Moana Chain: Cardano Partner Chain Prototype

[Proposal setup] Proposal title

Please provide your proposal title

Moana Chain: Cardano Partner Chain Prototype

[Proposal Summary] Budget Information

Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA

160000

[Proposal Summary] Time

Please specify how many months you expect your project to last

9

[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 a flagship multi-chain use case and Indigenous Peoples have no sovereign digital systems for identity, governance, or local economies.

[Proposal Summary] Supporting Documentation

Supporting links

• https://gitlab.com/matou-collective/moana-blockchain
,
• https://www.matou.nz/
,
• https://www.docs.matou.nz/

[Proposal Summary] Project Dependencies

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

Yes

Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'

Access and availablitiy to the following project repositories: IOG Partner Chain Toolkit, Substrate (FRAME, Aura, Grandpa), Cardano Testnet node + stake snapshot endpoint, Docker/Kubernetes for validator deployment, Cardano-side reserve account for bridge plumbing, No additional external dependencies

[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.

MIT

[Theme Selection] Theme

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

Infrastructure

[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).

The Moana Partner Chain introduces capabilities that have never existed on Cardano or in the wider Web3 ecosystem, bringing a genuinely new category of blockchain use case: sovereign Indigenous digital infrastructure connected to Cardano.

1. A First-of-Its-Kind Indigenous Sovereignty Chain on Cardano

Moana is the first Cardano-anchored blockchain designed specifically around Indigenous governance, identity, and local economies.

No previous Catalyst-funded project or Cardano ecosystem product has delivered:

• a sovereign chain governed by Indigenous authorities
• cultural governance encoded at the infrastructure level
• participation through community-run nodes, not centralised app
• Indigenous economic models built into the chain runtime

This is entirely new to Cardano.

1. A New Category of Multi-Chain Use Case for Cardano

Moana showcases how Cardano can anchor a federated, values-driven network of sovereign chains, demonstrating:

• Cardano Testnet anchoring
• metadata signalling
• stake snapshot ingestion
• future Minotaur hybrid consensus compatibility

This expands Cardano beyond dApps into sovereignty infrastructure, a category not previously explored.

1. Community-Controlled Digital Infrastructure (Not a Platform)

Unlike previous identity or governance projects (e.g., Atala PRISM pilots, Ahau, TribalDIDs/DAOs research, Amnesty DAO),

Moana enables communities to:

• join the network by deploying their own node,
• participate directly in on-chain authority,
• run local governance and identity registries on their own infrastructure.
• This shifts Indigenous participation from users to infrastructure operators, which is a major step forward.

1. Integrates and Evolves Prior Indigenous Innovation

Moana builds on the teams previous lessons from earlier projects but provides clear improvements:

• Ahau → focused on peer-to-peer genealogy; Moana extends into full governance + economies
• TribalDIDs → research; Moana operationalises identity at chain level
• TribalDAOs → governance theory; Moana encodes governance into runtime logic
• Atala PRISM → identity credentials; Moana builds sovereign chains to manage identity
• Amnesty Human Rights DAO → governance experimentation; Moana becomes the underlying infrastructure

Rather than rehashing prior work, Moana establishes the infrastructure layer those projects were missing.

1. Opens Cardano to New Global Indigenous Adoption Pathways

Moana is housed in the Pacific but supported by contributors from:

• Turtle Island
• Latin America
• Africa

No previous Cardano project has created a global Indigenous infrastructure network capable of driving on-chain activity from multiple regions and cultural contexts.

1. A New Blueprint for Culturally-Aligned Blockchain Design

Moana innovates by embedding:

• tikanga-aligned authority rotation
• Indigenous governance patterns
• community-driven identity models
• culturally grounded economic logic
• directly into the chain.

This has never been done in the Cardano ecosystem.

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

The Moana prototype will demonstrate a fully operational version of the Moana Partner Chain, a sovereign Indigenous blockchain anchored to the Cardano Testnet. By the end of the project a complete, publicly accessible chain will be deployed and available for community testing.

