activities but also multiple strategic actions:
Apr 29 – Participation in Cardano Bolivia Summit with a lecture connecting Brazilian and Bolivian communities: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/evento-brasil-e-bolivia-conectados?utm_source=publication-search
May 10 – Educational activity on blockchain, crypto assets, and Cardano at Jardim Vila Kennedy, Rio de Janeiro: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/hub-cardano-brasil-leva-educacao?utm_source=publication-search
May 27 – Cardano workshop at Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná (UTFPR), reinforcing the ecosystem’s presence in Southern Brazil: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/cardano-na-universidade-tecnologica?utm_source=publication-search
Jun 2 – Partnership formalized with the National Blockchain Observatory (ONB), a public platform created by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MCTI), in collaboration with RNP and CPQD: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/hub-cardano-brasil-fecha-parceria?utm_source=publication-search
Jun 4–5 – Exclusive women’s workshop on Cardano, in partnership with the Municipal Secretariat of Innovation, Science and Technology of Niterói (SMICT): https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/hub-cardano-brasil-leva-workshop?utm_source=publication-search
Jun 5 – Participation in Pizza Day Token Economy event in Curitiba, delivering a practical Cardano workshop: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/cardano-hub-brasil-realiza-pizza?utm_source=publication-search
Apr 22 Intersect Event – GovChainLab also hosted the Cardano Budget Workshop in São Paulo: https://govchainlab.substack.com/p/construindo-o-futuro-da-cardano-workshops?utm_source=publication-search
Why This Track Record Matters
These achievements collectively demonstrate our ability to execute complex, multi-stakeholder projects and to engage strategic partners across different regions and sectors. From government agencies and universities to innovation hubs and community groups, our network of collaborators reflects both credibility and reach.
This proven capability ensures that the proposed activities in this new phase will be delivered with the same high standards of trust, accountability, and measurable impact, qualities that the Cardano community can rely on.
Milestone Title
Project Planning and Methodology Definition
Milestone Outputs
The first milestone will deliver a detailed project plan that defines the scope, objectives, and methodology to be applied during the six months of work. This includes establishing the research approach, defining criteria for selecting interview participants, designing interview guides, and structuring how data will be collected and analyzed. The output will also contain a timeline with responsibilities assigned to each team member, ensuring clarity of roles and accountability. This structured planning and methodology definition will provide the foundation for all subsequent milestones, aligning expectations among the project team and stakeholders.
Acceptance Criteria
This milestone will be considered successful when the complete planning document is finalized and approved by the team, including the following elements: a six-month timeline with tasks and milestones clearly distributed; a research methodology validated by external advisors or experts; and interview guidelines drafted and ready for stakeholder engagement. The planning document must be coherent, realistic, and applicable to the context of missing persons in Brazil. Clear alignment within the team regarding methodology and objectives will be required to consider this milestone achieved.
Evidence of Completion
Completion will be evidenced by the publication of a comprehensive planning and methodology report in both English and Portuguese. This report will include the final project roadmap, the chosen research methodology, data collection instruments, and criteria for interviews. It will be shared publicly with the Cardano community through governance forums, Catalyst updates, and repositories, ensuring transparency and accountability. The availability of this document will allow any community member to verify that the planning phase was successfully completed and that the project has a solid methodological foundation to advance to the next stages.
Delivery Month
1
Cost
30000
Progress
10 %
Milestone Title
Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement
Milestone Outputs
The second milestone will deliver a comprehensive stakeholder mapping and engagement plan. This will include the identification of families, NGOs, specialists, public authorities, and academic institutions that play a role in the discussion on missing persons in Brazil. The mapping will categorize stakeholders by level of influence, relevance, and willingness to collaborate. Alongside the mapping, the team will prepare an engagement plan that details how these stakeholders will be approached, what type of information will be shared, and what forms of participation are expected. This milestone will also establish first contacts and confirmations for interviews, ensuring that the research stage is ready to proceed with the necessary legitimacy and diversity of voices.
