The Sustainable 26
Catalyst Representative Pilot – Sustainability Expertise
Hello, my name is Alex Maaza, @planetmaaz on X, and this is my contribution to the catalyst-rep-pilot that I came up with as a community pilot to leverage the wealth and breadth of its expertise.
Expertise Theme
Sustainability: proposals for legacy and blockchain-native use cases, research, education, and events that positively impact Cardano adoption, aligned with sustainability frameworks such as the UN SDGs.
Definition of Expertise
My focus lies in identifying, evaluating, and supporting initiatives that apply Cardano’s technology to sustainability challenges and, conversely, advance the sustainability of the blockchain itself. This includes projects spanning environmental verification, agriculture and supply chain transparency, humanitarian systems, and institutional partnerships aligned with sustainable development goals.
Evidence of Expertise
As Sustainability and Innovation Lead at the Cardano Foundation, my work bridges blockchain technology and sustainability impact through two interconnected portfolios:
- Blockchain for Sustainability: developing partnerships and proof-of-value projects with international organisations such as UNDP to showcase how Cardano can advance sustainable development goals.
- Sustainability of Blockchain: contributing to governance, transparency, and long-term environmental initiatives within the ecosystem, including Project Catalyst and other ecosystem funding innovation.
My background in international affairs, finance, and sustainable development — combined with experience working with NGOs and multilateral institutions — informs my evaluation of real-world impact and institutional alignment.
For Fund 14, I independently reviewed a large set of proposals in the Concepts and Ecosystem categories, culminating in “The Sustainable 26” — a selection of the most promising sustainability-oriented initiatives for Cardano’s growth and adoption. This selection is outlined at the end of this Worth:
- Concepts: ₳1,553,000
- Ecosystem: ₳ 508,000
- Total: ₳ 2,061,000
Review Methodology
My review approach adapted the Cardano Foundation’s Champion procedure for structured evaluation:
1. Initial Scan (Champion – First Acceptance/Rejection)
I reviewed the full set of 578 Concepts and 583 Ecosystem proposals, filtering them by category relevance, legitimacy, and potential utility. Each proposal was graded:
- (A) Promising, worth a full review
- (B) Potential, revisit if time permits
- (C) Not worth pursuing
To ensure accuracy, I validated my shortlist against the public Fund 14 proposal CSV, with AI-assisted cross-checking to identify overlooked entries.
2. Deep Review (Champion – Full Evaluation)
I conducted detailed assessments of proposals rated (A), using four criteria:
- Partnership Validation
- Team Execution Capability
- Market Opportunity
- Technical Feasibility
This process resulted in 17 proposals in the Concepts category and 9 in the Ecosystem category, collectively referred to as The Sustainable 26.
Key Thematic Insights
Across both categories, several clear patterns emerged:
- Environmental verification and carbon market innovations are maturing rapidly through interoperable, MRV-grade solutions.
- Agricultural, supply chain, and humanitarian applications remain central to demonstrating Cardano’s real-world utility.
- Institutional partnerships (UN, government, enterprise) are increasingly present but often lack formalized commitment documentation.
- Ecosystem development initiatives are effectively positioning Cardano in policy, enterprise, and sustainability dialogues.
Overall, sustainability proposals within Catalyst are showing increased sophistication, better alignment with Cardano’s strengths, and stronger composability across projects.
Closing Reflection
Balancing this review alongside my broader responsibilities — including leading the Foundation’s participation in Fund 14 and contributing as a reviewer within this very pilot — was no small task. But it has been a rewarding one. It’s inspiring to see so many community members step forward to share their expertise and help strengthen decision-making across Catalyst.
I hope The Sustainable 26 and other proposals submitted to catalyst-rep-pilot encourages more experts from across the ecosystem to contribute their perspectives — in future Catalyst rounds and as part of Cardano’s evolving on-chain governance.
