[Proposal setup] Proposal title

Please provide your proposal title

SmartScore: Discover, Compare & Trust Cardano's Best

[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

6

[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?

Users face difficulty identifying reliable Cardano dApps and Sources due to lack of transparent, up-to-date reputation and performance metrics.

[Proposal Summary] Supporting Documentation

Supporting links

• https://github.com/MilaBooot/SmartScore_Cardano_Dapp_Reputation
,
• https://drive.google.com/file/d/18WA9q7EQ-g-M9zkqIedn307aoI1luG5O/view?usp=sharing
,
• https://dappradar.com/rankings/protocol/cardano

[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

This project’s software components (e.g., tools, libraries and codes) will be released under the MIT License and GNU GPL-3.0 . This allows others to freely use, modify, distribute, and sublicense the code, provided the original license and copyright notice are included.

[Theme Selection] Theme

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

DAO

[Campaign Category] Category Questions

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

SmartScore uniquely combines AI-driven dApp comparison, on-chain feedback, and a hybrid reputation oracle anchored to Cardano, with verified developer identities. Unlike prior tools, it merges community sentiment, developer activity, and blockchain-verified ratings into a transparent, open-source, reusable standard for trust and discovery.

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

The MVP showcases wallet-based dApp ratings on Cardano testnet, developer verification, and an early SmartScore engine integrating AI-based comparison metrics. It is open-source (MIT/GPL-3.0) and publicly accessible via

GitHub: https://github.com/MilaBooot/SmartScore_Cardano_Dapp_Reputation and demo video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18WA9q7EQ-g-M9zkqIedn307aoI1luG5O/view.

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

Success will be measured by on-chain metrics such as: number of verified developers, total wallet-submitted ratings, and smart contract interactions. Off-chain metrics include AI-powered search queries, dApp comparisons made, and community participation in testing. Growth in these KPIs post-launch will validate adoption and ecosystem value.

[Your Project and Solution] Solution

Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem

SmartScore is a decentralized platform designed to bring transparency, trust, and intelligent comparison to Cardano dApps by leveraging Intelligent AI models and on-chain smart contracts. The platform functions as an intelligent explorer that allows users to discover, evaluate, and compare dApps based on multiple reputation metrics all anchored to Cardano’s blockchain infrastructure for transparency and verifiability.

We have already developed an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) to demonstrate the core functionality of the SmartScore platform. A demo video and github code has been prepared to showcase the workflow, data pipeline, and UI/UX, providing visual proof of progress, design maturity, and feasibility of implementation. This MVP not only validates our approach but also illustrates the potential value to the Cardano ecosystem at scale.

Full Solution Integrates Core Features:

1. On-Chain Feedback & Rating System

Users can submit feedback and rate Cardano dApps through a user-friendly frontend that interacts with Plutus smart contracts deployed on the Cardano testnet. Each wallet address is permitted to rate a dApp only once per version, reducing manipulation or giving feedback without a wallet connection is allowed. These ratings are cryptographically stored and permanently available for public verification, enhancing trust and decentralization.

2. Reputation Oracle (Hybrid On-chain + Off-chain)

SmartScore introduces a reputation oracle system that aggregates developer activity from off-chain sources (GitHub, Discord bots, community forums) and anchors these metrics to the Cardano blockchain. This enables anyone to verify developer engagement and contribution histories on-chain, fostering confidence in the dApps they produce.

Our system periodically hashes these off-chain signals and submits them to a smart contract, allowing other platforms to reference dApp reputation data through a unified, decentralized standard.

3. Developer Verification

Developers can register their dApps via wallet-signature authentication. Upon submission, SmartScore validates the developer’s identity and links their submission to an on-chain metadata registry. Verified developers receive a trust badge (NFT or metadata tag) that reflects their credibility, linked to their GitHub repositories, community presence, and historical contributions.

This feature protects users from malicious actors and ensures that only authenticated teams are ranked and reviewed on the platform.

4. dApp Comparison Tool

The SmartScore platform provides a robust dApp comparison engine, allowing users to compare applications side-by-side based on:

• Trust Score (derived from on-chain feedback)
• Developer Reputation
• Number of verified contributions
• Community engagement metrics
• Update frequency & code activity (via GitHub API)
• User experience ratings

These comparison tools are visually presented and interact directly with smart contract data on the testnet. This allows developers, researchers, and community members to make informed decisions about which dApps to support, use, or collaborate with.

MVP Demonstration

A working MVP demo has already been created and published via video to show:

• The basic dApp rating flow using a wallet
• Developer verification UI
• Aggregated scoring model
• Initial integration

This ensures that our approach is not just theoretical, but grounded in existing development with a clear roadmap to mainnet deployment.

