CHARLI3 Discord/Telegram Token Data and Multi-DEX swap bot

[Proposal setup] Proposal title

Please provide your proposal title

CHARLI3 Discord/Telegram Token Data and Multi-DEX swap bot

[Proposal Summary] Budget Information

Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA

100000

[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

No

Original Language

en

[Proposal Summary] Problem Statement

What is the problem you want to solve?

Cardano has discord/telegram token data and swap bots, but they lack a multi dex-aggregator source, have high fees, aren't connected to a high enough quality token data source, and lack customization.

[Proposal Summary] Supporting Documentation

Supporting links

• https://www.charli3.io/api/
,
• https://www.charli3.io
,
• https://steelswap.io/

[Proposal Summary] Project Dependencies

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

Yes

Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'

This is a collaborative effort with the Steelswap.io team, but we are not restricting our solution to swapping on steelswap.

[Proposal Summary] Project Open Source

Will your project's outputs be fully open source?

No

License and Additional Information

Partially open source: bots will use Charli3 Dendrite (MIT License)

[Theme Selection] Theme

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

DeFi

[Campaign Category] Category Questions

Describe what makes your idea innovative compared to what has been previously funded (whether by you or others).

Most Cardano trading bots, such as SNEKBot, rely on a single DEX aggregator and source data from non-dedicated data supplier, meaning users may not see the best prices or most accurate info.

We provide:

• Accurate token data via https://www.charli3.io/api/
• Multiple DEX aggregators guarantee best swap prices

Our bot connects to the most comprehensive block-by-block token data source on Cardano, and we plan to integrate with SteelSwap, Minswap, DexHunter,** **and additional aggregators in the future to route trades across multiple aggregators.

Describe what your prototype or MVP will demonstrate, and where it can be accessed.

https://charli3.io is the oldest dedicated token data provider in Cardano, with a proven track record of accurate and reliable on-chain data. https://steelswap.io adds deep expertise in aggregator design. Together, the teams already have working prototypes for /price and /estimate, showing the hardest parts are solved. The remaining lift is packaging this into verified Discord and Telegram bots, refining wallet functions, and enabling aggregator-backed swaps.

Describe realistic measures of success, ideally with on-chain metrics.

Success is measured by real usage. We will track the number of verified Discord and Telegram servers running the bot, daily active users, and swap volume routed through multiple aggregators. Quality of data is equally important: response times under 2 seconds, accurate prices from Charli3’s block-by-block API, and successful swap execution rates above 95%. Community adoption, positive feedback, and repeat usage will confirm we’ve built a tool people trust and rely on.

Charli3 Dendrite, one of our collaborations has seen 2000+ downloads per month. This kind of usage demonstrates success!

[Your Project and Solution] Solution

Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem

High Level Architectural Design Summary

We will deliver a Discord and Telegram Token Data and Swap Bot, making Cardano DeFi directly accessible inside the platforms people already use. Both bots will share the same backend logic, so improvements apply to both environments without duplicated work.

The value comes from two things: better data and better execution leading to the best swap prices. All queries run through the **Charli3 Token Data API **(https://www.charli3.io/api)) — Cardano’s oldest dedicated token data provider — which reads block-by-block from all major DEXs via an open source tooling (Dendrite). This means users always see the most accurate token data available. On execution, the bot will integrate with 2-3 DEX aggregators (likely SteelSwap, Minswap, and DexHunter) routing trades across multiple aggregators to secure the best possible price instead of relying on a single venue.

Core MVP commands include:

• /price: Show the current price and last block timestamp for a token pair.
• /info: Show info about a token (TVL, last price, social media if available, logo, etc).
• /estimate: Estimate swap output for a given pair and amount.
• /swap: Execute a swap via Steelswap routing. Bot displays route, slippage, and fees before confirmation.
• /status: Show account address, balances, and any incomplete swaps.
• /send: Send funds to a specified address.
• /password: Change user password (for bot-side security model).
• /keys: Manage spend keys in a secure way, allowing export.

These commands form a minimum complete set for users to check prices, prepare trades, execute them, and manage their wallet presence inside Discord and Telegram.

Architecture and Data

• Data layer: All price and liquidity queries run through the Charli3 Token Data API, the most comprehensive block-by-block data source on Cardano.
• Abstraction: A shared service handles queries and responses, exposed via lightweight Discord and Telegram adapters.
• Caching and rate-limits: To prevent API overload, price data is cached on a 5 minute interval and each server gets a free quota (e.g., 500 calls/day). Beyond that, premium features or higher tiers can be enabled.
• Swap flow: Swap initiation uses the Steelswap aggregator and at least one other aggregator (DexHunter, Minswap) for price estimates and execution. The bot either:
  • Provides a secure deeplink to a wallet for signing, or
  • Allows a user to enter a password to sign and submit the transaction.

