Last updated a month ago
Cardano developers lack access to advanced coin selection algorithm. Integrating MACS will solve UTxO inefficiencies and unlock optimal transaction building capabilities.
Integrate MACS algorithm into evolution-sdk alongside CIP-0002 standards, asset-specific, and random selection. Create modular API allowing developers to choose optimal coin selection per transaction
Please provide your proposal title
No Witness - Lower Fees with MACS coin selection algorithm
Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA
156000
Please specify how many months you expect your project to last
5
Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated
No
Original Language
en
What is the problem you want to solve?
Cardano developers lack access to advanced coin selection algorithm. Integrating MACS will solve UTxO inefficiencies and unlock optimal transaction building capabilities.
Supporting links
Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?
No
Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'
No dependencies
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.
Fully open sourced under MIT license
Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal
Developer Tools
Describe what makes your idea innovative compared to what has been previously launched in the market (whether by you or others).
First production implementation of MACS algorithm in an SDK, extending beyond CIP-0002's Largest-First and Random-Improve algorithms. While CIP-0002 provides basic coin selection, MACS addresses multi-asset optimization with advanced scoring mechanisms. Our innovation creates a pluggable architecture where developers can specify per-transaction which algorithm to use: CIP-0002 standards, MACS optimization, asset-specific selection, or random strategies - enabling dynamic algorithm selection in evolution-sdk.
Describe what your prototype or MVP will demonstrate, and where it can be accessed.
Prototype demonstrates working MACS implementation in evolution-sdk with modular coin selection API. Demo application shows side-by-side comparison of algorithms: MACS vs CIP-0002 vs asset-specific selection, displaying fee differences and UTxO optimization. Developers can test algorithm switching per transaction. Available on GitHub with comprehensive documentation, installable npm package, interactive examples, and benchmark results comparing algorithm performance across transaction scenarios.
Describe realistic measures of success, ideally with on-chain metrics.
Success measured by developer adoption through npm downloads and GitHub engagement, benchmark results demonstrating measurable fee reduction when using MACS versus CIP-0002 algorithms in multi-asset scenarios, positive developer feedback and community contributions, successful integration by early adopter projects, and on-chain analysis showing improved UTxO management patterns in transactions built with the enhanced SDK compared to standard evolution-sdk implementations.
Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem
MACS (Multi-Asset Coin Selection) is a research algorithm developed by the Cardano Foundation that addresses key limitations in UTxO-based blockchain coin selection.
Unlike traditional algorithms that focus primarily on ADA optimization, MACS considers transaction fees, UTxO pool size, transaction age, and privacy while maintaining optimal distribution of UTxO inputs and preventing long-term UTxO accumulation Cardano Foundation https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10411438 .
The algorithm uses sophisticated scoring mechanisms to balance multiple objectives simultaneously, making it particularly effective for complex multi-asset transactions.
Our solution integrates this Multi-Asset Coin Selection (MACS) algorithm into evolution-sdk, creating the first production implementation of this breakthrough research alongside established CIP-0002 standards. Currently, evolution-sdk developers are limited to basic coin selection methods that don't optimize for multi-asset transactions, leading to higher fees and suboptimal UTxO management.
We will implement a modular coin selection architecture that allows developers to choose the optimal algorithm per transaction type. The system includes four key selection strategies: MACS algorithm for advanced multi-asset optimization using sophisticated scoring mechanisms, CIP-0002 compliant Largest-First and Random-Improve algorithms for standards compatibility, asset-specific selection for targeted token management, and random selection for testing and experimental scenarios.
The technical approach involves extending evolution-sdk's transaction builder with a clean API that accepts algorithm parameters. Developers can specify their preferred coin selection strategy when building transactions, enabling dynamic optimization based on transaction characteristics. For DeFi applications requiring cost efficiency, MACS provides superior multi-asset UTxO selection. For applications needing CIP-0002 compliance, standard algorithms remain available. Gaming applications can leverage asset-specific selection for targeted NFT or token management.
This addresses the core problem by providing evolution-sdk developers with advanced coin selection capabilities previously unavailable in production SDKs. The modular design ensures backward compatibility while enabling cutting-edge optimization. By bridging academic MACS research with practical developer tools, we unlock significant fee savings and UTxO efficiency improvements for the entire Cardano ecosystem. The solution transforms evolution-sdk into the most comprehensive transaction building toolkit available, giving developers the flexibility to optimize coin selection based on their specific use case requirements rather than being constrained by one-size-fits-all approaches.
Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community
This project creates real positive impact for the Cardano community by turning theoretical research into practical tools that actually help developers, users, and everyone else in the ecosystem.
Implementing MACS alongside other coin selection algorithms in evolution-sdk tackles a genuine infrastructure gap that affects pretty much everyone building on Cardano.
For developers, this means finally getting sophisticated transaction optimization tools that just haven't existed in production before. DeFi teams can leverage MACS optimization for tricky multi-asset operations, potentially slashing user costs and making their protocols way more competitive. Gaming and NFT projects get asset-specific selection that lets them handle tokens exactly how they need to. Plus, all developers still have their trusty CIP-0002 algorithms while gaining some seriously powerful new optimization options.
