PetChain: Digital Passports for Purebred Dogs

[Proposal setup] Proposal title

Please provide your proposal title

PetChain: Digital Passports for Purebred Dogs

[Proposal Summary] Budget Information

Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA

185000

[Proposal Summary] Time

Please specify how many months you expect your project to last

10

[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?

The multi-billion-euro purebred dog market faces widespread fake and unreliable pedigrees. Dogs can cost over €10K, yet there is no simple, unified, trusted way to verify identity, DNA, and lineage.

[Proposal Summary] Supporting Documentation

Supporting links

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NZ2X9BYWMwIMDdIvIMIy1CXQHf3vXjhN/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=106703990256890456574&rtpof=true&sd=true
,
• https://parent-ardent-05139562.figma.site/
,
• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YfNqZESERKDriuHocPadaeMI1A4sUXGh/view?usp=sharing

[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 major external dependencies. The MVP requires only one breeder, one veterinarian, and standard certified DNA test kits—all already secured. The only variable is litter timing, since birth dates vary naturally, but this does not impact the overall 10-month delivery window.

[Proposal Summary] Project Open Source

Will your project's outputs be fully open source?

No

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.

PetChain will adopt a hybrid open-source model. All blockchain smart contracts, on-chain schemas, and integration interfaces will be released as open source under an MIT license. The mobile app, UX/UI, and commercial product layers will remain proprietary to allow long-term sustainability and partnerships with breeders, veterinarians, and national registries.

[Theme Selection] Theme

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

Healthcare

[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).

PetChain is innovative because it creates a tamper-proof digital identity and verified pedigree by combining three elements that have never been unified before:

1. Microchip identity – a unique, permanent identifier for the dog.

2. DNA verification of the dog + both parents – biological proof of lineage.

3. Breeder and veterinarian confirmations – independent validation of identity, health, and compliance.

Today, these components exist separately — on paper, in disconnected databases, or not at all — and can easily be falsified.

PetChain is the first system to connect them into a single, secure, fraud-resistant digital passport stored in a format that cannot be altered or forged.

This solves a real, well-known problem of pedigree fraud and unreliable documentation in a way no existing registry or platform offers.

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

The PetChain MVP will demonstrate the complete end-to-end workflow for creating and verifying a tamper-proof digital identity and verified pedigree. It will show how breeders, veterinarians, and buyers interact with the system and how identity, DNA lineage, and compliance data are securely recorded and verified.

The MVP will include:

• Breeder flow: creating a new Digital Passport for a newborn puppy, linking microchip ID + DNA lineage (dog + mother + father).
• Veterinarian flow: confirming identity, health data, and medical/compliance attributes.
• Buyer flow: scanning QR/NFC to verify authenticity, identity, lineage, and breeder/vet confirmations.
• Verification: instant validation of all data through the mobile app powered by on-chain records.

What the MVP demonstrates

• A full, working example of how verifiable identity, lineage, and compliance records can be stored and validated on Cardano.
• Real-world usability with role-based flows and professional testing (breeder + vet).
• Practical fraud-resistant workflows replacing today’s paper-based and easily falsified systems.

Where it will be accessed

The MVP will be available as a mobile app (iOS/Android) through a direct download link shared with the Cardano community.

All smart contracts and technical components will be published in an open GitHub repository at the end of the project.

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

The success of the PetChain MVP will be measured through a combination of on-chain activity, in-app usage, and real-world validation from breeders and veterinarians.

On-chain metrics

• Digital Passports minted on-chain (target: 6–16 total — 1–2 new litters plus 2–4 adult dogs)
• DNA-verified lineage records created (target: 2–4 full family trees)
• Verification transactions / metadata updates (identity + compliance)
• Cost-per-transaction and performance benchmarks

In-app usage metrics

Measured through the pilot:

• Breeders onboarded: 1–2 active breeders
• Veterinarians onboarded: 1 active veterinarian
• Newborn puppies registered through full process: 1–2 litters (typically 4–12 puppies)
• Existing adult dogs registered retroactively: 2–4 dogs
• QR/NFC verification scans performed: to validate the buyer flow

These metrics demonstrate usability and workflow completeness.

