Open DeFi Analytics Platform for Cardano

[Proposal setup] Proposal title

Please provide your proposal title

Open DeFi Analytics Platform for Cardano

[Proposal Summary] Budget Information

Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA

107000

[Proposal Summary] Time

Please specify how many months you expect your project to last

8

[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 unified, open-source analytics tool for DEX activity, leaving developers and users with fragmented or closed data sources for tracking liquidity, trading patterns, and market behavior.

[Proposal Summary] Supporting Documentation

Supporting links

• https://github.com/chris-r-99/cardano-defi-analytics

[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.

I am planning to open-source the project with the MIT license.

[Theme Selection] Theme

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

DeFi

[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).

This project is innovative because it creates the first fully open, ecosystem-wide analytics layer for Cardano DeFi. Existing tools are either closed, single-DEX, or offer only partial insights. Our approach unifies data from multiple DEXs into a transparent, standardized framework that anyone can verify, extend, or integrate into their own applications. By combining contract-aware parsing, shared schemas, and advanced analytics in an open-source package, the project delivers capabilities not available in any current solution and provides a reusable foundation for future DeFi research and development on Cardano.

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

The MVP will demonstrate the core functionality of the analytics platform by parsing a limited set of Cardano DEX events, storing the results in a local database, and exposing them through a simple REST API. It will show basic liquidity and swap decoding, sample analytics endpoints, and a minimal frontend that visualizes these metrics.

The MVP will be fully accessible through a public GitHub repository, with open-source code, setup instructions, and example API calls. A running demo instance or local setup guide will allow developers to test the API, explore parsed data, and see how the system can scale into a full analytics solution.

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

Success will be measured by the platform’s ability to reliably parse, store, and expose DEX data across multiple Cardano protocols. Key indicators include: accurate decoding of swaps and liquidity events verified against on-chain explorers; stable API endpoints returning consistent metrics; successful syncing of a defined block range without errors and community feedback.

[Your Project and Solution] Solution

Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem

We will build an open-source analytics platform that unifies Cardano DEX data into a single, transparent system. The backend will parse on-chain transactions from major DEX smart contracts, normalize the results into a consistent schema, and store them in a local database. A documented REST API will expose liquidity events, swaps, volumes, and user activity in a reliable and developer-friendly format.

This solution directly addresses the current fragmentation and lack of transparency by eliminating the need for custom parsers or closed tools. Developers gain a shared, verifiable data layer they can integrate into dashboards, bots, research, or monitoring tools. By providing standardized metrics across multiple DEXs, the platform ensures accurate comparisons, easier analysis, and a trustworthy foundation for Cardano DeFi insights.

[Your Project and Solution] Impact

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

This project strengthens the Cardano ecosystem by making DeFi activity transparent, accessible, and easy to verify. Developers can benefit from a shared, open-source analytics layer that removes the need to build custom DEX parsers, saving time and reducing complexity. Users and community members can independently fact-check claims, better understand risks, and make more informed decisions. By improving transparency and lowering technical barriers, the project boosts trust, encourages responsible innovation, and supports healthier growth across the entire Cardano DeFi ecosystem.

[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?

I have a strong track record of delivering high-quality Cardano development work as an independent builder. With a master’s degree in computer science and extensive experience building software system and data pipelines. I am fully capable of implementing this project end-to-end. I have already delivered multiple Cardano-related prototypes and open-source contributions, demonstrating both technical competence and reliability.

I work transparently and publicly: all code will be developed in an open GitHub repository. This allows the community to verify the work as it is being produced.

[Milestones] Project Milestones

Milestone Title

Core Analytics Framework

Milestone Outputs

• Initial analytics framework capable of ingesting Cardano blocks/transactions.
• Basic parser structure for detecting DEX-related events (swaps, liquidity actions).
• Normalized data schema defined and implemented in a local database.
• First REST API endpoints exposing raw parsed data.
• Documentation covering setup, schema overview, and API basics.

Acceptance Criteria

• The system can sync a selected block range and store parsed DEX-related events.
• REST endpoints return correct, schema-compliant JSON.
• README includes setup instructions, configuration steps, and data format details.
• Error handling is implemented for malformed or missing data.

