This request for support focuses on Dolos (https://dolos.txpipe.io/), a lightweight Cardano data node, designed as a backend for dApps. It is fine-tuned to solve a very narrow scope: keeping an updated copy of the ledger and replying to queries from trusted clients. Unlike a full Cardano node, Dolos is optimized for minimal resource usage while maintaining high data integrity and responsiveness. As an open-source project, Dolos has been steadily growing in adoption, with 366 commits, 367 pull requests, and contributions from 21 developers. It is becoming a key tool for projects seeking efficient blockchain data access without the overhead of full-node infrastructure. To ensure Dolos continues to evolve alongside Cardano’s ecosystem, we are requesting funding for the following roles: 0.5 FTE Blockchain Developer and 0.125 FTE Tech Lead.

Dolos is a specialized Cardano data node designed to maintain an updated copy of the ledger and respond efficiently to queries. Optimized for data integrity and speed, it provides developers with reliable blockchain data access while requiring a fraction of the resources of a full node. Over the past year, Dolos has gained adoption within the Cardano ecosystem, with an active open-source community contributing to its growth. To continue improving its efficiency, maintaining compatibility with Cardano upgrades, and expanding its capabilities, ongoing development and maintenance are necessary. This proposal seeks funding to ensure Dolos remains actively supported, optimized, and available for the growing number of projects relying on it.

Securing funding for Dolos will ensure its continued maintenance, optimization, and feature expansion, directly benefiting projects that rely on fast and lightweight access to Cardano ledger data. Continued improvements will enhance performance, reduce infrastructure overhead, and support a broader range of use cases. By keeping Dolos actively maintained, the Cardano developer community gains a robust and efficient alternative to traditional node setups, lowering operational costs and improving blockchain data accessibility.

1. Ongoing Maintenance & Protocol Updates

• Ensure Dolos remains compatible with the latest Cardano network upgrades.
• Address reported bugs and performance optimizations.

2. Feature Enhancements & New Developments

• Optimize existing features for better performance and lower resource consumption.
• Expand functionality based on developer needs and community feedback.

3. Documentation & Developer Support

• Maintain up-to-date documentation and implementation guides.
• Engage with the developer community through GitHub and other channels.

Definition of Done:

• Dolos remains fully compatible with the latest Cardano releases.
• Identified issues and bugs are addressed in a timely manner.
• Performance and resource optimizations are implemented.
• Documentation and community engagement are consistently maintained.

0.5 FTE Blockchain Developer for 12 months:

• Usd = (825 Usd/Day/FTE * 241 Working Days) * 0.5 = 99,412
• Ada = 99,412 / 0.6 = 165,686

0.125 FTE tech lead per month:

• Usd = (1100 Usd/Day/FTE * 241 Working Days) * 0.125 = 33,137
• Ada = 33,137 / 0.6 = 55,228

Total for 12 months

• Usd = 99,412 + 33,137 = 132,549
• Ada = 165,686 + 55,228 = 220,914

0.5 FTE blockchain developer and 0.125 FTE tech lead for a 12 month period.

TxPipe is an active member of the Cardano ecosystem

TxPipe has been developing open-source tools for the Cardano ecosystem for over 3 years and we're not going anywhere. Evidence of our commitment can be found by evaluating the continuous activity of our public code repositories.

Experience developing in the Cardano ecosystem

TxPipe has helped developed several dApps for the Cardano ecosystem. This experience allows us to evaluate the feasibility of the project and its potential benefit from a developer's perspective. We've also participated in development of chains using the released version of the IOG's Partnerchain SDK.

Successful Catalyst proposals

We have successfully completed several Catalyst proposals. This may serve as evidence that our team has the required capabilities to fulfill these type of projects.

Development process will be public and open-source

Both the output and the development process will be public and open-source. This approach provides an easy way for the Catalyst team and the Cardano community to evaluate the progress at each step of the process.

Dolos will be actively maintained through regular updates to remain compatible with Cardano network changes, performance optimizations to improve query efficiency and reduce resource consumption, bug fixes, and stability improvements. Ongoing community engagement, documentation updates, and developer support to encourage adoption and contributions. Long-term sustainability will be pursued through grants, partnerships, and continued community-driven development efforts.

https://github.com/txpipe/dolos https://discord.gg/6gx6rYct

None.