NovaSwap: Cardano cross-chain swaps with 20 blockchains

[Proposal setup] Proposal title

Please provide your proposal title

NovaSwap: Cardano cross-chain swaps with 20 blockchains

[Proposal Summary] Budget Information

Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA

200000

[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 is cut off from other blockchains. While many networks use trusted interfaces like Stargate, deBridge, and Wormhole, Cardano lacks a trustless way to move funds between chains

[Proposal Summary] Supporting Documentation

Supporting links

• https://www.mynth.ai/
,
• https://novaswap.io/
,
• https://github.com/MynthAI

[Proposal Summary] Project Dependencies

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

No

Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'

No 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.

Upon completion of this project, NovaSwap will be published as open source under MIT license

[Theme Selection] Theme

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

Cross-chain

[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).

NovaSwap introduces a level of usability, clarity, and cross-chain accessibility that does not currently exist in the Cardano ecosystem. While Cardano has strong technical foundations for interoperability, there is still no widely trusted, highly polished, and user-centric gateway that allows everyday users to move assets from other blockchains into Cardano without friction or uncertainty. Existing approaches often rely on centralized exchanges, technical interfaces, or fragmented third-party tools that users may not fully understand or trust.

What makes NovaSwap innovative is the combination of Mynth’s proven interoperability infrastructure with a purpose-built interface designed to eliminate confusion, reduce cognitive load, and build user confidence. Instead of simply exposing technical capabilities, NovaSwap translates cross-chain interactions into a process that feels familiar, safe, and transparent. Each step is clearly explained, with progress indicators, estimated completion times, and upfront visibility into costs and confirmations.

Mynth solves the backend challenge of interoperability; NovaSwap solves the adoption barrier by making that infrastructure usable, intuitive, and accessible to everyday users. Together, they create a new category of cross-chain onboarding experience for Cardano, one that aligns with what users expect from modern, mainstream crypto applications.

By focusing equally on trust, clarity, and user experience, NovaSwap brings a uniquely human-centered approach to interoperability. This is the missing piece needed to unlock large-scale inflows of liquidity and users from other ecosystems.

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

NovaSwap will demonstrate live, on-chain cross-chain swaps between Cardano and multiple major blockchains. By the end of the project, users will be able to connect their wallets, choose supported networks, and complete real, verifiable swaps on mainnet using a streamlined interface that guides them through every step.

The application will include:

• A functional frontend connected to Mynth’s backend, enabling mainnet swaps.
• A guided user journey that presents fees, expected timing, and real-time progress updates.
• Support for an expanding set of blockchains, starting with the initial integrations and growing to the full set of 20.
• A public mainnet deployment where the community can test swaps directly within their own wallets.

The application will be fully accessible through a public link, with ongoing updates and improvements shared transparently. Community members will be encouraged to test swaps, provide feedback on clarity and usability, and help validate performance across different chains. Because NovaSwap is designed for real-world use from the start, the prototype will function not as a demonstration but as a live, usable tool.

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

Success for NovaSwap is defined by meaningful, transparent, and sustainable usage of the platform rather than inflated projections. Our focus is on demonstrating real adoption, increased liquidity flow into Cardano, and improved user confidence in cross-chain interactions.

We will track success using on-chain activity and observable behavioral indicators, including:

• The number of unique users completing swaps into Cardano.
• The volume and consistency of cross-chain transactions executed through the platform.
• User retention signals, such as repeat swaps and continued engagement over time.
• The reliability and efficiency of swap completion, reflected in time-to-finality metrics and user satisfaction.
• Integration and usage by external developers or protocols who adopt or extend the open-source codebase.

These measures will be grounded in actual on-chain data and verified usage patterns, ensuring results remain credible, measurable, and aligned with the ecosystem’s real needs. By maintaining a data-driven approach, NovaSwap will demonstrate tangible value to the Cardano community while avoiding unrealistic or speculative claims.

[Your Project and Solution] Solution

Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem

Cardano’s lack of a simple, trusted, and widely accessible cross-chain entry point has created a barrier for users who want to bring assets into the ecosystem. While infrastructure such as Mynth already enables interoperability at a technical level, many users still hesitate because the existing tools feel unfamiliar, complex, or disconnected from the intuitive experiences they expect from modern crypto applications. We perceive the core problem not as a lack of capability, but a lack of confidence, clarity, and usability. These factors directly shape whether new liquidity and new users choose to enter Cardano.

