[Proposal setup] Proposal title

Please provide your proposal title

Space and Time: Secure Enterprise Data for Cardano

[Proposal Summary] Budget Information

Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA

900000

[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?

Cardano lacks enterprise data infrastructure for complex queries and cross-chain integration. No tamperproof system exists to cryptographically verify query accuracy, limiting institutional adoption.

[Proposal Summary] Supporting Documentation

Supporting links

• https://www.spaceandtime.io
,
• https://docs.spaceandtime.io/docs/welcome-to-space-and-time
,
• https://assets-global.website-files.com/642d91209f1e772d3740afa0/658edf3cf26933c4878ec965_whitepaper.pdf
,
• https://app.spaceandtime.ai/data-sets
,
• https://github.com/spaceandtimefdn

[Proposal Summary] Project Dependencies

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

Yes

Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'

The project depends on Space and Time's core infrastructure and Cardano's smart contract platform. These dependencies are essential as Space and Time provides the decentralized data warehouse technology while Cardano provides the blockchain infrastructure.

[Proposal Summary] Project Open Source

Will your project's outputs be fully open source?

Yes

License and Additional Information

The Cardano indexer codebase will be open sourced under a free-to-use-for-developers license (e.g., Apache 2.0 or a decentralized license with limited commercial restrictions). Developers can run it locally for free, or use our hosted managed service operated by MakeInfinite Labs for free with enterprise-tier rate limiting. This ensures long-term accessibility for the Cardano community while offering high-scale commercial users the option to upgrade to dedicated resources.

[Theme Selection] Theme

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

Developer Tools

[Campaign Category] Category Questions

Describe your established collaborations.

The Space and Time and Make Infinite Labs teams are already supporting major costumers publicly such as Fidelty, FTI Consulting, US Bank, and Chainlink. MakeIninite Labs team will collaborate closely with Cardano technical leadership to ensure our solution satisfies new partner use cases, as well as Space and Time Foundation team on the promotional side, post-completion.

Space and Time press releases: https://www.spaceandtime.io/news

Describe funding commitments.

MakeInfinite Labs has raised $50mm with backing from top investors such as Microsoft’s M12, Fidelity’s venture arm, Framework, Lightspeed Faction, Arrington, etc.

1. Seed Round - July 2022
   1. $10mm, led by Framework, with participation from DCG and six other investors.
2. Strategic Round - September 2022
   1. $20mm, led by Microsoft’s venture fund, M12, with participation from HashKey, Framework, Polygon Ventures, SevenX, and Foresight.
3. Series A Round - August 2024
   1. $20mm, led by Framework, with participation from Lightspeed Faction, Arrington, and Hivemind.

Describe your key performance metrics.

Onchain and offchain metrics will measure usage and impact of the Cardano indexing service, with results published in a public Space and Time dashboard.

Onchain KPIs:

• Average time from block production to indexed availability.
• Percentage of Cardano mainnet data indexed and queryable.
• Total queries served by the API.
• Query latency .
• Uptime of indexing service.

Offchain KPIs:

• Number of developers using the indexing API.
• Number of projects integrating indexed Cardano data.
• Monthly active developer accounts.
• Number of queries run via SDKs and example templates.

[Your Project and Solution] Solution

Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem

On Cardano, building an app requires fast, reliable access to blockchain data. However, without a high-quality, seconds-from-the-chain-tip data aggregator, developers face major delays. They must:

• Run and maintain their own node infrastructure.
• Build and maintain custom pipelines to parse raw chain data.
• Handle ongoing updates as Cardano evolves.

This slows time-to-market and raises costs, especially for smaller teams. Many apps need real-time data to function (for example, DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, and analytics dashboards) but cannot achieve it without a robust, self-service data aggregator.

Cardano currently lacks a free, production-grade data querying service that delivers structured, SQL data within seconds of the latest block. This gap makes it nearly impossibnle for builders to launch competitive, data-driven apps quickly.

Quick video demo highlighting how easy it is to build with Space and Time’s indexed data (this is an EVM focused demo, but we are so excited to bring this tech to Cardano!): https://www.loom.com/share/ccfe6cbe67cd4dbab9a252166403b185?sid=ffc0e69a-690b-4567-b125-25c6b1cfc7c8

We propose to build a tamperproof, enterprise-grade data aggregator for Cardano, fully integrated into Space and Time’s decentralized data warehouse. This will allow developers, enterprises, and analysts to query real-time, verifiable Cardano blockchain data without running their own indexing infrastructure.

