Last updated a month ago
Without a unified universal digital monitoring, reporting, and verification (dMRV) system, Cardano risks missing the multi-billion-dollar GHG and tokenized real-world asset market.
Malama Carbon delivers universal dMRV infrastructure on Cardano, enabling secure verification, issuance, and trading of high-integrity carbon credits and tokenized real-world assets at scale.
Please provide your proposal title
Malama Carbon - Universal dMRV Infrastructure on Cardano
Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA
495000
Please specify how many months you expect your project to last
9
Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated
No
Original Language
en
What is the problem you want to solve?
Without a unified universal digital monitoring, reporting, and verification (dMRV) system, Cardano risks missing the multi-billion-dollar GHG and tokenized real-world asset market.
Supporting links
Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?
Yes
Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'
The platform’s core delivery does not rely on any single external party. However, we have strategic relationships that will accelerate adoption and credit issuance once production-ready (none are required for the successful delivery of this proposal): AgEnergy Hawaiʻi – Feedstock supply agreement providing access to tens of thousands of tonnes of macadamia nut shells for biochar production, enabling large volumes of verified carbon credits. Founder Feedstock Agreement – Long-term agreement securing macadamia nut shell feedstock from a founder’s network, with Malama Carbon designated as the exclusive dMRV system for resulting credits. Prince Edward Island Government Collaboration – Active discussions to integrate our dMRV and carbon credit system into local compliance market pathways. Hawaiʻi State & Private Engagements – Ongoing talks with multiple governmental and private organizations in Hawaiʻi for integration into large-scale sequestration initiatives. These partnerships strengthen early transaction volume and market credibility, but the platform can launch and operate without them. Collaboration details can be shared privately with the Catalyst team if required.
Will your project's outputs be fully open source?
No
License and Additional Information
The core system is proprietary to protect against fraud and ensure long-term sustainability, but all outputs are transparent — with verifiable on-chain data, public dashboards, and free read-only APIs for the community.
Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal
RWA
Describe your established collaborations.
Established Collaboration
Describe funding commitments.
Funding Commitments
Describe your key performance metrics.
Key Performance Metrics (KPIs)
Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem
Malama Carbon Concept App Hero (Thank you Catalyst!)
From Concept to Production
In Fund 12, Malama Labs was awarded a Catalyst grant under the Concept category to build an MVP of our universal digital monitoring, reporting, and verification (u-dMRV) system. That MVP is now operating in controlled pilots and has exceeded the original scope, proving both technical viability and real-world demand for a Cardano-native carbon credit infrastructure.
This grant will enable us to transform that MVP into production-grade infrastructure—secure, scalable, and robust—ready for public use, enterprise integrations, and compliance markets. We will strategically leverage available resources, incentives, and partnerships across our operational regions to maximize the efficiency and reach of every Catalyst dollar.
Why This Approach
Who We Will Engage
Proving Our Impact
Impact will be measurable and visible on-chain from launch:
Why It’s Unique
Why It Matters to Cardano
This platform brings high-value, high-volume real-world asset transactions to Cardano while positioning the network as a trusted climate action ledger. By funding this proposal, Catalyst accelerates a proven MVP into a production-grade system - delivering measurable blockchain adoption, environmental impact, and integration opportunities with global partners.
Hawaii Parcel Land Carbon Assessment (algorithm + AI assisted)
Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community
How We Will Measure Impact
We will track both quantitative and qualitative impact, with all verifiable data recorded on-chain and accessible to the public.
On-Chain Metrics (Quantitative)
Qualitative (Off-Chain Metrics)
How This Brings Value to the Cardano Community
How We Will Share Outputs and Opportunities
Malama Carbon Concept Dashboard
image from Malama Carbon Deck - Available on request to catalyst team or investors
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?
Team & Track Record
Malama Carbon is led by a team with deep experience in both blockchain and carbon markets, and a proven ability to deliver real-world solutions.
Unique Operating Environments
Feasibility & Delivery Capability
Why Catalyst Can Trust Us to Deliver
Malama Carbon has already shown it can turn Catalyst support into tangible results. With technical depth, strategic partnerships, and disciplined governance, we are positioned to ensure every Catalyst dollar drives measurable on-chain adoption, environmental impact, and ecosystem growth for Cardano.
https://www.malamacarbon.com/team
Milestone Title
Infrastructure Upgrade & Scaling Readiness
Milestone Outputs
Upgrade backend and hosting infrastructure to a horizontally scalable architecture with load balancing, redundancy, and disaster recovery.
Deploy a secure CI/CD pipeline for automated builds, tests, and deployments.
Prepare a staging environment capable of integrating all future project components.
Acceptance Criteria
Scalable backend architecture documented and reviewed by lead architect.
Staging environment deployed and verified to handle the required concurrent requests with *load balancing and failover tested.
CI/CD pipeline operational with automated build, test, and deploy workflows; maintaining ≥95% automated test pass rate across all builds prior to deployment.
Deployment process reproducible via version-controlled scripts.
