DesVault, a decentralized storage network that uses token-based incentives and ecosystem integration to drive user engagement and network growth

Grants Rejected
1

DesVault Grant Proposal – small Grant

Project Overview

DesVault is a decentralized storage network designed to offer secure, scalable, and cost-effective data storage. By leveraging a peer-to-peer infrastructure combined with an incentive system, the platform aims to build an ecosystem where users can store, access, and transact digital files seamlessly and privately.

Problem Statement

Centralized storage systems often suffer from issues related to privacy, data breaches, and censorship. DesVault addresses these challenges by:

• Decentralized Storage: Distributing storage across a network of independent node runners to enhance security and resilience.

• Token-Based Rewards: Rewarding participants with a native token that can be used for accessing premium services, participating in network governance, and transacting within an integrated ecosystem.

• Marketplace Functionality: Enabling a marketplace for buying, selling, and renting files to boost storage utility and drive token value.

• Creators Hub: Providing a dedicated space for content creators to collaborate, showcase their work, and monetize their content directly on the platform.

• Library System: Offering a flexible digital library where users can borrow or lend books, documents, images, or other media—with options to enable or disable downloads—and earn rewards for engagement and usage.

• Group Sharing : Users can create private groups to securely share files. Blockchain-based access tokens control who can access the group, view the files, download files and even make comments or adjustments to the files. For example, an organisation can use Group sharing to privately have meetings with hierarchy.

Objectives

• Develop a Proof-of-Concept:

Build a working prototype of the decentralized storage protocol integrated with tokenized rewards. This includes:

• Incorporating a Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) mechanism for enhanced data privacy.

• Leveraging IPFS for distributed file storage.

• Supporting various node types such as storage nodes, audit nodes, and validator nodes.

• Dashboard & Analytics:

Implement an admin dashboard that displays key metrics, including:

• User storage usage and reward points.

• Overall network health and performance.

• Insights into contributions from different node types (storage, audit, validator) and IPFS integration.

• Token Mechanics:

Create and distribute DesVault Coin via an airdrop to early adopters and node runners. Include mechanisms for staking and yield rewards to encourage long-term participation.

• Pilot Deployment:

Launch a controlled pilot program with a select group of node runners to validate:

• System performance and security.

• The effectiveness of incentive models across decentralized and cloud nodes.

• Operational data from various node types.

• Governance & Future Enhancements:

• Establish a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) framework for community-driven governance.

• Develop a roadmap and prototype for an NFT-based password retrieval system for user accounts, targeted for future implementation when transitioning to the Sui platform.

Deliverables

  1. Core Protocol Implementation:

A decentralized file storage protocol that supports secure file uploads, downloads, and distribution. This system will:

• Integrate with IPFS.

• Utilize a ZKP mechanism to safeguard data privacy.

• Support multiple node types including:

• Storage Nodes: For file storage and distribution.

• Audit Nodes: To continuously monitor and verify network activity.

• Validator Nodes: To ensure consensus and secure transactions.

  1. Admin Dashboard:

A comprehensive management interface that displays:

• User storage usage and reward points.

• Network health and performance metrics.

• Detailed insights into the contributions of storage, audit, and validator nodes, along with IPFS performance data.

  1. Token Integration:

A fully functional DesVault Coin system, featuring:

• Airdrop Mechanisms: For onboarding early users and node runners.

• Staking and Yield Features: To encourage long-term holding and active network participation.

  1. Documentation & Testing:

Comprehensive technical documentation and user guides, alongside a robust testing framework to ensure:

• High performance and security.

• Seamless integration of the decentralized storage protocol and its hybrid node model during both the pilot phase and subsequent deployments.

  1. Pilot Program:

A controlled deployment with a limited set of node runners (including storage, audit, and validator nodes) to:

• Gather real-world performance data.

• Validate the incentive and reward structures.

• Fine-tune the network prior to broader scaling.

  1. Governance & Future Implementation Plan:

• Establish a DAO framework to facilitate decentralized governance and decision-making.

• Outline and prototype an NFT-based password retrieval system for user accounts, earmarked for future integration when adopting the Sui platform.

Timeline

The project is structured to be completed within <8 months, following these phases:

• Phase 1: Finalize requirements, design the architecture, and commence core protocol and token development.

• Phase 2: Develop the admin dashboard, integrate token mechanics, and initiate internal testing.

• Phase 3: Launch the pilot program with select node runners, accompanied by comprehensive testing and feedback sessions.

• Phase 4: Refine the platform based on pilot feedback, complete documentation, and prepare for broader deployment.

