Last updated 3 months ago
There’s no secure way to link real products to Cardano tokens. Counterfeits and fake tags break trust, and ownership cannot be verified on-chain or in secondary markets.
Dynamic NFC tags plus Cardano tokens create secure, verifiable links between real products and on-chain ownership.
Please provide your proposal title
TAGBASE - Stop counterfeits and empower brands.
Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA
75000
Please specify how many months you expect your project to last
4
Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated
No
Original Language
en
What is the problem you want to solve?
There’s no secure way to link real products to Cardano tokens. Counterfeits and fake tags break trust, and ownership cannot be verified on-chain or in secondary markets.
Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?
Yes
Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'
Yes. Our solution depends on secure NFC hardware from NXP. We currently use the NTAG 424 DNA and are evaluating the NTAG 223 DNA, as these are the only dynamic, cryptographic NFC chips that meet our security and performance requirements.
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.
No. Some components of TAGBASE must remain closed source. We are pursuing patent protection for our dynamic NFC authentication flow, as recommended by our patent lawyer. In addition, we are developing proprietary hardware—a custom NFC configuration machine required for securely preparing NTAG 424/223 DNA chips. Because these elements are essential to system integrity and provide competitive advantage, they will be retained under proprietary licenses rather than open-sourced.
Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal
Authentication
Describe what makes your idea innovative compared to what has been previously launched in the market (whether by you or others).
TAGBASE introduces a fundamentally new approach to product authenticity and digital ownership by combining dynamic NFC technology with blockchain in a way that has not been achieved by existing solutions.
Most current authentication systems—QR codes, static NFC tags, serialized stickers, certificates, or even blockchain-based tokens—share the same limitations: they can be copied, faked, or reused, and they cannot reliably connect a physical item to a digital identity. Because these systems lack a strong authenticity foundation, any attempt to prove ownership becomes meaningless. If the authenticity layer can be cloned, then ownership on-chain cannot be trusted either, as the token may represent a fake or duplicated item.
TAGBASE solves this fundamental problem at its root.
1. Dynamic, Cryptographically Secure NFC Tags (NTAG 424/223 DNA)
We use highly secure NFC chips that generate a new encrypted value on every scan. This dynamic challenge–response mechanism prevents cloning, replay attacks, and fake tag replication. Only a genuine chip can produce the correct next value in the sequence.
2. A Unique Two-Step Verification Flow
TAGBASE requires users to scan the same NFC tag twice, which enables:
This two-step system is currently unique in the market and is the subject of an ongoing patent process with our IP attorney.
3. No Dedicated Mobile App Needed
Many existing authentication products require a brand-owned mobile app, creating friction and low adoption. TAGBASE works instantly in any smartphone browser.
At the same time, because our system uses NFC Forum NDEF standards, brands that already have their own apps can integrate TAGBASE easily without changing their user experience.
This combination of “app-free for consumers” and “integration-ready for brands” is a strong differentiator.
4. A New Approach to Linking Physical Items to Blockchain Tokens
Most “phygital NFT” projects embed the token address directly into a QR code or NFC tag. This is insecure and makes tokens easy to duplicate or misuse.
TAGBASE introduces a new model:
This prevents fake products from ever being linked to real tokens and eliminates the possibility of counterfeiters minting fake “twins.”
5. Secure Token Minting, Custody, and Claiming
Brands can mint fungible or non-fungible tokens through TAGBASE. We support:
Because authenticity is verified first, the resulting ownership token truly represents a real, unique, authenticated item.
6. Enabling True On-Chain Ownership and Secondary Market Trust
Once a user holds the token, they can:
This closes the loop between physical and digital ownership in a way no current solution achieves.
7. Proprietary Hardware for Secure NFC Configuration
CONFIGURING dynamic NFC chips (NTAG 424/223 DNA) at scale requires specialized hardware that does not exist commercially. TAGBASE is building a custom automated NFC configuration machine, creating additional proprietary IP and enabling secure, scalable onboarding of millions of chips.
This machine is another unique differentiator that strengthens system integrity and commercial viability.
Describe what your prototype or MVP will demonstrate, and where it can be accessed.
Our prototype goes beyond a traditional MVP. We have already completed and deployed the full product authenticity layer of TAGBASE, including dynamic NFC verification and our two-step authentication flow. This system is live and accessible at: https://app.tagbase.io
Anyone can create an account, explore the platform, and test the NFC-based authenticity verification with supported chips.
The Catalyst-funded work will add the Cardano blockchain component to this existing platform. Specifically, our prototype will demonstrate:
Once completed, the blockchain-enabled prototype will also be accessible through the same live environment at app.tagbase.io, with a dedicated test area for Cardano testnet interaction.
Describe realistic measures of success, ideally with on-chain metrics.
