IMPRINT: The Mobile App for RWAs - Print, Scan & Mint

[Proposal setup] Proposal title

Please provide your proposal title

IMPRINT: The Mobile App for RWAs - Print, Scan & Mint

[Proposal Summary] Budget Information

Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA

195000

[Proposal Summary] Time

Please specify how many months you expect your project to last

12

[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?

Artisans and makers work in studios and workshops not at desks. They lack a mobile tool to effortlessly tag, photograph, and mint assets instantly at the point of creation, limiting RWA growth.

[Proposal Summary] Supporting Documentation

Supporting links

• https://github.com/newmindflow/Imprint

[Proposal Summary] Project Dependencies

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

Yes

Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'

We plan to utilize the NMKR SDK for minting and policy management. This dependency reduces our development overhead and ensures enterprise-grade node reliability. The app will rely on generic ESC/POS Bluetooth protocols. We are not dependent on a single printer manufacturer. The system is designed to work with widely available thermal printers (Niimbot, Zebra, Brother, etc.).

[Proposal Summary] Project Open Source

Will your project's outputs be fully open source?

Yes

Please provide details on the intellectual property (IP) status of your project outputs, including whether they will be released as open source or retained under another licence.

This project will be fully open source under the MIT License. All code, including the mobile app and printer logic will be published to our public GitHub repository.

[Theme Selection] Theme

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

RWA

[Campaign Category] Category Questions

Describe what makes your idea innovative compared to what has been previously launched in the market (whether by you or others).

While enterprise solutions like VeChain (Supply Chain) or Arianee (Luxury Fashion) exist on other chains, they target large corporations with high implementation costs.

On Cardano, infrastructure like NMKR provides the backend rails, but lacks a dedicated mobile frontend for physical creators. IMPRINT fills this gap.

We are the first mobile-first tool on Cardano specifically designed for the artisan/maker economy, democratizing effortless RWA creation using commodity hardware (Bluetooth thermal printers) instead of expensive proprietary tags.

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

The MVP will demonstrate a frictionless workshop-to-wallet workflow.

1. Bluetooth Printing: Instant generation of unique QR asset tags via standard thermal printers.
2. Visual Binding: Using the device camera to permanently link the physical object to the RWA token.
3. Mobile Minting: A streamlined integration with a minting engine to mint on the Cardano testnet.

This will prove RWA creation can happen entirely in the workshop/studio.

Access:

Source code will be live live at https://github.com/newmindflow/Imprint

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

A functional prototype of a mobile, physical to digital bridge for minting RWA tokens on Cardano testnet.

1. A testnet app release that confirms technical feasibility for a future commercial Mainnet launch.
2. An open-source GitHub repository allowing any developer to fork and build mobile minting tools.
3. 50+ RWA tokens minted on testnet, proving the mobile engine and minting integration work at scale.

[Your Project and Solution] Solution

Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem

Adoption Follows Convenience.

Our guiding principle is simple: If we don't minimize the effort required to create RWA assets on Cardano, they simply won't be created.

IMPRINT is a mobile app, built for makers that removes the friction of desktop-based minting. It allows creators to register physical objects to the Cardano blockchain at the moment of creation.

Our solution reverses the traditional workflow. Instead of forcing the artisan to the computer, we bring the blockchain to the workbench.

How It Works

IMPRINT integrates three distinct technologies into a single, fluid mobile experience:

The app communicates directly with portable Bluetooth thermal printers to generate unique QR asset tags instantly.

Using the mobile camera, the creator captures the physical object with its new tag, creating an immutable visual link between the item and its blockchain token.

We leverage the NMKR SDK to handle the complex UTxO management and policy scripts in the background, allowing the user to mint a compliant (CIP-25 or CIP-68) token with a single tap.

Why We Chose This Approach

We perceive the problem not as a lack of blockchain capability, but as a failure of user experience. Artisans, sculptors, and makers work in studios, not at desks. They prefer mobile devices when they work, not desktops.

