Integration Grants Application '25: FluxBridge

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Introduction

This proposal outlines a strategic initiative by Neev Labs to develop and deploy FluxBridge, a robust and secure cross-chain bridge for stablecoins within the Conflux ecosystem. This platform is designed to significantly enhance liquidity and interoperability, fostering a more vibrant and accessible decentralised finance (DeFi) environment on Conflux Network.

Name of the Project: FluxBridge

Problem Statement in the Existing Conflux Ecosystem and Proposed Solution

The Conflux Network, while possessing high throughput and low transaction fees, currently faces a challenge in seamless stablecoin interoperability with major blockchain ecosystems like Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain (BSC). The absence of a dedicated, secure, and user-friendly bridge for stablecoins limits the frictionless flow of capital, hindering liquidity and restricting the ability of dApps on Conflux to leverage the vast stablecoin reserves present on other chains. This creates a barrier for both users seeking to utilise stable assets within Conflux’s DeFi landscape and developers aiming to build truly cross-chain applications.
Our proposed solution, FluxBridge, directly addresses this by providing a decentralised, audited, and efficient bridging mechanism. Users will be able to lock stablecoins (e.g., USDT, USDC, BUSD) on a source chain (Ethereum or BSC) and receive an equivalent 1:1 backed wrapped version of these stablecoins on the Conflux Network, and vice-versa. This mechanism ensures that assets remain fully collateralised, maintaining trust and stability throughout the transfer process.

Alignment of the Project with the Conflux Network
FluxBridge is directly aligned with Conflux Network’s vision of fostering a multi-chain, interconnected blockchain ecosystem. By enabling seamless stablecoin movement, this project contributes significantly to the network’s interoperability goals, expanding its reach and utility within the broader Web3 landscape. It reinforces Conflux’s position as a hub for innovation by attracting external capital and users.

Benefit to the Conflux Ecosystem: How this product will entice more developers to build on Conflux

The establishment of a reliable stablecoin bridge through FluxBridge will substantially lower the entry barrier for developers. By ensuring easy access to stablecoin liquidity from Ethereum and BSC, developers can design and implement more sophisticated DeFi protocols, lending platforms, stablecoin-based decentralized exchanges (DEXs), and other financial primitives directly on Conflux. This influx of readily available stable assets removes a critical dependency, empowering developers to focus on innovation and build robust applications that can attract a wider user base, ultimately enriching the entire Conflux ecosystem.

Economic Benefit: How this product will increase assets and transactions on-chain
By facilitating the inflow of major stablecoins, FluxBridge will directly contribute to an increase in the Total Value Locked (TVL) on Conflux. Each successful bridge operation represents a new transaction on-chain, and the subsequent utilisation of these bridged stablecoins in DeFi protocols will generate further transaction volume. This increased economic activity will drive demand for CFX tokens (for gas fees and potential staking mechanisms) and solidify Conflux’s position as a competitive and attractive destination for decentralised finance.

Demonstrate a competitive edge that differentiates it from other projects

Our competitive edge lies in three core pillars: unwavering focus on security, an intuitive user experience, and a robust architecture optimised for Conflux. We prioritise comprehensive internal smart contract audits to ensure maximal security and minimise vulnerabilities. The user interface will be meticulously designed for simplicity and clarity, making cross-chain transfers accessible even for novice users. Furthermore, leveraging Conflux’s inherent high performance and low transaction costs, FluxBridge will offer a cost-effective and swift bridging solution, distinguishing it from bridges that might incur higher fees or longer confirmation times on other networks. Our expertise as Neev Labs in building enterprise-grade blockchain solutions provides a strong foundation for delivering a reliable and performant bridge.

Are you an incorporated startup?
Yes, Neev Labs is an incorporated Web3 software development and consulting firm with extensive experience in blockchain technologies and decentralised applications.

Conflux eSpace grant recipient wallet address: -
cfx:aanhh2wwa654tnhux83715f2wm2p84788e0f2v87ve

Technical Introduction
This section provides a brief overview of the functional and architectural goals of FluxBridge, elucidating the underlying rationale for its development and its strategic importance within the Conflux ecosystem.