The prototype will demonstrate:

• A running Proof-of-Authority Moana blockchain producing blocks
• Cardano Testnet integration, including metadata anchoring and stake snapshot ingestion
• Governance, identity, and token pallets operating inside the runtime
• Community participation through node deployment, allowing Indigenous organisations to join the network
• Sample dApps connected to the chain showing governance, identity, and economic features
• A public explorer and RPC endpoint for visibility and developer access

The prototype will be accessible through:

• The public Moana Testnet (RPC URLs, explorer, public bootnodes)
• The open-source GitLab repository with all code and documentation
• A community node deployment toolkit
• Public demo dApps connected to Moana

The community will be able to test the chain by:

• Running their own Moana nodes during the testnet phase
• Using the demo dApps to test identity registration, governance actions, and transactions
• Providing feedback during community calls and through GitLab issues
• Participating in governance simulations and stress tests
• Developers experimenting with or extending the runtime through open-source contributions

This prototype is designed to be fully testable on-chain and openly accessible to both Indigenous organisations and the wider Cardano community.

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

Short-term (0–12 months):

3–5 early adopter Indigenous organisations

~500–1,500 monthly users

3,000–10,000 Cardano-anchored metadata transactions per month

Medium-term (12–24 months):

10–20 Indigenous communities

5,000–20,000 active users

20,000+ cross-chain Cardano transactions per month

Long-term vision (3–5 years):

Dozens of federated Moana chains

Hundreds of Indigenous communities

Millions of Cardano-linked transactions annually

Housed in the Pacific but a growing global network of contributors in Turtle Island, LATAM, and Africa, this could become a major global adoption driver for Cardano, creating a network of real-world users that no other blockchain ecosystem is currently serving

[Your Project and Solution] Solution

Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem

Mātou Collective is building a global network of Indigenous developers, researchers, designers, and entrepreneurs committed to developing digital infrastructure that empowers Indigenous Peoples, protects cultural sovereignty, and strengthens identity, trade, governance, and coordination.

The Moana Partner Chain is the backbone of this infrastructure.

This proposal will deliver the first deployed Moana chain prototype with:

Proof-of-Authority (PoA) consensus for rapid deployment

Full Cardano Testnet integration (metadata anchoring, stake snapshot ingestion, cross-chain signals)

Minotaur-ready architecture for future hybrid PoS

Identity, governance, and token pallets core to Indigenous community needs

Explorer + API for community and developer usage

Deploy-your-own-chain toolkit for other Indigenous nations

This prototype forms the basis of a global Federated Indigenous Digital Infrastructure Network connected to Cardano.

Detailed Technical Approach

1. Chain Core (Substrate / Rust)
   1. Aura + Grandpa PoA consensus
   2. Modular runtime
   3. Pallets for:
   4. governance & authority rotation
   5. identity & registry
   6. assets & tokens (UTIL baseline)
   7. Cardano integration
   8. Minotaur scaffolding
   9. Configurable genesis + authority set
2. Cardano Integration
   1. Cardano Testnet reserve address
   2. Metadata anchoring (governance, epoch markers, authority rotation)
   3. Stake snapshot retrieval
   4. Cross-chain signaling
   5. Minotaur block-weight interfaces
3. Node Deployment Toolkit
   1. Docker Compose
   2. Helm charts
   3. Authority node deployment scripts
   4. Step-by-step “Launch Your Node” documentation

By the end of this project, we will deliver a publicly accessible, running Moana chain on Cardano Testnet including:

1. Functional PoA blockchain
2. Indigenous governance modules
3. Token & identity logic
4. Cardano integration (metadata & snapshots)
5. Explorer + API
6. A sample set of dApps demonstrating the chain
7. Documentation & onboarding material

[Your Project and Solution] Impact

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

The Moana Partner Chain brings a completely new category of on-chain activity to Cardano by enabling Indigenous organisations to join a sovereign blockchain network anchored to Cardano Testnet. This creates a pathway for real communities—across the Pacific, Turtle Island, Latin America and Africa—to generate meaningful on-chain metadata, governance signals, identity actions and economic activity.