Qualitative success indicators

• Feedback from breeder + veterinarian regarding workflow accuracy and practicality
• Reduction in data inconsistencies (identity, lineage, health) during the pilot
• Confirmation that the MVP supports real-world regulatory and clinical needs

These metrics validate that the product solves a real industry problem and is ready for further scaling.

[Your Project and Solution] Solution

Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem

The purebred dog industry is a multi-billion-euro market, yet pedigrees remain paper-based, unreliable, and often unverified.

PetChain introduces a Digital Passport for purebred dogs — combining microchip identity, DNA-verified parentage, and tamper-proof digital pedigrees stored on the Cardano blockchain.

This is an ideal real-world use case for Cardano: blockchain for trust, NFTs for lineage, and ZK proofs for privacy.

Breeders and veterinarians validate data through a simple mobile app, giving each dog a secure, verifiable digital identity.

Why we approach the problem this way

• Microchips give identity, but not lineage → DNA solves that.
• DNA tests exist, but results are not integrated into pedigrees → blockchain ensures immutability.
• Paper pedigrees can be falsified → digital pedigrees remove human manipulation.
• Health data is sensitive → ZK proofs keep privacy while enabling verification.

This architecture combines real-world veterinary workflows with blockchain trust guarantees.

Who the project engages

• Breeders — to register litters, DNA samples, and pedigrees
• Veterinarians — to validate microchips, DNA results, and health data
• Buyers — to check identity, parentage, and authenticity instantly
• Academic/kinology institutions (Phase 2) - to access reliable data

The MVP already includes a confirmed breeder and veterinarian for field testing.

What the MVP will demonstrate

• Digital Passport creation directly from microchip + DNA tests
• Verified parentage and automatic digital pedigree generation
• Basic ZK-based health verification (vaccination/health proof without exposing private data)
• Mobile app for breeders, vets, and buyers
• On-chain lineage record showing deterministic ancestry

Accessible via: PetChain Mobile App + Cardano on-chain lineage records

What makes PetChain unique

• The first system, based on our research, that integrates microchip identity, DNA verification, digital pedigree, and ZK-based health proofs
• Removes fraud through** immutable, scientifically backed lineage**
• Simple onboarding: no dependency on national registries for MVP
• Creates a global, cross-border identity for dogs
• Designed with real breeder & vet partners from day one
• Built on Cardano’s reliable, low-cost, research-driven infrastructure

Why this matters to Cardano

PetChain showcases one of the clearest real-world use cases for Cardano’s identity and security architecture:

Blockchain is essential - Pedigrees must be immutable, verifiable across borders, and trusted by multiple parties with no central owner — exactly what Cardano excels at.

ZK proofs fit naturally - Health data, DNA, and ownership details require privacy. ZK allows verifiable proof without exposing sensitive info.

Native assets (NFT pedigree) are a perfect technical match - The verified digital pedigree is stored as an NFT — tamper-proof, portable, and provable.

Low fees allow scalable adoption - Unlike other platforms, Cardano’s costs make it feasible for breeders and vets everywhere.

Demonstrates identity + registry use-cases Cardano was built for

The architecture mirrors:

• digital identity,
• supply chain traceability,
• product passports,
• official certifications.

Wider Impact

PetChain’s open-source components can naturally extend into broader Digital Passport and verification systems, including:

• Livestock digital identity
• Wildlife DNA identity
• Veterinary medical passports
• EU Digital Product Passport–aligned frameworks

By validating identity/authenticity + lineage + compliance in a tamper-proof way, PetChain creates the foundation for a reusable SaaS framework for Digital Product Passports — similar to what the team is already delivering with LuxeChain (Catalyst Fund 13).

[Your Project and Solution] Impact

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

How PetChain brings value to the Cardano ecosystem

PetChain delivers one of Cardano’s clearest real-world applications for identity and verification: verifiable identity/authenticity + lineage + compliance in a fully tamper-proof format. It leverages Cardano’s technology stack exactly where it is strongest:

• Blockchain - trusted, cross-border verification
• NFTs - immutable lineage and ownership
• ZK proofs - privacy-preserving health and compliance data
• Deterministic smart contracts - tamper-proof, verifiable records

PetChain becomes a practical showcase of how Cardano can anchor real biological identity systems.

