<img src="https://i.ibb.co/YXRhvyk/kagome-header.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="320" /> <a href="https://github.com/soramitsu/kagome" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KAGOME</a> is a C++ implementation of the Polkadot Host that is protocol compatible with the original implementation in Rust and can already be used to run Relay chain validators and syncing nodes. With KAGOME and other client implementations we bring client diversity to Polkadot, mitigating risks of fatal bugs in a single client implementation, bringing innovations and broadening the development community. You may watch the most recent <a href="https://youtu.be/TnENz6I9l8A?si=UY5iIqurLlnfsEfV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">presentation</a> during Polkadot Decoded 2023 to learn more about KAGOME.
During previous work as part of <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/17_MZYihw7bqRVdW6efi3vRinAk39N_QnAQeU0jRaXQ4/edit#heading=h.yagc8jqu1d54" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kusama treasury grant</a>, the following results were achieved:
<ul>
<li>Parachains protocol integration</li>
<li>Light clients compatibility</li>
<li>Support for fast and warp synchronizations</li>
<li>Multithreading execution</li>
</ul>
In addition to features that were planned during the previous proposal our team achieved the following:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/kamil_abiy/status/1640715666117492741">First non-Substrate Live validator on Westend network </a></li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/kamil_abiy/status/1671406396641021952">Zombienet support </a></li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/kamil_abiy/status/1662113322089553921" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Improved performance of Erasure coding library </a></li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/kamil_abiy/status/1682410265768329217" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KAGOME joined Thousand Kusama validators programme</a></li>
</ul>
The goals of this proposal are to prepare KAGOME for the upcoming features of Polkadot, such as asynchronous backing, SASSAFRAS, BEEFY, and so on. We also plan to further improve KAGOME by improving RPC and WASM performance. Additionally, we plan to conduct an external security audit to build confidence in KAGOME among node operators. To achieve all of this, the work on the new proposal scope will be a joint effort between Quadrivium, Soramitsu, and SRLabs:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://qdrvm.io">Quadrivium</a> is a team of original C++ developers that developed KAGOME and C++ Libp2p. In August 2023 entire team has spun off from Soramitsu to group Quadrivium that will be responsible for feature implementation.&nbsp;</li>
<li>During this grant proposal implementation <a href="https://soramitsu.co.jp">Soramitsu</a> partners with Quadrivium to provide DevOps, QA and Security services for KAGOME. Soramitsu team is also experienced with KAGOME and Substrate and has necessary expertise to provide necessary infrastructure for testing KAGOME to ensure its stability, conformance with the spec and compatibility with Substrate</li>
<li><a href="https://www.srlabs.de/">SRLabs</a> is a Security Audit company that will be conducting an initial audit of KAGOME. SRLabs already has years of experience in auditing Substrate, which makes it a perfect fit for checking KAGOME</li>
</ul>
In addition, Web3 Foundation will be participating as technical advisor and will provide mentoring and technical support to ensure the completeness of milestones and conforming the <a href="https://spec.polkadot.network/">specification</a>.
The scope of this proposal:
<ul>
<li>Optimized Merkle storage</li>
<li>RPC Improvements: caching, new <a href="https://paritytech.github.io/json-rpc-interface-spec" target="_blank" rel="noopener">interfaces</a></li>
<li>Asynchronous backing</li>
<li>Libp2p improvements: QUIC, WebRTC, DOS protection</li>
<li>SASSAFRAS</li>
<li>BEEFY</li>
<li>New WASM Engine (WASM Edge)</li>
<li>General maintenance</li>
<li>Development infrastructure</li>
<li>Integration tests with Zombienet</li>
<li>Security Audit</li>
</ul>
Requested DOT:&nbsp;253862
Please review the full proposal with detailed tasks descriptions and price breakdown:
<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/17ZmueuaMjXY3_SRBHxWtKNHzpLNtSd_KGVfeTII6Nbc/edit?usp=sharing">https://docs.google.com/document/d/17ZmueuaMjXY3_SRBHxWtKNHzpLNtSd_KGVfeTII6Nbc/</a>

KAGOME – the C++ implementation of Polkadot Host milestone 2

# KAGOME treasury proposal 2

KAGOME is a C++ [Polkadot Host](https://wiki.polkadot.network/docs/learn-polkadot-host) implementation that provides an alternative to Polkadot-SDK to run relay chain validator client. In this treasury proposal, the Quadrivium team is seeking further funding for the development and initial security audit of KAGOME.

