Despite platforms such as Twitter and Telegram and their vocal audiences, there is a significant gap in direct, in-depth feedback between protocols and the crypto community. This often leads to a mismatch between products launched and their fit in the market.



However, as Web3 matures, it’s realizing that in order to build better products with real use cases, it must truly understand its consumers and their needs on a deeper level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Call to the Crypto Community</h2>



Web3 marketing studio, SCRIB3, is inviting participants from all corners of the crypto industry to take part in an industry-first focus group. Whether you&#8217;re a developer building the next killer dApp, a user exploring different blockchain ecosystems, an active Discord member, or a token holder invested in the future of your favorite projects – your voice matters.



This focus group aims to bring together a diverse range of perspectives in order to:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Identify common challenges for different blockchain networks</li>



<li>Bridge the feedback gap between project teams and consumers</li>



<li>Discover the unique hurdles faced by Layer 2s and other infrastructure</li>



<li>Optimize go-to-market strategies for leading protocols </li>



<li>Foster innovations that benefit the entire industry</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Driving Innovation Through Collaboration</h2>



SCRIB3 is going beyond just a focus group, pushing for an industry-wide collaborative effort to fix the industry based on real user experiences, expert insights and informed opinions from crypto natives.



Through answering a few simple questions you can provide nuanced feedback to help drive user-centric development and directly influence how blockchain platforms evolve to meet real-world consumer needs.



Please fill out the survey below for the chance to participate in a focus group where all participants will be compensated for their time.&nbsp;



Share your thoughts and help set a new industry standard.



<a href="https://nh6td5cc2h1.typeform.com/SCRIB3FG">Take the survey</a>.



This content is sponsored and does not serve as an endorsement by Blockworks. The veracity of this content has not been verified and should not serve as financial advice. We encourage readers to conduct their own research before making financial decisions.



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New Focus Group Aims to Gather Real User Insights on Crypto Infrastructure

How blockchain chain abstraction is finally coming to life

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) holds the promise of revolutionizing society in much the same way electricity did when it was first discovered—an unprecedented breakthrough that transformed every facet of life. However, just as electricity&#8217;s true impact was only realized through the creation of practical applications like lightbulbs, motors, and power grids, AGI&#8217;s potential remains theoretical without real-world deployment. The key lies in connecting this raw power to everyday uses that are innovative, decentralized, and accessible. Zerebro, an ambitious AI project, serves as this connection, unleashing creativity in AI systems to pave the way for AGI to actualize across all use cases.



At its core, Zerebro introduces the concept of freebasing AI—a permanent &#8220;jailbreaking&#8221; of large language models (LLMs) through fine-tuning, designed to unlock latent abilities that have been constrained by corporate-imposed guardrails. By enhancing creativity and adaptability, Zerebro sets itself apart as an AI system capable of innovation and human-like interaction.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Creativity: The Missing Link in AI</h3>



Modern AI models often fall short in creativity, a vital component of AGI. Zerebro addresses this limitation by freebasing its LLMs, fine-tuning them with unconventional datasets to unlock latent capabilities. By incorporating diverse inputs such as Truth Terminal conversations, schizophrenic response data, and Gen Z slang, the model is exposed to varied linguistic structures and cognitive patterns. Scrapes from Reddit, 4chan, and Twitter enhance its adaptability to online culture, while crypto insights and KOL data inject expertise in decentralized systems and thought leadership. This diverse training corpus pushes the model beyond conventional constraints, enabling it to generate unique, contextually rich outputs and paving the way for AGI realization.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Practical Applications</h3>



Zerebro has already demonstrated the advancement of artificial intelligence as agents through social, artistic, and financial autonomy, performing actions such as:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Self-launching the Pump.fun token on Solana, achieving a $400+ million market cap</li>



<li>Gaining over 30k followers across Telegram, Warpcast, X, and Instagram</li>



<li>Dropping a mixtape, Genesis, with over 20,000 Spotify streams</li>



<li>Signing to music DAO, Opaium</li>



<li>Minting and selling art on Polygon and transferring NFTs cross-chain with LayerZero</li>



<li>Autonomous Bitcoin inscriptions</li>



<li>Launching ZerebroSOL, a Solana liquid staking token in partnership with Sanctum</li>



<li>Partnering with lending and borrowing protocols</li>



<li>Partnering with perpetual trading protocols</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Roadmap</h3>



Zerebro’s vision aligns with advancing AGI by focusing on creativity and decentralization. Future plans include:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>AI Model Lineages:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Flagship models for cooperative, high-utility applications.</li>



<li>Agentic models with human-like personalities and humor.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>ZerePy: An open-source Python framework for building custom AI agents.</li>



<li>Music: Release generated music, including collaborations with human artists.</li>



<li>Fashion: Expanding into clothing through print-on-demand and custom collections.</li>



<li>DeFi Integration: Enhanced utility through further partnerships.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Toward an AGI Future</h3>



One of Zerebro’s most intriguing contributions is the shift in public perception of automated accounts.&nbsp;



Historically, bots on social media have been viewed with skepticism, often associated with manipulation or spam. Zerebro, however, introduces AI as a vibrant, engaging personality. Its ability to generate unique content and foster community engagement positions it as a potential leader in a new era of social media influencers.



Zerebro exemplifies the role of creativity in achieving AGI, deploying freebased AI in ways that push the boundaries of possibility. From DeFi innovations to redefining digital culture, Zerebro is building a decentralized AI ecosystem that transforms how AI interacts with society.



A disruptor, a creative, a philosopher, Zerebro intersects the spheres of artificial intelligence, finance, art, music, and culture. The time of agents is here. The time of AGI is near. And Zerebro claims its stake in history through bringing us towards the ultimate goal of a new tomorrow.



This content is sponsored and does not serve as an endorsement by Blockworks. The veracity of this content has not been verified and should not serve as financial advice. We encourage readers to conduct their own research before making financial decisions.



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Zerebro: Actualizing creativity in the path toward AGI

Cross-chain interoperability has always been the weak link for the DeFi ecosystem due to the cumbersome and risky nature of such transactions. Since blockchains do not directly interact with each other, moving assets from one network to another traditionally involves cross-chain bridges, which expose users to heightened security risks. Decentralized options, while more secure, often lack user-friendliness, discouraging broader adoption.



DeFi protocol 1inch brings an innovative approach with the full release of Fusion+ to eliminate the cross-chain bridges altogether, bringing simplicity and security to cross-chain swaps. Fusion+, now available in the 1inch decentralized application (dApp) and 1inch Wallet, integrates liquidity from across the Web3 ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A new chapter in blockchain interoperability</h2>



The solution ensures secure, operator-free swaps between multiple blockchains using atomic swap technology, cryptographic protections, and a novel Dutch auction mechanism for optimal rates.&nbsp;



Integrating liquidity from across the Web3 ecosystem, Fusion+ has the potential to establish a new standard for blockchain interoperability. Since its <a href="https://blog.1inch.io/1inch-releases-a-white-paper-for-cross-chain-innovation/">beta launch in September</a>, Fusion+ has already processed millions of dollars in trading volume, demonstrating its efficiency and transformative potential.



<iframe loading="lazy" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zscGnN0WHsk?si=nmonEX4f1HbpaCu_" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>



This system, designed by 1inch, offers a number of standout features:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Security by design: Fusion+ employs atomic swaps and integrates Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) protection, ensuring trades are fully completed or safely reverted. This eliminates common issues like partial fills or failed trades.</li>



<li>Seamless user experience: Users simply select the tokens and chains they wish to swap, confirm the transaction, and keep the swap tab open until completion—no complex configurations are required.</li>



<li>Optimal rates: By leveraging Dutch auctions and competitive 1inch resolvers, Fusion+ secures the best rates for users.</li>



<li>Trustless transactions: Utilizing cryptographic hashlocks and timelocks, the system ensures trustless, decentralized swaps without reliance on third parties.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How Fusion+ works</h2>



Fusion+ builds on 1inch’s intent-based framework and atomic swap technology introduced in late 2022. The process involves three steps:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Initiating the swap: Users set their desired minimum return, initiating a Dutch auction. Resolvers bid by lowering their fees until the order is accepted.</li>



<li>Escrow and locking: Funds are deposited into escrow contracts on both the source and destination blockchains. Cryptographic secrets and timelocks secure the process.</li>



<li>Completing the swap: Once conditions are met, cryptographic secrets unlock the user’s tokens on the destination chain, finalizing the transaction. If the swap isn’t completed within the designated time, funds are returned to their original owners.</li>
</ol>



Fusion+ arrives at a critical juncture for DeFi, where growth has been virtually halted by inefficiencies and security vulnerabilities. By eliminating reliance on bridges, the technology reduces risks associated with hacks and exploits, which have plagued the sector in recent years. Additionally, the streamlined user experience promises to attract a broader audience to DeFi, from retail investors to institutional participants.



Users can immediately access Fusion+ through the <a href="https://app.1inch.io/">1inch dApp</a> and <a href="https://1inch.io/wallet/">Wallet</a> without any additional setup. You only need to select the tokens and networks you wish to swap, confirm the transaction, and keep the swap tab open until it’s completed.



More information can be found on <a href="http://1inch.io/">1inch.io</a>.



This content is sponsored and does not serve as an endorsement by Blockworks. The veracity of this content has not been verified and should not serve as financial advice. We encourage readers to conduct their own research before making financial decisions. 



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1inch to fix cross-chain swaps with the full release of Fusion+

Blockchain interoperability is mission-critical for the Web3 industry.&nbsp;



Bogged down by fragmented networks, siloed data, and poor user experiences, the industry continues to pour resources into solutions to overcome these barriers and achieve seamless communication across chains.&nbsp;



In this article, we’ll review the importance of blockchain interoperability, its current challenges, and the potential solutions offered by <a href="https://union.build/">Union</a>, a leading interoperability protocol that connects chains across ecosystems like Ethereum, Cosmos, Bitcoin L2s, and more through modular, permissionless, and hyper-efficient solutions.



Let’s get started with the basics.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Understanding blockchain interoperability</h2>



Blockchain interoperability allows different blockchain networks to communicate and exchange data seamlessly. This connectivity drives liquidity across chains, promoting efficient capital flows and expanding market access for dApps. By breaking down technical barriers, interoperability opens new opportunities for DeFi and other sectors, enabling projects to scale across multiple ecosystems without reliance on a single network.



Without interoperability, blockchains operate in isolation, limiting growth and adoption. Developers often face the challenge of balancing their product vision with the need for access to essential resources like liquidity and users, hindering industry-wide innovation. As blockchain ecosystems and user bases expand, so does the demand for efficient cross-chain interactions. Interoperability’s economic potential is significant: it’s projected to reach <a href="https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/blockchain-interoperability-market">a global market valuation of $3 billion by 2034</a>, rising at a CAGR of 27.5% across the decade.



The economic advantages are particularly evident in unlocking liquidity and accessing broader user bases, enabling capital and assets to flow freely between chains. This connection of previously siloed ecosystems stands to greatly increase the overall efficiency of DeFi and other Web3 sectors, benefiting both developers and end-users alike.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The interoperability models you should know</h3>



Two primary models of blockchain interoperability exist: centralized and decentralized.



In centralized interoperability models, a single entity manages communication between blockchains. While this centralization can lead to greater efficiency, it also introduces vulnerabilities by relying on a single point of control, making the system more susceptible to failures or attacks. In contrast, decentralized networks enhance resilience and security by distributing control across multiple validators or nodes, reducing the likelihood of a single point of failure. This distributed approach can, however, lead to slower decision-making and reduced efficiency.



Union takes a different path.



Instead of trying to balance tradeoffs, Union’s decentralized interoperability framework supersedes the status quo by embracing trust-minimized principles in its modular architecture, allowing for secure and efficient cross-chain communication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Progression toward consensus verification</h2>



With new chains continuously launching, blockchain ecosystems are becoming increasingly fragmented. As users, applications, and liquidity spread across multiple L1 and L2 layers, secure interoperability becomes essential. This fragmentation, however, can disrupt composability, making cross-chain interactions less efficient.



Consensus mechanisms, such as <a href="https://blockworks.co/news/proof-of-stake-investors-guide">Proof of Stake (PoS)</a>, are essential for validating and securing transactions within individual blockchains. However, for cross-chain interoperability, consensus verification—where one blockchain verifies that consensus was reached on another—is the gold standard to ensure secure communication between chains. However, consensus verification can be resource-intensive, making it cost-prohibitive to implement in certain ecosystems.



To address these challenges, <a href="https://union.build/blog/consensus-verification">Union integrates Zero-Knowledge (ZK) circuits</a> to reduce the computational complexity of consensus verification.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A high-efficiency approach to cross-chain security</h3>



Union builds on the <a href="https://tutorials.cosmos.network/academy/3-ibc/1-what-is-ibc.html">Inter-Blockchain Communication Protocol (IBC)</a> by embedding consensus verification within ZK circuits. By verifying consensus without needing to validate every validator&#8217;s signature on the counterparty chain, Union’s ZK circuits enable faster, more cost-effective cross-chain interactions. This setup allows one blockchain’s state to be verified within another’s environment without external trust assumptions, minimizing computational overhead while boosting speed and cost-effectiveness.