The Cardano indexer codebase will be open sourced under a free-to-use-for-developers license (e.g., Apache 2.0 or an open decentralized license with some commercial restrictions). Developers can run it locally at no cost, or use our hosted managed service operated by MakeInfinite Labs for free with enterprise-tier rate limiting. This ensures that every Cardano developer can access enterprise-grade indexing without cost barriers for at least three years. In addition, all existing Space and Time customers will see Cardano data displayed alongside other major L1/L2 networks in our platform, bringing Cardano to the same visibility tier as the largest chains in the blockchain space.

Our solution will:

• Ingest Cardano mainnet data in real-time from multiple fullnodes (we will run these ourselves and contribute to the decentralisation of the network), ensuring data is tamperproof, accurate, and up to the tip (<1 block).
• data aggregator will capture core chain data (blocks, txns, contract event logs, transfers, balances, etc) as well as self-service indexing of devs’ individual contracts they’ve deployed.
• Store that data in Space and Time’s distributed, verifiable database, secured by our novel Proof of SQL protocol to ensure results are cryptographically tamperproof.
• Provide comprehensive REST APIs for easy programmatic access.
• Include AI-powered Prompt-to-SQL in our web app (app.spaceandtime.ai), enabling natural-language queries that generate secure, optimized SQL.
• Offer prebuilt analytics schemas covering transactions, staking, governance, tokens, and smart contracts to accelerate dApp development.
• Allow devs to operate their own open source data aggregator for free.

[Your Project and Solution] Impact

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

The Cardano ecosystem will benefit from:

• A next-gen, Rust-based, open source data aggregator built for both core chain data (blocks, txns, contract event logs, transfers, balances, etc) as well as self-service indexing of devs’ individual contracts they’ve deployed.
• Devs can spin up and operate their own open source data aggregator at their discretion, or use our free rate limited APIs (hosted for the devs).
• Lower barriers to entry for developers; anyone can instantly query clean, indexed Cardano data without running or maintaining infrastructure.
• Accelerated dapp and analytics adoption; builders can focus on products instead of backend data pipelines.
• Improved transparency and trust; Space and Time (with development from MakeInfinite Labs) ensures that data and analytics can be cryptographically verified as accurate and untampered.
• AI-powered SQL; natural-language querying opens Cardano data to non-technical users, driving broader ecosystem engagement.

All existing Space and Time customers will see Cardano indexed alongside other leading L1/L2 blockchains in the Space and Time platform, expanding Cardano’s exposure to institutional users, large enterprises, and 10k+ monthly active developers already leveraging our APIs.

[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?

Make Infinite Lab’s Capability to Deliver

• Proven track record: Space and Time has already deployed similar tamperproof data aggregators for other major blockchains such as BTC, Eth, Base, Sui, Polkadot, Sei, Avalanche, Arbitrum etc… used by large US financial institutions and 10k+ active devs each month.
• Unique ability for tamperproofing data: Our decentralized data warehouse and Proof of SQL protocol from Space and Time (part of the indexing effort, built in) are production-ready and purpose-built for secure blockchain data analytics.
• Experienced team – We are a team of ~30 seasoned database, blockchain, and distributed systems engineers backed by Microsoft’s venture fund and a wealth of crypto-native funds since 2022.

Feasibility: We will prototype the Cardano data aggregator by adapting our existing indexing framework to Cardano’s unique data model.

• We will adapt our existing indexing framework to Cardano’s extended UTxO (EUTxO) model, which differs significantly from account-based chains like Ethereum. Cardano transactions reference multiple inputs and outputs, each containing custom datum and script data. This structure requires specialized parsing logic to accurately index assets, scripts, and onchain state transitions.
• Indexing will also include multi-asset support, as Cardano natively supports user-defined tokens at the ledger level without smart contracts… meaning the data aggregator must track policy IDs, asset names, and quantities alongside ADA transactions.
• Our schema will account for Plutus script interactions and datum decoding so that developers can query both raw transaction data and higher-level contract states.
• We will benchmark Cardano indexing against our existing chain integrations to confirm seconds-from-chain-tip ingestion and low-latency API responses.
• Cryptographic tamperproofing will be validated end-to-end so that every query served through the API can be independently verified via Proof of SQL.
• A public API endpoint will be released early for community testing, enabling us to validate usability, coverage, and performance with real Cardano builders before full-scale deployment.