User flow examples

• Price query: A user types /price ADA/USDC. Bot replies "ADA/USDC = 0.42 (last block: 11,234,567). 24h change: +1.2%."
• Swap estimate: User types /estimate ADA/USDC 150. Bot replies: "Estimated output = 149.3 USDC. Route: Minswap → WingRiders. Slippage: 0.5%."
• Swap execution: User types /swap ADA/USDC 150. Bot replies with route + fees and provides a deeplink to confirm. Once signed, the bot posts TX hash.
• Account status: User types /status. Bot replies with address, ADA balance, token balances, and pending swap IDs.

Security considerations

1. Non-custodial option — swaps are routed via secure links
2. If key storage is enabled, it will use encrypted storage with user-controlled passwords and optional multi-factor.
3. No sensitive data logged. Error handling always shows safe fallbacks with clear messages.

Final Notes

While bots like SNEKBot exist, they rely on a single DEX aggregator and non-dedicated data sources. This means users may not always see the most accurate token data or get the best swap price. Our approach is different:

Best data → powered by the Charli3 Token Data API, Cardano’s most established block-by-block token data provider.

Best execution → trades routed across multiple aggregators (SteelSwap, Minswap, DexHunter) to secure optimal prices.

This combination — highest-quality data plus multi-aggregator execution — is the core innovation that makes our bot stand apart.

[Your Project and Solution] Impact

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

This project has a clear and immediate impact on how users, protocols, and developers interact with Cardano DeFi. At its core, it lowers the barrier to entry and raises the quality of experience. The impact is both user-facing (better access, better prices, better data) and ecosystem-wide (protocol adoption, developer efficiency, community trust).

1. Improved User Experience

On other chains, trading bots inside Discord or Telegram are already considered table stakes. Cardano users deserve the same seamless experience — one where checking token prices, getting swap estimates, and executing trades happens directly inside the platforms they already use daily. Instead of bouncing between multiple dApps and wallets, the bot delivers Cardano DeFi where people are.

• One command, /price, instantly brings accurate token data into the chat.
• /swap makes execution fast, familiar, and transparent.
• The user never has to break context or navigate clunky interfaces.

This makes DeFi approachable for casual users and much more efficient for advanced traders.

2. Community Integration for Protocols

DeFi protocols spend significant effort building communities on Discord and Telegram. With this bot, they can offer trading and token info natively inside their own servers. For example:

• A DEX could invite the bot to its Discord, enabling users to trade its pools directly without leaving.
• A lending protocol could use /info to show live rates and stats, reinforcing trust and keeping users engaged.
• A project launching a token can ensure its community always sees correct data (from Charli3) without relying on third-party trackers.

This strengthens protocol communities and makes their chats more functional, interactive, and valuable to their members.

3. Better Prices Through Multi-DEX Aggregation and Lower Fees

Today, most bots (like SNEKBot) are tied to a single aggregator. This means users may not always get the best price for their swap — sometimes even paying significantly more. By connecting to multiple aggregators (SteelSwap, Minswap, DexHunter), our bot ensures trades are routed through the most efficient path available.

This approach:

• Removes “favoritism” toward one platform.
• Delivers real value to end-users by consistently securing better swap outcomes.
• Raises expectations across Cardano for fairness and transparency in DeFi execution.

Additionally, we intend to keep our fees around 0.25%. In short, it shifts power back to the user.

4. Access to the Most Reliable Token Data

Accurate token data is the foundation of every trading decision. Many current tools pull data from scattered or non-dedicated sources, creating room for errors, delays, or manipulation. Our bot is powered by the Charli3 Token Data API — the oldest dedicated data provider in Cardano, reading block-by-block across all major DEXs through open-source infrastructure (Dendrite).

This gives users confidence they are acting on the most comprehensive and accurate token data available. Over time, this trust becomes a major differentiator for Cardano DeFi compared to other chains.

5. Expanding the DeFi Audience

Bots dramatically reduce friction for first-time DeFi users. Instead of downloading an unfamiliar app, learning how to navigate, and figuring out complex UI flows, they can interact with a bot in the same way they already interact with friends and communities online.