Moana expands Cardano’s reach into global Indigenous movements seeking digital sovereignty, providing a flagship real-world use case that demonstrates Cardano’s multi-chain capability. By enabling communities to deploy their own nodes and participate directly in the network, Moana introduces a new form of decentralised, culturally governed adoption that no other blockchain ecosystem currently serves.

For the wider Cardano community, this project delivers:

A live partner-chain prototype connected to Cardano Testnet

Increased on-chain transactions through metadata anchoring and cross-chain signals

A template for future partner chains and multi-chain interoperability

Open-source pallets, documentation and deployment tooling available to all developers

A new user base that brings diversity, global reach, and long-term ecosystem growth

Moana creates real, values-driven adoption that strengthens Cardano as an ecosystem for communities, not just applications.

[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 team has deep experience delivering Indigenous-led digital infrastructure, blockchain systems, and Catalyst-funded projects. Mātou Collective and Galaxy Maps Engineering combine cultural governance expertise with strong technical capability in Rust, Substrate, Cardano integration, distributed systems, and full-stack development.

We validate feasibility through:

• Modular milestones with clear acceptance criteria
• Publicly deployed testnet chain accessible for community testing
• Continuous open-source development in GitLab
• Regular community updates, demos and feedback cycles
• Transparent reporting aligned with Catalyst standards

With a proven track record of delivering technical work, strong governance foundations, and an open development process, the team is well positioned to deliver the Moana prototype with high levels of trust, accountability and cultural integrity.

[Milestones] Project Milestones

Milestone Title

Chain Genesis & Authority Setup

Milestone Outputs

1. A new Substrate-based Moana chain is created from the Partnerchain toolkit template
2. PoA consensus configured with initial Indigenous authority keys
3. Genesis configuration defining network parameters, authorities, token configuration, and chain ID
4. Runtime compiled to WASM with initial pallets enabled (balances, identity base, governance scaffold)
5. Two or more local validator nodes running and producing blocks
6. Foundational documentation for chain structure and setup

Acceptance Criteria

1. The chain compiles without errors and runs consistently for multiple sessions
2. Local authority nodes reach consensus and continue block production beyond 1,000 blocks
3. Genesis spec is reproducible by any team member following documentation
4. Chain telemetry shows stable finality throughput
5. RPC endpoints function locally (block queries, state queries, system information)

Evidence of Completion

1. GitLab repository with runtime code, chain spec, and validator config
2. Logged output showing block heights and finalised blocks
3. Screenshots of two+ nodes syncing and producing blocks
4. Short video demo showing chain start-up, block production, and RPC queries
5. Telemetry snapshot or screenshots
6. Published documentation describing genesis and setup instructions

Delivery Month

3

Cost

48000

Progress

30 %

Milestone Title

Cardano Testnet Integration (Metadata Anchoring + Stake Snapshot Ingestion)

Milestone Outputs

1. Cardano Testnet address created for Moana reserve operations
2. Metadata anchoring module integrated (Substrate → Cardano)
3. Automated or semi-automated metadata posting tested from Moana events
4. Stake snapshot ingestion using Partnerchain toolkit reference models
5. On-chain storage of snapshot results inside the Moana runtime
6. Error handling and monitoring for cross-chain operations
7. Integration documentation and developer instructions

Acceptance Criteria

1. On-chain events in Moana generate Cardano Testnet metadata transactions
2. At least 10 metadata anchor events appear on Cardano Testnet, each representing Moana chain state
3. Stake snapshot data retrieved from Cardano Testnet and stored successfully in Moana storage
4. Cross-chain operations demonstrate repeatability and are documented with reference transaction IDs
5. Integration code compiles, runs, and is maintainable by external developers

Evidence of Completion

1. List of Cardano Testnet transaction IDs containing Moana metadata
2. Chain logs showing successful snapshot ingestion and storage
3. GitLab merge requests with integration code
4. Demo video walking through the anchoring and ingestion process
5. Documentation describing how to test, reproduce, and verify the integration

Delivery Month

5

Cost

32000

Progress

50 %

Milestone Title

Governance, Identity & Token Modules (Runtime Pallets)