The Sustainable 26 – Concepts & Ecosystem Categories F14
| # | Proposal Title | Category | Budget (₳) | Full Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CryptoAid: Restoring Trust in Humanitarian Aid | Concepts | 66,000 | I recommend this proposal as StaTwig brings proven UN partnerships and addresses a critical $50M+ humanitarian aid transparency gap. The team’s track record with UNICEF and Gavi demonstrates capability to navigate complex stakeholder environments. I would like to see further development in partner commitment documentation and more detailed timeline alignment between deliverables and funding phases, as the proposal references pilot partner organizations but lacks formal confirmation letters. |
| 2 | Kazakhstan Pilot for Health Services Procurement on Cardano | Concepts | 100,000 | I recommend this proposal as the UNDP partnership provides institutional credibility and Central Asia represents untapped geography for Cardano. The team demonstrates strong technical credentials with prior EU-funded blockchain delivery. I would like to see further development in confirmed government buy-in documentation and clearer definition of post-pilot scaling pathways, as success depends heavily on converting UNDP interest into formal government adoption. |
| 3 | ScanPro: Next-Gen Humanitarian Track & Trace on Cardano | Concepts | 45,000 | I recommend this proposal as StaTwig’s UNICEF DPG status and proven VaccineLedger deployment demonstrate exceptional execution capacity in humanitarian contexts. The $2.3B aid transparency market represents a significant opportunity. I would like to see further development in formalized UN/WFP partner commitments and a clearer post-pilot sustainability model, as the proposal references workshops with “FAO/WFP aligned stakeholders” without confirmed partnership agreements. |
| 4 | AegisGrid: Blockchain-Powered Energy Management | Concepts | 100,000 | I recommend this proposal as Grinplus demonstrates strong fundraising track record ($256K validated international funding) and UNDP Tanzania partnership provides operational access to utility data. The first-mover advantage in utility blockchain applications creates strategic positioning. I would like to see further development in formalized TANESCO partnership documentation beyond UNDP sprint participation, as long-term success depends on utility company commitment to integrate blockchain records into operations. |
| 5 | [CoVo: Land Rights with Veridian DIDs, VCs & NFTs | ](CoVo: Land Rights with Veridian DIDs, VCs & NFTs)Concepts | 95,000 | I recommend this proposal as Blockia Labs has proven Catalyst delivery with DigiFarm and brings critical SSI expertise through Veridian integration. The land rights documentation gap represents massive global need (only 13% of Africa has mapped private lands). I would like to see further development in confirmed NGO partnership commitments and clearer post-pilot sustainability strategy, as the proposal states “at least 1 NGO partner using the system independently by project end” without naming committed partners or revenue models beyond grants. |
| 6 | EcoMandala v.2 – On-chain Environmental Intelligence | Concepts | 96,000 | I recommend this proposal as the team’s Fund 12 completion demonstrates delivery capability and the MRV-grade upgrade directly addresses carbon market credibility gaps. NMKR partnership reduces technical risk. I would like to see further development in confirmed MRV partner documentation, as the proposal references “at least one MRV partner” integration without naming committed organizations or providing letters of intent, which would strengthen feasibility confidence. |
| 7 | DigiFarm Credit & Climate Passport | Concepts | 95,000 | I recommend this proposal as Blockia Labs demonstrates exceptional Catalyst delivery across three consecutive funds and the FieldScore innovation directly addresses farmer invisibility to lenders. Dependencies on Veridian, Landano, Commonlands are well-documented. I would like to see further development in formal lender partnership commitments beyond “sample loan offers,” as the proposal’s long-term impact depends on converting pilot results into institutional lender adoption with documented LOIs. |
| 8 | $1.5T Impact Capital – How to Verify & Attribute this Impact | Concepts | 93,000 | I recommend this proposal as the Agsol partnership provides real IoT data and Innovate UK/FCDO presentation creates institutional validation pathway. The $1.5T impact capital market represents significant opportunity. I would like to see further development in post-pilot sustainability strategy and clearer definition of how open KPI protocol enables replication, as the proposal is proprietary (“not open source”) which limits ecosystem benefit despite the $1.5T market potential. |
| 9 | Digital Agriculture Blueprint for Tanzania | Concepts | 95,000 | I recommend this proposal as UNCDF direct engagement positions this as pre-work for major Fund 15 partnership and DigiFarm’s proven Catalyst record reduces execution risk. The Tanzania D4DAT program represents validated national need. I would like to see further development in formalized local agri-tech partner commitment beyond “selected in M1,” as the 1,000 farmer onboarding target depends critically on this unnamed partner’s capacity and willingness to deploy resources. |