Budget

We are requesting a total of $10,000 for this Small Grant. The MVP is currently 50–70% complete, and these funds will be used to complete the remaining development work needed to launch the pilot and refine key features. The budget is allocated as follows:

• Development & Engineering (50%):

Complete the core protocol enhancements, token integration, and advanced features (including ZKP, IPFS integration, storage/audit/validator nodes, and the DAO framework).

• Testing & Quality Assurance (20% ):

Conduct security audits, functional testing, and performance validation to ensure the platform meets our rigorous standards.

• Documentation & Community Outreach (15% ):

Produce comprehensive technical documentation and user guides while initiating community engagement to attract early adopters and testers.

• Operational Costs (Pilot Deployment) (15%):

Cover infrastructure, hosting, and miscellaneous expenses during the pilot phase.

This MVP will serve as an entry point to build the community and attract early testers. The performance metrics and user feedback gathered during the pilot will be essential in securing larger-scale funding through future grants, ICOs, or investor rounds.

Risks and Mitigation Strategies

• Technical Integration:

Adopt agile development practices with frequent milestones to identify and resolve integration challenges early.

• Security Vulnerabilities:

Implement comprehensive security audits and incorporate feedback from independent experts.

• User Adoption:

Initiate a focused pilot phase to ensure network stability and collect real-world data, reducing risks during full-scale deployment.

Team

Currently, the DesVault project is led by a single founder asking with an advisor with expertise in blockchain development and decentralized systems. As the project progresses and further funding is secured, there are plans to expand the team with additional professionals in cybersecurity, engineering, and community management.

Conclusion

DesVault aims to revolutionize the storage landscape by combining decentralized technology with a robust token incentive system. By securing this Small Grant, we will complete our MVP, validate our proof-of-concept, and create a transparent, rewarding user experience. This foundational work will pave the way for building a scalable ecosystem where storage, transactions, and community engagement drive token value and network growth.

Thank you for considering our proposal. We look forward to the opportunity to build a more secure and accessible future for decentralized storage.

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Sorry, but please clarify why your request is effectively pitching the idea of Sia itself and your effectively asking Sia to fund a variant of its own blockchain network?

If you are NOT intending to do that, then clarify what your trying to build on top of sia rather then replace it.

Kudos.

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On the contrary, my proposal is not aimed at replicating the Sia’s blockchain network. I have a deep respect for Sia’s decentralized storage model and its proven track record. My goal is to integrate with Sia, leveraging its infrastructure, while building on top of it using Sui as our blockchain foundation for advanced tokenomics, governance, and additional features. This approach enables us to create a complementary ecosystem rather than a competing one.

DesVault will utilize Sui’s Layer 1 blockchain that offers advanced smart contract functionality—to drive our token generation event, reward system, and decentralized governance mechanisms. By integrating with Sia for a hybrid storage model, leveraging and completing each other rather than changing, we can offer users a dual-storage solution that combines the strengths of Sia’s decentralized network with the innovative layer1 functionalities available on Sui. This hybrid model will provide greater flexibility and enhanced utility for our users, while also keeping sia relevant and in the game

Furthermore, as an established player in the industry, we are keen to position Sia as a strategic partner and not an opponent. We recognize that while Sia excels in secure, decentralized storage, there remain gaps that can be addressed by leveraging additional technologies. For example, Sia’s blockchain is primarily designed for storage and may not fully support complex smart contract-driven features such as a dynamic decentralized marketplace, collaborative chat systems, or a comprehensive Creators Hub. These advanced features—along with our token-based reward system and a digital Library System—are intended to bridge that gap, offering capabilities that enhance the overall ecosystem and drive community engagement.

In summary, the goal is to complement and extend the capabilities of decentralized storage networks, After all this is a battle against centralised storage services and their control, and not an in-house squabble .And by integrating Sia’s storage model with the advanced, scalable features available on Sui, we aim to create a richer, more versatile ecosystem. I hope that clears up any doubt
Kudos

4

Ok honestly, most of what you have just said from my POV is hot air.

The abstract question comes down to:

  • How does sia benefit by having any sort of bridge/L2/or similar to SUI? most of what you said is around a token and governance, but not the utility or value.
  • Sia’s blockchain is primarily designed for storage and may not fully support complex smart contract-driven features such as a dynamic decentralized marketplace, collaborative chat systems, or a comprehensive Creators Hub.
    • Much of these things can be achieved pure P2P as a blockchain it itself is a niche lego used for both an economy and what you could call a truth machine. For example, most NFT’s have historically just referenced IPFS CID’es/hashes to the IPFS P2P network. Nothing more in that case is needed outside ensuring the data stays up (aka BitTorrent-like seeding)

If you have a technical plan on what you plan to actually achieve, ideally with any code as examples to illustrate, that would be best because what I see right now is something that is only written from a business POV and has no technical merit or justification to back it up.