Milestone Outputs

1. Custom governance pallet implementing authority rotation rules aligned with Indigenous structures
2. Identity/registry pallet supporting community membership or role assignment
3. Basic token asset pallet configured to support chain-native utility token flows
4. Governance events triggering metadata anchoring to Cardano Testnet
5. Test cases for governance actions, identity updates, and token transfers
6. Documentation describing the purpose and structure of each pallet

Acceptance Criteria

1. Governance actions (e.g., authority change proposals) successfully modify authority set on Moana
2. Identity entries can be created, updated, and queried via RPC
3. Token balances update correctly in runtime operations
4. Governance actions generate Cardano Testnet metadata entries
5. All pallets compile, run, and pass defined tests
6. Errors handled gracefully (invalid identity, invalid governance proposal, insufficient permissions)

Evidence of Completion

1. GitLab code with pallet implementations and tests
2. RPC queries showing governance and identity entries
3. Cardano Testnet metadata transaction IDs generated by governance events
4. Demo video showing governance action → cross-chain metadata creation
5. Documentation describing logic, API, governance flow, and identity model

Delivery Month

7

Cost

32000

Progress

70 %

Milestone Title

Community Node Deployment Toolkit

Milestone Outputs

1. Node deployment scripts (Docker, Docker Compose, systemd configuration, or binaries)
2. Configuration templates for bootnodes and network parameters
3. A “Community Node Onboarding Guide” explaining how any Indigenous organisation can join
4. Governance participation instructions for node operators
5. Security guidelines for key management and validator responsibilities
6. Internal testing of node deployment across at least 2 independent environments

Acceptance Criteria

1. A community node can be deployed outside the core team environment using documentation alone
2. Node successfully syncs with the Moana testnet from genesis or checkpoint
3. Node can submit transactions, query blocks, and participate in governance events
4. Node remains stable for multiple hours of operation
5. Security documentation addresses key management, updates, and monitoring

Evidence of Completion

1. GitLab repo containing scripts, templates, and detailed onboarding documentation
2. Screenshots/logs from a community-deployed node joining the network
3. Demo video walking through the deployment and syncing process
4. Confirmation of at least one external test node successfully connecting
5. Checklist showing which onboarding steps were tested

Delivery Month

8

Cost

32000

Progress

90 %

Milestone Title

Public Moana Testnet Launch + Connected dApps

Milestone Outputs

1. Public Moana testnet deployed with multiple validator nodes
2. Public RPC endpoint and bootnode list available
3. Explorer/indexer deployed and publicly accessible
4. At least two demonstration dApps (identity, governance, or economy) connected to the testnet
5. Performance monitoring and uptime tracking
6. Final documentation for developers, communities, and testers

Acceptance Criteria

1. Public testnet accessible to any user via RPC
2. Explorer shows live block production, authority set, and on-chain events
3. Demo dApps can connect to the chain and perform real transactions
4. Network remains stable under community use
5. Documentation enables independent developers to interact with testnet

Evidence of Completion

1. Live RPC endpoint URL
2. Live explorer link showing active Moana chain state
3. Demo dApp URLs with screenshots or video of live use
4. Block heights showing stable long-running chain
5. GitLab documentation repository updated with final instructions
6. Public announcement with links for community testing

Delivery Month

9

Cost

16000

Progress

100 %

[Final Pitch] Budget & Costs

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Category - ADA

Substrate development - 66,000

Partner Chain Toolkit integration - 20,000

Cardano Testnet connectivity - 20,000

Governance, Identity & Token Pallets - 20,000

Deployment & community node toolkit - 18,000

Documentation & onboarding - 8,000

Project management - 8,000

[Final Pitch] Value for Money

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

• First Indigenous-led partner chain anywhere in Web3
• Unlocks a globally unique Cardano-aligned use case
• Produces meaningful on-chain activity
• Open-source, reusable template
• Enables federated adoption through node deployment
• Bridges Cardano into global Indigenous sovereignty networks
• High-leverage impact for 160k ADA
• Delivers a complete, open-source prototype

[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