Acceptance Criteria
This milestone will be considered complete once the following conditions are met: a consolidated list of at least 50 stakeholders, including representatives from families, NGOs, police, public institutions, and universities; a finalized engagement plan that defines the communication strategy and the channels for interaction; and confirmation of participation from at least 10 stakeholders who agree to contribute to interviews in the next phase. The plan must show diversity, ensuring the inclusion of different perspectives and experiences related to the problem. Only when the mapping is broad, representative, and actionable will this milestone be accepted as delivered.
Evidence of Completion
Evidence of completion will be provided through the publication of a stakeholder mapping report in English and Portuguese. This report will include the list of identified stakeholders, their categorization, and the engagement plan with strategies for interaction. It will also document initial outreach actions and confirmations of participation received. The report will be shared with the Cardano community via governance forums, Catalyst updates, and open repositories, allowing full transparency. This will ensure that the community can verify that the project has established solid connections and is ready to advance to the stage of conducting interviews.
Delivery Month
2
Cost
30000
Progress
20 %
Milestone Title
Interviews and Data Collection
Milestone Outputs
The third milestone will deliver a structured body of data collected through interviews with families of missing persons, NGOs, specialists, and authorities. The outputs will include at least 15 completed interviews, following the methodology and guidelines defined in the first milestone. Each interview will be documented, transcribed, and anonymized when necessary to protect participants. A preliminary dataset will be organized for analysis, ensuring that information is categorized by stakeholder type and relevance. This milestone guarantees that the project moves from planning to the concrete collection of first-hand insights, creating a solid evidence base for subsequent analysis and design stages.
Acceptance Criteria
This milestone will be considered successfully achieved when at least 15 interviews have been carried out, transcribed, and organized according to the agreed methodology. The interviews must represent different perspectives, including families, NGOs, and at least one government or police authority. The data must be systematized in a way that allows clear analysis and categorization of the main challenges and opportunities for the creation of a blockchain-based solution. The presence of diversity in perspectives, adherence to ethical standards, and documented consent from participants will be conditions for acceptance.
Evidence of Completion
Evidence of completion will be demonstrated by a progress report published in English and Portuguese, presenting the number of interviews conducted, the anonymized transcripts or summaries, and the preliminary analysis of findings. The report will be made publicly available to the Cardano community through Catalyst updates and open repositories. In addition, the research team will present highlights of the interviews in a community meeting (such as a Cardano Town Hall), ensuring transparency, accountability, and validation by the community that the milestone has been fully accomplished.
Delivery Month
2
Cost
10000
Progress
30 %
Milestone Title
Technical Research and Framework
Milestone Outputs
The fourth milestone will deliver a technical research report combined with the first draft of a framework for the future Blockchain Portal for Missing Persons in Brazil. The outputs will include an analysis of how blockchain technology—prioritizing Cardano—can be applied to ensure transparency, security, and accessibility in this context. The study will cover possible architectures for recording family consent, data management, and public dissemination. It will also include an assessment of interoperability needs, scalability considerations, and integration with existing communication channels. As a result, this milestone provides the foundation for translating research insights into a structured technological path.
Acceptance Criteria
This milestone will be considered achieved once a comprehensive technical report is completed, containing: (i) an evaluation of at least two blockchain approaches, with Cardano as the preferred option; (ii) a description of possible system architecture and components needed for the portal; and (iii) an outline of how security, transparency, and accessibility requirements can be met. The framework must be coherent, realistic, and aligned with the findings from previous milestones, ensuring that social and legal perspectives are incorporated into the technical design. Acceptance requires the delivery of a framework that clearly connects technical feasibility with the project’s humanitarian goals.
