Last updated 8 months ago
IoT systems generate valuable environmental and verification data, but current methods rely on centralized storage or unverifiable feeds.
A plug-and-play pipeline linking IoT devices to Cardano, anchoring real-world data as DID NFTs for trustless, verifiable, and reusable applications.
This is the total amount allocated to Proof of Reality: IoT Data Anchored on Cardano.
Please provide your proposal title
Proof of Reality: IoT Data Anchored on Cardano
Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA
75000
Please specify how many months you expect your project to last
5
Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated
No
Original Language
en
What is the problem you want to solve?
IoT systems generate valuable environmental and verification data, but current methods rely on centralized storage or unverifiable feeds.
Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?
Yes
Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'
Possible implemtation of Veridian for DID.
Will your project's outputs be fully open source?
Yes
License and Additional Information
MIT
Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal.
Identity & Verification
Describe what makes your idea innovative compared to what has been previously funded (whether by you or others).
Most solutions in this space lean on centralized processes or narrow use cases. Our approach uses node-level signing so data is validated at the source before being recorded on Cardano. This makes the information verifiable, portable, and reusable without middlemen, creating a foundation for any industry that requires trusted information.
Describe what your prototype or MVP will demonstrate, and where it can be accessed.
The MVP will show node-signed activity being validated and recorded on Cardano as on-chain assets. It will also demonstrate a practical example: calibrated sensors capturing temperature and producing a mint output. A public dashboard and open-source code will allow both technical and non-technical users to explore, test, and build on top of the system. Access will be simple through a hosted demo and GitHub repository.
Describe realistic measures of success, ideally with on-chain metrics.
Success will be measured by a working pipeline that consistently produces verifiable on-chain records. Metrics include node-signed assets created, wallets interacting, and external users testing the system. Additional indicators are developer adoption, community engagement, and how effectively the pipeline demonstrates trusted information flow.
Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem
The challenge we are addressing is trust. In nearly every field where data matters — whether that’s governance, finance, supply chains, or environmental monitoring — there is a gap between where data is generated and where it is used. The current model relies on trust in intermediaries, centralized servers, oracles, and APIs to deliver that data. These points of failure introduce risk, delay, and the possibility of manipulation.
Our solution is to demonstrate and deliver a secure, verifiable data pipeline that connects the source of information directly to Cardano in a way that is transparent, reusable, and future-proof. At the core of this pipeline is the node signing process. Instead of routing data through third-party services or unverifiable systems, the data is signed locally at the edge. That signed payload is then anchored on Cardano as an on-chain asset. This ensures that the information is authenticated from the moment it is created and remains tamper-resistant and auditable for its entire lifecycle.
How the pipeline works:
The pipeline begins with a calibrated source — for the MVP, this will be simple sensors that measure temperature. Starting with something concrete makes the demonstration accessible and verifiable. Each reading is timestamped and prepared for signing.
The key innovation is that the device itself is part of the trust loop. The data does not leave the device in raw form. Instead, it is cryptographically signed at the source. This makes the reading provable before it ever leaves the node.
The signed payload is then submitted into the Cardano system. At this point, the signature can be checked against the known node or device keys, ensuring that the data has not been altered in transit.
Once verified, the data is stored as an on-chain asset. This elevates the reading from being just information in a database to being part of Cardano’s immutable ledger. Treating data as an asset means it can be queried, transferred, referenced, and integrated in exactly the same way as tokens or NFTs, but without the baggage of speculative markets.
To ensure that the pipeline is transparent and practical, the MVP will include both a public dashboard and an open-source API. The dashboard lets anyone see data flowing from devices into the blockchain in real time. The API lets developers pull that data, test integrations, or build new applications on top of it. All of this will be open-sourced and documented so the community can extend it in any direction.
Why this approach matters:
No middlemen: By signing data at the edge, we remove the need for centralized verification services or third-party oracles. Trust starts at the source.
Universal application: This is not built for one industry. Any sector that requires validated information can use this approach, from governance to finance to logistics.
Reusable infrastructure: By focusing on a generalized data pipeline, we avoid building a one-off demo. Instead, we create a foundation that can be adopted, forked, or adapted by others.
Simple and verifiable MVP: Using calibrated sensors to produce temperature readings as mintable outputs provides a clear, understandable demonstration of the entire system in action.
The MVP in practice:
The MVP will be deployed on Cardano preprod testnet to start. We will use a set of calibrated sensors connected to small edge devices (such as Raspberry Pi or Orange Pi) to generate readings. Those readings will be signed locally, transmitted through the pipeline, and minted as on-chain assets.
A demo website will show the pipeline in action. Users will be able to watch the readings arrive, check the on-chain asset associated with them, and confirm that the signature validates. Developers will have access to an API endpoint so they can fetch the data themselves and begin building integrations. The entire stack — from sensor scripts to backend code — will be published on GitHub for transparency.