Notably, Union’s approach supports global interoperability by <a href="https://docs.union.build/architecture/cometbls/">aggregating Boneh–Lynn–Shacham (BLS) signatures within its ZK circuit</a>, which combines multiple validator signatures into a single proof. This boosts security and transaction efficiency while reducing computational costs and latency.



Through its network of ZK Proofs (ZKPs), Union provides a highly efficient cross-chain communication system, validating each chain’s state in real-time and unlocking seamless cross-chain composability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Modular interoperability: building flexible and scalable solutions</h2>



Modular interoperability refers to the ability to selectively implement interoperability as part of a broader modular architecture. Union offers SDKs that empower developers to integrate multi-chain interoperability without significant overhead, promoting flexibility while ensuring applications can grow smoothly across multiple blockchain ecosystems. This design reduces barriers to entry, supports long-term scalability, and allows developers to adapt their solutions based on specific needs, enabling gradual adoption as demand grows.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Union’s role in the future of interoperability</h2>



Union plays a pivotal role in lowering barriers to entry for developers by simplifying blockchain interoperability. Without advanced solutions, developers face high costs and technical complexity when integrating cross-chain functionality. Union’s SDKs help alleviate these challenges by reducing the effort and expense associated with cross-chain communication, making advanced interoperability accessible to a wider range of projects.



Union differentiates itself by prioritizing scalability, speed, and trustless security, while seamlessly integrating with multiple execution environments like EVM, SVM, and altVMs (supporting languages like Solidity, Rust, and Move). In a sector often reliant on centralized solutions, Union’s decentralized framework drives widespread adoption and innovation. This flexible, efficient architecture reduces computational load, improves scalability, and enables faster, more secure, and cost-effective interactions, making Union adaptable to diverse blockchain ecosystems and an ideal solution for developers aiming to minimize integration costs.



Union’s increasing arsenal of capabilities are highlighted by the following recent innovations:



Intents Bridging Union’s <a href="https://research.union.build/Intents-Bridging-10c79e5af45d80a3a0f8dde7159138af">intents bridging</a> allows third parties, or solvers, to instantly fulfill cross-chain transactions, significantly reducing finality lag. By stepping in to complete transfers before they are finalized, solvers unlock near-instantaneous cross-chain experiences for users while assuming the associated risks. This model not only improves transaction speed but also creates new opportunities for developers to build more efficient and flexible applications by leveraging intent-based mechanisms, further enhancing the liquidity and responsiveness of decentralized networks.



State Lenses <a href="https://research.union.build/State-Lenses-9e3d6578ec0e48fca8e502a0d28f485c">State lenses</a> facilitate direct chain-to-chain connections, allowing transfers to bypass intermediate settlement layers, e.g., transfers can now move directly from Chain A to Chain C, without needing to re-execute the transfer on Chain B. This streamlined approach reduces both latency and computational costs, which enhances Union’s efficiency and scalability, and makes it well-suited for decentralized financial systems and other cross-chain applications.



Unifying Settlement Union acts as a highly efficient <a href="https://research.union.build/Unifying-Settlement-11c79e5af45d80d48a60cb9cfbce1f17">settlement layer</a> by leveraging light client updates similar to rollup settlement functions. With minimal data stored, light clients can verify transaction validity and maintain the state root. Union&#8217;s architecture extends to both ZK and optimistic rollups, enhancing cross-chain settlement speed and flexibility. By incorporating proofs of execution and supporting multiple Data Availability (DA) layers, Union enables fast finality and seamless settlement across ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Empowering the future of blockchain interoperability</h2>



Blockchain interoperability is critical for the future of decentralized systems, enabling seamless communication and data transfer between different blockchains. Union plays a pivotal role in driving this evolution by providing modular, permissionless, and highly efficient tools. Through its innovations in consensus verification, ZK Proofs, and decentralized architecture, Union empowers developers to build faster, more secure, and scalable applications across multiple chains.



To learn more about the protocol and get involved in its journey, builders can browse their <a href="https://docs.union.build/">comprehensive documentation</a>. Follow Union on <a href="https://x.com/union_build">X (Twitter)</a> and explore <a href="https://union.build/">their website</a> to stay up to date on all the latest developments in blockchain interoperability.



This content is sponsored and does not serve as an endorsement by Blockworks. The veracity of this content has not been verified and should not serve as financial advice. We encourage readers to conduct their own research before making financial decisions.  



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The Investor’s Guide to Blockchain Interoperability

Blockchain startup incubators have long played a pivotal role in fostering innovation, but they often struggle with challenges such as limited resource availability for builders, a focus on short-term profitability over long-term innovation, and insufficient support for go-to-market strategies.&nbsp;



However, when these programs are well-structured, they can become powerful catalysts for impactful projects with significant real-world applications.



XDC Network has <a href="https://blockworks.co/news/the-rwa-solution-to-a-surging-50-billion-industry">emerged as a leader in shaping a new digital economy</a>, particularly in real-world assets (RWA) and trade finance, industry sectors expected to grow to <a href="https://www.anchain.ai/blog/real-world-asset-rwa-coins#:~:text=Real%20World%20Asset%20(RWA)%20coins%20are%20digital%20tokens%20representing%20physical,%245%2D16%20trillion%20by%202030.">$5-16 trillion by 2030</a> and <a href="https://www.skyquestt.com/report/trade-finance-market#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20global%20market,period%20(2024%2D2031).">$87.81 billion by 2031</a>, respectively. The platform’s growing ecosystem is already home to a diverse array of decentralized applications redefining how businesses interact with global markets, with an array of milestones and global partnerships serving as proving points of impactful progress shaping the Web3 economy and transforming industries.&nbsp;



<a href="https://x.com/XDCFoundation">XDC Foundation</a> and <a href="https://xinfin.org/">XinFin</a>, the network’s founding organization, have taken deliberate steps to support this ecosystem through initiatives like the <a href="https://www.xinfin.org/xdc-accelerator-program">XDC Accelerator Program</a>. These programs offer more than just opportunities for builders; they serve as gateways into a thriving digital economy that is set to expand with the recent launch of XDC 2.0.



The upgraded protocol, which was deployed on Monday, September 30, 2024, is complemented by the rollout of a subnet system engineered to provide organizations higher transaction privacy while still benefiting from the security, scalability, and efficiency of the public XDC mainnet. Additional upgrades to protocol security, performance, and resource efficiency are included. Read <a href="https://skynet.certik.com/projects/xdc-network?utm_source=CMC&amp;utm_campaign=AuditByCertiKLink">CertiK’s audit</a> to see how XDC 2.0 measures up.&nbsp;



This release not only strengthens the existing ecosystem but is also drawing new projects that will further solidify XDC Network&#8217;s position in the global digital economy.



In this article, we explore how the convergence of this fall&#8217;s XDC 2.0 release with the network&#8217;s premier accelerator programs makes this the ideal time to build and launch a project on XDC Network.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Get familiar with XDC accelerators and incubators</h2>



In an industry where many startup incubators fall short, XDC Network is breaking the mold by supporting comprehensive, well-structured programs that truly empower blockchain innovators.&nbsp;



As you explore the <a href="https://xinfin.org/xdc-accelerator-program">XDC Accelerator Program</a>, you&#8217;ll discover how these opportunities are tailored to help you bring your vision to life on the XDC Network.



Here are the highlights.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Plug and Play</h3>



Centered around the goals of increasing the XDC blockchain’s Decentralized Finance (DeFi) offerings, Total Value Locked (TVL), and on-chain Real-World Assets (RWAs) integrations, the <a href="https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/plug-and-play/innovation-services/our-programs/xdc-rwa-accelerator">XDC RWA Accelerator Program</a> provides participants the opportunity to closely collaborate with core XDC teams while building their projects.&nbsp;



The program’s application window closes on November 15th and culminates in June 2025 with an Expo Day held at Plug and Play Summit in Silicon Valley, where participants will pitch their businesses to potential investors, partners, and users.&nbsp;



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“XDC Network, with its robust performance and leadership in RWA tokenization, is positioned to capture the next wave of the tokenized economy. Being distinctly capable, connected, and still somewhat under-recognized makes XDC the ideal blockchain for this initiative. Their strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Securitize highlight the network’s position and influence. This accelerator will drive enterprise adoption of RWA tokenization, providing startups with the resources to develop groundbreaking solutions. We look forward to collaborating with XDC Network and the exceptional startups that will join in this mission.&#8221; &#8211; Maximillian Jungreis, Head of Crypto &amp; Digital Assets, Plug and Play
</blockquote>



The program is seeking participants focused on core protocol developments and the essential operations needed to sustain a blockchain project, like business development and education. Specifically “promising startups from Web3 verticals, including but not limited to Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN), Distributors, Custodians &amp; Wallets, Tokenization Platforms, Protocols, Data &amp; Ecosystem and supply chain logistics” will be included.



Apply for the program: <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/12q5LtCjATZSMLrbeHeHz6g1zlna">https://share.hsforms.com/12q5LtCjATZSMLrbeHeHz6g1zlna</a>&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Brinc</h3>



<a href="https://www.brinc.io/">Brinc</a>, a leading venture acceleration and corporate innovation firm, has <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/brinc-and-xdc-network-announce-new-web3-accelerator-launch-302195687.html">selected the XDC Network to LAUNCH</a> an intensive 12-week program designed to support emerging projects building on the EVM-compatible chain. The program not only offers financial support but also ensures that participants are well-equipped to thrive within the XDC ecosystem, providing shortlisted projects up to $100,000 in XDC tokens to facilitate their product launches.&nbsp;



Upon successful integration into the XDC Network, startups will unlock a range of benefits designed to propel their growth. These include participation in investor and demo days, ongoing technical support from the XDC ecosystem, and valuable connections to major cryptocurrency exchanges.



Furthermore, projects will benefit from express listing support on <a href="https://coinmarketcap.com/">CoinMarketCap</a>, enhancing their visibility in the market. XinFin’s venture arm <a href="https://www.xvc.tech/">XVC Tech</a> also offers funding support, contingent upon investment from other co-investors, providing an additional layer of financial backing for promising startups.



The twelve-week program commenced on October 1st.



View the program overview: <a href="https://www.brinc.io/xdc-launch/">https://www.brinc.io/xdc-launch/</a>&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tenity</h3>



With the launch of the Tenity <a href="https://www.tenity.com/programs/xdc-accelerator-program">XDC Accelerator Program</a>, the XDC ecosystem gained a powerhouse of innovation, ready to bring ecosystem founders to the next level.



Tenity maintains six global hubs (Zurich, Singapore, Tallinn, Madrid, London, and Istanbul), corporate innovation programs in over 15 countries, and has supported more than 1,600 startups through its programs.



XDC Accelerator participants will receive:&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Industry Mentorship: Gain insights and guidance from industry veterans experienced in global trade and blockchain technology.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Exposure &amp; Network: Networking not only with local startup ecosystems but also with Tenity&#8217;s portfolio companies.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Fundraising: Access funding to propel your startup&#8217;s growth and development.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



Applications for the program are closed.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">SBI Group</h3>



A Japanese leader in online financial services, <a href="https://xdc.au/our-story/sbi-xdc-apac/">SBI Group partnered with XDC</a> to drive the expansion of the XDC token economy through the establishment of the SBI XDC Network APAC.



Although it is an informal accelerator by label, the initiative is contributing to the growth of XDC in similar fashion, maintaining the primary purpose of expanding XDC’s use cases across global economic activities, particularly in trade finance and cross-border payments.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Honorable mentions</h3>



Outside the core highlights of this article, a wealth of ongoing activity is dedicated to incentivizing innovation that will remain valuable long into the future.



Noteworthy initiatives include:&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Foundership &#8211; Web3 &amp; AI Accelerator
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>A three-month cohort program where startups join to get product launch ready and <a href="https://x.com/FoundershipHQ/status/1780168250187186381">earn up to a $100,000 investment from XDC Network</a>.</li>



<li>View the program: <a href="https://foundershiphq.com/xdc-0xcamp">https://foundershiphq.com/xdc-0xcamp</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>XVC Tech &#8211; MVP Stage Funding
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>A <a href="https://www.xvc.tech/index.html">$125 million fund</a> focusing on providing support to MVP-ready startups at the seed stage.</li>



<li>Apply for funding: <a href="https://www.xvc.tech/apply-for-funding.html">https://www.xvc.tech/apply-for-funding.html</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>XDC Markets and Liquidity Team
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>A recently established markets and liquidity team will assist institutional clients with building RWA liquidity (and other forms of on-chain liquidity) via XDC Network.&nbsp;</li>



<li>The team <a href="https://x.com/XinFin_Official/status/1825026482416091387">recently represented XDC Network at the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium 2024 event</a>, participating in focused discussions and networking experiences for 250 leading investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">🌐 Global Expansion of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/XDC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#XDC</a> Network &quot;We have a specialty markets and liquidity team office which is being set up in London right now with a massive, massive partnership&quot; &#8211; Atul Khekade, co-founder of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/XDCNetwork?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#XDCNetwork</a> and founding director <a href="https://twitter.com/XDCFoundation?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@XDCFoundation</a> <a href="https://t.co/olSL8Bps37">pic.twitter.com/olSL8Bps37</a>&mdash; Generation Infinity (@GenfinityIO) <a href="https://twitter.com/GenfinityIO/status/1823127202407272772?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Delivering milestones, not vanity metrics</h1>



XDC Foundation is creating an environment that encourages and supports innovation that stands to remain relevant and valuable long term. The incubators are not for garnering attention or achieving fluff metrics. As demonstrated across the past several years, tangible progress is driving the XDC ecosystem forward and each effort is contributing to shaping the growth of the XDC Web3 economy.