Our proposed solution is to pair Mynth’s proven, reliable backend infrastructure with NovaSwap’s highly approachable, user-first interface to create the most trusted and frictionless cross-chain gateway Cardano has ever had. Instead of asking users to navigate complicated interfaces or rely on centralized exchanges, NovaSwap will offer a clean, guided swap process that clearly communicates each step, each cost, each confirmation, and the real-time status of their transfer. This approach directly targets the primary reasons users currently hesitate: uncertainty, complexity, and lack of visibility.

We have chosen this approach because it solves both sides of the problem simultaneously. Mynth ensures technical security and chain integrations at scale, while NovaSwap ensures that the experience is welcoming enough for everyday users to feel confident moving their funds into Cardano. This dual approach creates a stable foundation for long-term adoption, rather than a short-term technical demonstration.

Our project directly engages three core groups:

• Everyday blockchain users who want a simple, trustworthy way to bring assets from other ecosystems into Cardano.
• DeFi participants and liquidity providers who benefit from broader inflow of assets and reduced dependence on centralized exchanges.
• Developers and ecosystem builders who gain an open-source, scalable platform they can extend, integrate with, or build upon.

To demonstrate impact, we will measure both adoption and user confidence, using metrics such as unique swap users, transaction volume, repeat usage rates, time-to-completion statistics, and engagement with educational content. Additionally, because NovaSwap will be fully open-sourced, external developers and protocols will be able to validate, audit, and integrate the platform, providing further proof of reliability and value.

What makes our solution unique is the combination of production-ready interoperability infrastructure with a user experience designed specifically to overcome emotional and psychological barriers to cross-chain interaction. While many platforms focus on technical capability alone, NovaSwap focuses equally on trust-building. We actively show users what is happening, why it is safe, and how long each step will take. This visible clarity is the difference between a tool that exists and a tool that is widely adopted.

The beneficiaries of this solution include the entire Cardano ecosystem: users gain a simple onboarding path, DeFi protocols gain liquidity, builders gain infrastructure, and Cardano gains increased activity, visibility, and competitiveness across the broader blockchain landscape.

This work is important to Cardano because it solves one of the ecosystem’s most persistent limitations: isolated liquidity. By making it easy and reassuring for users to bring their assets into Cardano from 20 major blockchains, NovaSwap becomes a powerful engine for ecosystem growth, trust, and long-term sustainability.

[Your Project and Solution] Impact

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

This project will significantly increase the flow of assets into Cardano, expanding liquidity, user participation, and on-chain activity. By making cross-chain swaps accessible and trustworthy, we lower the barrier for new users and capital to enter the ecosystem.

We will measure impact through:

• Growth in unique swap users
• Total transaction volume and value
• Repeat usage rates

The benefits will extend across the Cardano community: DeFi protocols gain more liquidity, dApps see increased activity, and Cardano’s visibility in the broader blockchain space improves.

We will share results through social media updates and community presentations, ensuring transparent tracking of progress and outcomes. By showing the real-world benefits of a seamless, trusted cross-chain experience, we will strengthen Cardano’s competitiveness and attract ongoing adoption.

[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 already proven our ability to deliver complex, high-impact projects with no external funding by successfully building Mynth from the ground up. Over the past two years, we have worked tirelessly to bring true interoperability to Cardano, designing and deploying foundational infrastructure that is already enabling cross-chain connectivity.

We are one of Cardano’s leading interoperability teams, with deep expertise in blockchain architecture, protocol integration, and wallet connectivity. Our prior work on Mynth has given us both the technical knowledge and the operational experience to deliver on this proposal efficiently and to the highest standards.

Our approach to project delivery is structured and accountable:

• Proven Track Record – Mynth was built entirely without outside funding, demonstrating our ability to manage resources responsibly and deliver results under constraints.
• Established Infrastructure – We have already built and deployed systems that handle real-world blockchain interoperability challenges.
• Experienced Team – Our developers bring years of experience in Cardano, cross-chain systems, and Web3 product delivery.
• Transparent Development – All code will be open-sourced under the MIT License, with regular progress updates shared publicly via GitHub, X, and Discord.
• Milestone-Based Execution – We will follow a clear, milestone-driven roadmap, ensuring that progress is measurable, funds are managed responsibly, and deliverables are completed on schedule.

Given our history, expertise, and established technical foundation, we are uniquely positioned to deliver this application quickly, reliably, and with full transparency to the Cardano community.

[Milestones] Project Milestones

Milestone Title

Core Integration Setup

Milestone Outputs

We will connect the NovaSwap frontend to Mynth’s backend to enable live cross-chain swaps. This milestone will deliver functional mainnet swaps between Cardano and at least 5 other blockchains, with basic wallet connections in place.

Acceptance Criteria

Users will be able to connect their wallets, select supported blockchains, and complete swaps between Cardano and 5+ other networks on mainnet. Swaps must complete without errors and display clear progress updates.

