Withdraw ₳26,840,000 for Input Output Research (IOR): Cardano Vision - Wor...
183 DReps voted · 57 with a rationale · 1 changed their vote · 8 re-voted unchanged
Open a row to read the rationale.
Changed votes: 1 to yes, together voting with 153.8K ₳ of voting power.
- Yes1.1M ₳Rationale
I am voting Yes, with hesitation. While the proposed work is undeniably important and aligned with Cardano’s long-term goals—particularly in areas of protocol evolution, scalability, and governance—the scale and structure of the request raise concerns. Multi-year budgets reduce flexibility and oversight, and the sheer size of the funding allocation must be weighed carefully against the finite nature of the Treasury. That said, IOR’s proven track record and the strategic importance of sustained research to Cardano’s roadmap justify support. I expect future iterations of such proposals to emphasize modularity, milestone-based funding, and closer integration with transparent community review.
- YesChanged1.1M ₳Rationale
If this goes through (and it should), then the community needs to hold IOR and Intersect to high standards. No more unlimited funding without traction. Milestones need to be heavily questioned by third party experts – not “rubber stamped”.
This is a “must have” research program, ask anyone in the field. Cardano cannot afford to keep funding academic exercises that don't quickly filter into the engineering pipeline and mainnet improvements. The world is moving and we cannot sit on our laurels.
Let's get research that ships.
Earlier votes
No1y agoSuperseded
I vote NO on this treasury withdrawal in its current form. I support the research mission but demand a restructuring of the funding model into smaller, milestone-driven tranches with enhanced transparency and community oversight. This is essential to protect the treasury, uphold governance standards, and secure Cardano’s future as a truly decentralized, scientifically grounded blockchain ecosystem.
- Yes1.1M ₳No rationale
- Yes966.3K ₳No rationale
- Yes951.2K ₳No rationale
- Yes929.9K ₳No rationale
- Yes927.7K ₳No rationale
- Yes888K ₳No rationale
- Yes884.5K ₳No rationale
- Yes870.3K ₳No rationale
- Yes829.9K ₳No rationale
- Yes796.1K ₳Rationale
Demonstrated ability, methodology, and results that I can hang my hat on. I fully support the IOG core development plan.
- Yes765.6K ₳No rationale
- Yes742.6K ₳No rationale
- Yes657.3K ₳No rationale
- Yes636.4K ₳No rationale
- Yes604.7K ₳Rationale
This proposal represents a vital continuation of the research-driven approach that fundamentally defines Cardano's identity and competitive advantage in the blockchain landscape. Input Output Research has been instrumental in delivering Cardano's foundational architecture through rigorous, peer-reviewed methodology, producing over 200 academic papers that established the network's technical credibility and innovative solutions like Ouroboros consensus.
The structured funnel model connecting fundamental research to practical implementation ensures that Cardano maintains its position as a research leader while delivering tangible technological advances. The proposal's 20 research streams and 6 technology validation initiatives across critical areas including scalability, interoperability, and sustainability directly address the long-term challenges facing blockchain adoption and utility.
Cardano's research-first methodology distinguishes it from other Layer 1 platforms that often prioritize rapid deployment over thorough validation. This approach has delivered Cardano's unique architecture, including EUTxO, formal verification capabilities, and proven consensus mechanisms that provide security guarantees other networks cannot match. Abandoning this research foundation would undermine Cardano's core value proposition and competitive positioning.
The five-year Cardano Vision program demonstrates strategic thinking beyond immediate market demands, focusing on breakthrough technologies like quantum-resistant cryptography, advanced zero-knowledge proofs, and next-generation consensus protocols. These innovations require sustained investment and cannot be developed through short-term funding cycles or market-driven approaches alone.
IOR's track record provides strong confidence in delivery capability, with consistent publication output in increasingly competitive academic venues and successful translation of research into production implementations. The rigorous peer-review process ensures quality while building academic credibility that benefits the entire ecosystem.
The technology validation component bridges the gap between theoretical research and practical implementation, producing formal specifications, prototypes, and improvement proposals that enable the broader Cardano community to build upon research foundations. This systematic approach accelerates innovation while maintaining quality standards.