## Why another Host implementation?

With KAGOME and other client implementations, we bring clients diversity to Polkadot, which allows for:

- Reducing the risks of bugs in a single client implementation, such as [halted Kusama parachain block production](https://twitter.com/kusamanetwork/status/1697639214035124624), or [Polkadot dispute storm](https://forum.polkadot.network/t/polkadot-dispute-storm-the-postmortem/2550)
- Bringing innovations (e.g. [2x faster erasure coding](https://twitter.com/kamil_abiy/status/1662113322089553921))
- Expanding the development community to other languages

To learn more about KAGOME and the importance of client diversity in the Polkadot ecosystem, you can:

- Watch the most recent [presentation during Polkadot Decoded 2023](https://youtu.be/TnENz6I9l8A).
- Read [some of the recent tweets](https://twitter.com/Polkadot/status/1707031181219225653) from the Polkadot account about client diversity.
- Get familiar with the [Alternative Polkadot Host implementations RFP](https://github.com/w3f/Grants-Program/blob/1d60558a028f79635b37d8830ab650db0eb57dcc/docs/RFPs/alternative_polkadot_host_implementations.md?plain=1) by Web3 Foundation.

## How is KAGOME aligned with the Polkadot 2.0 vision?

Accoring to Polkadot’s Co-Founder Robert *Habermeier*: “*The 2.0 era will be defined by a decentralized collective of developers designing and building in the open. This marks a transition from a few agents building software to many agents - sometimes competing, sometimes collaborating, but all working to move things forward” ([source](https://twitter.com/rphmeier/status/1681695777993768961))*

Moreover, in the [recent announcement by Parity technologies](https://twitter.com/paritytech/status/1711752651887480906) it was announced that “*Parity will be zeroing in on delivering Polkadot's next-gen technology, improving the developer experience, and fostering a strong developer community”* and emphasized importance of diverse builders in ecosystem. 

The KAGOME team has proven to be one of the most experienced and competent teams in the ecosystem, when it comes to understanding how the Polkadot protocol works. This fact reduces the dependency on a single team developing Polkadot protocol. 

Our team has remained relatively unchanged over the past 3-4 years, allowing us to develop the most advanced alternative relay chain client. Today KAGOME:
- Participates in the Kusama 1000 validators program, securing the Kusama network as one of its validators. (Source: [Twitter](https://twitter.com/kamil_abiy/status/1682410265768329217), [Validator](https://kusama.subscan.io/validator/GZ777psWniwVo6gJV5T1ywnEy9UsQZEehWW5zu76A3Cco3z))
- Serves as a permanent validator in Westend. (Source: [Westend](https://westend.subscan.io/account/5CAsa5uG1i3Duq5NM1g8zYjNvUCwkwADxgFQiypSLTg6Hnwm))
- Boasts the fastest Erasure coding implementation. (Source: [Twitter](https://twitter.com/kamil_abiy/status/1662113322089553921))

## Reflecting on previous proposal submission

This is the resubmission of [Referendum 146](https://polkadot.subsquare.io/referenda/146), which did not pass despite receiving much positive feedback highlighting the team's competence and the high quality of our previous work. Therefore this proposal was adjusted with the following changes:

- DevOps and QA support will be handled without Soramitsu's involvement.
    - The Quadrivium team will take over quality assurance.
    - The existing development team will temporarily maintain the CI/CD process until a new DevOps engineer is hired.
- Optimized Scope resulting in 33% cost reduction:
    - The proposal duration has been shortened from 6 months to 4 months, focusing on the most urgent and impactful features: BEEFY, Async backing, and WasmEdge integration.