Evidence of Completion

We will provide a public mainnet release link, a short demo video showing a successful swap to and from Cardano, and release notes listing all supported blockchains included in this milestone launch.

Delivery Month

1

Cost

40000

Progress

20 %

Milestone Title

User Interface and Experience

Milestone Outputs

We will create NovaSwap frontend to focus on ease of use and building user confidence. This includes a guided swap process, clear fee and timing estimates, real-time progress tracking, and reassuring confirmation screens. The goal is to make the swap process feel simple, transparent, and trustworthy for new and experienced users alike.

Acceptance Criteria

A first-time user, with no prior guidance, can connect their wallet, choose a blockchain, and complete a swap while understanding each step. All critical details, such as network choice, costs, and completion status, must be easy to find and understand.

Evidence of Completion

We will release the updated interface on mainnet, publish a video walkthrough demonstrating the improved experience, and share user feedback from initial adopters showing high satisfaction and ease of understanding without outside help.

Delivery Month

2

Cost

40000

Progress

40 %

Milestone Title

Multi-Chain Expansion

Milestone Outputs

We will expand mainnet support from the initial 5+ blockchains to a total of 20, giving users broad access to swap assets between Cardano and many major networks. This milestone focuses on technical integration, stability, and ensuring the same clear, user-friendly experience for each added blockchain.

Acceptance Criteria

All 20 blockchains are live on mainnet and appear as selectable swap options in NovaSwap. Swaps between Cardano and any supported chain complete successfully, with accurate fee display and consistent performance across networks.

Evidence of Completion

We will publish updated release notes listing all supported blockchains, provide a mainnet demo video showing swaps with several newly added networks, and share transaction records confirming successful swaps on each integrated chain.

Delivery Month

5

Cost

40000

Progress

60 %

Milestone Title

Open Source Release

Milestone Outputs

We will complete and publicly release the full NovaSwap platform as open source, including all code, documentation, and deployment instructions. This ensures the community can review, contribute to, and build upon the project, fostering transparency and long-term sustainability.

Acceptance Criteria

All source code is published in a public repository under MIT License, with clear setup guides and documentation. The released version must match the live mainnet deployment and include support for all 20 blockchains.

Evidence of Completion

We will provide the link to the public code repository, a changelog matching the final live release, and accompanying documentation. A short video will walk through the repository structure and demonstrate how to deploy NovaSwap from the published code.

Delivery Month

6

Cost

40000

Progress

80 %

Milestone Title

Project Close-out Report and Video

Milestone Outputs

At the end of the project, a short close-out report and a summary video will be prepared. The report will provide a clear overview of what was completed and the main results. The video will give a straightforward recap of the outcomes in an easy-to-follow way. Together, they will provide closure and serve as a record that the project has been completed.

Acceptance Criteria

This milestone will be complete once a written report and a video have been created. The report should confirm that the project is finished and summarize the key results. The video should give a simple overview of what was achieved. Both items together will mark the official close-out of the project.

Evidence of Completion

Evidence will consist of the final report and the summary video prepared at the end of the project. Having these two items will demonstrate that the work has been completed and the results have been documented in both written and visual form.

Delivery Month

6

Cost

40000

Progress

100 %

[Final Pitch] Budget & Costs

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Total Requested: ₳200,000

• Timeline: 6 months (≈ 24 weeks)
• ADA/USD conversion: ₳1 = $0.40 (for calculation reference)
• Total USD value: ₳200,000 × $0.40 = $80,000
• Volatility: ADA price fluctuations absorbed by our company; totals fixed in ADA
• Note: If actual costs exceed the request, our company will cover the shortfall

Development

• Market rate: $90/hour for an experienced blockchain/full-stack developer
• Hours: 40 hours/week × 24 weeks = 960 hours over 6 months
• Amount: 1 developer will work on this project
• Total: 960 × $90 = $86,400

Summary:

• Development: $86,400
• Total: $86,400

[Final Pitch] Value for Money

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

By delivering an open-source, production-ready cross-chain swap platform, this project will give millions of users from 20 blockchains a safe, simple way to move assets into Cardano without relying on centralized exchanges. The integration of Mynth’s infrastructure with NovaSwap’s interface ensures long-term sustainability, while the trust-building campaign accelerates adoption.

The budget is directly tied to high-value activities. Every dollar spent directly supports user growth, liquidity inflow, and increased on-chain activity.

Once complete, the open-source release allows any developer to build on the platform, extending its impact beyond our teams. This creates a self-sustaining gateway for liquidity and users, generating lasting benefits to the Cardano ecosystem far beyond the project’s initial funding period.

[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