The National Research Council (NRC) of Canada has recently launched an Ethereum-based blockchain explorer called Catena.

The platform is similar to a search engine in that it allows users to easily navigate through the Ethereum blockchain for contribution data or published grants stored on the network. Given that this data is not organized in one location, the contents always remains immutable and accessible to users.

Catena was developed by Bitaccess and is currently being hosted on the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS). According to Bitaccess co-founder Moe Adham, being hosted on IPFS will allow users to experience a “peer-to-peer method of storing and sharing data” in a method that preserves content from being altered, even if the system goes offline.

In reference to Catena, Adham stated, “We built the Catena Blockchain Suite as a simple, low risk, application for institutions to get introduced to blockchain technology. So far the reception has been terrific.”

The NRC recently launched the Canadian government’s first live trial of blockchain technology with the intention of building toward a transparent administration of distribution. The launch allowed the publishing of information regarding new or amended Contribution Agreements with firms in real time. The initial NRC statement noted, “These are early days, but NRC IRAP’s experiments with blockchain are expected to provide constructive insight into the potential for this technology and how it may be used for more open and transparent operations for public programs.”

Adham hopes to aid in increasing transparency in these institutions as a means of participating in the verification and validation of public knowledge.

Disclaimer: This article’s author has cryptocurrency holdings that can be tracked here. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as investment advice. Always conduct your own due diligence before making investments.