Addressing the problem:
The real problem is that too often blockchain solutions still rely on unverifiable inputs. You might have a smart contract that enforces rules perfectly, but if the data fed into it comes from a black box, the whole system inherits that weakness. By demonstrating a pipeline where the data itself is trustworthy, we close that gap.
This approach addresses the problem not by solving one niche use case, but by building the foundation that allows many use cases to exist with confidence. It shows that Cardano is not just capable of storing information, but capable of storing it in a way that begins with trust at the very first step.
Future-proofing:
The strength of this solution is that it is modular. The pipeline we build with temperature sensors can later be expanded with other data types — humidity, geolocation, financial logs, governance votes — anything that can be signed and validated at the edge. By building a generalized framework, we leave the door open for expansion without redesigning the core.
Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community
The impact of this project is straightforward: it shows that Cardano can handle validated data pipelines in a clear and transparent way. Instead of talking about trust in theory, we demonstrate it with a working system that begins at the edge and ends on-chain. That shift from concept to proof has a ripple effect across the ecosystem.
Impact on Cardano as a platform:
Blockchains are often criticized for being disconnected from reality. Smart contracts may execute perfectly, but if the data they depend on isn’t trustworthy, the whole system breaks down. Our pipeline closes that gap by showing how data can be validated at the source, signed at the node, and recorded as an asset that is tamper-resistant.
The immediate impact is to strengthen Cardano’s position as a trust layer. This demonstration gives Cardano a concrete example of how to move real information onto the chain without requiring centralized intermediaries or unverifiable oracle feeds.
Impact on developers
For developers, the most important thing is access to reliable infrastructure. With this project, they gain an open-source pipeline that handles the hard part: collecting, signing, and anchoring data on Cardano.
Instead of building custom integrations for every new project, developers can reuse this pipeline. That lowers the time and cost of experimentation, reduces friction for Catalyst proposers, and accelerates innovation across the ecosystem. The impact is not just in what we build, but in what others can build once this exists.
Impact on the community
For the broader community, the impact is confidence. By being able to see a dashboard where data flows directly into the chain, backed by node-level signing, users know they are looking at something they can trust.
This isn’t abstract. It’s not a whitepaper. It’s a live system producing real assets on Cardano. That transparency builds community trust and sets a precedent for how information should be handled going forward.
On-chain activity and visibility
Every signed datapoint minted through the pipeline creates measurable on-chain activity. That activity is public and verifiable, providing the community with concrete metrics of progress. Assets, addresses, and wallet interactions can all be tracked directly on Cardano.
The impact here is not just technical but cultural. It shows that infrastructure projects can be judged by what they put on-chain, not by claims or projections. That kind of visibility raises the accountability standard across Catalyst.
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?
Delivering a secure, node-signed data pipeline on Cardano requires more than a good idea. It requires hands-on experience with devices, blockchain nodes, and backend infrastructure. Our team has already proven the concept at a prototype level — connecting sensors, signing data, and recording outputs — but those were small internal experiments designed only to test feasibility. What Catalyst will fund is the next stage: turning those prototypes into a public, transparent, and reusable system that the community can access, verify, and build on.
Capability to deliver
We have the right mix of skills and experience to carry this project forward. On the blockchain side, we are comfortable running Cardano nodes, working with the CLI, and managing assets in the extended UTXO model. We have built smart contract logic, handled transactions, and worked directly with node-level integrations.
On the backend side, we have deployed Fastify servers, built APIs, and integrated with databases like MongoDB. We know how to package code so that it is maintainable, transparent, and usable by others. On the hardware side, we have worked with calibrated sensors and edge devices like Raspberry Pi and Orange Pi, giving us the practical knowledge to run reliable demonstrations.
This combination means we are not just theorizing about how such a system might work. We already understand the moving parts and how to connect them.
Trust and accountability
One of the strengths of this project is that accountability is baked in. Every data point will be node-signed and minted as an on-chain asset, which means the results are permanently visible to anyone who wants to check them. This avoids the need for trust in us as proposers — the evidence will live on Cardano.
We will also release the full codebase as open source. This includes device scripts, backend services, and dashboard code. Open sourcing ensures transparency, but it also ensures continuity. If anyone in the community wants to audit, fork, or extend the work, they can. That is how we hold ourselves accountable to Catalyst.
Validation plan
We will validate this approach in clear and measurable ways:
Technical validation: A working pipeline using calibrated sensors, where node-signed data flows directly into Cardano.
On-chain validation: Assets visible on preprod testnet, verifiable by anyone.
Community validation: A public dashboard that shows data arriving in real time, with links to the corresponding on-chain records.
Developer validation: An API and GitHub repo that allow other developers to connect their own devices or test integrations.
This layered approach ensures that feasibility isn’t just claimed but demonstrated, in ways that the community can check for themselves.
Feasibility and scope
The MVP is deliberately scoped to balance ambition with feasibility. By starting with calibrated temperature sensors, we provide a tangible and relatable demonstration of the full pipeline without overextending. Once this foundation is proven, it can easily expand to other data types, but the MVP focuses on clarity and deliverability.