Evidence of Completion
Evidence will be provided through the publication of the technical research report and framework draft in English and Portuguese. The document will include diagrams or schematics to illustrate possible architectures and will be shared openly with the Cardano community via governance forums, Catalyst updates, and open repositories. Additionally, the team will present the technical findings in a community call or Cardano Town Hall, ensuring transparency, peer review, and open discussion. This public sharing will demonstrate that the milestone has been fully delivered and that the technical foundations are ready for validation.
Delivery Month
5
Cost
10000
Progress
50 %
Milestone Title
Governance Models and DAO Pathway
Milestone Outputs
The fifth milestone will deliver a governance report that explores different models for managing the future Blockchain Portal for Missing Persons in Brazil. The outputs will include an analysis of governance options involving civil society organizations, academic institutions, and families, considering how responsibilities can be distributed and sustained over time. Special focus will be given to the possibility of evolving into a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), where the community itself could manage the portal through transparent, blockchain-based decision-making. The report will present scenarios, compare benefits and risks, and propose a roadmap for governance evolution, ensuring that the project is not only technically feasible but also sustainable and participatory.
Acceptance Criteria
This milestone will be considered successfully completed once the governance report is finalized, containing at least three different governance models, including one option designed to evolve into a DAO. Each model must describe roles, responsibilities, decision-making processes, and mechanisms for accountability. The proposals must reflect insights collected from families, NGOs, and experts during interviews and must align with Cardano’s principles of decentralization. Acceptance will depend on the clarity, diversity, and feasibility of the proposed models, as well as their consistency with the project’s humanitarian mission.
Evidence of Completion
Evidence will be provided through the publication of the governance report in English and Portuguese, shared openly with the Cardano community. The report will include detailed descriptions of governance options, diagrams of decision-making structures, and an analysis of how each model addresses long-term sustainability. Additionally, a presentation will be made in a Cardano Town Hall or governance forum to share findings, answer questions, and collect community feedback. This public dissemination will serve as transparent and verifiable proof that the milestone has been completed, providing a concrete basis for future governance implementation.
Delivery Month
5
Cost
10000
Progress
80 %
Milestone Title
Final Report and Roadmap for MVP
Milestone Outputs
The sixth milestone will deliver the final research report, which consolidates all findings from previous stages and presents a clear blueprint for the future MVP of the Blockchain Portal for Missing Persons in Brazil. This report will integrate the legal, social, technical, and governance perspectives studied throughout the project. It will describe how the portal should function, how families can authorize the dissemination of information securely, and how governance may evolve into a DAO. The outputs will also include a detailed roadmap for MVP development, outlining phases, priorities, and potential partnerships needed for implementation. This milestone ensures that the project concludes with a structured and actionable foundation to guide the next Catalyst proposal.
Acceptance Criteria
This milestone will be considered successfully achieved when the final report is complete and meets the following criteria: it must present the research results in a coherent and accessible format; it must consolidate legal, technical, and governance analyses into a single blueprint; it must include a practical roadmap for MVP development; and it must be validated by at least five institutional partners or stakeholders engaged during the project. The document must also be published in both English and Portuguese to ensure accessibility and transparency for all audiences. Only once these conditions are satisfied will the milestone be accepted as delivered.
Evidence of Completion
Evidence of completion will be provided by the public release of the final research report and blueprint in English and Portuguese, accessible through open repositories, governance forums, and Catalyst updates. The report will also be presented in a Cardano Town Hall session, where the team will summarize findings, explain the roadmap for the MVP, and engage with community feedback. The presence of validation statements or endorsements from at least five institutional partners will further demonstrate the credibility and robustness of the work. These deliverables will serve as transparent proof that the project has been successfully completed and is ready to advance to the implementation stage.