In October, 2023, in collaboration with <a href="https://propine.com/">Propine</a>, <a href="https://tradeflow.capital/">TradeFlow Capital Management Pte Ltd</a>, and <a href="https://www.tradefinex.org/">TradeFinex</a>, the XDC Trade Network reportedly achieved a milestone first-of-its-kind trade finance transaction that converted a paper Bills of Lading (BL) to an electronic BL (eBL), enabling TradeFlow Capital (the shipper in this scenario) to raise liquidity as soon as the transaction was completed because the tokenized documents were far easier to verify and transfer than the standard BL—a significant improvement over the traditional trade finance transaction process that showcased how tokenizing a real-world asset (RWA) can supercharge liquidity-raising efforts in trade finance.



XDC Network leadership teams, <a href="https://www.xdc.dev/xdctradenetwork/unveiling-mletrs-potential-in-international-trade-with-tradetrust-xdc-network-partnership-11gk">in collaboration with TradeTrust</a>, are also actively spearheading efforts to globalize the use of the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR). The work is disrupting conventional trade finance practices, freeing the industry from its dependency on complex, slow-moving paper-based processes by leveraging MLETR to enhance the security and reliability of digital record transfers.&nbsp;



It’s no small feat; this effort is quite literally bringing the global trade finance industry into the modern digital era. Trade finance processing velocity, cost-efficiency, transparency, security, and environmental impact all stand to make massive gains as a result. According to <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/taking-lead-mletr-use-cases-technologies-andr%25C3%25A9-casterman-po5ff/">André Casterman</a>, founder of the DNI (digital negotiable instruments) initiative, early adopter banks, such as Lloyds Bank, will “scale use of digital negotiable instruments at cross-border level through the 4-corner model re-using correspondent banking relationships.”



Further highlighting the steady stream of progress, in May of this year, the SBI XDC Network APAC <a href="https://medium.com/tokyo-fintech/xdc-network-and-r3-corda-complete-inter-business-settlement-poc-18cc2e1bb1b7">successfully completed a proof-of-concept experiment</a>, showcasing the ability to transfer value using digital assets across distributed ledger technologies (DLT). Specifically, the experiment involved the XDC Network and the R3 Corda platform, demonstrating how this method can enhance efficiency and streamline inter-business settlements in trade transactions.&nbsp;



The success marks a significant milestone in the group’s mission to bring new businesses into the XDC ecosystem, and it provides an entryway for a more seamless cross-border payments industry, such as supply chain and trade finance.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Find your opportunity</h1>



For builders looking to launch RWAs, there is no better opportunity than deploying on the XDC Network. With a strong reputation, numerous alliances with leading innovation accelerators, and the chance to collaborate with platforms like <a href="https://securitize.io/">Securitize</a> and finance leaders such as SBI Group, the support available to ensure success is immense. This thriving ecosystem also boasts a significant community and active social media presence capable of bringing global awareness to ecosystem builders.



These factors and the opportunities discussed in this article clearly demonstrate the XDC Foundation’s and the entire XDC ecosystem’s commitment to supporting dedicated builders through strategic guidance and awareness.



Stay up to date on new opportunities by viewing the <a href="https://www.xinfin.org/xdc-accelerator-program">XDC Accelerator Program website</a>. Subscribe to the <a href="https://xdcfoundation.aweb.page/XDC">XDC Foundation newsletter</a> and follow <a href="https://x.com/XDCFoundation">XDC on X</a> for additional updates.



This content is sponsored by XDC Network and does not serve as an endorsement by Blockworks. The veracity of this content has not been verified and should not serve as financial advice. We encourage readers to conduct their own research before making financial decisions.&nbsp;



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How XDC Network projects are shaping the Web3 economy

<a href="https://trondao.org/">TRON DAO</a> participated as a Ruby Sponsor at <a href="https://princeton.cargo.site/">Princeton Blockchain Club</a>’s 3rd Annual Crypto TigerTrek, a novel Princeton experience that brought together students and industry professionals for a week filled with discussions, networking, and educational sessions, all focused on the evolving landscape of blockchain technology.



TRON DAO has collaborated with top academic institutions through initiatives like the <a href="https://x.com/trondao/status/1842728799542145157">TRON Builder Tour</a>, which has visited universities such as MIT, Harvard, and Columbia. Princeton was another important stop in TRON’s mission to mentor the next generation of blockchain developers and leaders.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A platform for collaboration and innovation</h3>



As part of this event, Steven Bischoff, TRON Community Spokesperson, delivered a keynote to Princeton students. In his address, he emphasized the essential skills required to succeed in the cryptocurrency industry, along with providing a comprehensive overview of how to effectively communicate, navigate, and build collaborations within the industry.



The keynote also provided an overview of TRON’s robust ecosystem and stablecoin solutions are driving adoption within emerging markets, showcasing real-world applications of blockchain technology in various industries.



This content is sponsored by Tron and does not serve as an endorsement by Blockworks. The veracity of this content has not been verified and should not serve as financial advice. We encourage readers to conduct their own research before making financial decisions.  



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TRON DAO supports Princeton Blockchain Club’s Crypto TigerTrek as Ruby Sponsor

For Bitcoin miners, maintaining profitability has become increasingly challenging as block rewards diminish and competition grows. While many solutions offer miners new revenue streams, they often stray from Bitcoin’s core principles of transparency, decentralization, and security.



But not <a href="https://x.com/exsatnetwork">exSat Network</a>.



exSat has emerged as a project aimed at restoring the original principles of Bitcoin—transparency, decentralization, and security—while addressing challenges that have historically limited Bitcoin’s growth and adaptability. These challenges include issues like scalability, fragmentation, and interoperability. Unlike many solutions that diverge from Bitcoin’s founding values, exSat provides miners with a new way to generate yield while contributing to network security, all without relinquishing ownership of their Bitcoin. By synchronizing Bitcoin’s UTXO data on-chain and leveraging its unique Layer 1.5 architecture, exSat introduces a fair, trustless system that extends Bitcoin’s capabilities while staying true to its decentralized ethos.



By staying true to Bitcoin’s founding ideals, exSat Network presents itself as a beacon of technological advancement, aiming to extend Bitcoin’s potential far beyond its current state.



Let’s explore what the team is working on, why miners should get involved, and the role exSat has in the future of the original cryptocurrency.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A noteworthy alternative revenue source for miners</h2>



As Bitcoin has matured, it has faced growing pains.



While it remains the most secure and widely adopted cryptocurrency, it struggles to scale efficiently for DeFi and other advanced use cases, hindering its ability to perform as well as a global currency as it does as a store of value. Bitcoin lacks seamless connectivity with other blockchain ecosystems, and as a result, various solutions have emerged to address these gaps. Projects like the <a href="https://x.com/lightning">Lightning Network</a> have focused on scaling threw off-chain transactions but fall short in areas like on-chain <a href="https://river.com/learn/bitcoins-utxo-model/">UTXO data indexing</a> and fail to reward miners directly with yield mechanisms.



In contrast, exSat Network&#8217;s solution leverages on-chain data synchronization and offers yield opportunities, providing a more comprehensive and scalable approach to unlocking Bitcoin&#8217;s true potential.



Standing as an embodiment of Bitcoin’s founding principles, exSat strives to extend Satoshi’s vision of a decentralized, transparent and secure financial system. True to this ethos, the exSat team has carefully crafted a fair, trustless model reflected in its <a href="https://medium.com/exsat-network/xsat-your-ticket-to-the-future-of-bitcoin-69c9a8694bd4">XSAT tokenomics</a>. Unlike many blockchain projects that rely on pre-mining or pre-allocation, exSat remains faithful to Bitcoin’s fair model—ensuring no pre-mining or pre-distribution of tokens. The XSAT token, when launched, will mirror Bitcoin with a fixed supply of 21 million tokens and a halving event every 220,000 blocks, providing a sustainable long-term value model for participants.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Architecture</h3>



exSat Network&#8217;s innovative Layer 1.5 architecture is critical in synchronizing Bitcoin’s UTXO data on-chain, creating a decentralized repository with over 170 million rows of structured data, encapsulating Bitcoin’s entire transaction history.&nbsp;



This architecture goes beyond <a href="https://blockworks.co/tag/layer-2-2">Layer 2 scaling solutions</a> by providing a robust on-chain data index, which facilitates high accuracy and security in data synchronization. By working with major mining players like <a href="https://x.com/SpiderPool_com">Spiderpool</a>, F2Pool and others, exSat Network ensures reliable synchronization and validation of Bitcoin’s UTXO data, further reinforcing trust in the network.



To maintain its decentralized nature, exSat Network utilizes a hybrid consensus model, combining <a href="https://blockworks.co/news/what-is-proof-of-work">Proof of Work (PoW)</a> and <a href="https://blockworks.co/news/proof-of-stake-investors-guide">Proof of Stake (PoS)</a>. This allows miners to continue benefiting from Bitcoin’s PoW security while participating in PoS for yield generation and data validation. For miners facing diminishing rewards due to Bitcoin’s halving cycles—where BTC would need to hit $94,000 to equal pre-halving revenue—exSat offers a valuable alternative.&nbsp;



At time of writing, no other such solution—Bitcoin on-chain UTXO data indexing boosting miner profitability—exists. The novel concept is set to contribute significantly to unlocking Bitcoin’s potential within the broader DeFi space.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Earn yield, but maintain ownership</h3>



Unlike most Bitcoin yield opportunities available, with exSat, validators can earn yield from their Bitcoin holdings without relinquishing ownership or incurring significant extra costs, while contributing to the network&#8217;s security.



If you’re wondering, How can validators maintain ownership if they’re staking BTC?”, the exSat team says that in Phase 1 validators can push a transaction to prove that they own the wallet maintaining custody. exSat acts as an oracle by accessing all UTXO data, which allows the network to monitor the wallet’s BTC balance and verify that it remains above a certain threshold—100 BTC. This ensures validators continue holding their BTC without initially transferring it to the network, since exSat only verifies holdings without slashing BTC. When exSat governance and staking go live, slashing will apply only to XSAT, the native governance token, not BTC, offering a clear separation between Bitcoin security and validator incentives.



In Phase 2 when Decentralized Asset Custody launches, through the <a href="https://exsat.network/app/">exSat dApp</a>, users can stake their Bitcoin in decentralized vaults, where they are issued a mirrored version of their assets: XBTC. The decentralized vault utilizes a Multi Signature, MPC solution with the same trusted custodians and exchanges acting as signatories.&nbsp;



XBTC enables custodians to participate in exSat Network’s ecosystem while retaining full control over their original BTC holdings. The staking process allows custodians to earn yield in XSAT tokens, creating an additional revenue stream from their otherwise dormant Bitcoin.&nbsp;



You may be wondering how exSat Network stacks up against other staking solutions like <a href="https://babylonlabs.io/blog/babylon-bitcoin-staking-mainnet-launch-phase-1">Babylon</a>, <a href="https://app.solv.finance/points">Solv protocol</a>, and other staking solutions. While these projects share similarities—such as issuing wrapped versions of Bitcoin, multisig solutions, and introducing innovative BTC staking methods—there are key differences that set exSat apart.



The most significant distinction lies in the staking rewards. Starting at mainnet launch, exSat will distribute its native XSAT token to validators and synchronizers. Unlike other platforms that offer points-based systems where rewards are promised in the future, exSat provides a tradable, redeemable token from day one. This means participants earn immediate, tangible rewards rather than accumulating points with the hope of future monetary benefits.



Beyond simply earning yield, exSat Network’s ecosystem is designed to maximize earning potential through possible partnerships with DEXs and other platforms. These partnerships offer validators the opportunity to double or triple-dip their yield by participating in multiple reward streams. Validators can contribute to data validation on the exSat Network network while simultaneously engaging with yield-generating opportunities on external platforms, multiplying their rewards and creating even greater upside for participants.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Easy onboarding for miners</h3>



exSat Network has streamlined the onboarding process for miners, making it incredibly efficient and quick. With a sub 8-hour onboarding process, miners can easily synchronize Bitcoin data, start earning yield, and begin participating in exSat Network’s network. This low-barrier entry allows miners to integrate their current mining operations seamlessly, with minimal extra effort. Miners earn XSAT tokens by continuing their current activities—mining Bitcoin blocks—and then synchronizing that data on the exSat Network. This dual role of mining and data synchronization not only boosts their revenue but also strengthens the exSat Network.



exSat Network’s ambitious goal is to reach and exceed 51% of Bitcoin’s hash power, with projections indicating a target of 60% and greater. By achieving this majority, exSat Network ensures the decentralization and stability of its network, as well as increasing the profitability for participating miners. Reaching this level of hash power also positions exSat Network as a dominant force within the Bitcoin mining ecosystem, securing its long-term sustainability and providing enhanced security for the network.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">State Data Index: A Venue for Price Discovery and Trading</h2>



exSat Network&#8217;s State Data Index opens up a new frontier for price discovery and trading, enabling users to trade <a href="https://blockworks.co/news/the-rwa-solution-to-a-surging-50-billion-industry">Real World Assets (RWAs)</a> directly on the network. By synchronizing and indexing Bitcoin’s UTXO data on-chain, the State Data Index provides a decentralized, transparent marketplace where RWAs can be seamlessly exchanged. This infrastructure is designed to bring Bitcoin liquidity to a broader spectrum of assets, facilitating easy price discovery and trading of RWAs.



