Proposal for the Mainnet Upgrade: IBC Integration

Simple Summary

This proposal initiates the process of integrating Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) into the Hippo Protocol mainnet to enable cross-chain interoperability with other Cosmos SDK-based networks. Futhermore, this encourages validators to lower minimum gas price to promote more on-chain activity.

• IBC Application: Need to download the new binary file from the release notes. The upgrade process is the same as existing Cosmos-SDK based mainnets. Using cosmovisor is highly recommended.

• Gas Fee Reduction: Reduce the minimum-gas-prices entry in app.toml file by 1/10.

Abstract

The upgrade introduces the IBC protocol module and Tendermint light client (07-tendermint) to the Hippo mainnet. This will allow Hippo Protocol to send and receive packets across IBC-enabled chains, starting with stablecoin bridges (USDT/USDC) and progressing toward broader data and asset flows.

Motivation

To expand the reach and utility of Hippo Protocol in the global healthcare economy, it is necessary to:

• Enable cross-chain stablecoin liquidity (e.g., USDT, USDC)

• Connect with data-focused Cosmos ecosystems

• Support future integrations with DeFi, DEXs, and healthcare protocols

  IBC is a mature, production-grade interoperability standard and the logical next step for Hippo’s infrastructure.

Documentation

• Cosmos IBC Specification

Specification

• Register and wire the 07-tendermint light client
• Set up IBC capability management via app.go
• Define upgrade handler to ensure state-safe transition

Rationale

IBC provides standardized, secure, and extensible interoperability without introducing custom bridge logic. It’s already proven in production by leading Cosmos chains, making it ideal for Hippo Protocol’s cross-chain ambitions.

Drawbacks

• None.

Unresolved Questions

• None.

Security Considerations

• IBC introduces new attack surfaces (e.g., relayer misbehavior, light client validation faults). These will be mitigated through:
  • Use of audited ibc-go modules
  • Limited initial channel whitelist (e.g., stablecoin bridges only)
  • Monitoring tools and relayer management policies

Prior Art

• Cosmos Hub, Osmosis, Injective, Axelar

Backwards Compatibility

• Need to upgade node to v1.0.1 at upgrade height
• Upgrade handled via versioned handler in app/upgrades/v1_0_1/upgrade.go

Test Cases

• IBC packet send/receive between Hippo and testnet chains