Evidence of Completion

• Public GitHub repository with implemented framework, schema, and endpoints.
• Demo script showing parsed results from a synced block segment.
• Milestone summary post and release notes documenting deliverables.

Delivery Month

2

Cost

30000

Progress

20 %

Milestone Title

Smart Contract Integration

Milestone Outputs

• Contract-aware parsing for major Cardano DEXs (e.g., MinSwap, WingRiders, SundaeSwap).
• Accurate decoding of swaps, deposits, withdrawals, and LP token operations.
• Expanded database schema covering pool structures and token paths.

Acceptance Criteria

• Parser produces deterministic, validated records for each supported DEX.
• Decoded amounts match spot-checked transactions on explorers.
• Documentation describes DEX-specific quirks, assumptions, and fallback behavior.

Evidence of Completion

• Updated GitHub codebase with DEX modules and expanded schema.
• Test results and fixtures included in the repository.
• Technical report mapping contract calls to parsed output with examples.
• Documentation as Markdown file in the repository

Delivery Month

4

Cost

25000

Progress

40 %

Milestone Title

Advanced Analytics Features

Milestone Outputs

• Analytics endpoints for TVL, volume, liquidity flows, and user activity.
• Query parameters for filtering by date range, DEX, asset pair, etc.
• Stable API response formats with well documented return values

Acceptance Criteria

• Analytics endpoints return correct values verified against manual calculations on sample data.
• Endpoints respond within reasonable latency under a test dataset.
• Detector thresholds are configurable and documented.
• API contracts are consistent, versioned, and stable.

Evidence of Completion

• GitHub updates showing analytics modules, endpoint definitions, and examples.
• Validation notebook reproducing calculated metrics from parsed records.
• Community announcement summarizing available analytics.

Delivery Month

6

Cost

20000

Progress

70 %

Milestone Title

Deployment & Reliability Enhancements

Milestone Outputs

• Deployment scripts (Docker, environment templates, basic orchestration).
• Reliability improvements: profiling-based optimizations, indexing, and logging.
• Operator documentation: troubleshooting, hardware guidance, and upgrade notes.
• Final Catalyst reporting, close-out video, and documentation polishing.

Acceptance Criteria

• Fresh install syncs a defined block window successfully on a typical dev machine.
• Deployment scripts work without manual fixes.
• Tests pass locally and in CI.
• Catalyst report and close-out video follow official guidelines.

Evidence of Completion

• Repository includes deployment files, .env templates, and test suite.
• Performance report showing CPU/memory usage and sync benchmarks.
• Final release with changelog, and upgrade instructions.
• Close-out video and final report published.

Delivery Month

8

Cost

29000

Progress

100 %

[Final Pitch] Budget & Costs

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

1. Core Analytics Framework – 40,000 ADA

Backend development (parsing, schema design, data ingestion): 30,000 ADA

Initial API implementation & documentation: 7,000 ADA

Project planning and milestone reporting: 3,000 ADA

1. Smart Contract Integration – 25,000 ADA

DEX contract analysis and parser development: 17,000 ADA

Testing and validation of decoded events: 5,000 ADA

Documentation of protocol behavior and edge cases: 3,000 ADA

1. Advanced Analytics Features – 25,000 ADA

Development of analytics endpoints (TVL, volume, flows): 17,000 ADA

Performance tuning and indexing improvements: 5,000 ADA

Documentation and usage examples: 3,000 ADA

1. Deployment & Reliability Enhancements – 14,000 ADA

Deployment scripts, environment setup, and Docker support: 6,000 ADA

Test suite, profiling, and reliability improvements: 5,000 ADA

Final reporting, close-out video, and polishing documentation: 3,000 ADA

[Final Pitch] Value for Money

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

The cost delivers strong value because it funds an open-source analytics platform that the entire Cardano ecosystem can use for free. As a solo developer, nearly all resources go directly into building the tool, not overhead. The MIT-licensed code becomes a long-term public good, reducing duplicated effort and giving developers, researchers, and users transparent, reliable DEX data. A single investment produces reusable infrastructure that benefits many projects and improves overall DeFi transparency.

[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