This lowers the barrier for:

• **New retail users **who want to test Cardano DeFi in a familiar interface.
• Non-technical community members who may be intimidated by traditional dApps.
• Younger users accustomed to Telegram/Discord-native experiences.

By reducing friction, the bot widens Cardano’s DeFi funnel and accelerates adoption.

6. Driving Standardization & Ecosystem Efficiency

With integrations powered by Charli3 and Dendrite, the bot sets a new baseline for how token data and swap execution are handled. Instead of each project building its own partial solution, there will be a clear, reliable reference point. This prevents duplicated work, reduces inconsistencies, and saves hundreds of hours across the ecosystem.

7. Competitive Advantage for Cardano

Other chains already have sophisticated trading bots and multi-DEX aggregators embedded in user workflows. Cardano risks being seen as behind the curve if it doesn’t provide the same quality of tooling. Delivering this bot helps level the playing field:

• Puts Cardano DeFi in the same conversation as Ethereum and Solana ecosystems.
• Demonstrates to external developers and investors that Cardano has the infrastructure and user experience required to scale.
• Enhances Cardano’s reputation for building high-integrity, user-first solutions powered by verifiable data.

8. Long-Term Ecosystem Benefits

The benefits of this project extend beyond the initial bot launch:

Protocol alignment: By integrating multiple DEXs and lending protocols, the project creates deeper collaboration across Cardano DeFi.

Community trust: Users come to rely on Charli3’s token data and fair multi-DEX execution, increasing confidence in the ecosystem.

Future extensibility: The architecture leaves room for advanced features like alerts, portfolio summaries, or integrations into new messaging platforms.

9. Transparency and Accountability

Because all integrations rely on open infrastructure (Charli3/Dendrite), the project provides a transparent trail of how data is gathered and how trades are executed. This sets a high bar for openness, which strengthens community oversight and reduces the risk of opaque or manipulative systems.

Conclusion

The impact of this project is simple but powerful: it makes Cardano DeFi more usable, fair, and accessible. Users get better data and better prices. Protocols can strengthen their communities with integrated bots. The ecosystem saves time and avoids duplicated work. And Cardano as a whole becomes more competitive against other chains by matching and surpassing the quality of user-facing DeFi tools.

For the cost of one Catalyst proposal, the community gets a tool that improves user experience, drives adoption, and raises the standard for DeFi infrastructure across the network.

[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?

Charli3 / Steelswap joint ventures:

First and foremost, our team have delivered two catalyst projects successfully already:

1. Charli3 API (https://charli3.io/api/)::) currently provides block-by-block liquidity and orderbook data across major Cardano DEXs, serving more than 17,000 token price feeds in a TradingView-compatible format.
2. Charli3 Dendrite (https://charli3.io/products/charli3-dendrite)::) an open-source DEX aggregator developed in collaboration with Steelswap, with 2,000+ monthly visitors and multiple contributors.

This proposal is ambitious but realistic, because it builds directly on top of existing strengths in the Cardano ecosystem. While the bot itself is not yet built, the data pipelines, infrastructure, and domain expertise required to make it possible are already proven.

Our Track Record

Charli3 is the first decentralized oracle solution on Cardano and one of the oldest teams in the ecosystem. With a 100% Catalyst completion record (soon to be 11 out of 11 delivered), the team has established itself as a reliable steward of data infrastructure. Charli3’s open-source tooling (Dendrite) powers the Charli3 Token Data API — a block-by-block, on-chain read service that delivers the most accurate token data available on Cardano.

SteelSwap brings deep knowledge of swap routing and DEX aggregator logic. Their work ensures swaps are not just possible but optimized for best price execution across venues like Minswap, DexHunter, and their own SteelSwap routing engine.

Together, these teams represent some of the most experienced Cardano developers in data and DeFi infrastructure.

Why This Concept Is Feasible

The challenge here is not inventing new primitives — it is connecting proven ones into a new user-facing experience. The path is clear:

• Data access: Token prices, liquidity, and metadata come from Charli3’s API. This avoids building new indexers or risking unreliable third-party feeds.
• Swap execution: Aggregator logic comes from SteelSwap and can be extended to include Minswap and DexHunter. This ensures fair routing and price discovery.
• Bot layer: Discord and Telegram adapters will be lightweight interfaces sitting on top of a shared backend, so improvements apply to both platforms without duplication.

By combining these pieces, the project moves from raw infrastructure to an accessible, community-facing tool.