| 10 | M4W: Offline Field Data Collection Tool Feasibility & MVP | Concepts | 98,000 | I recommend this proposal as M4W’s partnerships with Chloé, Fendi, and other luxury houses provide unique access to premium supply chains and Modus Create’s Cardano track record since 2018 reduces technical risk. The offline-first approach fills a genuine gap for low-connectivity environments. I would like to see further development in confirmed scaling commitments from luxury brand partners, as the proposal’s value depends on post-pilot adoption by M4W’s network rather than remaining a feasibility study. |
| 11 | M4W: Biodiversity Data Capture & On-Chain Storage | Concepts | 92,000 | I recommend this proposal as the M4W + Modus Create team provides a strong technical foundation and biodiversity verification represents a genuine infrastructure gap. The open methodology approach enables ecosystem replication. I would like to see further development in confirmed NGO partner commitments beyond “at least 2 NGO partners” and a clearer sustainability model, as the proposal targets feasibility validation but lacks a defined path from proof-of-concept to operational adoption beyond grants. |
| 12 | Blockchain-Verified Carbon Sequestration & Tokenization | Concepts | 98,000 | I recommend this proposal as Bôndy’s proven restoration track record (1,000+ hectares, 2M+ trees) combined with Gold Standard methodology provides scientific credibility and Modus Create ensures technical delivery. The carbon verification market represents significant opportunity. I would like to see further development in formal registry partnership commitments and clearer adoption pathway, as the proposal targets 3+ non-Cardano community airdrops but lacks documented relationships with carbon registries or offset purchasers who would drive sustained demand. |
| 13 | M4W: Blockchain Traceability for Artisanal Luxury Products | Concepts | 98,000 | I recommend this proposal as M4W’s LVMH/Kering partnerships provide unique luxury market access and the feasibility study approach (testing which features matter to consumers) is strategically sound. Modus Create’s Cardano track record reduces technical risk. I would like to see further development in confirmed luxury brand commitments to implement findings, as the proposal focuses on consumer testing but lacks documented agreements from M4W’s partners (Chloé, Fendi) to adopt blockchain traceability if pilot proves successful. |
| 14 | Plot-Based Tokenization for Verified Mangrove Restoration | Concepts | 92,000 | I recommend this proposal as Bôndy’s restoration track record and plot-based approach differentiate from tree-level systems while enabling registry alignment. Modus Create provides technical credibility. I would like to see further development in formal partnerships with carbon registries or restoration verification bodies, as the proposal targets “2 organizations expressing adoption interest” but lacks pre-existing relationships with registries that would enable the plot-based system to scale beyond proof-of-concept. |
| 15 | Blockchain-Certified NDVI/EVI Monitoring Forest Restoration | Concepts | 95,000 | I recommend this proposal as Bôndy + Modus Create team provides credible foundation and NDVI/EVI verification represents genuine gap in ecological science. The open methodology enables replication. I would like to see further development in confirmed research institution or NGO partnerships, as the proposal targets “positive engagement from NGOs or research groups” without pre-existing relationships that would drive adoption beyond the 20-analysis pilot. |
| 16 | HydroTrace – Trustworthy Water Allocation and Tracing | Concepts | 100,000 | I recommend this proposal as the Namibia Ministry partnership provides operational legitimacy and the team’s interdisciplinary expertise (groundwater science, CS, embedded systems) addresses complex technical requirements. Agriculture represents 70% of global water use, demonstrating massive scaling potential. I would like to see further development in formalized Ministry commitment documentation beyond “secured collaboration,” as long-term success depends on government willingness to integrate blockchain-based quota management into official water policy enforcement. |
| 17 | CO₂ Tracking in the Fuel & Fleet Card Industry w/ UTA Edenred | Concepts | 95,000 | I recommend this proposal as UTA Edenred partnership provides access to 2M+ fuel cards and 87,000+ locations across 40 European countries, and CSRD regulation creates mandatory demand for emissions tracking starting 2025. The team’s successful SmartFutures event delivery demonstrates execution capability. I would like to see further development in formalized UTA Edenred commitment beyond partnership mention, such as a letter of intent confirming their willingness to pilot the MVP blueprint if feasibility study proves successful. |