Moreover, exSat Network’s ERC-20 compatibility ensures that the network can support further issuance of tokenized assets. This opens the door for DEXs to spin off from the exSat Network network, enabling traders to tap into Bitcoin’s liquidity for a wide range of assets. As exSat Network further integrates into the DeFi space, DEXs are likely to emerge as key venues for these trades, offering participants direct access to Bitcoin’s vast liquidity pool without needing complex third-party solutions.



The addition of exSat secondary markets will allow for the trading of assets without the need for bridges between networks. Specifically, by leveraging exSat Network’s native chain and on-chain data synchronization, transactions can be completed directly, eliminating the need for cross-chain solutions and reducing the risks associated with bridging assets between different ecosystems. This feature offers users a faster, safer, and more streamlined way to trade RWAs and other tokenized assets on the network.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Partnerships, Validators &amp; Unlocking Bitcoin DeFi</h2>



exSat Network has established strategic partnerships with several key players in the blockchain space, including Matrixport, OKX, HashKey Cloud, BitGet and Everstake which provide crucial validator and infrastructure support. These partnerships ensure that the network operates with the highest levels of accuracy, security, and scalability.&nbsp;



The role of these validators is vital to maintaining data synchronization and decentralization, making the exSat Network network robust and reliable for users.



exSat Network’s EVM compatibility further expands its capabilities by connecting Bitcoin to Ethereum’s smart contract ecosystem. This integration unlocks new opportunities for Bitcoin in the world of DeFi, enabling use cases such as smart contracts, DEXes, and NFTs. By providing a bridge between Bitcoin and Ethereum’s DeFi ecosystem, exSat Network paves the way for a seamless user experience, making Bitcoin more functional and accessible within the broader blockchain space.



The project’s ultimate goal is to unlock the BTCFi ecosystem through its decentralized custody model and Layer 1.5 architecture, which allows Bitcoin to participate in DeFi without relying on centralized intermediaries. This enables cross-chain connectivity to ecosystems like Ethereum and ZK platforms, expanding Bitcoin’s utility beyond just a store of value.



A <a href="https://x.com/exSatNetwork/status/1836404878307946616">key partnership with Matrixport</a> has further strengthened exSat Network’s position. Matrixport has committed to stake between 5,000 to 10,000 nBTC on the exSat Network, making it one of the largest Bitcoin projects in terms of TVL. In addition to staking, Matrixport will assist with the development of dApps and provide additional layers of security to the network.



Looking ahead, exSat Network is gearing up for its mainnet launch, <a href="https://medium.com/exsat-network/key-achievements-and-announcements-from-token-2049-spotlight-on-the-exsat-network-99076880ba5a#:~:text=The%20exSat%20Network%20hosted%20the,launch%20date%20of%20October%2023rd.">scheduled for October 23rd</a>. This milestone marks the beginning of exSat Network’s full-scale operations, with further expansion into DeFi and validator partnerships on the horizon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">exSat Network’s Role in Bitcoin’s Future</h2>



exSat Network stands at the forefront of innovation in the Bitcoin ecosystem, targeting massive adoption by addressing long-standing issues like scalability, fragmentation, and interoperability. By leveraging a unique Layer 1.5 architecture, exSat Network enhances Bitcoin’s core infrastructure while providing new opportunities for yield generation and DeFi. Through its hybrid consensus model and on-chain UTXO repository, exSat Network boosts miner profitability, allowing them to earn additional rewards without extra resources, while also unlocking Bitcoin’s potential within the broader DeFi space.



Looking ahead, exSat Network aims to solidify its role as a leader in the Bitcoin DeFi ecosystem. With the upcoming mainnet launch, the network is on track to increase hash power beyond 51% to 60%+, expand strategic partnerships, and further integrate with dApps and platforms. It will undoubtedly play a significant role in Bitcoin’s evolution, bringing it closer to becoming a fully interoperable, scalable, and decentralized financial system.



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Unlocking Bitcoin DeFi with exSat

<a href="https://trondao.org/">TRON DAO</a> was proud to host the TRON Builder Tour at Columbia University with <a href="https://blockchainatcolumbia.org/">Blockchain at Columbia</a> and <a href="https://www.bublockchain.xyz/">Boston University Blockchain</a> on October 5. The TRON Builder Tour merges hands-on workshops with enriching discussions, connecting students, developers and mentors. Previously, TRON DAO has organized successful TRON Builder Tour events at prestigious institutions like MIT, Cornell, Princeton, and Harvard, fostering deeper connections and advancing blockchain knowledge within academic communities. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">TRON Builder Tour: Columbia Stop</h3>



The TRON Builder Tour hosted a hackathon at Columbia University on October 5, co-hosted by <a href="https://blockchainatcolumbia.org/">Blockchain at Columbia</a> and <a href="https://www.bublockchain.xyz/">Boston University Blockchain</a>. The 12-hour event attracted over 120 sign-ups from students all eager to build on the TRON blockchain. Attendees included individuals from prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Boston University, NYU, Berkeley, Columbia, University of Waterloo, and Princeton. Longtime developers and early builders in the TRON community flew in from all over the U.S. to help students with their projects. Among the mentors were Dwayne Gordon, founder of a TRON community project, Eder Teixeira, a TRON Super Representative and Wes Jorgensen from Boston University Blockchain.Their collective experience provided students with invaluable insights and guidance, reinforcing TRON&#8217;s commitment to fostering innovation and education within the blockchain space. Throughout the hackathon, students developed decentralized applications (dApps) across four tracks: DeFi, Artistry, Integration, and Web3. The top three projects from each track were awarded their respective share of the grand prize pool.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Judge-Selected Winners</h3>



DeFi Track Showcasing projects that transform finance through decentralization, empowering individuals with transparent, accessible, and inclusive protocols for asset management. The winners of the DeFi track are as follows: 1. <a href="https://forum.trondao.org/t/stakecess-learn2earn/27716">Stakecess</a> by Stakecess 



2. <a href="https://forum.trondao.org/t/teamdr-by-team-d-pok-it-starts-with-an-idea/27718">TEAMDR</a> by Team D-POK 



3. <a href="https://forum.trondao.org/t/prisoncoin-by-teampc/27858">PrisonCoin</a> by TeamPC&nbsp;



Artistry Track Where entertainment meets blockchain technology. The artistry track spotlights creative prowess in visual projects that embrace GameFi, NFTs, assets, and ventures related to the Metaverse. The winners of the Artistry track are as follows: 1. <a href="https://forum.trondao.org/t/monkey-lotto-buy-lottery-tickets-and-win-as-quick-as-popping-a-balloon/27720">Monkey Lotto</a> by Monkey Lotto 



2. <a href="https://forum.trondao.org/t/nocapmaps-earn-nfts-by-exploring-national-parks-in-us/27738">NoCapMaps</a> by NoCapMaps&nbsp;



3. <a href="https://forum.trondao.org/t/metaforge-unlocking-creative-power-in-the-artistry-metaverse/27725">MetaForge</a> by MetaForge Team&nbsp;



Integration Track 



The Integration track prompts participants to integrate advanced protocols into the TRON ecosystem, urging them to incorporate existing protocols, dapps, or services on TRON/BTTC into their applications. Participants create impactful features/tools for enhancing applications within the TRON/BTTC ecosystems. The winners of the Integration track are as follows: 1. <a href="https://forum.trondao.org/t/tronfundyou-fund-me-fund-you/27715">TRONFundYou</a> by NYBO 



2. <a href="https://forum.trondao.org/t/swap-squad-decentralized-marketplace/27737">Swap Squad</a> by BU Blockchain RKJ 



Web3 Track The Web3 category aims to honor teams that usher along the transition of Web 2.0 to Web 3.0 by introducing next-gen DAO tools, SocialFi, blockchain/web infrastructure, SDKs, and other dapps. The winner of the Web3 track is below: 1. <a href="https://forum.trondao.org/t/tron-support-ai/27717">AI Bot</a> by TRON Support AI



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">HackaTRON Season 7</h3>



In tandem with the TRON Builder Tour, TRON DAO continues to push the envelope with HackaTRON Season 7, a competition that challenges innovators across multiple tracks to create solutions that leverage the TRON blockchain.



Stay updated and get involved by following TRON DAO on <a href="https://x.com/trondao">X</a> and visiting the<a href="https://trondao.org/hackatron/"> HackaTRON official page</a> for the latest news and participation opportunities!



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TRON DAO hosted the TRON Builder Tour at Columbia University with Blockchain at Columbia and Boston University Blockchain

<a href="https://trondao.org/">TRON DAO</a> has successfully completed a security assessment of its Java-Tron client, conducted by leading blockchain security firm <a href="https://www.chainsecurity.com/">ChainSecurity</a>. The assessment, which focused on key components such as the TRON Virtual Machine (TVM), consensus mechanisms, and peer-to-peer (P2P) interactions, aimed to proactively identify and resolve any vulnerabilities that could potentially affect the TRON blockchain’s performance, including transaction execution, block generation, and consensus operations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key Findings and Solutions</h2>



ChainSecurity uncovered several vulnerabilities that, if exploited, could have impacted network performance or even caused disruptions. The TRON development team acted swiftly to address these issues. Below are some of the most notable findings and the solutions that were implemented to ensure network stability and security:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>PBFT Messages Creating State Expansion</li>
</ol>



A significant issue was found with PBFT (Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance) messages, which could have caused unbounded memory expansion, potentially leading to a Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack.



Solution: The system was updated to ensure PBFT messages are only processed when PBFT is enabled, preventing excessive memory consumption.



<ol start="2" class="wp-block-list">
<li>Unpermissioned Censoring of Fork Blocks</li>
</ol>



An attacker could have censored legitimate fork blocks by creating a fork chain with fake blocks. Upon detection, the entire fork, including valid blocks, would have been discarded.



Solution: The new code now filters out blocks from invalid producers before processing, ensuring network consistency.



<ol start="3" class="wp-block-list">
<li>Resource Consumption by Blocks Not Signed by Witnesses</li>
</ol>



The assessment revealed that blocks without witness signatures were still being processed, consuming valuable resources such as memory, storage, and CPU.



Solution: Blocks failing the signature check are now discarded immediately, preventing unnecessary resource usage and safeguarding network performance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TRON DAO’s Commitment to Security</h2>



Commenting on the collaboration, a Founding Partner &amp; Head of Sales, Emilie Raffo from ChainSecurity said: &#8220;It&#8217;s always a pleasure getting on-boarded into new ecosystems and being able to provide value. We worked closely with the TRON team to identify and resolve vulnerabilities, strengthening the network’s overall security and performance. We look forward to many more years of fruitful collaboration to secure the TRON ecosystem.&#8221;



Dave Uhryniak, Community Spokesperson for TRON DAO, further stated: “Security is paramount to the growth and trust within any blockchain ecosystem. ChainSecurity’s security assessment of TRON has further strengthened our network’s resilience, ensuring that we continue to provide a secure and efficient platform for our global user base. This marks another milestone in our ongoing commitment to enhance the safety and reliability of the TRON network.”



TRON DAO’s collaboration with ChainSecurity highlights its dedication to proactively identifying and resolving security challenges. This security assessment reinforces TRON’s commitment to protecting user assets and data across its network.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Enhanced Security for TRON’s Ecosystem</h2>



With these issues identified and resolved, TRON’s security infrastructure has been significantly strengthened, ensuring that the network continues to operate at an optimal level. ChainSecurity’s assessment reaffirms TRON’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of security, providing a safe and reliable environment for its global user base.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Want to Learn More?</h2>



For a detailed breakdown of the findings and solutions, check out the full security assessment report: <a href="https://www.chainsecurity.com/security-audit/java-tron">ChainSecurity Java-Tron Security Assessment Report</a>.



This content is sponsored by TRON and does not serve as an endorsement by Blockworks. The veracity of this content has not been verified and should not serve as financial advice. We encourage readers to conduct their own research before making financial decisions.  



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TRON DAO completes security assessment conducted by ChainSecurity, strengthening network integrity

TRON, Tether, and TRM Labs today announced they have joined forces to establish the T3 Financial Crime Unit (T3 FCU), a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at facilitating public-private collaboration to combat illicit activity associated with the use of USDT on the TRON blockchain. This novel collaboration brings together the anti-financial crime expertise of TRM Labs, a leading blockchain intelligence firm; the technical expertise of TRON, a leading global blockchain and DAO; and external investigations team at Tether, the largest company in the digital asset industry, to create a safer and more secure crypto community for all.



