MLabs & Catalyst: A Proven History of Delivery

Introduction

Since Fund 7, MLabs has been a trusted technical backbone of the Cardano ecosystem. While many Catalyst-funded projects have struggled with delivery, MLabs has stood out for one thing above all: consistent, reliable results.

With over 30 Catalyst projects completed, our mission has remained clear — to provide world-class R&D services, software development, architecture, and business support that move Cardano forward.

Building the Foundations of Cardano Development

One of our most impactful contributions is the Yielding Transaction Pattern Plutus library. By introducing a modular, upgradable design (similar to the “proxy pattern” in traditional programming), we’ve made it easier to build smart contracts that evolve over time. Today, this library is in use across multiple adopters — including DJED, Cardano’s algorithmic stablecoin — as well as a variety of other projects, both in partnership with MLabs and fully independent.

Another major success is Plutarch — a specialized Cardano language built for high-performance DeFi applications. Backed by multiple Catalyst rounds, Plutarch is now widely adopted across the Cardano DeFi landscape. Its growth demonstrates how Catalyst-funded innovation can spread well beyond its original scope, empowering builders ecosystem-wide.

Tools the Ecosystem Depends On

MLabs has also delivered a suite of testing tools that are now relied upon by auditors and application developers alike. These tools make Cardano applications more secure, efficient, and reliable, raising the standard for quality across the network.

We’ve also pioneered research-driven projects like Covenant, an experimental language that compiles to Plutus Core. Covenant embodies the forward-looking innovation MLabs is known for: exploring new ideas today so Cardano developers have more powerful tools tomorrow.

A Track Record That Matters

Catalyst has faced criticism for projects that were funded but never finished. MLabs is proud to stand apart. Every project we’ve undertaken up to Fund 12 has been fully delivered (with Fund 13 projects now underway). When MLabs commits, we deliver — and the Cardano ecosystem is stronger for it.

Looking Ahead: Fund 14

As we enter Fund 14, our mission remains the same: to continue building the trusted backbone of Cardano’s infrastructure. With your support, we can keep delivering the libraries, tools, and research that developers — and the wider community — rely on every day.

👉 Catalyst voters: support MLabs in Fund 14 to back a proven team that delivers real value for Cardano. Search for “MLabs” on the Project Catalyst website or Voting Application.