SmartScore Comparison Engine

Entity - Relationship Diagram

SmartScore System Architecture

SmartScore AI-Powered Scoring Metrics

This solution not only brings clarity and accountability to the Cardano dApp ecosystem, but it also fosters a reputation-first culture that rewards quality, community trust, and transparency. By making the system open, testable, and accessible via testnet, we align closely with Cardano's core values of decentralization, integrity, and verifiability.

[Your Project and Solution] Impact

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

SmartScore, is designed to redefine how decentralized applications (dApps), developers, and innovations are discovered, evaluated, and trusted within the Cardano ecosystem.

The positive impact spans across multiple dimensions:

Transparency and Trust in dApps:

By integrating an AI-powered comparison engine, on-chain feedback and rating system, and a reputation oracle, SmartScore empowers users to make informed decisions when interacting with dApps. It mitigates misinformation, enhances transparency, and reduces the risk of engaging with unverified or low-quality projects.

Developer Recognition and Accountability:

The platform introduces a developer verification system and public researcher profiles. This enhances accountability and builds trust in the developer community. Verified contributors are showcased, allowing their reputations to grow organically through meaningful participation and contribution.

AI-Powered Utility for Discovery:

SmartScore's AI-powered search engine and comparison tool revolutionize how users explore and understand the Cardano ecosystem. Rather than relying solely on traditional metrics, our system contextualizes dApps based on user preferences, usage data, and community sentiment—making discovery intuitive, personalized, and relevant.

Knowledge Sharing and Community Engagement:

The platform facilitates collaboration among researchers, developers, and community members through discussion threads, peer-reviewed idea boards, and comment sections. This encourages the exchange of ideas, feedback, and insights—fostering a culture of innovation and education.

Ecosystem Growth and Education:

SmartScore enhances onboarding for new developers and users alike. Its structured and informative layout, educational content, and AI assistance make the complex Cardano ecosystem more accessible, particularly for non-technical users and new entrants.

On-Chain Integration for Secure Experimentation:

The platform will initially operate on the testnet to provide a safe and collaborative environment where dApps can be evaluated and improved before going live on mainnet. This not only accelerates development but ensures higher quality and security standards across the board.

Recognition through Badges and Contributions:

Contributors and researchers receive badges based on their level of impact, participation, and peer recognition. This gamified structure incentivizes consistent contributions and cultivates a motivated and merit-based community.

This project delivers a measurable, transformative impact on the Cardano ecosystem by introducing intelligent tools that enhance trust, transparency, discoverability, and engagement across decentralized applications and can be measured in metrics:

Quantitative Metrics (Measurable, On-Chain and Off-Chain)

On-Chain Metrics

1. of Verified Developers — unique wallets successfully verified via developer verification smart contract.
2. of Wallet-Based Ratings Submitted — total transactions interacting with the feedback & rating smart contract.
3. of Unique dApps Rated — distinct dApp IDs with at least one on-chain rating.
4. Reputation Oracle Transactions — count of successful submissions of aggregated off-chain reputation data to Cardano.
5. Smart Contract Calls per Month — frequency of interactions with feedback, rating, and verification contracts.

Off-Chain Metrics

1. Platform Active Users (MAU) — unique visitors performing at least one comparison, rating, or search in a month.
2. of AI-Powered Searches — searches made via the AI comparison engine.
3. of dApp Comparisons Executed — comparisons generated by users.
4. GitHub Stars/Forks — community engagement with the open-source code.
5. Average dApp Trust Score Change — before/after comparisons for actively used dApps.

Qualitative Metrics (Value & Perception-Based)

1. User Trust & Transparency Feedback — % of surveyed users who feel more confident in selecting Cardano dApps after using SmartScore.
2. Developer Satisfaction — % of verified developers reporting increased credibility and visibility.
3. Community Adoption Stories — documented use cases where SmartScore influenced investment or usage decisions.
4. Educational Impact — testimonials from non-technical users who found Cardano dApps easier to discover/understand.
5. Partnership Growth — number and quality of collaborations formed as a result of SmartScore data integration.
6. Reviewer/Investor Confidence — anecdotal evidence and quotes from ecosystem stakeholders citing SmartScore as a reliable evaluation source.
7. Catalyst Proposal Visibility — feedback from funded teams showing increased traction after being rated/verified on SmartScore.