[Milestones] Project Milestones

Milestone Title

Milestone 1 – Project Scope & Integration Plan

Milestone Outputs

• A finalized scope document detailing the architecture, technical requirements, and integration plan for Cardano indexing within the Space and Time platform.
  • Includes infrastructure requirements, development roadmap, and team allocation.

Acceptance Criteria

• Scope document delivered and approved.
• Includes detailed schema for Cardano blockchain data ingestion.
• Includes proposed API endpoints and SQL access.
• Complete technical architecture diagrams and data models.

Evidence of Completion

• Final PDF scope document.
• Public announcement (e.g., blog post or GitHub issue) summarizing project scope.

Delivery Month

1

Cost

85000

Progress

10 %

Milestone Title

Milestone 2 – Prototype data aggregator & Historical Data Load

Milestone Outputs

• Functional prototype of the Cardano data aggregator capable of ingesting and storing at least one month of historical mainnet data in the Space and Time decentralized data warehouse.
  • Includes initial database schema and API connectivity for internal testing.

Acceptance Criteria

• Successful historical data ingestion covering minimum one month.
• Indexed data queryable internally via SQL and REST APIs.
• Internal performance benchmarks completed and documented.
• Data integrity validation reports showing 99.9% accuracy.

Evidence of Completion

• Screenshots and logs showing historical data successfully queried.
• GitHub repository with prototype code (private or public).
• Internal benchmark report.

Delivery Month

2

Cost

170000

Progress

30 %

Milestone Title

Milestone 3 – Real-Time Indexing & API Availability (Beta)

Milestone Outputs

• Deployment of real-time Cardano indexing to production environment with beta-level API availability for selected developer partners.
  • Includes Proof of SQL verification for indexed data, WebSocket support for live updates, and comprehensive monitoring dashboard for tracking system performance and data accuracy.

Acceptance Criteria

• End-to-end real-time block ingestion with <1 block delay.
• Beta REST and SQL endpoints available to selected testers.
• Positive functional test results from at least two external developers.
• ZK proof generation for all queries functioning correctly.

Evidence of Completion

• Public-facing beta API documentation.
• Sample queries with proof outputs.
• Feedback report from beta testers.

Delivery Month

4

Cost

230000

Progress

50 %

Milestone Title

Milestone 4 – UAT, Performance Optimization & Security Review

Milestone Outputs

• Full user acceptance testing with ecosystem partners, performance tuning to meet production SLA, and completion of a third-party security review of the Cardano indexing service.
  • Includes load testing, failover mechanisms, and comprehensive documentation updates based on partner feedback.

Acceptance Criteria

• All critical UAT feedback addressed.
• data aggregator meets SLA target (e.g., <500ms query response for standard requests).
• Passed independent security review with no critical vulnerabilities.
• API versioning strategy implemented and tested.

Evidence of Completion

• UAT completion report signed by partner testers.
• Security review report from third-party auditor.
• Updated technical documentation.

Delivery Month

5

Cost

170000

Progress

70 %

Milestone Title

Milestone 5 – Public Launch & Ecosystem Marketing

Milestone Outputs

• Public release of the Cardano indexing and query service on the Space and Time platform with open access for all Cardano developers.
  • Includes ecosystem marketing, webinars, and documentation.

Acceptance Criteria

• API and SQL endpoints available to all registered developers.
• At least 3 ecosystem marketing activities completed (e.g., webinars, blog posts, Twitter Spaces).
• Documentation published and accessible via Space and Time portal.

Evidence of Completion

• API live with public documentation link.
• Recordings of marketing events.
• Announcement posts on official Cardano and Space and Time channels.

Delivery Month

6

Cost

145000

Progress

90 %

Milestone Title

Milestone 6 – Final Report & Demonstration Video

Milestone Outputs

• Final grant report summarizing technical delivery, ecosystem impact, and usage metrics.
• Professionally produced demonstration video showing the Cardano data aggregator in action, including real-world use cases, performance benchmarks, and testimonials from ecosystem partners and early adopters.

Acceptance Criteria

• Written report covering all milestones, budgets, and KPIs.
• Demonstration video showing example queries, Proof of SQL outputs, and live API responses.
• Report and video published publicly.
• Usage metrics showing daily API calls from unique users.
• Partner testimonials and case studies included.
• Open-source contributions and community engagement metrics documented.