Refer Back to Problem Statement
As previously highlighted, the fragmented nature of stablecoin liquidity across different blockchain networks presents a significant hurdle for the Conflux ecosystem’s growth. Existing solutions often suffer from complexity, limited asset support, or centralized points of failure. FluxBridge is engineered to overcome these challenges by providing a dedicated, secure, and decentralized conduit for stablecoin transfers.

Identify Existing Solutions (if any), and Include a Feasibility Study

While various cross-chain bridging solutions exist in the broader blockchain landscape, many are generalized for multiple assets, potentially introducing higher complexity or sacrificing specialization. Some may not offer direct support for Conflux, or their stablecoin bridging mechanisms might not be as optimized or cost-effective. Our feasibility study confirms that a dedicated, Conflux-centric stablecoin bridge built with best-in-class security practices and a focus on user experience is not only feasible but critically necessary. Conflux’s robust infrastructure, including its high transaction speed and low fees, provides an ideal environment for the efficient operation of such a bridge. We have assessed the technical requirements for secure cross-chain communication, smart contract development on multiple chains, and the necessary infrastructure for monitoring and maintaining the bridge’s integrity.

Purpose of the System
The primary purpose of FluxBridge is to enable trustless, secure, and efficient transfers of major stablecoins (e.g., USDT, USDC, BUSD) between the Conflux Network, Ethereum, and Binance Smart Chain. It aims to significantly enhance cross-chain liquidity and user accessibility for stable assets within the Conflux DeFi landscape.

Scope of the System
The initial scope of FluxBridge encompasses the development and deployment of smart contracts on Conflux, Ethereum, and Binance Smart Chain for locking and minting stablecoins, alongside a user-friendly decentralized application (DApp) for initiating and tracking these transfers. The focus will be on supporting widely adopted stablecoins. Future iterations may explore expanding support for additional tokens and integration with other blockchain networks based on community demand and ecosystem growth.

Objectives and Success Criteria of the Project

Objective 1: Core Bridge Functionality Deployment
Criteria: Successful deployment of audited smart contracts on Conflux, Ethereum, and BSC mainnets enabling lock-and-mint and burn-and-release mechanisms for initial stablecoins.

Objective 2: User Adoption & Liquidity:
Criteria: Achieve a cumulative bridge of a x volume of stablecoins within the first 6 months post-launch. Attain Y unique users performing bridge transactions within the same period.

Objective 3: Security & Reliability:
Criteria: Completion of at least one comprehensive third-party security audit with all critical and major findings remediated prior to mainnet launch. Maintain 99.9% DApp uptime.

Identify Definitions, Acronyms, and Abbreviations

  • Stablecoin: A cryptocurrency designed to have a stable price, typically pegged to a fiat currency like the US dollar.
  • Conflux (CFX): The native cryptocurrency of the Conflux Network.
  • Ethereum (ETH): A decentralized, open-source blockchain with smart contract functionality.
  • Binance Smart Chain (BSC): A blockchain network built for running smart contract-based applications.
  • TVL: Total Value Locked – the aggregate amount of assets currently staked or locked in a DeFi protocol.
  • DApp: Decentralized Application.
  • ERC-20: A technical standard used for all smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain for fungible tokens.
  • BEP-20: A token standard on Binance Smart Chain that extends the ERC-20 standard.
  • CFC-20: The token standard for fungible tokens on the Conflux Network.
  • UI/UX: User Interface/User Experience.

Technical Proposal
This section serves as a comprehensive whitepaper, detailing the architectural design, functional specifications, and non-functional requirements that will govern the development and operation of FluxBridge.

Functional Overview of Your System
FluxBridge will operate on a secure lock-and-mint/burn-and-release mechanism, ensuring a 1:1 backing of wrapped stablecoins on the destination chain by actual stablecoins locked on the source chain. The core functional flow involves:

  1. Initiation of Transfer: A user selects the source chain (e.g., Ethereum), destination chain (e.g., Conflux), and the stablecoin amount to bridge via the FluxBridge DApp.
  2. Locking on Source Chain: The user sends the specified stablecoins to the bridge’s smart contract address on the source chain. Upon successful receipt and confirmation of the transaction, these tokens are locked.
  3. Cross-Chain Communication: An event listener or secure oracle mechanism (depending on final design specifics) detects the locking event on the source chain. This information is securely relayed to the destination chain.
  4. Minting on Destination Chain: Upon verification of the locking event, the bridge’s smart contract on the destination chain (e.g., Conflux) mints an equivalent amount of wrapped stablecoins (e.g., wUSDT, wUSDC) and sends them to the user’s specified wallet address on the destination chain.
  5. Redemption (Burn & Release): To redeem the original stablecoins, the user sends the wrapped stablecoins back to the bridge contract on the destination chain. These wrapped tokens are then burned.
  6. Release on Source Chain: The burning event is detected and securely relayed to the source chain, triggering the release of the original stablecoins from the lock contract to the user’s wallet on the source chain.

Core Aspects and Elements to Uphold Functionality:

  • Smart Contracts: Secure, optimised, and auditable smart contracts deployed on Ethereum (ERC-20), BSC (BEP-20), and Conflux (CFC-20) to handle locking, minting, burning, and releasing mechanisms. These contracts will be designed for upgradability where necessary and minimal attack surface.
  • Cross-Chain Relayers/Oracles: A robust and decentralised system (or a network of trusted relayers) responsible for monitoring events on source chains and securely submitting proofs or transactions to destination chains to facilitate minting/burning processes. This component is critical for trustless operation.
  • Wrapped Token Standards: Implementation of dedicated wrapped token contracts (e.g., wUSDT, wUSDC, wBUSD) on the Conflux Network that strictly adhere to the CFC-20 standard and maintain a provable 1:1 peg to their underlying assets.
  • User Interface (DApp): An intuitive and responsive web-based DApp that allows users to easily connect their wallets, select networks and assets, initiate transfers, and track their transaction status.
  • Monitoring & Alerting: Continuous monitoring of smart contract states, transaction flows, and system health to quickly identify and respond to any anomalies or potential issues.

Legal/Licensing Aspects

All smart contracts developed for FluxBridge will be released under a widely recognised open-source licence, such as the MIT License or Apache 2.0 License. This promotes transparency, allows for community review, and fosters trust. Any frontend code or auxiliary services will also adhere to appropriate open-source licensing models. Neev Labs ensures compliance with all relevant industry best practices and legal frameworks concerning decentralised finance and cross-chain asset management.

Non-Functional Overview

Beyond core functionality, the success of FluxBridge hinges on several critical non-functional attributes:

  • Usability: The DApp will feature a clean, minimalist design with clear instructions and intuitive navigation. Error messages will be user-friendly and actionable. The process for bridging assets will be streamlined to minimise clicks and complexity, catering to both experienced and new DeFi users.
  • Reliability: The system will be designed for high availability, with redundant components for critical infrastructure (e.g., relayers). Smart contracts will undergo rigorous testing and formal verification to ensure deterministic behavior under all conditions. Robust error handling mechanisms will prevent asset loss and ensure transaction integrity even in edge cases.
  • Performance: Leveraging Conflux’s high transaction throughput and low fees, FluxBridge will aim for rapid transaction finality for cross-chain transfers. The DApp will be optimized for fast loading times and responsiveness, providing a smooth user experience even under high network load.
  • Implementation: Adherence to secure coding standards (e.g., ConsenSys Smart Contract Best Practices) will be paramount. The codebase will be modular, well-documented, and subjected to continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. A test-driven development (TDD) approach will ensure comprehensive unit, integration, and end-to-end testing.
  • User Interface: The UI will be responsive, adapting seamlessly across various devices and screen sizes. It will be compatible with popular web3 wallets (e.g., MetaMask, Fluent Wallet) and provide real-time updates on transaction status, gas fees, and wrapped token balances.

Total Budget
The requested grant size is meticulously calculated to cover the comprehensive development, auditing, testing, and initial deployment phases of FluxBridge. This budget reflects the commitment to delivering a high-quality, secure, and reliable cross-chain bridging solution for the Conflux ecosystem.

