Create dFCT.md

[rbrandao]

Adding d-FCT (Decentralized Fact-Checking Toolkit)

Cardano-Polkadot Provenance Bridge

Project Abstract

The d-FCT (Decentralized Fact-Checking Toolkit) Cardano–Polkadot Provenance Bridge introduces a cross-chain provenance layer linking Cardano’s dSM-Prov model with the Polkadot ecosystem. It combines PolkaVM/EVM-compatible smart contracts, an off-chain relay service, and XCM messaging to enable verifiable, interoperable provenance proofs across chains. This project establishes a foundation for transparent, cross-chain fact-checking and data authenticity, expanding the d-FCT architecture into the broader Web3 ecosystem.

Grant level

• Level 1: Up to $10,000, 2 approvals
• Level 2: Up to $30,000, 3 approvals
• Level 3: Unlimited, 5 approvals (for >$100k: Web3 Foundation Council approval)

Application Checklist

• The application template has been copied and aptly renamed (project_name.md).
• I have read the application guidelines.
• Payment details have been provided (Polkadot AssetHub (USDC & DOT) address in the application and bank details via email, if applicable).
• I understand that an agreed upon percentage of each milestone will be paid in vested DOT, to the Polkadot address listed in the application.
• I am aware that, in order to receive a grant, I (and the entity I represent) have to successfully complete a KYC/KYB check.
• The software delivered for this grant will be released under an open-source license specified in the application.
• The initial PR contains only one commit (squash and force-push if needed).
• The grant will only be announced once the first milestone has been accepted (see the announcement guidelines).
• I prefer the discussion of this application to take place in a private Element/Matrix channel. My username is: @_______:matrix.org (change the homeserver if you use a different one)

[diogo-w3f]

@rbrandao Thanks for the application. Are you aware of our new grant guidelines?

Could you please explain how a bridge with an application on Cardano would increase the usage of the DOT token? From my perspective, this seems to primarily enhance the Cardano ecosystem rather than ours.

[rbrandao]

Thanks for the feedback, @diogo-w3f. Yes, we’ve read the new grant guidelines.

The Cardano–Polkadot Provenance Bridge is designed to bring verified data into Polkadot, creating on-chain demand for provenance storage, relay verification, and query services that live within the Polkadot network. Each cross-chain proof registered through the bridge would result in:

1. A Polkadot-side provenance record stored in a Substrate pallet or smart contract,

2. XCM message fees and execution gas paid in DOT,

3. And increased activity for indexers, explorers, and dApps consuming those verified datasets through Polkadot.

In other words, Cardano becomes the data source, but Polkadot becomes the trust anchor and consumer environment. The bridge expands Polkadot’s role as a multi-chain data integrity hub, aligning directly with your AI and verification verticals while strengthening on-chain utility and transaction flow in DOT.

This project positions Polkadot as the destination layer for verifiable content provenance, which can be reused by other parachains and governance DAOs natively using DOT for fees, staking, and further integrations.

Hope that clarifies the proposal. Glad to elaborate further if helpful.