Reusable SaaS foundation for Digital Product Passports

By validating identity/authenticity, lineage, and compliance in a tamper-proof way, PetChain also creates the foundation for a reusable SaaS framework for Digital Product Passports (DPPs).

The same modules developed for dogs can directly support:

• livestock digital identity
• wildlife DNA identity
• veterinary medical passports
• EU Digital Product Passport–aligned frameworks

This positions Cardano as a horizontal platform for identity, certification, and compliance across industries.

How Impact Will Be Measured

• Quantitative (on-chain + in-app):
• Digital Passports created
• DNA-verified lineage records minted
• Breeders onboarded
• Veterinarians onboarded
• Dogs added during the pilot
• Verification scans (QR/NFC)
• Cost-per-transaction vs. other chains (Cardano advantage)

Qualitative:

• Structured feedback from breeders and veterinarians
• Reduction in pedigree inconsistencies via DNA verification
• UX/usability insights for broader rollout

How Results Will Be Shared

All outputs will be fully public and reusable:

• Open-source GitHub repositories (smart contracts, ZK modules, API schemas)
• PetChain whitepaper (Digital Passport + Verified Pedigree System)
• Figma UX prototypes for builders
• Transparent documentation of learnings, datasets (non-personal), and integration patterns

This ensures that other Cardano builders can reuse PetChain’s identity + compliance modules to create their own Digital Product Passport solutions.

[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?

Capability to Deliver

PetChain is developed by the same team behind LuxeChain, a Catalyst Fund 13 project currently completing its final MVP milestone (submission scheduled for December). All smart contracts, backend modules, and documentation have been delivered.

The team has proven experience in:

• Identity systems & authentication
• Smart-contract development
• Zero-knowledge integration
• Cross-platform mobile apps
• Real-world backend infrastructure
• Product, UX, and compliance (including EU DPP frameworks)

This combination — on-chain engineering + product architecture + real-world verification expertise — makes the team uniquely qualified to deliver PetChain.

In addition, a professional breeder and a licensed veterinarian are part of the project team, ensuring that all workflows (identity, DNA lineage, health compliance, ownership transfer, and verification) reflect real-life needs, regulations, and day-to-day industry practices.

Their involvement ensures high relevance, accuracy, and continuous validation of the end-to-end product.

Feasibility of the Approach

PetChain’s feasibility will be validated through a sequence of incremental, verifiable milestones:

1. Architectural and technical modules

• Smart contracts (identity + lineage)
• DNA verification logic
• Breeder/vet onboarding
• App workflows (QR/NFC verification)
• ZK-protected compliance attributes

2. Closed pilot with breeders & veterinarians

Testing issuance, verification flows, medical-compliance attributes, and lineage accuracy in real conditions.

3. Performance & cost benchmarking

Measuring Cardano transaction cost, latency, metadata storage, and scalability.

4. Security & correctness checks

External review of smart-contract logic and lineage verification rules.

These steps ensure the MVP is technically viable, secure, and ready for real-world adoption.

Financial Responsibility & Accountability

The team has a proven track record of responsible and transparent grant management:

• Successfully delivering a Catalyst Fund 13 project with full milestone reporting and auditability.
• All funds are managed under a project-specific financial structure, ensuring PetChain resources are tracked separately and not mixed with unrelated activities.
• Expenses are tracked per milestone, with deliverables tied to tangible outputs (GitHub commits, documentation, demos).
• All code, architecture decisions, and progress reports will remain fully public throughout development.

This structure ensures trust, transparency, and clear accountability at every stage of the project.

[Milestones] Project Milestones

Milestone Title

System Architecture, Data Model & UX/Branding Foundation

Milestone Outputs

• Technical architecture describing on-chain components (identity, lineage, compliance) and minimal backend if required.
• Data model covering dog identity, lineage structure, breeder/vet profiles, and compliance fields.
• Role & permission overview for breeder, veterinarian, and buyer.
• Smart contract architecture draft (identity, lineage, basic compliance logic).
• Branding package (logo, colors, typography, iconography).
• Main screens mockups (breeder, veterinarian, buyer) showing visual direction and look & feel.

