The Cosmos Hub is set to become the backbone of secure digital asset storage and governance for interchain NFTs. To further ensure this, Atom Accelerator DAO (AADAO) has provided a special grant to Ark Protocol to deploy contracts that enhance security by storing valuable digital assets on the Hub and facilitating governance through DAODAO integration.
Additionally, this initiative boosts Cosmos app chains by enabling seamless NFT transfers across various marketplaces on other chains, driving growth and interoperability throughout the ecosystem.
Please check full discussion here: https://forum.cosmos.network/t/signalling-proposal-to-whitelist-the-deployment-of-ark-protocol-s-interchain-nft-contracts/14806
About Ark Protocol
Ark Protocol is a core contributor to InterChain NFT standards in the Cosmos ecosystem. We focus on ICS721-based NFT utilities, enabling users, creators and builders to benefit from chain-agnostic interoperability. Our efforts streamline cross-chain NFT transfers, improve governance models, and ensure the Cosmos Hub remains a secure, dynamic center for digital assets. The team has successfully deployed interchain contracts on leading Cosmos chains.
The Cosmos ecosystem thrives on its app chains, yet fragmented NFT interoperability limits their potential. Without the ability to transfer NFTs across chains, users miss out on leveraging the strengths of each chain and risk asset loss during crises like UST’s depeg. Ark Protocol addresses this by introducing ICS721-based NFT interoperability, enabling secure NFT transfers across chains and fostering collaboration within the Cosmos ecosystem.
For users outside Cosmos, it offers an entry point to explore app chains’ unique benefits. By leveraging the Hub’s security and integrating governance through DAODAO, Ark Protocol connects NFT communities and boosts app chain opportunities
The $80,000 AADAO grant enables the deployment and operational setup of three essential components that will transform the Cosmos NFT ecosystem:
- NFT Contract (cw721): A standardized and secure framework for creating and managing NFTs.
- Bridge (ics721): A robust interchain NFT bridge, facilitating seamless and secure cross-chain NFT transfers.
- Launchpad Contracts: Empowering creators to launch NFTs with access to the Hub’s unmatched governance and security.
This grant also supports critical infrastructure, including:
- Setting up relayers for smooth cross-chain operations, ensuring efficient NFT transfers across app chains.
- Delivering community support and ongoing DevOps to maintain stability and security.
By enabling these advancements, the grant strengthens the Cosmos Hub as a secure foundation for interchain NFTs and facilitates collaboration across app chains, benefiting the entire Cosmos ecosystem.
On top of this grant, what remains of our grant to Asteroid Protocol will also be attributed to Ark Protocol. With Asteroid pausing development due to lack of funding, Ark will take over, continuing Asteroid’s work on inscriptions on top of advancing their efforts to deploy interchain NFT contracts on the Hub. This way, all can benefit and no efforts are lost.
Driving Value to the Hub
Ark Protocol’s deployment will drive immense value to the Cosmos Hub:
- Security: The Hub will host robust ICS721-compliant bridges and NFT contracts that ensure asset safety and resilience against vulnerabilities.
- Governance: By integrating with DAODAO, Ark enables NFT-based governance models, allowing users to participate in decision-making using their NFT assets.
- Utility: NFT creators gain access to a launchpad on the Hub, while users benefit from features like cross-chain NFT transfers, staking, and voting through DAODAO.
- Ecosystem Growth: These features attract creators, builders, and users, boosting activity and liquidity across the Hub.
“By deploying InterChain NFT contracts on the Cosmos Hub, Ark Protocol strengthens security and governance while empowering the community to drive meaningful change through tools like DAODAO.” — Ark Protocol Team
Final Thoughts
As we look ahead to 2025, Ark Protocol remains dedicated to expanding its contributions to the Cosmos ecosystem. This includes integrating Asteroid Protocol’s inscriptions to achieve 100% cross-chain compatibility and onboarding additional Cosmos chains to create public goods and utilities that benefit the interchain community.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Stargaze, the main driver of InterChain NFTs, for their unwavering support and leadership. Over the past 2.5 years, Stargaze funded Ark Protocol with a total of $100,000 USD to support the development of ICS721 and operational efforts to connect Cosmos app chains through InterChain NFTs. Their significant contributions have been instrumental in shaping the future of interoperable NFTs.
A heartfelt thank you to Michael Sotto, Shane, Jorge, Zerk, Noah, Zeke, Reece, JG, Hashimoto, Red Phone, Brian, Deploydon, NicsHODLN, whyre, addingbio, Simon, Vlad, Sunny, Jake, DoraHacks, Confio, the Galactic Syndicate, Mad Scientists, Red Planet, BackBone Labs, Govmos, SG-1, Everstake, Allnodes, and a lot more from the NFT community including creators, builders, validators, and especially Joni, Mark, Malek, and Syed from AADAO, for making this journey possible.
With plans to propose a Cosmos Hub governance proposal for further community pool funding, we’re committed to building a more connected, innovative ecosystem. Together, we’re shaping the future of NFTs and inscriptions in Cosmos. 🚀
Stay updated on Ark Protocol’s progress by following us on X, Discord or visiting our website.
Resources:
- InterChain NFTs whitepaper
- Audits by Oak Security and SCV
- Main contributor of CW-ICS721 and CW-NFTs repo
- Recognized by IBC Protocol and listed in IBC Resource Catalog
- Overall winner Game of NFTs, 3 additional awards for Public Goods, Best Promoter and Bug Hunters
- DoraHacks AEZ Public Goods winner round 4, (14 projects, 57% resp. 195 out of 340 community votes)