Risk Awareness and Mitigation

• Wallet scope: The bot wallet is intentionally scoped down. It is not competing with full wallets like Eternl or Gero — it only needs to generate addresses, hold balances, and sign swaps. This keeps the build lightweight and achievable.
• Aggregator dependencies: The architecture is modular, so no single DEX or aggregator is a point of failure. If one service becomes unavailable, routing continues through others.
• Bot verification: Discord and Telegram both have clear verification processes. These will be researched and handled early in the project timeline to avoid launch delays. (e.g. https://support-dev.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/6275923204375-Bot-Verification-FAQ-for-Parents-Legal-Guardians-and-Other-Sponsors))
• Performance: Caching and rate-limits will keep API usage efficient and sustainable.

Why We’re the Right Team

Delivering this project requires three capabilities:

1. Reliable, accurate data infrastructure (Charli3).
2. Production-ready swap routing expertise (SteelSwap).
3. Experience in building community-facing DeFi tools.

That’s exactly the overlap this team brings. While this bot is still at the concept stage, it leverages years of proven work in data and DeFi infrastructure. This makes the concept realistic, achievable, and well-scoped for Catalyst funding.

This is not a speculative “what if” proposal. It is a clearly defined build that connects trusted infrastructure (Charli3’s token data API and SteelSwap’s routing) into a usable bot for Discord and Telegram. The expertise is in place, the data flows are known, and the risks are limited. What is needed now is focused development to bring the concept to life.

[Milestones] Project Milestones

Milestone Title

Roadmap, Planning & Research

Milestone Outputs

1. The team will create design document providing high level architectural approach to building both Discord and Telegram bots.
2. The team will research and document an approach for building and more importantly securing user wallets
3. The team will confirm DEX aggregator integrations
4. Research and create an implementation plan to meet Discord/Telegram verification.

Acceptance Criteria

1. The team completes researches and completes an architectural and implementation plan, verification plan, and wallet security plan.
2. The team confirms the DEX aggregator integrations for the project.

Evidence of Completion

1. An Implementation plan document containing information on all the outputs is provided via a publicly accessible link for anyone to review. This plan will include architectural design summary, wallet implementation plan, security plan, DEX aggregator integrations, and any external dependency risks to the project timeline (e.g. DEX aggregator issues).

Delivery Month

1

Cost

20000

Progress

20 %

Milestone Title

Bot MVP, Core Commands, and Verification complete

Milestone Outputs

1. The team will build MVP versions of the Discord and Telegram bots.
2. Implement /price and /info commands powered by Charli3 Token Data API.
3. Complete Discord and Telegram bot verification for safe deployment.
4. Provide basic responses for token data and info requests across both platforms.

Acceptance Criteria

1. Users can run /price and /info commands in Discord and Telegram test servers and receive correct token data from the Charli3 API.
2. Discord and telegram bot verification is complete and the bot can be invited to servers.

Evidence of Completion

A demo video publicly accessible on Google drive, youtube, or other that:

• showing /price and /info running successfully in Discord and Telegram
• verified status in both Discord and Telegram

Delivery Month

2

Cost

30000

Progress

50 %

Milestone Title

Wallet Integration & Basic Functions

Milestone Outputs

1. Implement bot wallet functionality: create wallet, view balances, send funds, and export keys.
2. Document the wallet security model and user password system.
3. Deploy wallet commands consistently in Discord and Telegram bots.

Acceptance Criteria

1. A user can generate a bot wallet, receive funds, and check their balance.
2. A user can export spend keys securely and send test funds to another wallet.
3. Security model is documented and shared publicly.

Evidence of Completion

1. Demo video showing wallet creation, fund transfer, and key export.
2. Documentation published describing wallet flow and security considerations.

Delivery Month

3

Cost

25000

Progress

70 %

Milestone Title

Swap Flow Integration and Internal Testing

Milestone Outputs

1. Implement /estimate and /swap command logic in both Discord and Telegram bots.
2. Integrate SteelSwap and at least one other aggregator (DexHunter or Minswap).
3. Conduct internal testing of swap flows to ensure correct route selection, slippage, and fee handling.

Acceptance Criteria

1. Swap logic integrated for at least two aggregators.
2. Both Discord and Telegram bots return structured swap estimates (route, fees, slippage).
3. Internal test runs confirm successful route selection and transaction preparation.

Evidence of Completion

1. Internal test report summarizing swap flow validation.
2. Demo video showing successful swap estimate requests in both Discord and Telegram test servers.
3. Catalyst update confirming that multi-aggregator routing logic is implemented and tested.