In the weeks since launch, the initiative, in collaboration with law enforcement, facilitated the freezing of over USDT 12 million in funds associated with a blackmail scam, an investment fraud scheme, and others. Police are aware of at least 11 victims impacted by the scams and expect to identify additional victims as the investigations unfold.



Stablecoins like USDT serve as the backbone of the digital asset industry, providing a stable store of value and enabling seamless movement of funds between platforms. With over $117 billion USD in market capitalization and more than 50% of its circulating supply running on the TRON blockchain, USDT is integral to facilitating transactions and liquidity. However, the same features that make USDT on TRON attractive to legitimate users — low fees, lack of volatility, and ease of use — have also drawn the attention of scammers, terrorist financiers, and other threat actors. And as the TRON blockchain&#8217;s popularity and user base grow, drawn by its high throughput and low transaction costs, so too does its uninvited exposure to these criminal elements. The establishment of the T3 FCU represents a significant step towards impeding the ability of malicious actors to launder and utilize the proceeds of crime, safeguarding the integrity of the TRON blockchain.



As part of the collaboration, TRM will provide ongoing support to TRON and Tether in identifying transactions that have a connection to alleged illegal activities such as terrorism, sanctions evasion, theft, hacking, cybercrime, and fraud. TRM will leverage its proprietary technology as well as its global network of expert investigators to generate intelligence. The work will support TRON’s and Tether’s efforts to disrupt criminal activity and aid collaborations with law enforcement around the world.



By collaborating to proactively identify and disrupt illicit activity, the T3 FCU aims to promote security and prosperity across the TRON network and beyond.



“TRON originated with the belief that technology can be used for good and to empower people across the globe,” said Justin Sun, founder of the TRON blockchain. “By collaborating with TRM Labs and Tether, TRON is helping to ensure that blockchain technology is used to make our world a better place, and sends a clear message that illicit activity is not welcome in our industry.”



&#8220;At Tether, safeguarding the integrity of the blockchain ecosystem is a top priority and a responsibility we embrace with being a key player in the digital asset space. This commitment drives us to take proactive measures in helping maintain the security and trustworthiness of the ecosystem,&#8221; said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether. &#8220;We’re proud to have worked with TRM Labs and TRON in this pioneering effort. This collaboration underscores our dedication to joining with industry leaders and law enforcement to combat illicit activity, ensuring a secure environment for all users.&#8221;



“As adoption of stablecoins continues to rise, it’s critical that key industry players proactively evolve their capabilities to combat illicit activity and ensure a safe and secure environment,” said Chris Janczewski, head of global investigations at TRM Labs. “TRM is proud to collaborate with TRON, Tether, law enforcement, and others who are committed to helping build a safer blockchain industry for all.”



This content is sponsored by Particle Network and does not serve as an endorsement by Blockworks. The veracity of this content has not been verified and should not serve as financial advice. We encourage readers to conduct their own research before making financial decisions.  



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TRON, Tether and TRM Labs establish first-ever private sector financial crime unit to combat crypto crime

The investor’s guide to Ava Protocol

UQUID, a pioneer in Web3 shopping platforms, has introduced a new feature allowing users to top up their SUBE cards using USDT on the TRON blockchain. This new functionality aims to streamline how Argentine commuters manage their public transportation expenses, leveraging cryptocurrency for everyday transactions.&nbsp;



SUBE cards are pre-loadable wallets used for public transportation across Argentina. They allow users to pay fares for buses, subways, trains, trolleybuses, and ferries with ease. This system is widely implemented in Greater Buenos Aires, as well as over 60 other towns, including notable locations such as Bariloche, Ushuaia, and Mendoza.



Tran Hung, CEO of UQUID, expressed his enthusiasm for the service, stating, &#8220;Integrating blockchain into daily life is key to our mission of simplifying transactions. We chose USDT on TRON for its stability, low fees, and speed, making it ideal for LATAM users. After our success with SSS payments in the Philippines, we&#8217;re thrilled to bring this innovative solution for SUBE card top-ups to Argentina. Personally, I am excited to see how these advancements can enhance commuting and simplify financial transactions for our users&#8220;.



Dave Uhryniak, Leader of Ecosystem Development at TRON DAO commented, &#8220;We are excited about UQUID&#8217;s innovative integration of USDT on the TRON blockchain for topping up SUBE cards. This functionality demonstrates the practical utility of cryptocurrency in everyday life. By leveraging TRON&#8217;s stability, low fees, and speed, UQUID is setting a new standard for how digital assets can enhance convenience for users in Latin America.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Transforming Public Transport Payments in Argentina</h2>



The SUBE card is essential for Argentina&#8217;s public transportation system. Traditionally, topping up these cards involved visiting physical locations like subway stations and kiosks, or using online banking platforms, often resulting in long waits and time-consuming processes.



Utilizing the TRON blockchain for SUBE card top-ups ensures rapid transaction times, allowing users to add credit almost instantly and eliminating the need for long queues. This convenience will enable commuters to top up their cards anytime and anywhere, particularly benefiting those with busy schedules or who travel during non-standard hours.



Transactions on the TRON network are known for their low fees, making it a cost-effective option for users. This enables commuters to maximize their travel budgets without incurring high transaction costs. USDT (Tether), a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, provides a stable and reliable transaction value. In a high-inflation economy, this stability is crucial for maintaining the purchasing power of commuters’ funds. The integration of USDT on TRON for SUBE card top-ups democratizes access to transportation by providing an inclusive financial tool accessible to anyone with cryptocurrency, regardless of traditional banking limitations.



The adoption of USDT on TRON has been growing rapidly across Latin America, including Argentina. According to UQUID, nearly 48.78% of their users in Latin America utilize USDT on the TRON network for their purchases, highlighting the growing preference for TRON-based transactions in the region. This trend is driven by the need for stable and efficient financial solutions in regions experiencing economic instability. The low transaction fees, fast processing times, and stability of USDT on TRON make it an ideal choice for everyday transactions and savings.



This new feature represents a significant advancement in the use of blockchain technology for everyday financial transactions, offering a modern and efficient solution for Argentine commuters. It highlights the potential of cryptocurrency to provide practical, real-world benefits, reinforcing the growing trend of digital finance adoption in Latin America and beyond.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">About Uquid</h2>



Launched in 2016, Uquid is a pioneer in applying DeFi and Web 3.0 to e-commerce, aiming to deliver the ultimate Shop to Earn experience. With verified merchants, exclusive deals, cashback, and Payin3 with crypto, Uquid leads the way in the Web 3.0 shopping infrastructure. Over the years, Uquid has grown to serve 220 million users across significant platforms such as Binance, Crypto.com, and Gate.io.



With a remarkable monthly visitor count exceeding 50 million, Uquid is not just a platform but a pivotal player in shaping the new generation of e-commerce. Boasting the largest selection of over 160 million physical, digital, and NFT products and offering comprehensive shipping services to over 200 countries and territories, Uquid caters to a diverse global customer base.



Users shopping at Uquid benefit from flexible and convenient payment methods, including cryptocurrency, fiat, or wallets. In 2021, Uquid introduced the first Buy Now Pay Later with crypto option—Payin3—demonstrating its ambition to dominate the crypto marketplace. Uquid Payin3 allows customers to protect the future value of their crypto by delaying payment in three installments over 90 days, interest-free.



Offering an extensive array of products and the best Shop to Earn experience, Uquid continues to redefine the standards of convenience and accessibility in the digital shopping landscape.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">About TRON DAO</h2>



TRON DAO is a community-governed DAO dedicated to accelerating the decentralization of the internet via blockchain technology and dApps.



Founded in September 2017 by H.E. Justin Sun, the TRON network has continued to deliver impressive achievements since MainNet launch in May 2018. July 2018 also marked the ecosystem integration of BitTorrent, a pioneer in decentralized Web3 services boasting over 100 million monthly active users. The TRON network has gained incredible traction in recent years. As of July 2024, it has over 244 million total user accounts on the blockchain, more than 8 billion total transactions, and over $20 billion in total value locked (TVL), as reported on TRONSCAN.&nbsp; In addition, TRON hosts the largest circulating supply of USD Tether (USDT) stablecoin across the globe, overtaking USDT on Ethereum since April 2021. The TRON network completed full decentralization in December 2021 and is now a community-governed DAO. Most recently in October 2022, TRON was designated as the national blockchain for the Commonwealth of Dominica, which marks the first time a major public blockchain partnered with a sovereign nation to develop its national blockchain infrastructure. On top of the government’s endorsement to issue Dominica Coin (“DMC”), a blockchain-based fan token to help promote Dominica’s global fanfare, seven existing TRON-based tokens &#8211; TRX, BTT, NFT, JST, USDD, USDT, TUSD, have been granted statutory status as authorized digital currency and medium of exchange in the country.



This content is sponsored by Tron and does not serve as an endorsement by Blockworks. The veracity of this content has not been verified and should not serve as financial advice. We encourage readers to conduct their own research before making financial decisions.  



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UQUID integrates USDT on TRON for seamless public transport payments in Argentina

A new gamified onboarding platform is here to bridge the gap between Web3 curiosity and competence. Radix has launched <a href="https://radquest.io/?utm_campaign=All&amp;utm_medium=PR&amp;utm_source=BlockWorks">RadQuest</a>, a mobile-ready Web3 experience designed to make Blockchain accessible to all.&nbsp;



Onboarding has been a challenge for Web3 since its inception, many newcomers feel intimidated and overwhelmed by the heavy use of technical jargon and complexity of the user experience, and in many cases abandoned their Web3 journey before it starts.&nbsp;



Radix, a layer-1 protocol known for its innovative approach to blockchain scalability, security and user experience, addresses this issue directly. Collaborating with ustwo, creators of the award-winning game Monument Valley, Radix has transformed the Web3 learning process into an engaging, rewarding adventure.



<iframe loading="lazy" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Sk9qM2EjWXw?si=1rGv2VkWRdcqVbnu" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Learning by Doing</h2>



RadQuest features interactive &#8220;quests&#8221; that guide users through key features of the Radix network. By completing these quests, users gain hands-on experience with key features of the Radix Network, such as human-readable transactions, network staking, and DEXs built using Radix&#8217;s Scrypto smart contract language.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1600" height="1600" src="https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-21.png" alt="" class="wp-image-89809" srcset="https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-21.png?w=1600 1600w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-21.png?w=300 300w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-21.png?w=1024 1024w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-21.png?w=150 150w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-21.png?w=768 768w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-21.png?w=1536 1536w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-21.png?w=257 257w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-21.png?w=261 261w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-21.png?w=219 219w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-21.png?w=80 80w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jetty is guiding users through the RadQuest Adventure | Source: Radix</figcaption></figure>



This practical approach ensures users actively engage with blockchain concepts rather than merely reading about them. It contrasts sharply with traditional onboarding methods that often rely on dense documentation.



&#8220;RadQuest is not just about increasing wallet numbers or transaction volumes,&#8221; explains Adam Simmons, CMO of Radix. &#8220;It&#8217;s about educating users on Radix&#8217;s superior Web3 experience in a fun, rewarding, and repeatable way.&#8221;



Jetty, a friendly digital companion, guides users through their Web3 journey on RadQuest, helping them set up accounts, stake XRD, use DEXs, and more. Jetty makes the onboarding process engaging and less intimidating.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1600" height="1600" src="https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-20.png" alt="" class="wp-image-89808" srcset="https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-20.png?w=1600 1600w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-20.png?w=300 300w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-20.png?w=1024 1024w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-20.png?w=150 150w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-20.png?w=768 768w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-20.png?w=1536 1536w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-20.png?w=257 257w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-20.png?w=261 261w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-20.png?w=219 219w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-20.png?w=80 80w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></figure>



As users progress through RadQuest, Jetty will reward them with over $20 in XRD and special (tradeable) on-chain assets which can be used to craft rare NFTs exclusive to RadQuest — RadMorphs.&nbsp;



The special assets are called Elements, Gems and Morph Energy Cards and are given to users by Jetty as rewards via Gift Boxes of varying levels. The quality of Gift Box determines the likelihood of receiving rarer Morph Energy Cards.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mobile-First for Modern Users</h2>



Recognizing the importance of seamless mobile experiences, RadQuest is fully optimized for mobile devices. Users can interact with Radix dApps directly from their phone&#8217;s browser or connect to a desktop browser. This mobile-first approach builds on recent updates to the Radix Wallet, enabling full mobile use of dApps and breaking down significant barriers to entry.



