On-Chain Cryptographic Key Linking#

Nostreum introduces a groundbreaking Scaffold-ETH extension that enables on-chain verification of the link between an Ethereum private key (ECDSA) and a Nostr private key (Schnorr).

This creates a cryptographically provable bridge between two completely different ecosystems:

• Financial Ecosystem: Ethereum (DeFi, NFTs, DAOs)
• Social Ecosystem: Nostr (decentralized social network)

Ethereum (ECDSA) ⟷ Smart Contract Verification ⟷ Nostr (Schnorr)

Core Social Features#

• Social Feed: Browse real-time posts from the Nostr network
• Following Feed: Curated personal feed from followed users
• Profile Discovery: Advanced user search and profile exploration
• Decentralized Publishing: Post uncensorable, cryptographically signed content

Enhanced Cross-Platform Features#

Social → Financial#

• Social Influence to Financial Access: Leverage social reputation from Nostr to access financial opportunities on Ethereum
• Community-Driven Funding: Social credibility can unlock DeFi positions, DAO participation, and investment opportunities
• Reputation-Based Finance: Social standing translates to financial trust and opportunities

Financial → Social#

• On-Chain Achievements: Display NFTs, DeFi success, and blockchain achievements in social profiles
• Financial Status as Social Proof: On-chain wealth and activity become social credibility indicators
• Cross-Platform Reputation: Ethereum success builds Nostr social standing

Real-World Impact#

• Activists & Creators: Receive financial support via Ethereum while maintaining censorship-resistant communication on Nostr
• Political Refugees: Access funding through crypto while communicating safely on decentralized networks
• Content Creators: Monetize through Ethereum ecosystem while building audience on Nostr

Built With#

• Scaffold-ETH: Extended framework for Ethereum development
• Nostr Protocol: Decentralized social networking protocol
• Smart Contracts: On-chain verification and identity linking
• ECDSA Signatures: Ethereum cryptographic standard
• Schnorr Signatures: Nostr/Bitcoin cryptographic standard

How It Works#

1. Identity Creation: User connects Ethereum wallet to the application
2. Key Linking: Custom extension generates cryptographic proof linking Ethereum and Nostr keys
3. On-Chain Verification: Smart contract validates and stores the identity link
4. Cross-Platform Features: Enhanced social features become available based on verified links

Immediate Roadmap#

• NFT Gallery Integration: Display owned NFTs directly in Nostr profiles
• DeFi Activity Badges: Show lending, staking, and trading achievements
• Enhanced Verification: Multi-signature and advanced cryptographic proofs

Long-Term Goals#

• Multi-Chain Support: Extend linking to other blockchain ecosystems
• Advanced Social Finance: Reputation-based lending and investment
• Cross-Platform DAOs: Governance that spans social and financial networks

Bitcoin Connection#

Note: Schnorr signatures also function as Bitcoin addresses, making this potentially a three-way bridge: Bitcoin ↔ Nostr ↔ Ethereum

Prerequisites#

• Node.js 18+
• Ethereum wallet (MetaMask recommended)
• Git

Installation#

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/VincenzoImp/nostreum.git

# Navigate to project directory
cd nostreum

# Install dependencies
yarn install

# Start development server
yarn chain
yarn deploy
yarn start

Usage#

1. Open http://localhost:3000
2. Connect your Ethereum wallet
3. Link your Nostr identity
4. Explore the enhanced social features