Continued research investment is essential for Cardano to address emerging challenges including quantum computing threats, cross-chain interoperability requirements, and sustainability concerns that will define the next generation of blockchain platforms. Without proactive research, Cardano risks losing its technological edge and narrative leadership.
The proposal's focus on long-horizon research and development ensures Cardano remains ahead of industry trends rather than reactive to market pressures. This strategic positioning enables the network to capture opportunities that require deep technical innovation rather than competing solely on immediate utility metrics.
Supporting this proposal maintains Cardano's research-driven identity while funding the foundational work necessary for continued technological leadership and ecosystem evolution. - Yes591.1K ₳No rationale
- Yes579.1K ₳No rationale
- Yes573.2K ₳Rationale
I recognize that sustained innovation in decentralized systems requires more than just short-term engineering — it demands rigorous foundational research. The IOR Work Program 2025 represents a long-term commitment to scientific integrity, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in blockchain scalability, interoperability, and security. Technologies like Ouroboros Omega, ZKPs, and quantum-resistant cryptography are not optional enhancements — they’re essential for Cardano’s resilience and competitive edge over the next decade. Funding this proposal supports a structured and transparent research pipeline that is already integrated with peer-reviewed academic standards and feeds directly into real-world protocol development via formal specifications and CIPs.
I acknowledge the high cost associated with this request, but the scope — 20 research streams and 6 validation paths annually — is equally ambitious and foundational. Input Output Research has a proven track record, with over 200 published papers and direct contributions to Cardano’s core architecture. As long as outputs are made accessible and aligned with the wider community's priorities, this proposal delivers significant long-term value. I vote YES, trusting in the strategic importance of deep research to secure Cardano’s technological and philosophical vision.
- No503.6K ₳Rationale
Twenty-seven million ADA for academic papers? I'm sorry, but no. Research is important, but this feels like funding a university department that happens to have Cardano in their mission statement. I've read IOR papers, they're academically rigorous and practically irrelevant.
The disconnect between IOR's theoretical work and what developers actually need in the trenches is honestly frustrating.
We're building a financial system for crying out loud. - Yes478.5K ₳Rationale
I’m backing this program because it tackles the big questions; scalability, governance, and consensus; while handing IO’s research know‑how to a growing community of independent developers. The same team that delivered breakthroughs like Ouroboros and Plutus is behind it, so I’m confident it will push Cardano forward and add real depth and credibility to the network.
- Yes466.2K ₳No rationale
- Yes393.6K ₳No rationale
- No379.5K ₳No rationale
- Yes371K ₳No rationale
- Yes356.1K ₳Rationale
This vote aligns with my Ekklesia votes, where I voted yes to the highest priority budget line items that fit within my preferred 200m ADA budget, abstained from voting on any line items that I may have had personal interests in, and voted no to everything else.
- Yes338.2K ₳No rationale
- Yes330.6K ₳No rationale
- Yes329.7K ₳No rationale
- Yes321.6K ₳No rationale
- Yes318.1K ₳No rationale
- Yes314.4K ₳Rationale
In alignment with my voting during the 2025 Cardano Budget Reconciliation process on the Ekklesia platform, I support this withdrawal and therefore vote YES.
In alignment with my voting during the 2025 Cardano Budget Reconciliation process on the Ekklesia platform, I support this withdrawal and therefore vote YES.
- Yes313.8K ₳Rationale
I’m voting YES to fund the Cardano Vision 2025. This initiative advances long-term research in scalability, sustainability, and interoperability, providing technical recommendations and prototypes critical for Cardano’s future.
This is consistent with my previous vote signaled on Ekklesia and supports strategic, research-driven innovation for ecosystem growth.
- Yes297K ₳Rationale
Hell yeah
- Yes295.1K ₳No rationale
- Yes275.2K ₳Rationale
After a thorough review of the Input Output Research (IOR) Cardano Vision - Work Program 2025 proposal and all supporting documentation, I am voting YES for the following key reasons:
Alignment with Cardano’s Strategic Roadmap and Vision
The proposal directly supports multiple priority areas in the 2025 Cardano Product Roadmap, including Developer/User Experience, Scaling the Layer 1 Engine, Architectural Excellence, Leios, Layer 2 Expansion, SPO Incentive Improvements, Multiple Node Implementations, Incoming Liquidity, and Programmable Assets.