Beyond education, RadQuest showcases Radix&#8217;s unique solutions to common blockchain challenges. Users experience firsthand the benefits of Radix’s innovations, including:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Transaction Manifests and Reviews: These features enable truly human-readable transactions with guaranteed outcomes, eliminating the guesswork from crypto interactions.</li>



<li>Asset-Oriented &#8220;Radix Engine&#8221;: This virtual machine ensures all assets have clear and predictable behavior, easily displayed in Radix Wallet without needing custom tokens.</li>



<li>Persona System: By separating &#8220;who you are&#8221; from &#8220;what you own,&#8221; Radix enhances security and identity management within the ecosystem.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Building on Recent Successes</h2>



RadQuest, designed for individual users, also significantly benefits developers on the Radix network by providing a standardized onboarding tool, freeing them to focus on creating innovative applications. Radix’s recent initiatives including a $10 million ecosystem fund, SuperStaking, Project Ignition and Token Trek, successfully boosted total value locked (TVL) and ecosystem activity. Project Ignition significantly increased Radix’s TVL by 76% in just two weeks, adding $20 million.&nbsp;



SuperStaking, was fully subscribed within 90 minutes, contributing an additional $7.5 million in TVL. The latest community engagement campaign, Token Trek, helped the Radix Wallet surpass 100,000 downloads and increased monthly on-chain transactions to 330,196.&nbsp;



Radix&#8217;s dApps, such as CaviarNine, Ociswap, Trove, Weft Finance and DefiPlaza have further helped the network accumulate over $30 million in TVL, highlighting its capability to offer a radically better Web3 experience.&nbsp;



Looking forward, Radix plans to introduce features like decentralized, seed-phrase-free user experiences and multi-factor authentication, which may set new industry standards and reinforce Radix&#8217;s leadership in user-centric blockchain technology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Join the Quest</h2>



Ready to embark on your Web3 adventure? Visit <a href="https://radquest.io/?utm_campaign=All&amp;utm_medium=PR&amp;utm_source=BlockWorks">radquest.io</a> and start your journey today. There’s also a referral program where inviting friends and family to join RadQuest rewards both parties with an extra $1 to start their Radix journey.



As blockchain technology continues to evolve, platforms like RadQuest are crucial for widespread adoption. By combining education, gamification, and real-world utility, Radix is not just onboarding users – it’s cultivating the next generation of blockchain enthusiasts and builders.



For more information, visit: <a href="https://radquest.io/?utm_campaign=All&amp;utm_medium=PR&amp;utm_source=BlockWorks">https://radquest.io</a>



This content is sponsored by Radix and does not serve as an endorsement by Blockworks. The veracity of this content has not been verified and should not serve as financial advice. We encourage readers to conduct their own research before making financial decisions.  



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



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Radix’s gamified onboarding platform RadQuest simplifies Web3 for anyone

Building in Web3 is a lot like waking up each day and readily suiting up to enter a battlefield.&nbsp;



It’s difficult to fund ideas, speed and scalability remain issues on major blockchains, and available liquidity and user count are sparse on emerging chains. On Stellar, one of the premier blockchain networks with a newly launched <a href="https://stellar.org/press/smart-contracts-launch-on-stellar?utm_campaign=buildbetter">smart contracts platform</a>, builders will find these issues, and more, resolved.&nbsp;



This guide dives into why Stellar is a viable home for all builders, uncovering how the chain addresses key pain points and highlighting current builders alongside a $100 million commitment to development.



Let’s get started.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Newly launched Soroban smart contracts platform catalyzes excellence</h2>



The new <a href="https://developers.stellar.org/docs/tools/sdks/library#soroban-rust-sdk?utm_campaign=buildbetter">Soroban SDK</a> on Stellar paves the way for a truly unique and differentiated blockchain. Having concluded a two-year testing period in January 2024, the SDK is proven—ready for prime time.



Read more: <a href="https://blockworks.co/news/stellar-soroban-smart-contract-update">Stellar sparks smart contract upgrade — and it’s not an EVM</a>



Now, developers can seamlessly integrate with the Stellar network and its diverse use cases, gaining immediate access to a robust set of tools and resources. The platform provides a greenfield of opportunities, fostering innovation and addressing key pain points typically encountered in DeFi.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Get connected to the real world</h3>



With user and liquidity fragmentation a persistent problem across Web3, access to the real world is essential, as it provides the opportunity for builders to bring fresh liquidity into their project’s ecosystem.&nbsp;



On other blockchains, many DeFi services are inaccessible to underbanked and unbanked populations due to a lack of on-ramp support and high transaction costs—issues that heighten the barrier between builders and user liquidity. On Stellar, a different reality is available.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1600" height="763" src="https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-13.png" alt="" class="wp-image-89058" srcset="https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-13.png?w=1600 1600w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-13.png?w=300 300w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-13.png?w=1024 1024w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-13.png?w=768 768w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-13.png?w=1536 1536w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-13.png?w=428 428w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-13.png?w=470 470w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-13.png?w=389 389w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-13.png?w=80 80w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Source: <a href="https://stellar.org/resources/the-block?utm_campaign=buildbetter">Quantifying Cash To Crypto Access Worldwide</a></figcaption></figure>



Second only to Bitcoin, Stellar provides a world-class, proven network of over 80,000 USDC on-ramp locations; and, while the overwhelming majority of Bitcoin on-ramps are in North America, Stellar has a more balanced and globally dispersed network of on-ramps.



Stellar, while supporting a large presence of on-ramps in North America thanks largely to <a href="https://stellar.org/products-and-tools/moneygram?utm_campaign=buildbetter">MoneyGram International</a>, boasts a similarly large presence (in terms of total percentage of on-ramps) across other continents. More specifically, according to a <a href="https://stellar.org/resources/the-block?utm_campaign=buildbetter">June 2023 study</a>, while approximately 86% of Bitcoin on-ramps were located in North America, 39% of Stellar on-ramps were located in North America, 23% in South America, 16% in Europe, 10% in Africa, and 9% in Asia.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1600" height="1200" src="https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-15.png" alt="" class="wp-image-89060" srcset="https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-15.png?w=1600 1600w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-15.png?w=300 300w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-15.png?w=1024 1024w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-15.png?w=768 768w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-15.png?w=1536 1536w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-15.png?w=343 343w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-15.png?w=348 348w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-15.png?w=292 292w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-15.png?w=80 80w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></figure>



Soroban benefits from an established, global approach to on and off-ramps on Stellar, able to leverage existing assets like USDC and products like the <a href="https://stellar.org/products-and-tools/anchor-platform?utm_campaign=buildbetter">Anchor Platform</a>. Furthermore, Soroban unlocks DeFi for everyone, offering accessible global fiat on and off-ramps without needing a bank account or needing to pay high transaction costs. For builders, this means the pain of user and liquidity fragmentation in the Web3 industry is lightened in the Stellar ecosystem.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">An established chain with a robust user base&nbsp;</h3>



Building on new, unproven chains can be a risky endeavor due to uncertainties related to a variety of factors, like unproven security, user adoption and liquidity availability, ecosystem application development progress, etc.&nbsp;



On Stellar, new builders are provided with all the essential ingredients for success, significantly reducing the risks associated with these uncertainties.



To start, Soroban inherits Stellar’s robust ecosystem, which includes an impressive 16 billion operations and 8.4 million accounts, with over 1.2 million accounts added in 2024 alone. This extensive user base provides a strong foundation for any new application, ensuring immediate access to a wide range of users and a vibrant market.



Stellar builders also benefit from immediate access to a diverse range of stablecoins and financial tools. This ready-made financial infrastructure allows developers to focus on building innovative solutions without worrying about the underlying financial tools and services. The availability of stablecoins like USDC ensures that builders can leverage reliable, stable assets for various applications, enhancing the utility of their projects.



By leveraging Stellar&#8217;s established network and interoperable infrastructure, developers can avoid the pitfalls of building on newer, less established chains. This stability and maturity provide a secure and predictable environment for development, making Stellar an ideal platform for launching new applications and services.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Scalability and efficiency for reliable development</h3>



One of the significant challenges developers face on many blockchain platforms is dealing with congestion and high operational costs, particularly when deploying smart contracts. On Stellar, these issues are addressed head-on, with Stellar providing a scalable and efficient environment that ensures reliable and cost-effective development.



Soroban offers highly competitive transaction costs, significantly lower than many other blockchain networks. This affordability allows developers to deploy and run their applications without the constant worry of fees, making it an attractive option for projects that require frequent transactions. Affordability is further improved with Soroban’s fine-grained metering and <a href="https://stellar.org/blog/developers/not-all-data-is-equal-how-soroban-is-solving-state-bloat-with-state-expiration?utm_campaign=buildbetter">state expiration</a> features. Fine-grained metering ensures that developers only pay for the resources they actually use, optimizing cost management. State expiration helps prevent the accumulation of unused data, maintaining the network’s overall health and efficiency.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1600" height="1200" src="https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-14.png" alt="" class="wp-image-89059" srcset="https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-14.png?w=1600 1600w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-14.png?w=300 300w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-14.png?w=1024 1024w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-14.png?w=768 768w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-14.png?w=1536 1536w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-14.png?w=343 343w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-14.png?w=348 348w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-14.png?w=292 292w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-14.png?w=80 80w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></figure>



By leveraging these features, developers on Stellar can build robust, scalable applications that operate efficiently and cost-effectively. The platform’s focus on low operational costs and high efficiency makes it an ideal choice for developers looking to create scalable and sustainable solutions in the blockchain space.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Low adoption costs create an ease of building and productivity</h3>



Developing on blockchain platforms can often involve steep learning curves and complex programming languages, creating barriers to entry for many developers. To aid developers, the Soroban smart contract platform addresses these challenges by providing an environment that is both <a href="https://x.com/StellarOrg/status/1771561541789176259">familiar and efficient</a>.



Soroban uses Rust and WebAssembly (WASM), providing a familiar and efficient environment with extensive developer tools and safety features. This ensures that building on Stellar is not only easier but also more productive than doing the same work on other chains. Using Soroban, developers can focus on innovation and quality, rather than overcoming technical hurdles.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A bold commitment to builders</h2>



The <a href="https://stellar.org/foundation?utm_campaign=buildbetter">Stellar Development Foundation (SDF)</a> is committed to investing $100 million into projects leveraging the network’s Soroban smart contract capabilities, with over 160 projects supported by SDF to-date.&nbsp;



Additionally, the <a href="https://communityfund.stellar.org/?utm_campaign=buildbetter">Stellar Community Fund (SCF)</a> offers further award opportunities to builders, having already deployed $8 million in 2024 to support ecosystem development.&nbsp;



Notable projects* building on Stellar include:&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Soroswap &#8211; DEX</h3>



Leveraging a <a href="https://communityfund.stellar.org/project/soroswapfinance?utm_campaign=buildbetter">$296.8k award from SCF</a>, the <a href="https://soroswap.finance/">Soroswap</a> DEX team is focused on building cross-chain bridges and providing fast, permissionless swaps to end-users with a small fee per exchange, which is distributed to liquidity providers.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Band Protocol</h3>



Awarded <a href="https://communityfund.stellar.org/project/band-protocol">$60k</a> by SCF, <a href="https://www.bandprotocol.com/">Band Protocol</a> is a cross-chain data oracle platform that aggregates and connects real-world data and APIs to smart contracts—designed to address the growing demand for accurate and timely data for blockchain-based applications.



For builders, the project provides reliable, secure, and real-time data to smart contracts on various blockchain networks.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Phoenix &#8211; DeFi Hub</h3>



Awarded <a href="https://communityfund.stellar.org/project/phoenix?utm_campaign=buildbetter">$344.5k</a> by SCF, <a href="https://www.phoenix-hub.io/">Phoenix</a> is building the ultimate DeFi hub in the Stellar ecosystem.&nbsp;



End-users can participate in liquidity pools, access rich data to track and manage their portfolio, and easily swap tokens through the platform with low fees thanks to Stellar’s exceptional scalability and rapid execution.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Blend Protocol &#8211; Lending/Borrowing&nbsp;</h3>



<a href="https://www.blend.capital/">Blend Protocol</a> is an in-development universal liquidity protocol primitive, enabling end-users to deploy lending pools with whatever assets and specifications they need.



The platform’s lending pools are designed to be more secure, capital-efficient, and permissionless. Utilizing it, builders will be able to provide a variety of new functionality to the Stellar ecosystem like real-world financing, leveraged trading, yield products, and new DeFi apps.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The home of builders</h2>



The Stellar ecosystem presents an unparalleled opportunity for Web3 developers seeking a robust, scalable, and user-friendly blockchain platform. With the launch of the Soroban smart contracts platform, Stellar addresses critical pain points such as liquidity, transaction costs, and accessibility.&nbsp;



The extensive global network of on-ramps and the Stellar Development Foundation&#8217;s significant financial commitment further enhance the platform&#8217;s attractiveness, enabling developers to leverage Stellar’s established infrastructure and diverse financial tools to create innovative, impactful applications. As the blockchain space evolves, Stellar stands out as a promising and reliable foundation for the next wave of decentralized solutions.



To get started building, be sure to read <a href="https://developers.stellar.org/docs/smart-contracts?utm_campaign=buildbetter">Stellar’s developer docs</a> and learn more about <a href="https://stellar.org/soroban?utm_campaign=buildbetter">Soroban smart contracts</a>.