Success for TAGBASE will be measured by real-world adoption of authenticated products and the corresponding increase in meaningful on-chain activity within the Cardano ecosystem. As luxury brands begin using dynamic NFC tags and tokenized ownership through TAGBASE, Cardano native assets will naturally become part of the product ownership experience.
On-chain, success will be demonstrated by:
Off-chain, success will be demonstrated by:
Because TAGBASE starts with a strong, enterprise-ready authenticity layer, and expands this into verifiable on-chain ownership, every authenticated product becomes a potential touchpoint that brings new participants into the Cardano ecosystem.
Our involvement in the Techstars Web3 / Cardano Catalyst Founder Program further validates TAGBASE's approach and ensures ongoing support, visibility, and integration within the Cardano community. This strengthens our ability to deliver a successful, high-impact prototype that drives sustained Cardano usage through real-world applications.
Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem
Counterfeit products continue to undermine consumer trust, damage brand reputation, and weaken the credibility of digital ownership systems. Existing solutions—QR codes, static NFC tags, printed serial numbers, or even blockchain-based tokens—cannot reliably connect a physical item to a digital identity. If the authenticity layer can be copied, spoofed, or reused, then any token or certificate linked to it becomes meaningless. This is the foundational problem TAGBASE solves.
TAGBASE provides a secure, uncopyable bridge between physical products and blockchain-based ownership, starting with Cardano. Our system ensures that a real, authenticated physical item can be linked to a unique, verifiable Cardano native token, enabling trusted ownership, provenance, and transferability.
1. Dynamic NFC-Based Product Authentication
At the core of TAGBASE is a high-security authenticity layer built on dynamic NFC chips (such as NXP’s NTAG 424 DNA and NTAG 223 DNA). Unlike static NFC or QR-code solutions, these chips generate a new encrypted value every time they are scanned, making them impossible to clone or duplicate.
This dynamic challenge–response mechanism ensures:
This solves the fundamental weakness in existing authenticity systems.
2. Unique Two-Step Verification Flow
To reinforce the security model, TAGBASE uses a two-step verification process:
The NFC tag is scanned to request authentication
The tag must be scanned again to confirm the dynamic value has changed and is valid
This prevents all common attack vectors, including copying a legitimate scan, duplicating URL parameters, or intercepting verification data. It is simple for consumers, works in any smartphone browser, and forms part of an authentication process currently being evaluated for patent protection.
This creates an extremely strong authenticity layer, which is essential before on-chain ownership can have real meaning.
3. No Mobile App Required (But Fully Integratable)
TAGBASE works instantly in any mobile web browser. Consumers can verify products without installing a dedicated app.
At the same time, because our system uses NFC Forum NDEF standards, the verification flow can be seamlessly integrated into existing brand apps. This lowers friction for customers while meeting the integration needs of enterprise partners.
This dual approach—app-free but app-compatible—removes the adoption barriers that limit most authentication solutions.
4. Secure Linking Between Physical Products & Cardano Tokens
Once a product is authenticated, TAGBASE creates a secure digital identity and links it to a Cardano native token. Importantly, we do not embed the token address inside the NFC chip, which would expose it to copying or manipulation.
Instead:
This architecture ensures that:
This is a major advancement over current “phygital NFT” systems, which are often insecure because they store token data on the tag itself.
5. Cardano-Based Token Minting, Custody & Claiming
TAGBASE enables brands to mint fungible or non-fungible tokens directly on Cardano. Brands can choose between:
This flexibility ensures enterprise suitability while supporting smooth onboarding for non-crypto users.
6. Using Tokens for Ownership, Access & Secondary Markets
Once a customer holds the token for their product, several new capabilities become possible:
Ownership Verification
The token proves digital ownership of the physical item, backed by uncopyable NFC authentication.
Token-Based Login
Holding the token allows customers to log in to TAGBASE and access authenticated product data, warranties, manuals, brand content, and service features.
Secondary Market Transfer
If the product is resold, the token can be transferred on-chain to the new owner. Combined with dynamic NFC verification, buyers can confirm both:
This addresses a huge gap in luxury and collectible markets.
7. Proprietary Hardware for Secure NFC Configuration
Configuring dynamic NFC chips securely at scale requires specialized hardware that does not exist commercially. TAGBASE is developing a custom automatic NFC configuration machine to program, encrypt, and prepare chips for enterprise use.
This machine ensures:
It also represents an important layer of proprietary IP that strengthens system security and commercial viability.
8. Why This Solves the Problem
TAGBASE solves the core issue that has prevented blockchain-based ownership from becoming mainstream: physical products have lacked a secure, uncopyable authentication layer.
By combining:
TAGBASE creates a trusted, tamper-proof bridge between the physical and digital worlds.