## The scope of proposal

The proposed scope is already being implemented. The full scope of the proposal is following:

- Asynchronous backing
    - [already implemented](https://github.com/qdrvm/kagome/pull/1825), being tested
- BEEFY
    - [voting is done](https://github.com/qdrvm/kagome/pull/1812), only slashing is left (as [in Substrate](https://github.com/paritytech/polkadot-sdk/pull/1329))
- New WASM Engine (WASM Edge)
- Security Audit (by SRLabs)
- General maintenance and minor improvements
- DevOps and QA

**Requested DOT: 168432**

Please review the full proposal with detailed tasks descriptions and price breakdown:

[https://docs.google.com/document/d/17ZmueuaMjXY3_SRBHxWtKNHzpLNtSd_KGVfeTII6Nbc/](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s4rnVHrPitrUKugQmgpjKETZrSojyl5-RI3o0S6qL_I/edit?usp=sharing)

## About Quadrivium

Quadrivium is a team of original C++ developers who developed KAGOME and C++ Libp2p while being part of Soramitsu. Soramitsu received a [Web3 Foundation grant](https://medium.com/web3-builders/web3-builders-soramitsu-ebd7163febb7) and a [Kusama treasury proposal](https://kusama.polkassembly.io/treasury/227) to develop KAGOME. In August 2023, the entire development team spun off from Soramitsu to form Quadrivium, which will continue the development of KAGOME.

## About SRLabs

SRLabs is a Security Audit company that will be conducting an initial audit of KAGOME. SRLabs already has years of experience in auditing Substrate, which makes it a perfect fit for checking KAGOME In addition, Web3 Foundation will be participating as technical advisor and will provide mentoring and technical support to ensure the completeness of milestones and conforming the specification.

# KAGOME treasury proposal 3

[KAGOME](https://github.com/qdrvm/kagome) is a C++ implementation of the [Polkadot Host](https://wiki.polkadot.network/docs/learn-polkadot-host) that is protocol compatible with the original implementation in Rust and is already participating in [Kusama relay chain validation](https://kusama.subscan.io/validator/GZ777psWniwVo6gJV5T1ywnEy9UsQZEehWW5zu76A3Cco3z). With KAGOME and other client implementations we bring client diversity to Polkadot, mitigating risks of fatal bugs, bringing innovations and broadening the development community. During previous work as part of [Polkadot treasury proposal 2](https://polkadot.subsquare.io/referenda/201), the following results were achieved:

- Asynchronous backing
- BEEFY integration
- New Wasm engine (WasmEdge)
- Initial security audit by SRLabs ([link](https://polkadot.polkassembly.io/referenda/201#YClm2meeCYN0RxRjQcbR))
- General maintenance

In addition to features that were planned during the previous proposal our team achieved the following:

- Implemented Grid and Cluster network topologies for statements distribution
- Partially Integrated disabled validators feature
- Partially implemented elastic scaling
- Implemented multiple security features

This proposal asks for funding for the next 4 months, in addition to the previous 6 months of work on features that have been retroactively implemented (marked with Done status in Section 4).

### Problem statement

Client diversity is essential for the security and resilience of Polkadot as it helps to mitigate the risk of bugs and exploits. If there is only one implementation (which is currently the case Polkadot), then any bug or exploit that is found in that implementation could potentially bring down the entire network. However, with multiple implementations, the risk of a bug or exploit affecting all of the nodes in the network is greatly reduced.

Importance of having multiple client implementations was highlighted multiple times by Polkadot twitter ([source](https://twitter.com/Polkadot/status/1707031181219225653)), and Web3 foundation RFP ([source](https://github.com/w3f/Grants-Program/blob/1d60558a028f79635b37d8830ab650db0eb57dcc/docs/RFPs/alternative_polkadot_host_implementations.md?plain=1)). Moreover, W3F recognizes clients diversity importance and allocates 10 million DOT prise for the future multiple implementations of JAM protocol.