Delivery Month
6
Cost
10000
Progress
100 %
Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources
Daniela Alves – Project Coordinator: 200h × 55 ADA/h = 11,000 ADA
Legal Researcher: 240h × 47 ADA/h = 11,280 ADA
Social Researcher: 240h × 42 ADA/h = 10,080 ADA
Governance Analyst: 180h × 40 ADA/h = 7,200 ADA
Technical Consultant (Cardano Dev): 260h × 52 ADA/h = 13,520 ADA
Translator/Editor: 160h × 26 ADA/h = 4,160 ADA
Research Assistant & Transcription: 180h × 22 ADA/h = 3,960 ADA
Community & Partnerships Liaison: 140h × 30 ADA/h = 4,200 ADA
Press Advisor (Media Relations): 12,100 ADA (adjusted for 3 months)
Personnel Subtotal: 77,500 ADA
Urban transportation, tickets, accommodation and per diem for interviews and meetings.
Organization of 2 stakeholder meetings, venue rental, coffee breaks, printed materials and audiovisual equipment.
Analysis software, video conferencing, automated transcription, secure hosting and website domain.
Graphic materials, social media management, short videos and report design.
Reserve for unforeseen expenses and operational adjustments.
TOTAL: 100,000 ADA (= 85,000 USD)
Conversion rate: 1 ADA = 0.85 USD
How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?
The proposed project represents strong value for money because it addresses a pressing social issue that remains unresolved due to challenges in achieving consensus among stakeholders. By applying Cardano’s technology and governance principles, the initiative provides a real and practical use case where blockchain can contribute to solving an urgent problem.
The project team brings a rare combination of expertise in governance, human rights, and technical development, ensuring that resources are directed toward high-quality research, effective methodology, and real community engagement. Instead of dispersing funds across unnecessary overhead, the budget prioritizes essential professional work, transparent communication, and partnerships with the Cardano developer community.
The knowledge and tools produced will strengthen Cardano’s position as a platform for social impact, governance innovation, and responsible adoption. The focus on interviews, workshops, and structured methodology ensures measurable outputs and concrete deliverables. Moreover, by creating a framework that could evolve into a DAO in the future, the project aligns with Cardano’s long-term vision of decentralized, community-driven governance.
In essence, the project transforms resources into tangible impact, strengthens Cardano’s reputation in a critical area of public concern, and creates the foundation for scalable solutions that can inspire further adoption within and beyond the ecosystem.
Terms and Conditions:
Yes
Daniela Alves – Project Coordinator, Communication and Governance Specialist
Role: Daniela will coordinate the project, managing external communication, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement. She will ensure that the research is carried out with rigor and that the findings are aligned with the governance needs of the Cardano community. Daniela will also represent the project in community events, guaranteeing transparency and accountability.
Experience: Daniela is a recognized specialist in human trafficking and has received prestigious awards for her work, including recognition from the United Nations and the Ministry of Justice of Brazil. She was also awarded the TOYP – Ten Outstanding Young Persons Award in the category of Child Protection. Daniela has extensive experience in government relations, communications, governance, and education. She has worked for Brazilian TV stations, taught at IBMEC-SP, and since 2021 has been an active participant in the Cardano community, co-founding GovChainLab and acting as a DRep Pioneer in Education.
LinkedIn Profile: http://linkedin.com/in/daniela-alves-ri
Public Mention of Governance Work: http://x.com/DanielaAlvesRI/status/1704264237743317234?s=20
Additional Professionals to Be Contracted
To ensure quality and diversity of perspectives, the project will also rely on contracted professionals with specialized knowledge:
Legal Researcher – Expert in Brazilian data protection law and human rights, to analyze the legal framework around the dissemination of missing persons.
Social Researcher – Responsible for structuring and conducting interviews with families, NGOs, and authorities, ensuring ethical and methodological rigor.
Governance Analyst – To study participatory models and propose scenarios, including the possibility of evolving into a DAO.
Technical Consultant – Specialist in blockchain architecture and integration, with priority for developers from the Cardano community, to ensure alignment with ecosystem standards and opportunities.
Translator/Editor – To guarantee that all reports and outputs are published in both English and Portuguese with quality and accessibility.