Delivery Month

4

Cost

15000

Progress

90 %

Milestone Title

Working Prototype, Documentation, and Close-Out

Milestone Outputs

1. Deliver functional Discord and Telegram bots with working swap execution.
2. Publish updated user documentation (setup, commands, security model).
3. Submit Catalyst close-out report and video as per project catalyst requirements.

Acceptance Criteria

1. Working prototype completed: users can successfully query prices, estimate swaps, and execute at least one working swap across multiple aggregators.
2. Documentation and guides are complete and publicly accessible.
3. Complete catalyst close-out report
4. Complete catalyst close-out video

Evidence of Completion

1. Demo video: showcasing a functioning prototype is shared publicly
2. Link to public documentation is shared
3. Close out video is uploaded to youtube vimeo or where required
4. Close out report is submitted and publicly available on google drive etc.
5. Optional: team will deploy a functioning prototype in discord and telegram for the public to interact and test functionality.

Delivery Month

5

Cost

10000

Progress

100 %

[Final Pitch] Budget & Costs

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

The requested ₳100,000 is distributed across five milestones. Each milestone is tied to defined deliverables and supported by developer, security, QA, and project management resources. We allocate specific hours per role, with contingencies built in to ensure successful and timely delivery.

Milestone 1 — Roadmap, Planning & Research (₳20,000)

• Lead Architect (1 person, 80 hrs): Create high-level system design, roadmap, and bot architecture (₳8,000)
• Security Engineer (1 person, 50 hrs): Research wallet security models and verification approach (₳5,000)
• Integration Engineer (1 person, 40 hrs): Confirm DEX aggregator integrations and dependencies (₳4,000)
• Project Manager (1 person, 20 hrs): Coordinate planning, reporting, and documentation (₳2,000)
• Contingency (5%): ₳1,000

Milestone 2 — Bot MVP, Core Commands & Verification (₳30,000)

• Backend Developer (1 person, 120 hrs): Implement bot core, /price and /info commands, integrate Charli3 API (₳12,000)
• Adapter Developers (2 people, 50 hrs each): Build and test Discord + Telegram layers for API responses (₳10,000)
• QA Tester (1 person, 50 hrs): Validate core commands, verify token data accuracy, ensure stability (₳5,000)
• Project Manager (1 person, 20 hrs): Oversight, Catalyst reporting, coordination (₳2,000)
• Contingency (5%): ₳1,000

Milestone 3 — Wallet Integration & Basic Functions (₳25,000)

• Wallet Developer (1 person, 120 hrs): Build wallet functions (create, balances, transfers, export keys) (₳12,000)
• Security Engineer (1 person, 80 hrs): Implement password system, key encryption, secure key export (₳8,000)
• QA Tester (1 person, 30 hrs): Validate wallet creation, transfers, key export (₳3,000)
• Documentation Specialist (1 person, 20 hrs): Draft security model and wallet flow documentation (₳2,000)
• Contingency (5%): ₳1,000

Milestone 4 — Swap Flow Integration & Internal Testing (₳15,000)

• Swap Logic Developer (1 person, 80 hrs): Integrate /estimate and /swap logic, add multi-aggregator routing (₳8,000)
• QA Tester (1 person, 40 hrs): Internal tests on routing, slippage, fee handling (₳4,000)
• Project Manager (1 person, 20 hrs): Prepare test reports, Catalyst updates, internal coordination (₳2,000)
• Contingency (5%): ₳1,000

Milestone 5 — Working Prototype, Documentation & Close-Out (₳10,000)

• Full-Stack Developer (1 person, 50 hrs): Final integration and polish across Discord and Telegram (₳5,000)
• Documentation Specialist (1 person, 30 hrs): Finalize user guides, command references, setup instructions (₳3,000)
• Project Manager (1 person, 10 hrs): Close-out report, video, and Catalyst submission (₳1,000)
• Contingency (10%): ₳1,000

Total Project Budget

Milestone 1: ₳20,000

Milestone 2: ₳30,000

Milestone 3: ₳25,000

Milestone 4: ₳15,000

Milestone 5: ₳10,000

Grand Total: ₳100,000

[Final Pitch] Value for Money

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

By combining Charli3’s trusted data with multi-DEX swap execution, the bot gives Cardano users a clear edge: better token visibility and best-price routing, right inside Discord and Telegram. Traders save money, developers save time, and server owners can tailor the bot to their communities. This reduces fragmentation, boosts confidence in Cardano DeFi, and provides a direct on-ramp for new users who expect reliable tools where they already spend their time.

[Required Acknowledgements] Consent & Confirmation

Terms and Conditions:

Yes