| 18 | StaTwig Advocacy: Cardano for Good Governance | Ecosystem | 30,000 | I recommend this proposal as StaTwig’s position as a UN DPG partner and their track record with UNICEF and Gavi give the team high credibility to speak for Cardano in global governance forums. This proposal delivers strategic advocacy that positions Cardano within the UN’s digital governance dialogue and supports ecosystem visibility with institutional partners. I would like to see further development in clearer measurement of policy impact and documentation of official events or outcomes where Cardano is represented, as the proposal currently focuses on intent rather than documented outputs. |
| 19 | Cardano Policy Paper: Unlocking LATAM’s Path to Adoption | Ecosystem | 60,000 | I recommend this proposal as it fills a critical gap in policy research for the region and addresses the lack of institutional visibility for Cardano in Latin America. The team demonstrates academic rigor and local context understanding, bridging policy analysis with practical recommendations for adoption. I would like to see further development in partnerships with government or regulatory bodies to ensure uptake of findings beyond publication, as impact depends on translation from policy paper to policy dialogue. |
| 20 | Funding the Commons: Driving RealFi + Catalyst Submissions | Ecosystem | 60,000 | I recommend this proposal as it leverages an existing global conference platform with track record and positions Cardano in the open source and public goods space through RealFi. The team’s network and previous events demonstrate operational capacity to deliver impact beyond Catalyst participants. I would like to see further development in explicit integration of Cardano projects within the conference agenda and clear follow-up mechanisms for post-event builder retention. |
| 21 | CardanoAgro LATAM Hub: Pilot Phase Brazil | Ecosystem | 60,000 | I recommend this proposal as it targets Brazil’s $160 billion agribusiness export sector and leverages Cardano’s real-world potential in traceability and ESG. The team has local industry knowledge and academic links, positioning Cardano in a market with global visibility. I would like to see further development in documented industry partnerships and follow-through plans for pilot data publication to ensure transparency and replicability within the ecosystem. |
| 22 | Funding the Commons Buenos Aires Residency | Ecosystem | 60,000 | I recommend this proposal as the residency model directly links builders and researchers in public goods innovation, aligning Cardano with the global tech for good movement. The Buenos Aires focus adds strategic presence in LATAM’s most active Web3 hub. I would like to see further development in explicit post-residency engagement plans to retain talent in the Cardano ecosystem, as success depends on long-term project conversion from participants. |
| 23 | Blockchain4Good Summit: Gateway to UN/NGOs for Cardano dApps | Ecosystem | 60,000 | I recommend this proposal as it capitalizes on Cardano’s established reputation in the impact space and extends visibility within the UN/NGO community. The organizers have experience hosting impact-oriented events and maintaining institutional partnerships. I would like to see further development in clear metrics for outreach impact (e.g., UN/NGO participants converted to follow-up projects) and greater clarity on how post-event outputs will be shared with the Catalyst community. |
| 24 | ESG Masters – A Tech for Sustainability Conference Format | Ecosystem | 58,000 | I recommend this proposal as it strategically places Cardano in Europe’s ESG and industrial policy conversation through a professional conference format. The team has experience in corporate engagement and content production, supporting Cardano’s positioning with enterprise decision-makers. I would like to see further development in partnerships with recognized industry bodies and explicit tracking of enterprise attendee conversion to follow-up collaborations within the Cardano ecosystem. |
| 25 | Cardano Medical Initiative: Blockchain Healthcare Solutions | Ecosystem | 60,000 | I recommend this proposal as it introduces Cardano to the healthcare sector through a structured consulting framework targeted at executives and decision-makers. The team has credible domain experience and positions Cardano within the broader health data governance conversation. I would like to see further development in documented industry pilot commitments and specific follow-up deliverables to measure engagement beyond initial workshops. |
| 26 | Sustainability Blockchain Initiative: Cardano for ESG | Ecosystem | 60,000 | I recommend this proposal as it positions Cardano within the enterprise ESG reporting and consulting market through a team with experience in ISO standards and corporate sustainability. This proposal creates bridges between blockchain innovation and traditional ESG frameworks. I would like to see further development in clarified commercialization strategy and evidence of corporate partner engagement to demonstrate market traction beyond proof-of-concept consulting deliverables. |