The current requirement to photograph an item, transfer files to a PC, generate a QR code separately, print it, and then use a dApp is too disjointed for mass adoption.

IMPRINT is built for the "Maker Economy":

• Independent Artisans: Leatherworkers, potters, and furniture makers who need to prove authenticity.
• Fine Artists: Canvas painters and sculptors establishing provenance.
• Small-Batch Manufacturers: Producers of limited-run goods who need efficient tracking.

IMPRINT is unique on Cardano because it integrates hardware command sets directly into the minting flow.

This is important because it targets RWA (Real World Assets) adoption. By lowering the technical barrier to near zero, IMPRINT empowers non-technical users to drive transaction volume and economic value onto Cardano, moving the ecosystem beyond speculative assets and into tangible utility.

[Your Project and Solution] Impact

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

IMPRINT’s main impact will be unlocking a new category of users: the maker economy. Currently RWA adoption is mostly restricted to large enterprises or highly technical individuals.

By abstracting the blockchain behind a familiar mobile interface, IMPRINT impacts the ecosystem in three key ways:

1. We provide the missing last mile tooling required to bring physical goods on-chain.
2. IMPRINT demonstrates that Cardano applications can feel as intuitive as Web2 apps. By integrating printing directly, we set a new standard for how mobile dApps should interact with the physical world.
3. Our repository will serve as a foundational library for future developers building similar logistics tools.

Measuring Impact Metrics:

• Successful creation of 50+ RWA tokens on the Cardano testnet during the beta phase.
• Reducing the average "Capture-to-Mint" time to under 5 minutes (compared to the15 minutes we approximate for a desktop workflow).
• We will conduct structured user surveys with makers to validate that the "Print, Scan, Mint" workflow aligns with their actual studio environment.

Sharing Outputs & Opportunities:

• The complete source code will be published on our GitHub repository under the MIT License.
• We will release a video walkthrough demonstrating the full lifecycle of an asset—from printing the label to viewing the final NFT on a Cardano explorer.

[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?

We are a team of two experienced Project Managers and Designers with a proven track record of shipping software products. We have been active builders in the Cardano ecosystem since 2021, possessing a deep understanding of the technical landscape and community needs.

We have successfully managed, completed, and closed out several Catalyst-funded projects:

https://milestones.projectcatalyst.io/projects/1100202

https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/9/the-great-migration-from-ethereum/attract-eth-nft-projects-and-talent

https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/8/open-source-development-ecosystem/nft-swap-infrastructure-templates-1

https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/8/open-standards-and-interoperability/nft-guild-nft-royalty-standards

Apart from these projects, that we were funded for directly, we have also worked on the team of several other funded and successfully closed out proposals over the years. We understand the reporting requirements, milestone structures, and responsibilities required to execute a Fund 15 project.

Prior to Cardano, we developed and shipped several iPad applications. We understand the full software development lifecycle, from UI/UX design to QA and deployment.

While our core strength is Product Management and Design, we possess the technical fluency to architect and build modern web applications. For IMPRINT, we are leveraging a robust stack and AI-assisted development workflows to ensure rapid, high-quality code delivery.

For IMPRINT specifically, we are deploying a React Native (Expo) architecture. This allows us to maintain a single codebase for both iOS and Android, maximizing our resource efficiency.

We are utilizing the NMKR SDK for all blockchain interactions. This decision eliminates the need for complex, custom smart contract development.

We have moved beyond the idea stage. To validate feasibility before asking for funds, we have already produced the foundational assets:

Public GitHub Repository:

We have initialized the project repository:

https://github.com/newmindflow/Imprint

We designed the system architecture - a diagram mapping the data flow between the Physical Object, Mobile App, and Cardano.

https://github.com/newmindflow/Imprint/blob/main/README.md#-the-workflow

All code and project progress is visible on our public GitHub repository. The community can audit our work in real-time.