Evidence of Completion
Architecture diagrams and design documentation with internal approval sign-off.
Load test reports demonstrating performance under specified concurrent load.
Screenshots/video of staging environment showing redundancy and failover in action.
CI/CD pipeline logs showing successful automated deployments with passing tests.
Repository commit history demonstrating reproducible deployments.
Delivery Month
2
Cost
135000
Progress
30 %
Milestone Title
Backend Enhancements & Testing Framework
Milestone Outputs
Refine backend logic for digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV) workflows based on MVP lessons learned.
Finalize database schemas for scalability, multi-methodology support, and long-term maintainability.
Implement a comprehensive automated testing framework (unit + integration).
Enforce measurable test coverage standards to ensure long-term system reliability.
Optimize all core biochar dMRV workflows for performance and security.
Acceptance Criteria
Updated database schema deployed to staging and reviewed/approved by development lead.
All core biochar dMRV workflows optimized for both performance (load tested) and security (basic threat modeling completed).
Unit and integration tests achieve ≥90% coverage on critical modules, measured via Jest (or equivalent coverage tool).
All core API endpoints pass automated functional and integration tests with no critical errors.
Evidence of Completion
Schema documentation with review approval from lead developer.
Test coverage reports showing ≥90% coverage threshold met.
Automated test logs confirming all API endpoints pass functional and integration tests.
Commit history showing schema updates, workflow refinements, and test coverage implementation.
Delivery Month
3
Cost
90000
Progress
50 %
Milestone Title
Frontend Validation & State Management
Milestone Outputs
Validate all frontend components for production readiness, including performance, accessibility, and responsiveness.
Refactor state management flows for consistency, scalability, and maintainability across modules.
Fully integrate frontend with backend APIs and IoT data feeds.
Update map system with visual support and toggles for layered environmental data (soil, TMK, carbon estimates, etc.).
Implement QA automation for regression testing of critical user journeys.
Document state management flows and frontend–backend integration pathways.
Acceptance Criteria
All components pass QA testing for performance, WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility compliance, and responsiveness across devices.
State management flows documented, reviewed, and approved internally.
Successful end-to-end tests demonstrating frontend → backend → IoT integration using live staging data.
Map system updated with layered visual data and toggle controls, verified in staging.
Zero critical bugs or regressions identified in final QA cycle.
Evidence of Completion
QA, performance, and accessibility test reports published.
State flow documentation with internal approval sign-off.
Video walkthrough of frontend interacting with live staging backend and IoT data layers.
Bug tracking report showing zero open critical issues.
Delivery Month
4
Cost
45000
Progress
60 %
Milestone Title
IoT Pipeline & Sensor Integration
Milestone Outputs
Enhance Cardano-connected IoT devices for multi-sensor environmental data capture (solar-powered option available).
Deploy ingestion pipeline to record environmental data directly to Cardano mainnet at scheduled intervals or event-based triggers.
Implement uptime monitoring with automated integrity alerts for system reliability.
Validate pipeline resilience under network, power, and sensor interruption scenarios.
Conduct field tests in Hawaiʻi, Prince Edward Island, and Texas to demonstrate consistent real-world data delivery.
Establish a foundation for applying this IoT → Cardano data pipeline across future dMRV methodologies.
Acceptance Criteria
IoT devices successfully transmit multi-sensor data to Cardano mainnet at defined intervals/triggers.
Pipeline validated for cryptographic data integrity and resilience, including simulated network and power interruptions.
Uptime monitoring system operational, with automated alerts for downtime or anomalous data.
Field tests completed in Hawaiʻi, PEI, and Texas (prototype currently running at Dagwell’s house) with consistent data delivery demonstrated.
Evidence of Completion
On-chain transaction IDs from Cardano mainnet showing sensor data uploads.
Monitoring dashboard screenshots proving uptime and alert functionality.
Field test logs documenting successful data capture across all test locations.
Video demonstration of device operation and end-to-end data flow.
Delivery Month
4
Cost
45000
Progress
70 %
Milestone Title
Mainnet Credit Tokenization & Regional Retirement
Milestone Outputs
Acceptance Criteria
Evidence of Completion
Delivery Month
1
Cost
45000
Progress
80 %
Milestone Title
Deployment, Audit & Project Close-out
Milestone Outputs
Deploy production infrastructure, enabling credit minting for active projects in Hawaiʻi and Prince Edward Island.
Conduct an internal code and security audit, ensuring the system meets production-grade standards.
Finalize the scope and timeline for an external third-party audit (compliance + security).
Launch a public-facing dashboard for transparency, showing live credit issuance, retirements, and verification status.
Prepare and publish a Final Report and Close-out Video summarizing outcomes, lessons learned, and next steps.
Provide Catalyst with a complete Proof of Project package (PoA, audit results, community reporting).
Acceptance Criteria
Production environment live and in active use by at least two projects (Hawaiʻi + PEI).
Internal code and security audit completed and signed off by technical lead.
External audit plan finalized, with defined scope, provider, and timeline.