Because we already tested the individual parts at a prototype level, we know the pieces work. Catalyst funding allows us to polish the system, provide documentation, deploy a public demo, and release everything as reusable infrastructure. That transition — from private prototype to public toolkit — is the core of what we are delivering.
Why we are confident
This project is feasible now because the core technical hurdles have already been addressed in small-scale trials. We know the devices can sign data. We know Cardano can handle the records as assets. We know how to run nodes, APIs, and dashboards. What’s missing — and what Catalyst makes possible — is delivering this as a transparent, reusable system that strengthens the Cardano ecosystem.
Milestone Title
Node-Signed Data Flow Prototype
Milestone Outputs
Acceptance Criteria
Evidence of Completion
Delivery Month
2
Cost
15000
Progress
20 %
Milestone Title
Public Dashboard & API
Milestone Outputs
A public-facing dashboard will be deployed that displays real-time node-signed data being recorded on the Cardano preprod testnet. Users will be able to view live datapoints, click through to their corresponding on-chain records, and confirm that the data was properly signed and stored. Alongside the dashboard, a developer API will be released to provide programmatic access to the same data, including endpoints for fetching datapoints, querying by time, and retrieving asset details. Documentation will be provided to make integration simple and accessible. Logs will track community interactions to confirm usage outside of the project team.
Acceptance Criteria
Evidence of Completion
Delivery Month
4
Cost
22500
Progress
30 %
Milestone Title
Final Milestone – Open-Source Release & Community Validation
Milestone Outputs
Acceptance Criteria
Evidence of Completion
Delivery Month
6
Cost
37500
Progress
100 %
Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources
Lead Developer & Project Manager (Dagwell – Blockchain/Backend + Catalyst Delivery) – 35,000 ADA (47%)
Cardano node setup, CLI tooling, and backend infrastructure
Smart contract integration, transaction signing, and verification
Data pipeline for IoT → blockchain flow
Full responsibility for Catalyst reporting, milestone submissions, and project delivery
Front-End Developer (Alpine – Dashboard & UI) – 30,000 ADA (40%)
Design and build of user-facing dashboard for real-time data visibility
UI/UX ensuring accessibility for non-technical users and testers
Integration with backend APIs and transaction verification display
Support with pilot demo and reporting
Operational / Infrastructure Costs – 10,000 ADA (13%)
Server hosting, testnet deployment, and bandwidth
IoT calibration, device testing, and monitoring tools
Contingency for unforeseen infrastructure needs
How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?
This project represents excellent value for the Cardano ecosystem by delivering a high-impact prototype at a lean cost. For 75,000 ADA, the team will build a verifiable edge-to-chain data flow where calibrated IoT sensor readings are cryptographically signed at the node and minted as on-chain assets. This provides a foundational step for decentralized Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV), a critical need for carbon markets, IoT applications, and future real-world adoption.
The budget directly funds two developers—Dagwell (blockchain/backend lead + Catalyst reporting) and Alpine (front-end/UI)—with a modest allocation for infrastructure and device calibration. This ensures that 90% of the funding goes directly to development labor, while keeping overheads low. The work scope is clearly defined, achievable within the requested funds, and avoids unnecessary complexity.
The deliverables will benefit the ecosystem beyond this single proposal by:
By keeping the scope targeted while delivering reusable technical outcomes, this project maximizes the impact per ADA spent. It offers both immediate deliverables (testnet prototype, UI dashboard, signed transactions) and long-term value by opening pathways for future Catalyst-funded scaling and partner adoption.
Terms and Conditions:
Yes
This project will be led and primarily delivered by Dominick “Dagwell” Garey, a full-stack Cardano developer with extensive experience in node operation, CLI tooling, UTXO management, and IoT-to-blockchain integration. I have already built and tested small-scale prototypes of the proposed pipeline, proving feasibility of node signing, asset minting, and backend handling. My background spans smart contract development (Plutus, Aiken), backend systems (Fastify, MongoDB, Linux server management), and direct interaction with the Cardano CLI for minting and verification processes.
The front-end dashboard and user-facing API documentation will be developed by Derrick “Alpine” Oatway, an experienced front-end and middleware developer. Alpine has worked on multiple Cardano ecosystem projects, delivering responsive interfaces and integrating blockchain data into accessible web applications. His expertise ensures that the system will be not only technically sound but also user-friendly and accessible to both developers and community members.
Together, the roles are clearly divided:
Dagwell (Lead Developer): Overall architecture, node management, blockchain integration, backend development, milestone delivery, and reporting.
Alpine (Front-End Developer): Dashboard design and implementation, API integration, UI/UX for community-facing components, and documentation support.
This lean but capable team minimizes overhead while covering all critical areas: blockchain + backend, front-end accessibility, and project delivery. It also ensures accountability, transparency, and a smooth path from prototype to community-ready MVP.