Our history of successfully closing projects demonstrates that we allocate resources efficiently and deliver on our promises.

[Milestones] Project Milestones

Milestone Title

Architecture & Design

Milestone Outputs

1. Complete Project Architecture Document (Technical Specification).
2. High fidelity UI/UX design for all app screens.
3. Hardware procurement (test printers, consumables, etc.).
4. GitHub repository with React Native scaffold.

Acceptance Criteria

1. The Architecture document must map in detail the data flow between app, printer, IPFS, and minting engine.
2. UI Designs must cover the full user journey: Home, Scan, Print, Metadata Input.
3. The hardware purchased must be according to the needs of this proposal.
4. Repository must be public and contain the initial code and project structure.

Evidence of Completion

1. Link to PDF of Architecture Diagram.
2. Link to PDF of UI mockups.
3. Receipts and photo evidence of purchased test hardware.
4. Link to public GitHub Repository.

Delivery Month

3

Cost

30000

Progress

20 %

Milestone Title

Mobile Core Development (The Interface)

Milestone Outputs

1. Functional React Native mobile application (alpha build).
2. Implementation of camera logic (photo capture & local storage).
3. Implementation of metadata input forms (asset details).
4. Local database setup for offline draft management.

Acceptance Criteria

1. The app must run on a mobile device simulator (Android/iOS).
2. User can take a photo within the app and see it displayed on the "New Asset" screen.
3. User can save a Draft asset with text details locally.

Evidence of Completion

1. Video demonstration of the app running on a device simulator.
2. Link to the camera and form logic in the GitHub repository.

Delivery Month

6

Cost

40000

Progress

50 %

Milestone Title

Hardware Integration (Bluetooth Printing)

Milestone Outputs

1. Integration of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) scanning and pairing logic.
2. Implementation of the command library for thermal printers.
3. "Generate & Print QR" feature functioning within the mobile app.

Acceptance Criteria

1. App can scan for and connect to a supported thermal printer (such as: Niimbot, Zebra, Brother etc.).
2. App can send a command via Bluetooth to print a readable QR code containing a unique Asset ID.

Evidence of Completion

1. Video evidence showing the mobile app connecting to a physical printer and successfully printing a sticker.
2. Link to code for the Bluetooth module in GitHub.

Delivery Month

9

Cost

50000

Progress

70 %

Milestone Title

Blockchain Integration

Milestone Outputs

1. Integration of minting SDK / API such as NMKR.
2. IPFS Image Upload logic.
3. Full End-to-End "Print-Scan-Mint" workflow functioning on Cardano testnet.
4. Mobile app Beta release for community testing.

Acceptance Criteria

1. User can upload the asset photo to IPFS via the app.
2. User can submit a minting transaction to the Cardano testnet.
3. The minted token must appear on a testnet explorer with correct metadata and image.

Evidence of Completion

1. Links to 5 successful testnet transaction IDs.
2. Link to the downloadable app file on GitHub Releases.
3. Video walkthrough of the full minting process.

Delivery Month

11

Cost

40000

Progress

90 %

Milestone Title

Launch & Closeout

Milestone Outputs

1. Final open-source code public release with MIT license.
2. Video tutorial for artisans and makers.
3. Project closeout report that meets all official Catalyst requirements.
4. Project closeout video that meets all official Catalyst requirements.

Acceptance Criteria

1. The project is fully documented in the README.
2. The video tutorial is public.
3. The closeout report and video that adhere to all the requirements presented in the Catalyst documentation: https://docs.projectcatalyst.io/current-fund/general-information/project-close-out-report-and-project-close-out-video-pcr-and-pcv

Evidence of Completion

1. Link to the final GitHub release.
2. Link to the public video tutorial.
3. Link to the closeout report.
4. Link to the public closeout video.