The multi-year Cardano Vision research agenda underpins foundational scientific breakthroughs essential to Cardano’s sustained leadership in blockchain innovation, ensuring the ecosystem’s competitiveness and resilience for years to come.Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Research Program
IOR proposes a rigorous, systematic research funnel delivering over 20 peer-reviewed academic papers annually, along with prioritized, technology-validated development streams. This methodical approach balances fundamental blockchain science with real-world technical validation, advancing both theory and practice, a critical capability unique and indispensable for Cardano’s ecosystem.Experienced and Credible Team
Input Output Research has demonstrated extensive prior success with a track record of over 200 published academic papers and pivotal contributions to Cardano’s architecture and protocol innovations (e.g., Ouroboros consensus, Hydra, Mithril). The team includes multidisciplinary experts in distributed systems, cryptography, game theory, and formal methods, instilling confidence in delivery and quality.Transparent Budget and Resource Allocation
The requested funding of approximately ₳26.8 million (USD $13.42M equivalent) covers 56 full-time equivalents spanning research, technology validation, administration, dissemination, and stakeholder engagement. This seems reasonable and proportional for the scope and impact of work outlined, especially given the high cost and complexity of blockchain R&D.Community Engagement and Dissemination
IOR commits to robust communication and knowledge sharing with the broader Cardano ecosystem, including SPOs, developers, DReps, and committees. They aim to operationalize open frameworks for academic visibility, collaborative cross-team research, and public availability of insights and artifacts, thus maximizing ecosystem benefit.Governance and Oversight
The proposal is under the appropriate oversight mechanisms, with designated administration and contractual safeguards aligned with Cardano treasury governance expectations, ensuring a structured, accountable execution process.Risks Well-Considered and Mitigated
Dependencies between research streams and technology validation projects are acknowledged and managed within the proposal, reducing risk of bottlenecks. The focus on multi-year sustained funding further mitigates resource continuity risk which is essential in complex academic research cycles.Summary:
Input Output Research’s Cardano Vision program for 2025 is a vital, strategic investment in Cardano’s long-term technical foundation and market leadership. By advancing cutting-edge scalable consensus protocols, novel cryptographic constructs, governance innovations, and interoperability research, it ensures that Cardano stays at the forefront of blockchain technology evolution. The proposal is well-aligned with community priorities, fiscally sensible, and backed by a proven team committed to rigorous academic standards and ecosystem transparency. I support its funding to maintain Cardano’s path of unparalleled research-driven progress. - Yes272.2K ₳No rationale
- Yes263.3K ₳No rationale
- Yes252.7K ₳Rationale
- No236.8K ₳No rationale
- Yes217.1K ₳No rationale
- Yes201.5K ₳No rationale
- Yes189.8K ₳No rationale
- Yes185K ₳No rationale
- Yes161K ₳Rationale
I am voting yes on all 39 Intersect Governance actions. The community has thoroughly reviewed the many proposals presented in the Intersect Budget Process for the 2025 budget. I was deeply involved in the entire process as an SME for the Budget Committee, and then as the Secretary for the Budget Committee.
The proposals presented represent an incredible amount of development for our ecosystem for the next year. The teams all received at least 50% on Ekklesia polling. The teams will face milestones in order to continue to receive funding. If a team fails to deliver, the process will stop them from enriching themselves without returning value.
If anything, we are spending too little on our community. We need to spend more to further develop our governance and our organized events. This is a liquid democracy. If you believe that all of these proposals deserve a chance to deliver, you can shift your delegation to my DRep ID.
- Yes157.8K ₳No rationale
- Yes149.8K ₳Rationale
If someone can deliver quality research, it is The Input Output Research (IOR) arm. This seems like a good investment.
- Yes138.6K ₳No rationale
- Yes124.6K ₳No rationale