Lastly This hybrid model will provide greater flexibility and enhanced utility for our users, while also keeping sia relevant and in the game Im not sure if im mis-reading this, but this is seems like a highly passive-aggressive and condescending statement to the Sia community.

Sorry if im being harsh, but I am being honest in my opinion and I do not yet see anything of value proposed here other then give us a grant for a vague blockchain partnership to have "synergy".

Lastly know I am not a decision maker here, nor part of the foundation, but I am a community developer in the ecosystem. I would recommend you re-eval your request, remove the overly-verbose business talk, and be very clear on what your planning to build, with at-least some technical detail.

Kudos.

1 Like
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I apologise if my earlier responses came across as unclear or condescending. My intention is not to pitch a vague “synergy” or undermine Sia in any way. I respect Sia’s foundational role in decentralized storage, and as I mentioned earlier, my goal is to build a system that complements it rather than competes with it.

To clarify, the proposal is not an attempt to replicate Sia’s blockchain; instead, i propose creating a layer on top of Sia’s decentralized storage network while leveraging Sui’s Layer 1 blockchain to add advanced features. The core concept involves using Sia as the storage backbone, where files are securely stored and distributed using its established model of encryption, redundancy, and decentralized management. Concurrently, Suis blockchain will power our tokenomics, decentralized governance (via a DAO), and smart contract-driven functionalities.

In the hybrid model, data remains stored on Sias network using its existing protocols, while Sui manages the interaction layer. This layer handles access control, monetization, and governance through smart contracts that reference data stored on Sia. The goal is to enhance what users can do with files stored on Sia by introducing functionalities that are difficult to achieve through pure peer-to-peer systems alone. Furthermore, the entire system or rather current MVP already integrates IPFS for fast, content-addressed file retrieval, which provides redundancy and speed that complement Sia archival storage.

Technically, the plan includes several key integration points. When a file is uploaded, it is stored on Sia, generating a unique identifier such as a Skylink that confirms data availability and integrity. On the interaction side, Sui smart contracts reference these identifiers to manage permissions, payments, and rewards. For example, a user might store a file on Sia and mint an access token on Sui.

In response to your request for code examples, I can either provide a sample using Sui’s Move language that demonstrates one of these features or present a forked MVP from the completed storage system I have that showcases some of the discussed features in a working prototype. The fork would include the integration of the IPFS-based distribution along with Sia storage for redundancy.

When a file is uploaded, it is broken into chunks, hashed, and distributed across the IPFS network. This process generates unique content identifiers (CIDs) that allow users to quickly retrieve the file from multiple sources, ensuring high availability and speed.

Sia acts as the secure, blockchain-based long-term storage layer. Once a file is distributed via the IPFS, it will then be backed up or archived on Sia. In Sia, the file or its shards is stored across the network under storage contracts, which ensure redundancy and data integrity over time when combined with my current node network + encryption protocol. Although Sia is open source, using it involves operational costs because storage contracts require payments.

In summary, my ultimate plan is to make a hybrid model that leverages the strengths and bests of multiple technologies . For now IPFS serves as the rapid, content-addressed distribution layer, while, Sui is used to power tokenomics, governance, and advanced smart contract functionality. And with the integration of Sia it will provides a cost-effective, redundant storage solution for the long-term.

Kudos!

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  • Skynet no longer exists and is long dead. Skylinks were never a Sia concept but something from Sia’es past L2 portal system.
  • Sia stores data in S3-like buckets. There is no native L1 CID.
  • You CAN use something like https://github.com/SiaFoundation/fsd as a L2 to store data to Sia (IPFS).
  • What your describing so far is just somehow putting smart contract and governance in a system that’s linked to Sia, as roughly NFT-like entities.

But with all of that, you have still not gotten to the point and tell what is the benefit/purpose of all this. Why are you wanting to reference CID’s into a smart contract (which in abstract can be on any chain and is a generic thing). What are you building that isn’t just adding a token with some form of a DAO, for X reason?

So far, I see no utility or benefit to Sia other then saying another blockchain uses it for some unclear end goal.

7

@ArguableExorcist8 Thanks for your proposal to The Sia Foundation!

I share some of pcfreak’s concerns with this grant, but of primary importance is that we don’t fund grants that require interaction with or build on other blockchains. It leaves a lot of things outside of our control and ultimately means we can’t ensure that grant fund use will be maximized or used in accordance with our mission.

We’ll be moving this grant to the Rejected section of the forum. You’re welcome to re-submit new grant requests in the future. Thanks again.