It finally makes on-chain ownership meaningful, secure, and verifiable, solving problems that existing QR-code, NFC, and NFT solutions cannot address.
Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community
TAGBASE brings Cardano directly into a rapidly growing real-world use case: secure authentication and ownership of physical products. By creating a trusted bridge between dynamic NFC tags and Cardano native tokens, TAGBASE will strengthen Cardano’s role as a leading blockchain for real-world assets, consumer brands, and enterprise adoption.
1. Expanding Cardano Into Real-World Commerce and Luxury Markets
TAGBASE introduces Cardano to industries where authenticity, provenance, and ownership truly matter—luxury goods, collectibles, cosmetics, art, spare parts, and premium consumer products. These are high-trust environments that require strong identity and ownership guarantees. Connecting these markets to Cardano will significantly broaden the ecosystem’s reach and relevance.
2. Bringing Non-Crypto Users Into the Cardano Ecosystem
Most consumers who authenticate products through TAGBASE will be interacting with a blockchain for the very first time. Because TAGBASE offers app-free verification and a simple token-claim experience, users can enter the Cardano ecosystem without facing typical Web3 barriers. This helps Cardano onboard a new demographic of users who may not otherwise engage with blockchain technology.
3. Driving Meaningful On-Chain Activity
Every authenticated product has the potential to generate ongoing Cardano interactions throughout its full lifecycle. Tags can be verified, tokens claimed, ownership transferred, and products resold—all activities that strengthen the network, demonstrate real demand, and showcase Cardano’s ability to support secure physical-digital integrations.
4. Strengthening Cardano’s Position in the RWAs (Real-World Assets) Narrative
Real-world asset tokenization is becoming one of the most important blockchain use cases globally. TAGBASE provides a uniquely secure foundation for RWA tokenization because it solves the authenticity challenge at the hardware level. By launching this system on Cardano first, TAGBASE helps position Cardano as a highly credible and enterprise-ready chain for RWA solutions.
5. Demonstrating Cardano’s Practical Utility to Enterprise Partners
TAGBASE works closely with brands that require compliance, security, and reliability. The integration of Cardano into our authentication platform demonstrates that it is not only technically suitable for enterprise needs, but also scalable and commercially viable. This builds confidence among businesses exploring blockchain adoption.
6. Lowering Barriers for Developers Through Accessible Standards
Because TAGBASE is built using NFC Forum standards and Cardano native tokens, it creates reusable patterns and reference implementations for other developers. This helps strengthen the ecosystem with tools, standards, and knowledge that future projects can build upon.
7. Supported by the Cardano Community Through Techstars Catalyst Program
TAGBASE is part of the Techstars Web3 / Cardano Catalyst Founder Program, ensuring deep collaboration with the Cardano community. This program amplifies Cardano’s visibility to broader audiences and reinforces the idea that Cardano supports and accelerates high-impact, real-world innovation.
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?
TAGBASE is well-positioned to deliver this project with high trust and accountability because we already operate a live, secure product-authentication platform and have a team experienced in building and scaling complex technology. Our authentication system—including dynamic NFC verification, a unique two-step flow, and proprietary NFC-configuration hardware—is fully developed and deployed at app.tagbase.io, demonstrating our capability to execute.
We are supported by the Techstars Web3 / Cardano Catalyst Founder Program, providing external validation, mentorship, and oversight. This ensures that our approach aligns with industry expectations and Cardano best practices.
https://www.tagbase.io/tagbase-joins-the-techstars
In addition, TAGBASE was selected as a Top 10 finalist in the “Battle of the Builders” at the Cardano Summit 2024 in Dubai, further demonstrating the strength, credibility, and relevance of our solution within the Cardano ecosystem.
To validate feasibility, we will integrate Cardano tokenization into our existing platform through a structured testing process:
Because the underlying authentication system is already proven in production, the Cardano integration can be validated step-by-step in a controlled environment before being released to users. We will provide transparent updates, documentation, and milestone reporting throughout the process, ensuring accountability and clarity for the Cardano community.
https://www.tagbase.io/use-cases/proof-of-ownership
Milestone Title
Cardano Tokenization Integration (Testnet)
Milestone Outputs
Acceptance Criteria
Evidence of Completion
Delivery Month
3
Cost
55000
Progress
70 %
Milestone Title
Mainnet Deployment & Public Release
Milestone Outputs
Acceptance Criteria
Evidence of Completion
Delivery Month
4
Cost
15000
Progress
90 %
Milestone Title
Project Close-Out Report & Final Video
Milestone Outputs
Acceptance Criteria
Evidence of Completion
Delivery Month
4
Cost
5000
Progress
100 %
Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources
The requested 75,000 ADA will be used entirely to compensate the two founders (CEO and CTO) who will execute all design, development, testing, deployment, and reporting work described in the milestones. At the current approximate ADA price of $0.40, this equates to about $30,000 of total project funding.