Promotion and Marketing Strategies:

• Social Media Campaigns: Utilize platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Reddit to create engaging content about the upgraded platform. Regular posts highlighting key features, user testimonials, and educational resources can help generate interest and attract new users.
• Community Engagement: Host AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions, webinars, and live Q&A sessions to interact with the Cardano community directly. This fosters a sense of transparency and builds trust while providing an opportunity to showcase the platform's value proposition.
• Email Marketing: Build an email list of subscribers interested in Cardano development and education. Send out regular newsletters with updates, tips, and resources related to the platform. Personalized email campaigns can nurture leads and drive engagement.
• Partnerships and Collaborations: Forge partnerships with educational institutions, blockchain organizations, and developer communities to promote the platform to their respective audiences. Co-hosting events, workshops, or joint marketing initiatives can expand reach and credibility.
• Influencer Outreach: Identify influencers, thought leaders, and prominent figures within the Cardano community who can endorse the platform. Collaborate with them to create sponsored content, guest appearances, or endorsements that reach their followers.

[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?

Our capability to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability stems from our team's extensive experience in software development, education, and community engagement. With a proven track record of delivering successful projects and initiatives within the blockchain space, we possess the expertise and dedication required to execute this proposal effectively.

Our previous experience with blockchain integration Cardano projects funded by Catalyst in the previous funding round, including:

• Universal DevTools for Real-time Tracking for 45%+ of Global Websites Support (https://milestones.projectcatalyst.io/projects/1100282**))**
• Enhancing developer ecosystem with open source tooling (https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/11/cardano-open-developers/enhancing-cardano-developer-ecosystem-with-open-source-tooling**))**
• Cardano for 100,000+ students (https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/11/cardano-open-ecosystem/cardano-for-100000-students**))**
• CardanoChain Poultry Trace dApp” projects (https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/12/cardano-use-cases-concept/cardanochain-poultry-trace-dapp-transparent-supply-for-safe-quality-products**))**
• And more…

This highlights our commitment and proven ability to deliver impactful projects.

Our team is proud to be partnered with MLOps Community (https://mlops.community/**),,)** a global organization at the forefront of machine learning, DevOps, and cutting-edge technology. With branches in various countries and partnerships with industry leaders like AWS, NVIDIA, Databricks and more, we have demonstrated our capacity to deliver successful events and initiatives, showcasing our commitment to innovation and community engagement.

Also we are an Official Partner With Microsoft Startup Founder Hub, We receive more than 45 AI related Microsoft products with a mix of technical benefits and business resources.

We’re trusted by Microsoft!

Previous Success Recap

• Past Experience: Our team has successfully developed Blockchain and AI based Merit-Reputation Engine for Singularitynet.io (http://Singularitynet.io) of Mindplex.ai (http://Mindplex.ai)
• Educational Explorer App: 100,000+ downloads on Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.herma.apps.textbooks))
• Developer and User Feedback: 85% positive response rate from 50+ developer interviews
• Developer Tools: 60,000+ active monthly users across our mobile app tooling suite
• Community Recognition: 5+ successful Project Catalyst funding rounds totaling $300K+
• Technical Expertise: 8+ years blockchain development experience
• Open Source Contributions: 50+ GitHub repositories with 2,000+ stars
• Developer and User Feedback: 85% positive response rate
• Collaboration: Our project has joined Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub. We receive more than 45 AI related Microsoft products.
• Expertise in Educational Content: Experienced educators and subject matter experts ensure high-quality resources.
• Transparent Financial Management: Clear budgeting, expense tracking, and reporting processes
• Trustworthy Partnerships: Collaborations with Educational Institutions and Experts
• User Feedback Integration: Actively collecting and addressing user feedback for continuous improvement
• Well educated Leader: The project is owned and lead by BSc, MSc, BA and Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA)

We are Simply Highly Experienced programmers in haskell, plutus, solidity, AI, ML and subject matter experts ensure high-quality resources.

• Transparent Financial Management: Clear budgeting, expense tracking, and reporting processes
• User Feedback Integration: Actively collecting and addressing user feedback for continuous improvement
• Capability and Feasibility Validation: Utilizing past success metrics, implementing pilot programs, and committing personal time for project development.

[Milestones] Project Milestones

Milestone Title

Planning, System Design, and Technical Architecture Finalization

Milestone Outputs

In this phase, the complete technical roadmap for SmartScore will be improved and finalized. This includes creating detailed system architecture diagrams, entity-relationship models, API specifications, UI/UX wireframes, and the smart contract interaction model for the Cardano testnet. The development environment will be set up with version control and documentation standards in place. We will produce a detailed requirements document, finalize feature prioritization, and prepare the first iteration of the platform’s functional specifications. This planning ensures all stakeholders have a shared vision and a technically validated foundation before any coding begins.

