A base blockchain platform for government transparency - tokenless by default, extensible with custom modules for tokenomics, governance, and blockchain utilities.

OpenGovChain is a foundational blockchain platform designed to store and manage government datasets with complete transparency. Built on Cosmos SDK, it provides a base layer that agencies can extend with custom modules for tokenomics, governance, financial transactions, and other blockchain utilities based on their specific needs.

• Tokenless by Default: No economic barriers to start - anyone can participate
• Optional Tokenomics: Easily add custom tokens, staking, or economic models when needed
• Modular Design: Built on Cosmos SDK for easy extension and customization
• Public Good Focus: Core platform designed for transparency, not profit

• Immutable Records: Government datasets stored permanently on blockchain
• IPFS Integration: Efficient file storage with content addressing
• Rich Metadata: Comprehensive dataset information and categorization
• Query Capabilities: Search by agency, category, and file type

• Cosmos SDK: Built on proven, modular blockchain technology
• Validator Network: Volunteer nodes secure the network (can be extended with staking)
• IBC Compatible: Connect to other Cosmos chains and ecosystems
• Open Source: Fully transparent and auditable code
• Extensible: Add governance, smart contracts, DeFi, or custom modules

OpenGovChain combines three powerful technologies:

1. Cosmos Blockchain - Immutable registry of dataset metadata and provenance
2. IPFS - Distributed file storage with content addressing
3. ChromaDB Vector DB - AI-powered semantic search

┌─────────────┐     ┌──────────────┐     ┌─────────────┐
│             │────▶│   Indexer    │────▶│  Blockchain │
│  (Web UI)   │     │ (REST API)   │     │ (Metadata)  │
└─────────────┘     └──────────────┘     └─────────────┘
       │                    │                    │
       ▼                    ▼                    ▼
┌─────────────┐     ┌──────────────┐     ┌─────────────┐
│    IPFS     │     │   ChromaDB   │     │    IPFS     │
│  (Storage)  │◀───│  (Vectors)   │     │  (Storage)  │
└─────────────┘     └──────────────┘     └─────────────┘

This repository only includes the setup script for creating a new chain and a sample web application to browse and interact with the chain.

For running a node, please check https://github.com/bettergovph/govchaind

• Ubuntu 20.04+ / macOS / WSL2
• 8 GB RAM minimum
• 50 GB free disk space

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/bettergovph/govchain.git
cd govchain

# Install prerequisites
chmod +x scripts/install-prerequisites.sh
./scripts/install-prerequisites.sh

# Restart terminal or reload shell
source ~/.bashrc

# Terminal 1: Start blockchain
cd ~/govchain-blockchain

ignite chain build # Build/rebuild the blockchain binary
ignite chain serve

# Terminal 2: Start IPFS
ipfs init
ipfs daemon

# Terminal 3: Start indexer (optional)
cd indexer-node
npm install
npm start

# Terminal 4: Start web application
cd web
npm install
npm run dev

docker compose up -d

Visit http://localhost:3000 to access the web interface.

• Getting Started
• Chain README
• Technical Implementation - Development guide
• Volunteer Node Guide - Run a node
• Extensibility Guide - NEW! Add governance, tokens, and custom features
• Blockchain Explorer - Explorer documentation

govchain/
├── indexer-node/          # Vector search service
│   └── src/               # Node.js application
├── web/                   # Next.js frontend
│   ├── src/app/           # Next.js app router
│   └── src/components/    # React components
├── scripts/               # Helper scripts
└── docs/                  # Documentation
govchain-blockchain/   # Cosmos blockchain (created by init script)
├── x/datasets/        # Custom datasets module
├── proto/             # Protocol buffers
└── cmd/               # CLI binaries

• Blockchain: Cosmos SDK with entry-based storage
• Storage: IPFS (Kubo)
• Search: ChromaDB vector database, OpenAI embeddings
• Backend: Node.js, Next.js API routes
• Frontend: Next.js with React and TypeScript

• Upload datasets to IPFS
• Register metadata on blockchain
• Automatic checksum verification (SHA-256)
• Immutable audit trail

• Semantic search with natural language
• Filter by agency, category, date
• Find similar datasets
• Browse by category

• Download from any IPFS gateway
• Verify file integrity via blockchain
• Multiple redundant copies
• No single point of failure

• Immutable dataset history
• Public verification
• Track data replication
• Open-source codebase

We welcome contributions! Please see CONTRIBUTING.md for guidelines.

• Blockchain: Tendermint BFT consensus, 2/3+ validator agreement
• Data Integrity: SHA-256 checksums, content-addressed storage
• Access: Public read access, verified agency uploads
• Privacy: No personal data on-chain

Report security issues to: [email protected]

• Website: https://bettergov.ph
• GitHub: https://github.com/bettergovph/govchain
• Discord: https://discord.gg/bettergovph

OpenGovChain is a base platform that agencies can extend with additional modules:

• Governance Module (x/gov): On-chain voting, proposals, and democratic decision-making
• Token Economics (x/bank, x/staking, x/mint): Custom tokens, staking, rewards
• IBC Integration: Cross-chain communication with 50+ Cosmos chains
• Financial Transactions (x/bank, x/feegrant): Payments, transfers, fee grants
• Custom Modules: Build agency-specific features using Cosmos SDK framework

• Smart Contracts (CosmWasm): Deploy Rust-based contracts (widely adopted, battle-tested)
• Advanced DeFi: Integrate third-party modules (e.g., Umee lending, Osmosis DEX)

• Escrow Services: Custom module development
• Complex Loan Management: Build or integrate third-party modules
• Agency-Specific Features: Custom module development

Leverage the modular Cosmos SDK:

• x/gov - On-chain governance ✅
• x/staking - Proof of Stake consensus ✅
• x/bank - Token transfers ✅
• x/distribution - Reward distribution ✅
• x/authz - Authorization grants ✅
• x/feegrant - Fee allowances ✅
• CosmWasm - Smart contract platform (integration required)
• IBC - Inter-blockchain communication ✅

• ❌ Can be censored or taken offline
• ❌ Can be tampered with
• ❌ Have single points of failure
• ❌ Require trust in centralized operators
• ❌ Limited to basic data storage

• ✅ Cannot be censored (distributed worldwide)
• ✅ Cannot be tampered with (cryptographic verification)
• ✅ Cannot go offline (redundant copies)
• ✅ Requires no trust (open-source, verifiable)
• ✅ Extensible with governance, tokens, and custom features
• ✅ Built on proven Cosmos SDK technology

1. Deploy Base Platform: Start with tokenless data transparency
2. Add Governance: Enable community voting and proposals
3. Introduce Tokens: Add economic incentives when ready
4. Build Custom Features: Extend with agency-specific modules
5. Connect to Ecosystem: Use IBC to interact with other chains

Basic Deployment:

• Government dataset transparency
• Immutable record keeping
• Public data access

With Governance:

• Citizen voting on budget allocations
• Proposal-based policy changes
• Democratic decision-making

With Tokenomics:

• Incentivize data contributions
• Reward validators and participants
• Enable marketplace features

With Financial Modules:

• Government disbursements
• Transparent fund tracking
• Loan and grant management
• Procurement and payments

Built with ❤️ for democratic accountability in the digital age

This project is open source and available under the MIT License. See LICENSE file for details.

OpenGovChain by BetterGov.ph: A foundational blockchain platform for government transparency - extend it to meet your needs.