Public dashboard launched and accessible, with verifiable live data.
Final report and video submitted, with all prior milestones approved and documented.
Evidence of Completion
Screenshots and live link to production dashboard.
PDF of internal audit report with findings and remediation notes.
Public announcement of project launch (press release, Cardano Forum post).
Final report document + close-out video file published.
External audit plan document confirming provider and timeline.
Delivery Month
2
Cost
90000
Progress
100 %
Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources
Milestone 1 – Infrastructure Upgrade & Scaling Readiness
Total: ₳135,000
Core architecture, scaling, redundancy, CI/CD setup
Load testing, CI/CD validation, automated test coverage
Staging environment hosting, load balancing, monitoring tools
Milestone 2 – Backend Enhancements & Testing Framework
Total: ₳90,000
Database schema design, dMRV workflow optimization, test framework integration
Coverage enforcement, automated functional & integration testing
Threat modeling, load testing, remediation work
Project Management & Documentation (part-time, 2 months) – ₳5,000
Milestone 3 – Frontend Validation & State Management
Total: ₳45,000
Refactor state management, API & IoT integration, map system updates
WCAG 2.1 AA compliance, responsive design validation
End-to-end testing, regression automation, bug triage
Milestone 4 – IoT Pipeline & Sensor Integration
Total: ₳45,000
Sensors, microcontrollers, power modules, networking gear for Hawaiʻi & PEI field deployment
Device firmware optimization, multi-sensor integration, Cardano connectivity
Ingestion pipeline deployment, monitoring, resilience testing
Setup, field validation, travel support if required
Milestone 5 – Mainnet Credit Tokenization & Regional Retirement
Total: ₳45,000
FT/NFT issuance, metadata standards, retirement methods
Tokenization API, authentication, signature workflows
Pilot KYC onboarding, staging + testnet integration
Functional testing, retirement flow validation
Milestone 6 – Deployment, Audit & Close-out
Total: ₳90,000
Production deployment, monitoring setup, scaling checks
Threat modeling, penetration testing, remediation support
Scope definition, provider selection, compliance alignment
Public dashboard deployment, data pipelines, UX adjustments
Final report, video preparation, Catalyst reporting package
Launch announcement, Cardano community updates, forum posts
**Contingency & Risk Management (approx. 10%) – ₳45,000 **
Allocated across all milestones to cover unforeseen technical blockers, additional audit or compliance requirements, and expanded community engagement. Ensures delivery confidence without scope reduction.
How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?
High-Leverage Investment
This proposal represents a high-leverage use of Catalyst funds: it converts an operational MVP into production-grade, Cardano-native infrastructure for verifiable environmental data, credit issuance, and regional retirement methods — infrastructure that can be replicated globally.
Lean, Efficient Budget
Proportional to Industry Standards
Direct Value to Cardano
Strategic Fit for Catalyst
This proposal is a strategic investment that:
image from Malama Carbon Deck - Available on request to catalyst team or investors
Terms and Conditions:
Yes
Mālama Carbon is led by a multi-disciplinary founding team with proven experience in technology, agriculture, operations, and climate markets. Each team member is directly responsible for delivering a core component of this proposal. Our first facility partner, AgEnergy, is fully engaged and ready to integrate our dMRV into active production.
James Dawson – Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Role in Project: Overall project leadership, stakeholder alignment, and strategic oversight. Manages investor relations, governance, and ensures delivery to Catalyst commitments. Leverages extensive technology leadership background to coordinate technical and operational teams.
Paul Apao – Founder, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)
Role in Project: Leads agricultural strategy and local engagement in Hawaiʻi. Oversees deployment of dMRV solutions in agricultural contexts and ensures alignment with landowner, farmer, and community needs.
Dominick Garey – Founder, Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Role in Project: Technical lead for sensor development, blockchain integration, and infrastructure scaling. Directs development of production-grade dMRV pipelines and marketplace functionality.
Derrick Oatway – Founder, Chief Product Officer (CPO)
Role in Project: Oversees product vision, UI/UX design, frontend integration and backend architecture and horizontal scaling strategy. Leads schema finalization, frontend state management, and ensures user experience meets both enterprise and public expectations.
Facility Partner – AgEnergy
Role in Project: First commercial deployment site for Mālama Carbon’s dMRV infrastructure. AgEnergy’s facility processes macadamia nut shells into biochar, with the capacity to produce ~5,000 tonnes CO₂e removal annually once fully optimized. Will serve as a key proving ground for production-level data ingestion, verification, and credit issuance workflows, and supply a very healthy amount of credits for Cardano early on.
Skills Gaps & Recruitment Plan
We have all core leadership and technical competencies in-house. As we scale, we plan to recruit:
Cloud/DevOps Engineer – to support high-availability deployments and infrastructure monitoring.
UI/UX Designer – to optimize public dashboards and marketplace usability.
Verification & Compliance Specialist – to coordinate with external auditors and ensure registry integration readiness.
All prospective roles are scoped, and recruitment channels are identified to ensure rapid onboarding if additional hires are needed.