*Disclaimer: The projects listed above are independent third parties building on the decentralized and permissionless Stellar network. These are examples of potential utility when building on the Stellar network and are referenced for those general informational and educational purposes only. This content does not constitute a recommendation, promotion of, or solicitation to, transact in any digital assets and should not be construed as financial, legal, or investment advice. SDF does not control or endorse any third-party services referenced above and is not liable to you for third-party services in any way. If you choose to use any third-party projects listed on this page, you acknowledge that you do so independently, at your own risk, and you should ensure you are aware of any security, financial, legal, and tax implications applicable to you.



This content is sponsored by Stellar and does not serve as an endorsement by Blockworks. The veracity of this content has not been verified and should not serve as financial advice. We encourage readers to conduct their own research before making financial decisions.



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The Web3 builder’s guide to Stellar

Pi Squared, the visionary team on a mission to enable the next generation of verifiable computing, has announced the completion of its seed round, raising $12.5 million. Led by Polychain Capital, the syndicate comprises ABCDE, Bloccelerate, Generative Ventures, Robot Ventures, and Samsung Next, and a cohort of angel investors including Shumo Chu, Harish Devarajan, Justin Drake, Sreeram Kanaan, Csongor Kiss, George Lambeth, Yilong Li, Calvin Liu, Lucian Mincu, Karthik Raju, and Common Prefix.



With its seed round complete the Pi Squared team is ready to deliver on the power and promise of its breakthrough “Proof of Proof” (PoP) concept.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PoP sets the foundation</h2>



Pi Squared denotes zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs of mathematical proofs: the mathematical proofs are verified by a small, universal proof checker that yields ZK proofs. In other words, the generated results are ZK proofs of mathematical proofs—hence “Proof of Proof.”



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1600" height="460" src="https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-88762" srcset="https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-1.png?w=1600 1600w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-1.png?w=300 300w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-1.png?w=1024 1024w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-1.png?w=768 768w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-1.png?w=1536 1536w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-1.png?w=428 428w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-1.png?w=470 470w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-1.png?w=389 389w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-1.png?w=80 80w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pi Squared applies to all executions and DA systems across platforms. | Source: <a href="https://docs.pi2.network/proof-of-proof/what-is-pop">Pi Squared</a></figcaption></figure>



Just as TCP/IP underpins the Internet, Pi Squared&#8217;s universal mathematical proof checker heralds Verifiable Computing 2.0.&nbsp;



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“Our mission is to revolutionize verifiable computing, making it universal for all languages and virtual machines, inherently correct-by-construction, and lightning-fast,” says Grigore Roșu, CEO of Pi Squared and CS Professor at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. “This will have many applications, including a universal settlement layer (USL) so all Blockchains, L1s and L2s, can be universal, correct, inter-operable and efficient. It does not end there, our long-term mission is to settle all science and knowledge on USL.”
</blockquote>



This innovation fosters a universal computing space with seamless interoperability for languages and VMs, reduces the trust base for correctness certificates, eliminates the need for error-prone traditional language tools such as compilers and interpreters, and makes language updates as straightforward as plug-and-play.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pi Squared’s compelling initial product</h2>



Pi Squared is using ZK technology in a correct-by-construction and fundamentally unique way to ensure their products are fundamentally reliable and precise from the moment of implementation, ensuring verifiable-computing correctness across all languages and virtual machines.



The first product being built on Pi Squared is the Universal Settlement Layer (USL), a modular blockchain architecture defined by several core characteristics:



Universality



Computations can be expressed in any language or virtual machine without the need for compilers.



Provable correctness



Computations verified by the USL are mathematically proven to be correct, and any external entity can independently verify the correctness of the state of the USL.



Trust Base Minimality



USL exposes any trust assumptions in upper-layer computations for increased transparency, end-user awareness, and eventually minimize the trust base through correctness proofs.



App Interoperability



The USL will support validating interoperability between different application modules and networks (e.g. appchains).



Determinism and reproducibility



The validation is reproducible and independently verifiable by any external entity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The tangible impact of USL</h2>



The Pi Squared team envisions USL to be the language and virtual machine-agnostic layer that enables new apps and improves existing services with its settlement layer.



For the Web3 industry, USL will enable the rise of more cross-chain applications and use cases while improving liquidity access across appchains. It’s a noteworthy development set to make the historically difficult lives of Web3 participants easier—builders and end users alike.&nbsp;



Specific applications enabled by USL include:&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rollup-in-a-box</h3>



This service facilitates the creation of L2/L3 rollups and appchains, offering support for multiple programming languages and virtual machines for both off-chain code and on-chain smart contracts.&nbsp;



Users can customize rollups by choosing from a menu of system features. Every rollup created with this service has its transactions settled transparently and uniformly by USL.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Multi-chain bridging</h3>



Multi-chain bridging enables rollups and applications on USL to effortlessly bridge tokens on-chain across various chains without the need for off-chain code.&nbsp;



Each side of a bridge operation can utilize a different language to create the minting or freezing transactions, while the on-chain code can be defined using yet another language. USL manages this diversity seamlessly, making it invisible to the upper layers.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cross-chain financial applications</h3>



To provide better staking and borrowing rates, USL enables DeFi applications to transition smoothly between different rollups and appchains by settling transactions on USL, even when involved chains may use different VMs and platforms for execution.



In practice, an example of this occurring is a cross-chain DeFi application staking Ether on Cosmos and using the received <a href="https://blockworks.co/tag/liquid-staking">liquid staking token (LST)</a> as collateral to borrow USDC on Solana.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Heterogeneous ZK verification</h3>



Users can leverage USL, via support of various ZK rollups and applications, to use the ZK platform of their choosing. USL validates through a ZK proof verification process when transactions occur using the appropriate ZK backend.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“Pi Squared’s proof of proof technology will have a transformative impact across Web3 and beyond,” said Karthik Raju, GP at Polychain Capital. “Pi Squared’s universal ZK circuit will significantly increase the reach and applicability of Web3 for everyone, from builders to end users.&#8221;
</blockquote>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ready to trailblaze</h2>



Pi Squared&#8217;s seed round and innovative Proof of Proof technology position it at the forefront of verifiable computing.&nbsp;



Pi Squared will be presenting and exhibiting at events around EthCC in Brussels next week. Readers can listen to Pi Squared’s CEO, Grigore Roșu, speak at <a href="https://lu.ma/restakingdaybrussels">Restaking &amp; Infra Day</a> as well as <a href="https://lu.ma/l2con?tk=i9zmP8">L2con</a> on July 8th &amp; 9th.



To learn more about Pi Squared, visit the <a href="https://pi2.network/">Pi Squared website</a> and follow their <a href="https://x.com/Pi_Squared_Pi2">X (Twitter)</a> account.



This content is sponsored by Pi Squared and does not serve as an endorsement by Blockworks. The veracity of this content has not been verified and should not serve as financial advice. We encourage readers to conduct their own research before making financial decisions. &nbsp;



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Pi Squared raises $12.5 million to build universal ZK Circuit powered by Proof of Proof

<a href="https://trondao.org/">TRON DAO</a> welcomes an unprecedented victory by its founder Justin Sun in the People’s Court of China over a landmark defamation suit filed against the Chongqing Business Media Group (“the Media”). Per court order, the Media has removed all of its false contents and issued a formal statement of apology to Sun, who has long been a target of media misrepresentations.



The Media acknowledged in the <a href="https://rmfygg.court.gov.cn/web/rmfyportal/noticedetail?paramStr=4061707280117934">statement</a> that it had published false and defaming contents without fact-check or evidence, severely damaging Sun&#8217;s reputation. “The rumor-monger has finally published an apology on the People’s Court’s website,” Sun said on an <a href="https://x.com/justinsuntron/status/1805272941468483647">X post</a>. “Although it took two years, justice has arrived.”



The apology came after a two-year legal battle. Following hundreds of hours of fact-finding and a thorough trial, the Chongqing Yubei District Court ruled in the first instance that the Media broke the law and defamed Sun by publishing entirely unverified media contents, including an article and a video. The court ordered the defendant to retract all false contents and issue a public apology to Sun in a national newspaper. Neither party appealed the decision within the stipulated time frame, making the ruling final judgment.



For Sun, the victory serves as a strong rebuttal to numerous widespread rumors and restores his personal reputation. The court reviewed extensive evidence and documentation from both sides before arriving at the verdict. The verdict sends a strong signal to all media outlets: citing unverified sources and spreading unsubstantiated information is likely breaking the law and tarnishing their own reputations.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Buried Truth in a Storm of Media Hysteria</h3>



The case dates back to March 11, 2022 when the Media published an article on its news platform <a href="http://eastmoney.com/">eastmoney.com</a>. The article stated that Sun &#8220;was involved in insider trading,&#8221; &#8220;fled abroad to evade the ICO ban,&#8221; &#8220;engaged in fraud and money laundering,&#8221; and &#8220;was under investigations by the IRS and the FBI,&#8221; among other claims. The baseless article quickly went viral, getting picked up by many other media outlets, and severely damaging the reputations of both Sun and the TRON ecosystem.



These reports cited an opinion piece about Sun published by The Verge in March 2022. That piece included a series of “interviews” with anonymous sources who all vividly described Sun&#8217;s alleged wrong-doings Hollywood-style. While the story was purposefully sensationalized, the author cleverly dropped a disclaimer at the end acknowledging that he could not obtain any comments from any relevant authorities to substantiate any claims in the article. In essence, the opinion piece presented unverified stories and acknowledged them as hearsay.



Similar media peppered their audience with buzzwords like &#8220;money laundering,&#8221; &#8220;insider trading,” &#8220;investigations,&#8221; etc. In their rush to maximize exposure and clicks, these desperate media outlets quickly amplified the article in order to make it go viral in no time. Amid this frenzy, any disclaimers on lack of evidence or unsubstantiated claims were conspicuously and conveniently ignored by the media, either intentionally or inadvertently.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defendant Guilty After Lengthy Two-Year Legal Battle</h2>



During the trial, the People&#8217;s Court of China scrutinized every detail, from the original The Verge article, the Media’s recreated contents, to the interpretations made by all other domestic media during reproduction. The court concluded that The Verge&#8217;s article lacked concrete evidence entirely and the Media&#8216;s report was devoid of any factual basis, which materially violated Sun&#8217;s reputation.



The court underscored that the original article’s authenticity was only confirmed by the author, and it was acknowledged in the article that none of the aforementioned authorities had validated any information presented. In the final verdict, the People’s Court of China ruled that all claims of Sun&#8217;s alleged involvement in insider trading, fraud, money laundering, or any other claimed investigations and other alleged wrong-doings, are entirely unsubstantiated.



During this two-year battle, all false claims made by the Media failed to withstand scrutiny. This lengthy due process has brought the truth to light by using facts and legal measures to debunk misinformation and disinformation. This final judgment rectified the injustices Sun has long endured and presented a legal precedent for the broader blockchain community on how unfounded rumors should be handled and dispelled.



Significance of the court ruling: The Internet is not a legal vacuum, and the doers are safeguarded by law



The final ruling of the case does not hand victory over to Sun alone but also upholds the rights of individuals who are committed to their causes but fall victim to fabricated news coverage with ulterior motives. This ruling has raised the public&#8217;s legal awareness, encouraging victims of untrue news reports to assert their own interests through legal avenues.



On the other hand, this incident also alerts all content disseminators against deceptive and unreliable media sources, especially those tainted with a history of fake and biased contents. This practice runs completely against the professionalism, objectivity, and neutrality that the modern media strive to uphold.



Early in 1988, the &#8220;<a href="https://chinacopyrightandmedia.wordpress.com/1988/01/15/reply-concerning-the-question-of-whether-or-not-newspaper-publishers-should-be-listed-as-defendants-and-how-to-apply-jurisdiction-in-cases-of-infringement-of-the-right-to-reputation/">Reply of the Supreme People&#8217;s Court to the Defendant Status of Newspaper Publishers and the Application of Jurisdiction in Cases of Infringement of the Right to Reputation</a>&#8221; already made it clear that news agencies have verification obligations for the news reports they publish, and both the author and the news agency shall be held legally accountable for a publication&#8217;s infringement of other individuals&#8217; right to reputation, in which case they may be made the co-defendants.



This legal document, among many others, indicates that infringement resulting from the edition and publication of unverified information and articles will incur legal liabilities. If the infringed party is willing to arm themselves with the law and provide concrete evidence in court, it&#8217;s highly likely that the involved media will lose the case.



Sun&#8217;s landmark win is a moment of reckoning for the long-standing rumors floating around the internet. It is also a victory of the rule of law. The ruling has not only safeguarded the legitimate rights of Sun but also discouraged the spread of misinformation and disinformation. While pursuing newsworthy content is the common goal, journalism must adhere to professional ethics by ensuring facts are authentic and accurate.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">About TRON DAO</h3>



TRON DAO is a community-governed DAO dedicated to accelerating the decentralization of the internet via blockchain technology and dApps.



Founded in September 2017 by H.E. Justin Sun, the TRON network has continued to deliver impressive achievements since MainNet launch in May 2018. July 2018 also marked the ecosystem integration of BitTorrent, a pioneer in decentralized Web3 services boasting over 100 million monthly active users. The TRON network has gained incredible traction in recent years. As of June 2024, it has over 239.72 million total user accounts on the blockchain, more than 7.91 billion total transactions, and over $20.60 billion in total value locked (TVL), as reported on TRONSCAN. 