Grant Size
Total Grant Amount Requested: 30,000 USD

Justification: Breakdown of Activities and Costs

  • Smart Contract Development (Conflux, Ethereum, BSC): (~35% of total grant)
  • Development of secure, gas-optimized lock-and-mint/burn-and-release contracts.
  • Implementation of wrapped stablecoin contracts (CFC-20).
  • Development of cross-chain communication logic.
  • Smart Contract Audits (Third-Party): (~25% of total grant)
  • Engaging reputable blockchain security firms for comprehensive audits of all bridge smart contracts across all chains. This is a non-negotiable component for ensuring asset security and user trust.
  • Frontend DApp Development (UI/UX): (~20% of total grant)
  • Design and implementation of an intuitive, responsive web application for seamless user interaction.
  • Integration with web3 wallets and blockchain RPCs.
  • Real-time transaction monitoring and status updates.
  • Backend Infrastructure & Relayer Development (if applicable): (~10% of total grant)
  • Development and deployment of secure off-chain components, such as event listeners, data indexers, or decentralized relayers, necessary for robust cross-chain communication.
  • Testing, Quality Assurance & Documentation: (~5% of total grant)
  • Rigorous internal testing, including unit, integration, and end-to-end tests.
  • Comprehensive documentation for smart contracts, DApp usage, and API (if any).
  • Project Management & Contingency: (~5% of total grant)
  • Overhead for project coordination, stakeholder communication, and unforeseen technical challenges.

Development Roadmap
The development of FluxBridge will proceed through distinct phases, each with clear milestones and deliverables to ensure transparent progress tracking and efficient resource allocation. The projected timeline aims for a mainnet deployment within approximately 12 weeks from the grant approval date.

Timeline and Milestones

  • Milestone 1: Smart Contract Core Development & Internal Audit (week 1-3)

  • Deliverables: Completed and internally reviewed smart contracts for locking/minting stablecoins on Conflux, Ethereum, and BSC. Initial wrapped CFC-20 stablecoin contracts. Comprehensive test suite developed and passed.

  • Requested Funding: 35% of total grant.

  • Milestone 2: External Smart Contract Audit & Remediation (week 4)

  • Deliverables: Completion of at least one independent third-party security audit of all core smart contracts. All critical and major findings addressed and validated by auditors.

  • Requested Funding: 20% of total grant (primarily for audit costs).

  • Milestone 3: Frontend DApp Development & Integration (week 5-7)

  • Deliverables: Fully functional and user-friendly web DApp for initiating and monitoring bridge transactions. Integration with smart contracts on all three networks. Comprehensive UI/UX testing.

  • Requested Funding: A% of total grant.

  • Milestone 4: Comprehensive Testing, Bug Bounty Preparation & Documentation (week 7-9)

  • Deliverables: Extensive end-to-end testing across all supported stablecoins and chains. Internal quality assurance sign-off. Comprehensive user and developer documentation. Preparation for a public bug bounty program (if deemed necessary post-audit).

  • Requested Funding: 20% of total grant.

  • Milestone 5: Mainnet Deployment & Initial Monitoring (week 10-12)

  • Deliverables: Successful deployment of FluxBridge smart contracts and DApp on Conflux, Ethereum, and BSC mainnets. Initial post-launch monitoring setup and operational readiness. Public announcement.

  • Requested Funding: 25% of total grant.

Team
Neev Labs bring a highly experienced and dedicated team to this project, possessing deep expertise in blockchain architecture, smart contract development, cybersecurity, and user experience design. Our collective experience ensures the successful and secure delivery of FluxBridge.

  • Nishant Mitra - Tech Lead
    A blockchain expert and IIT Kharagpur alumnus, Nishant architects cutting-edge decentralized solutions and ensures robust technical execution.

  • Prashant Hooda – Product Manager
    Prashant drives product innovation, ensuring user-centric solutions that align with evolving market needs and technological advancements.

  • Ankit Bhatia- Developer
    Ankit is an expert in Solidity, smart contract security, advanced DeFi protocols and dApp development on EVM-compatible chains.

Terms of Use
I agree to all of the following terms of use in applying to a Conflux Ecosystem Grant:
I have read and understood the Conflux Grants Ecosystem Overview.
I have read about and understood that the Conflux Technical Grants are subject to a No-Sale rule.
I agree to provide KYC information to the Conflux Foundation for the sake of overall ecosystem security.
I understand that I will be required to follow public grant reporting requirements.