Delivery Month

12

Cost

35000

Progress

100 %

[Final Pitch] Budget & Costs

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

The requested budget is calculated based on a 12-month development timeline for a team of two senior creative technologists. It accounts for 800 hours of specialized work—covering System Architecture, React Native development, Bluetooth R&D, and UI/UX design, at a blended industry rate of $95 USD/hr.

This budget also includes a dedicated allocation for hardware procurement (thermal printers, consumables, etc.) required to build and validate the physical integration.

The total is requested in ADA at an exchange rate of $0.40 ($0.408 at the time of writing).

Milestone Cost Breakdown

Milestone 1: Foundation, Architecture & Design 30,000 ADA

Milestone 2: Mobile Core Development 40,000 ADA

Milestone 3: Hardware Integration (Bluetooth Printing) 50,000 ADA

Milestone 4: Blockchain Integration (Testnet) 40,000 ADA

Milestone 5: Launch, Reporting & Close-out 35,000 ADA

TOTAL : 195,000 ADA

[Final Pitch] Value for Money

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

The total budget of 195,000 ADA represents excellent value for money by delivering a production-grade mobile application at a fraction of the cost of a typical agency build.

Our budgeted blended rate of ~$95/hr is highly competitive for senior creative technologists with 5+ years of blockchain experience. Standard agency rates for blockchain developers in Western Europe, where we are based, currently range from $120 - $150/hr. By keeping development in-house, we are effectively providing below market rates, a 30-40% discount compared to outsourcing to a dedicated blockchain dev shop.

This project creates disproportionate value relative to its cost by unlocking a massive sector of the economy: onboarding the Maker Economy. The global handicrafts market is projected to reach $1.29 trillion by 2033. By lowering the technical barrier for artisans and makers to tokenize their work, IMPRINT opens a direct funnel for these high-value, real-world assets to enter Cardano. Even a 0.01% adoption rate among these creators would drive significant transaction volume.

The most expensive part of this project is the R&D required to make mobile phones talk to thermal printers via Bluetooth. By open-sourcing this specific logic, we save future Cardano developers hundreds of hours of work. Any future project—whether for ticketing, logistics, or retail, can fork our code to build their own hardware integrations for free.

For 195k ADA, the ecosystem gets a flagship example of how Cardano can work “in the hand”. This prototype serves as a powerful marketing tool to show that Cardano is ready for real-world business, not just DeFi speculation.

As multi-time Catalyst fund recipients (Fund 8, 9, 11), we have a proven track record of managing treasury funds responsibly. We treat every ADA as an investment by the community, adhering to strict milestone reporting and transparent GitHub activity to prove that value is being delivered at every step.

[Self-Assessment] Self-Assessment Checklist

I confirm that evidence of prior research, whitepaper, design, or proof-of-concept is provided.

Yes

I confirm that the proposal includes ecosystem research and uses the findings to either (a) justify its uniqueness over existing solutions or (b) demonstrate the value of its novel approach.

Yes

I confirm that the proposal demonstrates technical capability via verifiable in-house talent or a confirmed development partner (GitHub, LinkedIn, portfolio, etc.)

Yes

I confirm that the proposer and all team members are in good standing with prior Catalyst projects.

Yes

I confirm that the proposal clearly defines the problem and the value of the on-chain utility.

Yes

I confirm that the primary goal of the proposal is a working prototype deployed on at least a Cardano testnet.

Yes

I confirm that the proposal outlines a credible and clear technical plan and architecture.

Yes

I confirm that the budget and timeline (≤ 12 months) are realistic for the proposed work.

Yes

I confirm that the proposal includes a community engagement and feedback plan to amplify prototype adoption with the Cardano ecosystem.

Yes

I confirm that the budget is for future development only; excludes retroactive funding, incentives, giveaways, re-granting, or sub-treasuries.

Yes

[Required Acknowledgements] Consent & Confirmation

I Agree

Yes