Evidence of Completion

• PDF final report.
• Video link published on Space and Time and Cardano community sites.
• Confirmation from Catalyst reviewers of deliverable acceptance.

Delivery Month

6

Cost

110000

Progress

100 %

[Final Pitch] Budget & Costs

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Phase 1: Initial Development, Launch, and Prepaid Operations – 900,000 ADA (Milestone-Based)

This phase covers the full engineering buildout, infrastructure setup, testing, launch, and prepayment for two years of operations and ecosystem support. All operational expenses (formerly Phase 2) are embedded here to guarantee the service runs at full scale for two years without additional funding.

Engineering & Integration

• Custom RPC development, DDL design, smart contract indexing, Rust development for Cardano support.
• Est: 200,000 ADA

Infrastructure Setup (incl. 2 years prepaid hosting)

• Node operations, hosting environments, staging and production pipelines, network monitoring tools, prepaid for 24 months of high-availability hosting.
• Est: 160,000 ADA

Quality Assurance & Testing

• Manual and automated QA, performance benchmarking, schema validation.
• Est: 30,000 ADA

UI Customization

• Branded UI implementation for Cardano ecosystem, integration of AI-assisted query interface.
• Est: 20,000 ADA

Documentation & Developer Tooling

• SDKs, APIs, example SQL queries, onboarding templates.
• Est: 20,000 ADA

Community Engagement & Feedback Loop

• Early access onboarding, MVP partner support, user testing sessions.
• Est: 20,000 ADA

Project Management & Reporting

• Coordination, milestone tracking, updates to community and stakeholders.
• Est: 25,000 ADA

Marketing & Promotion

• PR, blogs, co-branded launch materials, hackathons, AMAs.
• Est: 40,000 ADA

Prepaid Engineering & Maintenance (2 years)

• Ongoing schema updates, optimization, scaling, support tickets prepaid for 24 months post-launch.
• Est: 220,000 ADA

Prepaid Community Support & DevRel (2 years)

• Forum presence, office hours, Discord support, event participation prepaid for 24 months post-launch.
• Est: 60,000 ADA

Prepaid Platform Enhancements (2 years)

• Continuous improvements, UI/UX upgrades, new dashboard modules prepaid for 24 months post-launch.
• Est: 80,000 ADA

Prepaid Marketing & Adoption (2 years)

• Developer outreach, case studies, co-selling with Cardano teams prepaid for 24 months post-launch.
• Est: 40,000 ADA

Prepaid Governance & Reporting (2 years)

• Ongoing progress reports, reviews with stakeholders, transparency dashboards prepaid for 24 months post-launch.
• Est: 35,000 ADA

Phase 2: Ongoing Maintenance & Ecosystem Support – Funded in Phase 1 (Free to Funder)

All ongoing operations, maintenance, and ecosystem support costs are fully prepaid in Phase 1. No further funding will be required for:

Infrastructure & Hosting

• High-availability servers, data pipelines, monitoring, full node ops.

Engineering & Maintenance

• Ongoing schema updates, optimization, scaling, support tickets.

Community Support & DevRel

• Forum presence, office hours, Discord support, event participation.

Platform Enhancements

• Continuous improvements, UI/UX upgrades, new dashboard modules.

Marketing & Adoption

• Developer outreach, case studies, co-selling with Cardano teams.

Governance & Reporting

• Ongoing progress reports, reviews with stakeholders, transparency dashboards.

[Final Pitch] Value for Money

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

This is the Rolls Royce of data aggregators, suitable for institutional consumption by firms such as Fidelty, FTI Consulting, US Bank, and Chainlink, etc. Today, if a dev wants to build an app on Cardano they have to pay for mediocre 3rd-party data APIs, and do not have a data warehouse ready for SQL queries against any onchain Cardano user activity. Importantly, this funding delivers a production-ready indexing solution within 6 months and covers 36 months of maintenance, with free, verifiable data access for all Cardano developers. The long-term impact, zero-cost access model, and infrastructure-grade quality of the solution make this a high-leverage investment for the Cardano ecosystem.

The proposed budget reflects industry-standard rates for blockchain infrastructure, protocol engineering, and zero-knowledge development. Our cost estimates are based on actual indexing costs when collecting data from popular chains already available to be queried from Space and Time.

[Required Acknowledgements] Consent & Confirmation

Terms and Conditions:

Yes