Acceptance Criteria

• Architecture, data model, and smart contract draft reviewed and approved by the technical lead.
• Main screen mockups reviewed and validated by breeder & veterinarian team members.
• Branding package finalized and approved by the design lead.

Evidence of Completion

• GitHub repo containing architecture, data model, and smart contract draft.
• Figma link with branding package and main screen mockups.
• Short validation note from breeder & veterinarian.

Delivery Month

2

Cost

52000

Progress

20 %

Milestone Title

Breeder & Veterinarian Workflows (A → Z)

Milestone Outputs

• Full breeder workflow implemented: creating Digital Passports, linking microchip ID, uploading DNA info (dog + parents), and submitting lineage data.
• Full veterinarian workflow implemented: identity confirmation, health/compliance validation, and medical record updates.
• All necessary screens, flows, and logic for both roles integrated into the mobile app.
• Smart contract functions for identity, lineage, and compliance connected to the app.
• Internal test version of the app available for breeder & vet testing.

Acceptance Criteria

• Breeder and veterinarian can complete all required actions end-to-end inside the app.
• Identity, lineage, and compliance data successfully written to Cardano testnet.
• Workflows validated by both breeder & veterinarian team members.
• No critical UX or functional blockers preventing real-world usage.
• All key interactions documented in a short workflow documentation file.

Evidence of Completion

• Testnet transactions showing identity + lineage + compliance records.
• Screenshots / short video of the breeder & veterinarian flows in the app.
• Short validation report (breeder + veterinarian feedback).
• Brief workflow documentation stored in the repository.

Delivery Month

5

Cost

40000

Progress

50 %

Milestone Title

Buyer Workflow & System Integration

Milestone Outputs

• Complete buyer workflow implemented, including QR/NFC scanning and viewing the Digital Passport.
• Full integration of all three roles (breeder → veterinarian → buyer) into a single, coherent system.
• App logic connected to on-chain data, enabling verification of identity, lineage, and compliance records.
• Internal test build demonstrating the complete end-to-end workflow.
• Short documentation outlining the buyer flow and system integration points.

Acceptance Criteria

• The buyer can successfully scan a QR/NFC code and view a verified Digital Passport.
• Full end-to-end flow (breeder → veterinarian → buyer) works without critical UX or functional issues.
• Verification correctly reads identity, lineage, and compliance data from the Cardano testnet.
• Breeder and veterinarian confirm that the integrated flow matches real-world usage.
• Buyer flow and integration points are documented.

Evidence of Completion

• Testnet logs showing successful verification reads (identity + lineage + compliance).
• Screenshots or short video demonstrating buyer scanning and viewing the Digital Passport.
• Internal test report confirming end-to-end integration.
• Short documentation file describing buyer flow and system integration.

Delivery Month

7

Cost

35000

Progress

70 %

Milestone Title

Closed Pilot, Benchmarking & Refinement

Milestone Outputs

• Closed pilot conducted with: 1 veterinarian, 1–2 breeders, 1–2 litters (typically 4–12 puppies) and 2–4 adult dogs for retroactive passports
• Real-world testing of identity, lineage, and compliance flows.
• Performance & cost benchmarking on Cardano testnet.
• Fixes, refinements, and improvements based on pilot feedback.
• Short pilot report summarizing findings, issues, and recommendations.

Acceptance Criteria

• Pilot participants successfully complete all workflows in real conditions.
• Digital Passports minted on testnet for newborn puppies and adult dogs (target: 6–16 passports).
• Verification scans performed and validated by buyers/testers.
• Performance benchmarks recorded (cost-per-transaction, read/write behavior).
• Pilot feedback incorporated into a refined build.
• Pilot results documented in a short summary report.

Evidence of Completion

• Testnet transactions showing Digital Passport minting for puppies + adult dogs.
• Logs/screenshots of verification activity during the pilot.
• Download link to the pilot app build (TestFlight / APK) used during testing.
• Short report detailing pilot results, benchmarking metrics, and improvements made.
• Updated app build reflecting fixes and refinements.

Delivery Month

9

Cost

30000

Progress

90 %

Milestone Title

Project Close-out Report & Final Video

Milestone Outputs

• Project Close-Out Report prepared according to Catalyst guidelines.
• Final demonstration video produced according to Catalyst guidelines.
• Open-source release of smart contracts, architecture, and documentation.
• Final mobile app build prepared for community review.