Because the project spans four months, the funding will be evenly distributed across this period between the two contributors. This results in an effective compensation of approximately $3,750 per person per month, covering full-time development, engineering, architecture, coordination, testing, documentation, and milestone delivery.
Cost Allocation by Milestone
Milestone 1 — Testnet Tokenization Integration:
~73% of total allocation
(Core development + testnet deployment for minting, claiming, linking, and ownership flows)
Milestone 2 — Mainnet Release:
~20% of total allocation
(Production deployment, final UX, mainnet testing, publishing documentation)
Milestone 3 — Close-Out Report & Final Video:
~7% of total allocation
(Reporting, validation, final demonstration video)
Handling ADA Price Fluctuation
Since Catalyst funding is delivered in ADA, and the value of ADA may fluctuate by the time funds are distributed, the budget is structured around resource effort and time, not fiat-denominated fixed costs.
This ensures:
the total 75,000 ADA will fully cover the required work,
compensation is tied to actual delivery rather than fixed dollar assumptions, and
the project remains deliverable regardless of short-term ADA volatility.
Summary
All 75,000 ADA will be used directly to fund the labor required to deliver the Cardano integration, with no outsourcing, no overhead, and no administrative expenses. The entire budget goes toward building, testing, deploying, and documenting the Cardano tokenization layer that the project proposes, ensuring maximum value and impact for the ecosystem.
How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?
The cost of this project represents strong value for the Cardano ecosystem because it delivers a fully functional, real-world integration that brings Cardano into markets where blockchain adoption is accelerating: luxury goods, collectibles, premium consumer products, and other industries where authenticity and ownership matter.
The funding directly enables TAGBASE to complete the Cardano-native tokenization layer on top of an already-built, production-ready authentication platform. This means Catalyst is not funding an idea from scratch, but the activation of a proven system onto Cardano. Every euro invested goes toward expanding Cardano’s utility in a domain with immediate commercial relevance.
By enabling physical products to be authenticated and linked to Cardano tokens, the project introduces Cardano to entirely new groups of users—consumers, brands, and enterprise partners—who will interact with the blockchain for practical, everyday use cases. This supports ecosystem growth in a way that pure software projects cannot achieve on their own. It also strengthens Cardano’s positioning in the global real-world asset (RWA) narrative, where secure, hardware-anchored authenticity is becoming essential.
The investment further creates long-term value: once the integration is complete, every authenticated product becomes a point of engagement with Cardano through token claiming, ownership verification, and secondary market transfers. This ongoing activity generates sustained visibility and utility for the network well beyond the lifespan of the funding period.
Finally, the project is delivered by a team already supported by the Techstars Web3 / Cardano Catalyst Founder Program, ensuring accountability, responsible execution, and alignment with Cardano’s standards. The cost therefore represents a high-leverage investment, producing immediate practical utility, long-term ecosystem benefits, and a strong foundation for future Cardano adoption across multiple industries.
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
TAGBASE is led by a founding team with deep experience in blockchain, security, and enterprise-grade product development—making us a strong fit for the Cardano Founder Catalyst Program and well positioned to deliver a high-integrity real-world use case on Cardano.
Manuel Mertl (CEO & Co-Founder) oversees product vision, authentication strategy, and business development. He brings years of experience working in blockchain startups across Europe and has previously founded successful companies in consumer products and IT services. His background gives TAGBASE a strong combination of technical understanding, product strategy, and market insight—particularly important for bridging the physical and digital worlds through Cardano.
Mario Uher (CTO & Co-Founder) leads the technical development of the TAGBASE platform, including the dynamic NFC authentication engine, backend infrastructure, and the upcoming Cardano integration. He is a serial founder with a track record of building scalable, secure SaaS platforms, including a previous startup that was successfully acquired. Mario’s experience in building production-grade systems ensures that the Cardano integration will be robust, reliable, and enterprise-ready.
Dr. Felix Exner (COO & Co-Founder) manages operations, compliance, and legal strategy. His expertise is essential for a project that works with global brands and handles security-critical processes like tokenized ownership and authentication. He ensures that TAGBASE meets the expectations of enterprise clients while navigating IP protection, certifications, and partnerships.
Together, the team combines blockchain expertise, hardware and cryptographic authentication knowledge, enterprise software engineering, and operational strength. The team has already delivered a full production authentication platform, dynamic NFC provisioning hardware, and a patent-pending verification method.
TAGBASE is also supported by the Techstars Web3 / Cardano Catalyst Founder Program, which provides access to experienced mentors, technical advisors, and ecosystem leaders within Cardano. This further reinforces our alignment with Cardano’s values and strengthens our ability to deliver a trusted, secure, and impactful solution to the ecosystem.