Gavin Wood mentioned KAGOME during 2023 yearly roundup article ([link](https://link.medium.com/3t0YYCF7MKb)) and highlighted our achievement of executing KAGOME node in Kusama during his recent interview ([link](https://t.co/2VGDYts10N)).

To learn more about multi-client philosophy and KAGOME Polkadot Host implementation watch our previous presentations:

- [Building alternative clients in Polkadot | Polkadot Decoded 2023](https://youtu.be/TnENz6I9l8A)
- [Polkadot Host architecture in 2024 | Sub0 Asia 2024](https://youtu.be/Lv2KQ2EDyM8?si=ZmWBINzMwEqbMb90)

### Alignment with JAM

Quadrivium is planning to develop a JAM client and is already working on some features for this in parallel with KAGOME. We also started work on SASSAFRAS many months ago, but stopped because the reference implementation in Rust had not yet been merged into the Polkadot SDK. Given that SAFROLE is the simplified version of SASSAFRAS, we are well positioned to implement a new leader election mechanism in the JAM implementation.

However, we recognize the importance of multiple Polkadot Host implementations today, especially since most features are already available and KAGOME is compatible with the Polkadot SDK. Moreover, it's not anticipated that JAM will be launched within the next one or two years. Luckily, we can repurpose much of the KAGOME codebase for the future JAM client implementation. For instance:

1. Grandpa – fully implemented and audited.
2. SASSAFRAS – partially implemented.
3. SCALE – fully implemented.

But since we didn't initially intend to reuse these components, some refactoring of KAGOME is required. This will enable these components to be reusable and easily integrated into the future JAM client implementation.

### The scope of proposal

- Security improvements (retroactive)
- Grid and cluster topologies (retroactive)
- Elastic scaling (partially implemented)
- Disabled validators mechanism (partially implemented)
- Validation protocol upgrade
- Systematic chunks
- Minor features and improvements (partially implemented)
- DevOps and QA maintenance
- Security assurance by SRLabs

### Requested DOT

- Quadrivium: 86507
- SRLabs: 54888
- Total: 141395

Please review the full proposal with detailed tasks descriptions and price breakdown: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NOkXMSAOYYgm_NCEzuTCKE-rl5MnlaZD3FN8v0otYbc

### About Quadrivium

Quadrivium ([https://www.qdrvm.io](https://www.qdrvm.io/) ) is a blockchain infrastructure development company founded in 2023. 

The company specializes in the development of blockchain clients, peer-to-peer networking tools, and zk-cryptography. Quadrivium develops KAGOME Polkadot Host implementation, in partnership with the Web3 Foundation. The company also maintains the C++ libp2p library.

### About SRLabs

SRLabs (https://www.srlabs.de/) is home to knowledge leaders securing critical infrastructures in finance, blockchain, energy, and telecommunications.

The company focuses on hands-on hacking resilience, not compliance. Their approach is shaped by combining their hacking research with impactful consulting work for innovation leaders who naturally thrive on cutting-edge technologies.

SRLabs is one of the leading blockchain audit companies with experience in many Substrate-based blockchains, including the Polkadot layer-0 relay chain and parachains built on top.

KAGOME – the C++ implementation of Polkadot Host milestone 3

# **KAGOME treasury proposal 4: Enhancing Polkadot clients diversity**

## **Context of proposal**

[KAGOME](https://github.com/qdrvm/kagome) is a C++ implementation of the[ Polkadot Host that](https://wiki.polkadot.network/docs/learn-polkadot-host) brings clients diversity to Polkadot and Kusama networks mitigating risks associated with fatal bugs, fostering innovation, and expanding the development community. 