Users feel the impact through cheaper transaction costs and smoother app performance across the board. As developers start using smarter coin selection strategies, regular users get lower fees for multi-asset transactions and wallets that just work better. This cost reduction makes Cardano apps way more attractive and accessible to everyday people.
The ecosystem-wide benefits include actually putting Cardano Foundation research to good use, making sure academic breakthroughs become real-world improvements instead of just sitting in research papers. The open-source approach means other dev teams can learn from and build on this work, lifting the quality of all Cardano tooling. The modular setup gives everyone a solid foundation for integrating whatever cool research comes next.
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?
No Witness Labs is founded by seasoned blockchain developers with a proven track record of delivering high-quality, impactful open-source tools and protocols in the Cardano ecosystem.
Our co-founder, Jonathan Rodriguez, is the creator and lead maintainer of Evolution SDK—the next generation of the widely adopted Lucid—which has become a cornerstone for off-chain transaction building on Cardano. His work has enabled countless developers to rapidly build, test, and deploy Cardano dApps with improved developer experience and reliability.
Our team collectively has extensive experience building both open-source and production-grade blockchain solutions. Members have contributed to many ecosystem projects and several protocol-level designs including cross-chain bridges, staking systems, and Layer 2 frameworks.
No.Witness Labs operate with transparency and accountability as core principles and all significant of our work are developed open-source, ensuring community visibility, code review, and independent audit potential.
Our deep experience, combined with a proven history of delivering developer-focused infrastructure, ensures that No Witness Labs can execute this project with the highest standards of trust, transparency, and technical excellence
Milestone Title
Foundation & MACS Implementation
Milestone Outputs
Acceptance Criteria
Evidence of Completion
Delivery Month
1
Cost
35000
Progress
30 %
Milestone Title
Algorithm Expansion & Testing
Milestone Outputs
Acceptance Criteria
Evidence of Completion
Delivery Month
3
Cost
35000
Progress
50 %
Milestone Title
CLI Tool
Milestone Outputs
Acceptance Criteria
CLI Tool
Integration Examples
Evidence of Completion
Delivery Month
3
Cost
35000
Progress
70 %
Milestone Title
Documentation
Milestone Outputs
Acceptance Criteria
Evidence of Completion
Delivery Month
5
Cost
35000
Progress
90 %
Milestone Title
Project Closeout & Analysis
Milestone Outputs
Acceptance Criteria
Evidence of Completion
Delivery Month
5
Cost
10000
Progress
100 %
Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources
The total budget for the proposed project is estimated at 150.000 ADA, equivalent to 61.500 USD at the current ADA price of 0.41 USD. This plan is designed to efficiently deliver the project within 4 months, ensuring quality while addressing all cost considerations.
Senior Developer:
Hiring two developers is essential for the successful completion of the project within the specified timeframe. Their expertise will be crucial for delivering high-quality project.
Senior developers' rate: Range from 80-120 USD per hour.
Estimated Total Cost in ADA (5 months):
80 USD/hour: For 1 developer working full-time (40 hours per week for 4 months), the total cost per developer would be 64.000 USD, equivalent to ADA.
One developer at the 80 USD/hour rate will cost 156.000 ADA over the full project duration.
How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?
Turning peer-reviewed research (MACS) into a production-grade, open source implementation inside evolution-sdk the ecosystem gets an implementation that any wallet, dApp, or SDK can consume.
Even modest, consistent optimizations from MACS (vs. basic CIP-0002 strategies) translate into:
• Lower average fees
• Smaller tx size in multi-asset flows (DEXs, NFT/Gaming, wallets)
• Better UTxO sets over time that is less fragmentation and better UX
We’re not just including MACS in Evoution SDK, we’re shipping a selection framework: MACS + CIP-0002 (Largest-First, Random-Improve) + asset-specific + random. That gives developers fine-grained control.
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
I Agree
Yes
Jonathan Rodriguez - Senior Blockchain Developer
Jonathan Rodriguez is a distinguished Cardano Smart Contract Developer with a wealth of experience in auditing and optimizing key protocols within the Cardano ecosystem, including Minswap V2, IBC protocol (Cardano Foundation), Optim Finance, Lenfi V2, Genius Yield, and Wanchain Bridge.
His deep technical expertise in smart contracts is further evidenced by his development of the Lucid Evolution framework and his authorship of CIP-128. Jonathan is also a co-creator of the Cardano Design Patterns Libraries, which serve as valuable resources for the wider developer community.
Beyond his technical development work, Jonathan has made significant contributions to the Cardano network's resilience, playing a pivotal role in mitigating a DDOS attack.
His efforts in the Cardano community extend to delivering over five successful Project Catalyst proposals, which have added important open-source tools and innovations to the ecosystem.
Jonathan's role as a Smart Contract Developer and lecturer for the "Cardano Solutions Architect" course at Emurgo Academy demonstrates his commitment to shaping the next generation of blockchain developers.