Pixelproof V2 Proposal: Decentralized Photo Storage dApp

Over the past two weeks, we’ve listened closely to the community, reviewed feedback from delegates and DVs, and re-evaluated our priorities. This updated proposal reflects that input with a substantially reduced budget and a tighter, clearer scope.

Our goal remains the same: to build the first flagship consumer-facing dApp on Polkadot, a decentralized alternative to Google Photos that puts user ownership and privacy at its core.

This version focuses exclusively on delivering a lean, functional MVP. Core features include decentralized photo storage, embedded wallet authentication, and basic sharing and access controls—everything needed to prove real-world adoption and lay the groundwork for future development.

We’ve also strengthened the technical clarity and business logic, adding a detailed Design Document outlining architecture, budgeting, and delivery milestones.

This proposal is a first, concrete step to show what Polkadot-native infrastructure can achieve. We’re excited to help set the stage for the next generation of decentralized apps.

Apillon is proud to submit this proposal for Pixelproof - a fully decentralized, production-grade photo storage application built on the Polkadot ecosystem. Our goal is simple yet bold: to create the first flagship consumer-facing dApp on Polkadot that rivals mainstream solutions like Google Photos, but with true user ownership, privacy, and decentralization at its core.

Despite Polkadot’s maturity in infrastructure and protocol-level innovation, the ecosystem still lacks powerful, user-first applications that resonate beyond crypto-native circles. Pixelproof fills that gap.

Pixelproof is more than a technical showcase - it is a usable, polished, multi-platform application designed for everyday users. It leverages:

• Decentralized Storage Integration:
  Users can upload and store photos on IPFS, pinned via Crust Network, with clear ownership and verifiable hashes.
• Embedded Wallet Authentication:
  Simple, non-custodial wallet login and account creation for seamless onboarding, avoiding seed phrase complexity.
• Clean Web Interface:
  A web application allowing users to sign in, upload, browse, and manage photos.
• Foundational Mobile Experience:
  A lightweight mobile app to support uploads and viewing (based on Immich foundations), but without all advanced features.
• Stripe Integration for Payments:
  Enabling fiat payments for premium storage or features, with transparent routing of revenue back to the Polkadot Treasury.
• Documentation & Governance:
  Clear setup guides, user instructions, and transparent reporting on revenue flows.

This proposal outlines a MVP Development with the total requested funding of $225,000, covering infrastructure, smart contract development, wallet integration, UX, DevOps, and open-source tooling.

We invite the Polkadot community to review the full proposal PDF for an in-depth breakdown of architecture, and the strategic value Pixelproof brings to the ecosystem.

Together, let’s show the world what a real Web3 app can look like.

Backup Google Doc link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qgcyStHirRj2wT-hnzJYKDV0WqDMKuwK39EfdBOnKVU/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ctwwp53pk42