During [Milestone 3](https://polkadot.subsquare.io/referenda/925), the final features for complete Polkadot-SDK node compatibility were implemented. Consequently, KAGOME became the first alternative Polkadot Host implementation to participate in Polkadot's validating set. This accomplishment positions Polkadot among a select group of networks, including Ethereum and Filecoin, that support multiple client implementations.<img height="684" width="602" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcoEat1IoF2Bu0ptsLcyxtjW8uhinAahrUa74Wqk3zUpO_P8h-Kj5unjyHU35uBugQT3pQzua56WvPDH8o2KSu93dYrh0w3gGRrXOy05ioSwFY9945Y0xMw7yLku4N68bx_MQm8?key=6ab6J6PGNqkFYno8OjHfAwzj" />

[https://x.com/Polkadot/status/1910660705256190293](https://x.com/Polkadot/status/1910660705256190293) 

Future cohorts of the Decentralized Nodes program aim to have more node operators running KAGOME ([link](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NOkXMSAOYYgm_NCEzuTCKE-rl5MnlaZD3FN8v0otYbc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.yagc8jqu1d54)) which will increase the portion of validators running alternative clients in the network leading to higher network resilience and stability.

The scope of this proposal is targeting implementation of new RFCs in KAGOME as well as necessary features to keep KAGOME compatible with Polkadot-SDK. 

This is a joint proposal with our long term partners SRLabs, who are helping us with the security assessment of KAGOME to give confidence to node operators. Previous work by SRLabs with our team helped us to identify several critical issues, which were addressed by our team ([link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dJNngNrz48vrg27oXzNhJsGU99y6PZNA/view?usp=drive_link), [link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N3nYjCPFB2hfpd9dXPtWesi4YCOOl57N/view?usp=drive_link)). Given the increasing adoption of KAGOME by node operators, a thorough security assessment is more crucial than ever.

The Web3 Foundation will partner on this proposal as technical advisor and deliverables auditor to ensure the completed milestones are technically sound.

## **Alignment with JAM**

Quadrivium is also developing a JAM client alongside KAGOME. 

However, multiple Polkadot Host implementations are important today, particularly because KAGOME already works with the Polkadot SDK. Additionally, alternative clients such as KAGOME offer a valuable opportunity for Polkadot to prepare for supporting multiple clients following the JAM upgrade, which we expect to happen no sooner than in a year or two.

## **The scope of proposal**

* Security assessment of new features by SRLabs
* Libp2p coroutines revamp
* Claim queue
*      Grid in approvals (retroactive)
* Remove async backing params
* Trie caching
* Traces
* Faster erasure coding (RFC-139)
* Pending code storage key (RFC-123)
* Standardize compressed blob prefixes (RFC-135)
* Reputation system for disputes and statement distribution
* PVF improvements (retroactive):
 * PVF execution parameters
 * PVF priority
 * PVF unix socket
 * PVF clone
* Constrain parachain block validity on a specific core (RFC-103, retroactive)
* Networking improvements (retroactive)
 * QUIC support
 * Audi-v3 (RFC-91)
 * Parallel sync
* Tests & post-security audit improvements (retroactive)

[Link to full proposal](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C2bShZwVYg0gyk-PBgFa2P5UI1z_yF6HNTo52np6Oy0/edit?usp=sharing)&#x20;

## **Requested funding**

* Quadrivium: 636,000 USDC
* SRLabs: 345,800 USDC
* **Total: 981,800 USDC**

### **About Quadrivium**

Quadrivium ([https://www.qdrvm.io](https://www.qdrvm.io/) ) is a blockchain infrastructure development company founded in 2023.

The company specializes in the development of blockchain clients, peer-to-peer networking tools, and zk-cryptography. Quadrivium develops KAGOME Polkadot Host implementation, in partnership with the Web3 Foundation. The company also maintains the C++ libp2p library.

### **About SRLabs**

SRLabs ([https://www.srlabs.de/](https://www.srlabs.de/)) is home to knowledge leaders securing critical infrastructures in finance, blockchain, energy, and telecommunications.

The company focuses on hands-on hacking resilience, not compliance. Their approach is shaped by combining their hacking research with impactful consulting work for innovation leaders who naturally thrive on cutting-edge technologies.

SRLabs is one of the leading blockchain audit companies with experience in many Substrate-based blockchains, including the Polkadot layer-0 relay chain and parachains built on top.