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:
- Cosmos Blockchain - Immutable registry of dataset metadata and provenance
- IPFS - Distributed file storage with content addressing
- 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 devdocker compose up -dVisit 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: volunteers@bettergov.ph
- 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
- Deploy Base Platform: Start with tokenless data transparency
- Add Governance: Enable community voting and proposals
- Introduce Tokens: Add economic incentives when ready
- Build Custom Features: Extend with agency-specific modules
- 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.