Acceptance Criteria

• Approved platform architecture diagram and ERD.
• Completed technical requirement document and feature list.
• UI/UX mockups for all major screens approved by the team.
• Documented smart contract specifications for testnet deployment.
• Repository created with initial structure, environment setup, and contribution guidelines.
• Internal review meeting sign-off on the finalized roadmap and timeline.

Evidence of Completion

• PDF copies of improved architecture diagrams, ERD, and UI mockups.
• GitHub repository link with initial commits and README.
• Shared Google Doc with signed-off requirements.
• Video walkthrough of the planning deliverables.

Delivery Month

1

Cost

18000

Progress

20 %

Milestone Title

Initial Development of Core Modules and Backend Foundations

Milestone Outputs

This milestone focuses on building the initial backend, scalable database, improved frontend infrastructure and integrating the first version of the smart contract logic on Cardano testnet. Work will include creating the developer verification module, setting up the reputation oracle’s data pipeline (without AI integration at this stage), and enabling basic wallet connections for rating submissions. The initial database schema will be implemented, and backend APIs for authentication, dApp submission, and developer verification will be deployed.

Acceptance Criteria

• Developer verification smart contract deployed on testnet.
• Wallet connection flow functional in testnet environment.
• Backend API endpoints for verification, submission, and ratings operational.
• Reputation oracle basic pipeline configured to fetch off-chain data (GitHub, community activity).
• Database schema created and connected to backend logic.
• Successful test transactions demonstrating rating and verification flow.

Evidence of Completion

• Testnet transaction hashes for verification and rating submissions.
• GitHub commits showing backend and contract code.
• API documentation published in Swagger/OpenAPI format.
• Short demo video showing wallet connection and rating flow.

Delivery Month

2

Cost

22000

Progress

40 %

Milestone Title

Main Feature Development and AI Integration for SmartScore

Milestone Outputs

This milestone delivers the core SmartScore comparison engine and AI-powered search functionality. The system will integrate the on-chain rating data with off-chain developer activity to produce aggregated trust scores. AI/ML models will be trained to provide intelligent dApp recommendations based on user preferences. The frontend comparison dashboard will be implemented, allowing users to compare dApps side-by-side using real-time data from both blockchain and the reputation oracle.

Acceptance Criteria

• AI-powered recommendation and comparison engine deployed in testnet environment.
• SmartScore algorithm operational with live scoring updates.
• Fully functional comparison dashboard displaying trust scores, developer reputation, and update frequency.
• Integration of on-chain and off-chain metrics into a unified scoring model.
• API endpoints for AI search and comparison fully documented and accessible.

Evidence of Completion

• GitHub commits showing AI integration code and scoring logic.
• Demo video showing real-time comparisons and AI-based recommendations.
• Testnet API responses with combined on-chain and off-chain metrics.
• Documentation of AI model training and data sources used.

Delivery Month

4

Cost

25000

Progress

70 %

Milestone Title

Testing, Optimization, and Security Audit on Testnet

Milestone Outputs

The platform will undergo extensive quality assurance, including functional, integration, and security testing. Smart contracts will be audited for vulnerabilities, and the AI comparison logic will be validated for accuracy. UI/UX will be refined based on feedback from closed beta testers in the Cardano community. Performance optimization will ensure that API responses and smart contract calls execute within acceptable limits. All discovered issues will be documented and resolved.

Acceptance Criteria

• Completion of internal QA checklist for all modules.
• External security audit report for smart contracts with all critical issues resolved.
• Feedback from at least 20 community testers incorporated into final build.
• Demonstrated performance within acceptable latency thresholds (<2s response for API calls).
• Public testnet platform operational without critical bugs.

Evidence of Completion

• PDF security audit report with resolution notes.
• Issue tracker showing resolved bugs.
• Beta tester feedback survey results.
• Demo video walkthrough of optimized platform.

Delivery Month

5

Cost

20000

Progress

90 %

Milestone Title

Community Announcement, Documentation, and Final Reporting

Milestone Outputs

The final milestone focuses on public engagement, education, and open-source release. This includes publishing the complete documentation, technical tutorials, and developer onboarding guides. A public announcement campaign will be run across social media, Cardano forums, and developer groups. The GitHub repository will be finalized with clean, maintainable code. A final report summarizing the entire project, milestones achieved, and impact metrics will be submitted to Catalyst.

