As blockchain technology evolves, more and more communities are asking: How do we build better systems without a central authority? On the Cardano blockchain, one answer is Project Catalyst, a decentralized funding platform designed to fuel innovation from the ground up.
Let’s take a closer look at what Project Catalyst is and how you can be part of it.
Cardano’s Community-Led Funding Platform
Project Catalyst is Cardano’s decentralized innovation fund. It allows anyone to propose ideas for improving the Cardano ecosystem, and it lets ADA holders vote on which projects should receive funding.
In simple terms:
It’s like a community-run grant program, where anyone can pitch ideas and the Cardano community decides which ones get funded.
Why It Exists
Most blockchains are updated only by core developers or large companies. Cardano takes a different path by putting the power in the hands of its community.
Project Catalyst was created to:
- Encourage bottom-up innovation
- Fund real-world solutions built on Cardano
- Help decentralize decision-making
This aligns with Cardano’s long-term goal: to become a self-sustaining, community-led blockchain through its Voltaire governance phase.
How It Works
Here’s a simplified overview of how Project Catalyst operates:
- Proposal submission
Anyone can submit an idea: whether it’s a new app, a tool, a research paper, or a community initiative.
- Community review
Proposals are evaluated by community reviewers who assess impact, feasibility, and value.
- Voting
ADA holders can vote on proposals using their tokens. The more ADA you hold (and stake), the more voting power you have.
- Funding
Winning proposals receive funds from Cardano’s treasury, which is replenished automatically through transaction fees and inflation.
Where Does the Money Come From?
Project Catalyst is funded by Cardano's on-chain treasury. This pool grows continuously from transaction fees and from a small amount of ADA released from Cardano's reserves every epoch. This model ensures long-term sustainability, which means there's always funding for new ideas.
What Kind of Projects Get Funded?
Project Catalyst funds a wide variety of initiatives, including:
- DApps and DeFi tools
- Wallet integrations
- Developer toolkits
- Educational content
- NFT platforms
- Real-world pilots in agriculture, identity, or finance
If it adds value to the Cardano ecosystem, it has a shot at getting funded.
How Can You Get Involved?
You don’t need to be a developer or a company. You can:
- Submit a proposal with a great idea
- Review proposals and help improve the quality of submissions
- Vote if you hold and stake at least 25 ADA
- Collaborate with other builders and teams
It’s open to everyone. That’s the point.
Project Catalyst is more than just a funding platform. It’s the heartbeat of Cardano’s decentralized future. It empowers everyday users to shape the ecosystem, support innovation, and take an active role in how Cardano grows.
Whether you're a builder, voter, or visionary, Project Catalyst is your invitation to help build what’s next. To learn more or get involved, visit the official Project Catalyst website.
Quick Q&A
Q: How often does Project Catalyst run funding rounds?
A: Project Catalyst runs in funding rounds (called "Funds") approximately every 12 weeks (quarterly). Each round focuses on different challenge areas, and the community votes on what to prioritize.
Q: Can I get help with writing a proposal?
A: Yes! There's a strong community around Project Catalyst, including mentors, Discord groups, and guides to help newcomers write, improve, and refine their proposals.
Q: Do I need a large team or company to submit a proposal?
A: No. Many funded proposals come from solo builders, educators, or small teams. What matters most is the value of the idea and its potential impact.
Q: How is transparency ensured in Project Catalyst?
A: All proposals, voting results, funding decisions, and progress updates are publicly viewable through Catalyst tools and dashboards, promoting transparency and accountability.