Acceptance Criteria

• Close-Out Report submitted following the official Catalyst PCR requirements.
• Final demonstration video submitted following the official Catalyst PCV requirements.
• All open-source materials uploaded to a public repository.
• Final app build accessible via download link.

Evidence of Completion

Link to the final Catalyst-compliant Project Close-Out Report.

Link to the Catalyst-compliant final demonstration video.

Public GitHub repository with open-source materials.

Download link to the final packaged version of the app.

Delivery Month

10

Cost

28000

Progress

100 %

[Final Pitch] Budget & Costs

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

The budget is allocated across five milestones, with costs grouped into clear work categories. Each milestone includes development, advisory input, testing, and essential project expenses.

Milestone 1 – 52,000 ADA

System Architecture, Data Model & UX/Branding Direction

• Architecture & Data Model Design – 16,000 ADA
• UX/UI (Main Screens & Design Direction) – 14,000 ADA
• Branding – 8,000 ADA
• Advisors & Product Management – 10,000 ADA
• Documentation & Misc. Expenses – 4,000 ADA

Milestone 2 – 40,000 ADA

Breeder & Veterinarian Full Workflows (A→Z)

• Development Costs – 26,000 ADA
• Advisors & Domain Experts – 6,000 ADA
• Testing & Quality – 6,000 ADA
• Other Expenses – 2,000 ADA

Milestone 3 – 35,000 ADA

Buyer Workflow & System Integration

• Development Costs – 22,000 ADA
• Advisors & Domain Experts – 5,000 ADA
• Testing & Quality – 6,000 ADA
• Other Expenses – 2,000 ADA

Milestone 4 – 30,000 ADA

Closed Pilot, Benchmarking & Refinement

• Development Costs – 18,000 ADA
• Advisors & Domain Experts – 6,000 ADA
• Testing & Quality – 4,000 ADA
• Other Expenses – 2,000 ADA

Final Milestone – 28,000 ADA

Project Close-Out Report & Final Video

• Development & Final Delivery (open-source release, final builds, final documentation) – 16,000 ADA
• Advisors & Domain Experts – 4,000 ADA
• Testing & Wrap-up QA – 4,000 ADA
• Other Expenses (reporting, video, tools) – 4,000 ADA

Total Budget: 185,000 ADA

[Final Pitch] Value for Money

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

The PetChain project presents significant value for money to the Cardano ecosystem in several key ways:

Innovation Showcase - PetChain applies Cardano’s identity stack (identity → authenticity → lineage → compliance) to a clear, real-world use case used daily by breeders, veterinarians, and buyers. It demonstrates how Cardano’s deterministic smart contracts and metadata model support trusted verification, encouraging more developers to build identity and certification systems on Cardano.

Market Expansion - The pet sector is a multi-billion-dollar global industry involving breeders, veterinary clinics, registries, training centers, and insurance providers. PetChain introduces Cardano into a mainstream market with standardized, repeatable workflows that can scale through national breed clubs, veterinary associations, and other professional networks — opening new adoption channels for the Cardano ecosystem.

Reusable Components for Digital Product Passports - By validating identity, authenticity, lineage, and compliance in a tamper-proof way, PetChain establishes the foundation for a reusable framework for Digital Product Passports (DPPs).

The same modules developed for dogs can directly support:

• livestock digital identity
• wildlife DNA identity
• veterinary medical passports
• EU Digital Product Passport–aligned frameworks

This positions Cardano as a horizontal platform for identity, certification, and compliance across industries.

Industry Partnerships & Network Effects - Working with breeders, veterinarians, breed clubs, and registries creates strong network effects. These groups rely on documented workflows, compliance checks, and trusted data — making them natural early adopters of blockchain-based verification. Their involvement increases Cardano’s visibility in professional, non-crypto sectors.

Cost Efficiency - The budget reflects typical industry rates for blockchain engineering, mobile development, UX/UI, veterinary and breeder advisory work, and pilot operations. Leveraging open-source tools and Cardano’s native infrastructure keeps costs efficient and focused on core development. Milestone-based deliverables ensure transparent and responsible use of Catalyst funds.

[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