Acceptance Criteria

• Open-source code released under MIT/GPL-3.0 with clear documentation.
• Publication of video tutorials and user guides.
• Public community announcement posts across at least 5 platforms.
• Final report delivered to Catalyst including KPIs and adoption metrics.
• Evidence of community engagement and initial adoption post-launch.

Evidence of Completion

• GitHub repository with tagged final release.
• Public announcement links (Twitter, telegram, linkedin, Cardano Forum, etc.).
• Final PDF report submitted to Catalyst.
• Video tutorial links published publicly.

Delivery Month

6

Cost

15000

Progress

100 %

[Final Pitch] Budget & Costs

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Requesting a total of 100,000 ADA to deliver the full scope of this project, which includes smart contract development, AI integration, and user-facing features.

The budget is broken down across the following components:

Smart Contract Development – 18,000 ADA

Development of Plutus smart contracts to power the reputation oracle, on-chain feedback & rating system, and developer verification logic. This includes both contract writing and testnet deployment.

AI-Powered Features – 20,000 ADA

Implementation of AI-powered tools for dApp comparison and intelligent search (both traditional and semantic). This also includes natural language search enhancements and ML model training/integration.

Frontend & UX/UI Design – 12,000 ADA

Design and development of responsive user interfaces for comparison dashboards, feedback submission, and reputation viewing. Focus on usability and accessibility.

Backend & API Development – 10,000 ADA

Includes server-side logic, GraphQL/REST API development, data indexing, and dev verification modules to interface with smart contracts.

DevOps & Infrastructure – 6,000 ADA

Testnet deployment, CI/CD pipelines, server costs, containerization, uptime monitoring, and infrastructure scalability planning.

Testing & Quality Assurance – 6,000 ADA

Unit testing, integration testing, security checks, and auditing of smart contracts on PreProd/Testnet environments to ensure stability and robustness.

Project Management – 5,000 ADA

Covers planning, team coordination, milestone tracking, sprint meetings, and communication with the community and Catalyst team.

Documentation & Tutorials – 5,000 ADA

Preparation of technical documentation, developer onboarding guides, and tutorials for end users and ecosystem contributors.

Community Engagement & Feedback – 4,000 ADA

Engaging the Cardano community for qualitative feedback, alpha/beta testing, surveys, and organizing demo sessions for ecosystem actors.

Marketing & Ecosystem Awareness – 5,000 ADA

Includes launch video, visual branding, educational content, social media outreach, and ecosystem dApp registry listing.

Contingency Reserve (~5%) – 5,000 ADA

Allocated for unforeseen technical or infrastructure needs that may arise during implementation.

Final Reporting & Audit – 4,000 ADA

Covers preparation of the final report, open-source repository maintenance, and post-project evaluation to ensure transparency.

Total Requested: 100,000 ADA

This budget reflects a lean, modular, and milestone-driven strategy to deliver real utility to the Cardano ecosystem. It ensures technical delivery, usability, and impact — while enabling the community to engage, test, and benefit throughout the development process.

[Final Pitch] Value for Money

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

Our proposed project SMARTSCORE delivers significant long-term value by building essential public infrastructure for dApp discoverability, developer transparency, and reputation systems.

It serves the entire Cardano ecosystem by:

High Utility for Diverse Stakeholders

• Developers gain verified recognition, boosting trust in their dApps.
• Users & investors can make informed decisions using transparent on-chain metrics and AI-powered comparison tools.
• Researchers benefit from open data access and evaluation mechanisms.
• Catalyst-funded projects get visibility, user ratings, and proof of community value.

Efficient Use of Funds

• The budget is lean, focused on core platform development and verifiable deliverables.
• MVP already exists, reducing development costs.
• Open-source components will be shared with the community to minimize duplication.
• Smart contracts and AI modules will be optimized for scalability and cost-efficiency on-chain.

Sustainability & Reusability

• The AI search and comparison system is reusable across future Cardano tooling.
• Smart reputation contracts can integrate into other platforms (e.g., NFT marketplaces, dApp aggregators).
• Designed to be modular for extension by other developers.

Transparency & Measurable Results

• Impact is tracked using quantitative metrics (e.g., number of verified devs, reviewed dApps, search queries) and qualitative feedback from the community.
• All milestones are deliverable-based and time-bound, ensuring continuous value creation.
• The final product will be tested, documented, and deployed in both PreProd and Mainnet environments.

So the project offers a high return on investment by building shared infrastructure that empowers the Cardano community with trust, transparency, and discoverability at a fraction of the cost of centralized platforms.

[Required Acknowledgements] Consent & Confirmation

Terms and Conditions:

Yes