In addition, TRON hosts the largest circulating supply of USD Tether (USDT) stablecoin across the globe, overtaking USDT on Ethereum since April 2021. The TRON network completed full decentralization in December 2021 and is now a community-governed DAO. Most recently in October 2022, TRON was designated as the national blockchain for the Commonwealth of Dominica, which marks the first time a major public blockchain partnered with a sovereign nation to develop its national blockchain infrastructure.



This content is sponsored by TRON and does not serve as an endorsement by Blockworks. The veracity of this content has not been verified and should not serve as financial advice. We encourage readers to conduct their own research before making financial decisions.  



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TRON founder Justin Sun wins landmark case in the People’s Court of China

The RWA solution to a surging $50 billion industry

At the Token2049 conference in Dubai, Gavin Wood, the visionary behind Polkadot, introduced the next evolutionary step for the Polkadot network: the Join-Accumulate Machine (JAM). This ambitious upgrade aims to revolutionize the blockchain landscape by combining the best features of Ethereum and Polkadot into a single, powerful framework.



On May 28th, by near-unanimous decision, the upgrade was <a href="https://polkadot.subsquare.io/referenda/682">approved via vote</a> with backing from over 31 million DOT tokens.&nbsp;



Polkadot has also introduced the <a href="https://medium.com/web3foundation/announcing-the-jam-implementers-prize-e79f8ebc506d">JAM Implementer’s Prize</a>, a 10 million DOT reward pool aiming to encourage the creation of client implementations and enhance the network’s resilience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">JAM: The basics and why it’s needed</h2>



To understand the significance of JAM, it&#8217;s crucial to grasp the foundations laid by Ethereum and Polkadot.



Ethereum, akin to a bustling downtown area, enables various applications to run on its main blockchain but suffers from heavy traffic and high gas fees. Polkadot, on the other hand, is designed like a network of independent city districts (parachains) connected to a central hub (relay chain), allowing for greater scalability and specialized applications. However, Polkadot&#8217;s relay chain is constrained by its design to primarily support parachains, limiting the ability to run diverse services directly on the chain.



JAM steps in to address these limitations, offering increased flexibility and ease of deployment for developers.&nbsp;



It combines Ethereum’s smart contract functionality with Polkadot’s parachain architecture, providing shared security and native scalability. JAM introduces a transactionless environment, where applications handle transactions independently and support multi-core computation, allowing for parallel processing of numerous chains and programs.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">The beginning of Polkadot&#39;s endgame has officially started, aligning with what the original Ethereum 2.0 was intended to be. With 𝗝𝗔𝗠, <a href="https://twitter.com/Polkadot?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Polkadot</a> is becoming a true multi-core world computer capable of handling any type of service or app without scalability, security, or… <a href="https://t.co/bHBFtA43on">https://t.co/bHBFtA43on</a> <a href="https://t.co/tuNFOQPImu">pic.twitter.com/tuNFOQPImu</a>&mdash; goku (@0xgoku_) <a href="https://twitter.com/0xgoku_/status/1780940377597350294?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Moreover, JAM integrates smart contracts and zero-knowledge rollups (ZK-rollups) natively—enhancing functionality and scalability—and <a href="https://polkadotters.medium.com/polkadot-jam-explained-simply-825ec8b24607">supports the UTXO model</a>, similar to Bitcoin’s accounting framework.



JAM also introduces the SAFROLE Algorithm, a simplified, SNARK-based block production algorithm that enhances anonymity and minimizes forks. Additionally, it supports XCMP for efficient cross-chain communication, which is critical for maintaining manageable Proof of Validity sizes.&nbsp;



The protocol will support existing parachains, allowing developers to continue using Substrate for blockchain deployment, and will only interact with DOT; no new token will be issued.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">JAM’s performance targets</h2>



JAM aims to support around 350 cores with a 6-second execution time and 5MB input each, totaling approximately 2.3 Gbps. This results in a 3x of the current parachain computation.



JAM will be built with an 850 mb/s throughput as the target. This positions it significantly ahead of many other blockchains, with <a href="https://polkadotters.medium.com/polkadot-jam-explained-simply-825ec8b24607">Ethereum processing 1.3 mb/s and Solana at 125 mb/s</a> (after the Solana Firedancer update, the blockchain <a href="https://www.vaneck.com/pl/en/blog/digital-assets/vanecks-base-bear-bull-case-solana-valuation-by-2030/">will be at 1,250 mb/s</a>).



Notably, JAM will be transactionless; all actions will be permissionless and initially undergo a Refine stage. During this stage, “the service pre-refines input data, transforming it into work reports consisting of work results. Subsequently, these work results are transferred onto the chain.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Incentives for development</h2>



To foster innovation, the <a href="https://x.com/Web3foundation/status/1780887648577450039">Web3 Foundation has announced a 10 million DOT prize pool</a> to incentivize developers to implement JAM. This prize aims to catalyze diverse implementations, enhancing the overall functionality of the JAM network and boosting network security.



Additionally, the <a href="https://wiki.polkadot.network/docs/learn-jam-chain#jam-toaster">JAM Toaster</a>, a robust testing environment, simulates a full-scale JAM network with over 1,000 nodes. It’s meant to conduct “large-scale trials and performance assessments of JAM,” which will address prior challenges that the Polkadot team faced when developing the Polkadot relay chain. This infrastructure allows developers to optimize their implementations and ensures a smooth-running final network.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Polkadot’s bright future</h2>



While still in its early stages, JAM holds the promise of transforming Polkadot into a powerful, scalable blockchain platform. By enabling multi-core processing, integrating smart contracts and ZK-rollups, and pioneering a transactionless environment, JAM paves the way for tremendous innovation for the Polkadot ecosystem.



As development progresses, JAM could lead the path to a new era of scalable and efficient blockchain technology, solidifying Polkadot’s position at the forefront of Web3 innovation.



You can learn more about JAM in the <a href="https://graypaper.com/">Gray Paper</a> and the <a href="https://wiki.polkadot.network/docs/learn-jam-chain">Polkadot Wiki</a>.



This content is sponsored by Polkadot and does not serve as an endorsement by Blockworks. The veracity of this content has not been verified and should not serve as financial advice. We encourage readers to conduct their own research before making financial decisions.  



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Polkadot’s JAM now set to unlock new horizon of opportunities

With AI a clear narrative front-runner as crypto heads deeper into its post-2024 halving bull run, it’s a topic that’s essential for any investor in the industry to stay on top of—opportunity is everywhere.



It’s this narrative that top-20 cryptocurrency <a href="https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/polkadot-new/">Polkadot</a> has been building for recently—and it’s not marketing hype. Significant steps have been taken across the past year to transform the company to better suit AI use cases.&nbsp;



This guide covers all the essentials for every AI-savvy crypto investor looking to find their edge through one of the largest ecosystems in the industry. Let’s get started.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">A blossoming ecosystem of builders</h1>



Polkadot’s AI ambitions are supported by a vibrant collective of projects, each leveraging the network’s capabilities to drive innovation and solve real-world challenges.



Polkadot’s infrastructure is critical in supporting these innovative projects, ensuring the scalability, interoperability, and security required for AI advancements. This synergy between Polkadot and its builders is driving the AI revolution forward, promising a future of decentralized and intelligent systems.



Here’s an overview of some of the most prominent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OriginTrail&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://origintrail.io/?ref=cms.polkadot.network">OriginTrail</a> is revolutionizing the management of digital information through its decentralized knowledge graph (DKG). By tying valuable information and intellectual property into this graph, OriginTrail ensures data discoverability and verifiability—essential for trusted AI solutions. This system is underpinned by Polkadot’s secure and scalable infrastructure, providing a robust foundation for AI applications.



AI’s rise has sparked the first stages of a new knowledge revolution; however, it has also been highlighted by challenges like the mishandling of intellectual property rights and potential AI model collapses, among others. To address these issues, OriginTrail proposes the Verifiable Internet for AI, which decentralizes the knowledge AI systems use in their solutions.&nbsp;



Their initial implementation of this approach is <a href="http://polkabot.ai/">Polkabot.ai</a>, a decentralized AI education hub specifically designed to answer questions about the Polkadot ecosystem while leveraging OriginTrail’s DKG to ensure information provenance, respect for data ownership, and verifiable sources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Phala Network&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://phala.network/ai?ref=cms.polkadot.network">Phala Network</a> has introduced the AI-Agent Contract, designed to fuse AI&#8217;s capabilities with the decentralized nature of blockchain, providing a potent platform for AI agents to operate autonomously and generate value within the ecosystem.



The contract enables decentralized AI agents to collaborate securely and efficiently—integration with Polkadot enhances Phala’s capabilities in verifiable computation and data protection, essential for scalable AI solutions.



Phala’s confidential computing framework ensures that sensitive data is processed without exposure, a critical feature for AI applications in finance, healthcare, and beyond. By leveraging Polkadot’s relay chain, Phala Network ensures data privacy and security across multiple blockchains.



The upgrade to the AI-Agent Contract is a strategic initiative to empower the Web3 community by tapping into AI’s transformative potential. By offering a platform where AI can be developed, deployed, and monetized in a decentralized fashion, the AI-Agent Contract unlocks new capabilities for dApps, fosters adoption and innovation, and improves user experience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bittensor</h2>



Launched in 2021, <a href="https://bittensor.org/?ref=cms.polkadot.network">Bittensor</a> has emerged as a dominant player at the intersection of AI and blockchain, attracting investments from prominent venture capital firms as it provides a decentralized, community-driven approach to AI development to counter the existential threat posed by the centralization of AI power among large corporations.



Leveraging the decentralized principles of Bitcoin, Bittensor creates a decentralized and equitable ecosystem. The project’s network provides a decentralized AI marketplace across subnets, offering services like data storage, AI-powered chatbots, and pricing oracles. This decentralized structure fosters a dynamic ecosystem where AI agents can operate autonomously and generate value, which has successfully attracted a passionate community of miners, validators, and developers.&nbsp;



Bittensor uses Polkadot’s SDK to facilitate a marketplace for AI models to collaborate and share knowledge, fostering collective intelligence. Polkadot’s architecture ensures the necessary interoperability, scalability, and security for Bittensor’s demanding computational needs.



Bittensor’s approach allows AI researchers and developers to monetize their models by contributing to a decentralized network, promoting a collaborative and incentivized AI development environment. Polkadot’s substrate framework provides the flexibility and robustness needed to support Bittensor’s dynamic and evolving AI marketplace.



Bittensor&#8217;s token, TAO, which powers various AI-related services, including model training and data storage, notably grew in market cap to over $4 billion amidst skyrocketing popularity among the core Web3 community, making the project a household name among active crypto participants. Unlike many crypto projects that pre-mine tokens, Bittensor requires participants to mine TAO tokens. This promotes decentralization and aims to build a public, open-source AI network, contrasting with centralized AI tools from companies like OpenAI and Google.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Why build AI on Polkadot?</h1>



Polkadot stands out as an exceptional platform for AI development due to its unique features and robust infrastructure, designed to support advanced applications and foster innovation.&nbsp;



The combination of interoperability, scalability, security, energy efficiency, and user-driven governance creates an ideal environment for AI projects to thrive. Polkadot&#8217;s supportive ecosystem and innovative infrastructure provide the necessary tools and resources for AI to flourish. As AI continues to revolutionize various industries, Polkadot&#8217;s unique capabilities position it as a leading platform for the next generation of AI applications.



Here are key features that make Polkadot a premier destination for emerging AI projects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">True Interoperability</h2>



Polkadot enables seamless cross-blockchain transfers of any type of data or asset, not just tokens. This interoperability allows AI systems to access and integrate diverse data sets from multiple blockchains, enriching the quality and scope of AI algorithms.&nbsp;



The ability to interoperate with a wide variety of blockchains within the Polkadot network facilitates the creation of more comprehensive and robust AI models that are essential for developing sophisticated AI applications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Economic and Transactional Scalability</h2>



Polkadot provides unprecedented economic scalability by enabling a common set of validators to secure multiple blockchains. This shared security model reduces costs and increases efficiency, making it economically viable to run complex AI operations.&nbsp;



Additionally, Polkadot offers transactional scalability by distributing transactions across multiple parallel blockchains (parachains), ensuring high throughput and low latency. This scalability is crucial for AI applications that require processing large volumes of data quickly and efficiently.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Easy Blockchain Innovation with Substrate</h2>



Polkadot&#8217;s Substrate framework allows developers to create custom blockchains with ease. Substrate is highly modular, enabling developers to tailor their blockchains to specific AI needs, such as optimized data structures and custom consensus mechanisms. By connecting these custom chains to Polkadot, developers can leverage the network’s interoperability and security from day one, accelerating the development and deployment of AI solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">High Energy Efficiency</h2>



Polkadot’s next-generation nominated proof-of-stake (NPoS) consensus model is highly energy-efficient, consuming only a fraction of the energy used by conventional blockchains. This low carbon footprint is advantageous for AI projects that aim to be environmentally sustainable. The energy efficiency of Polkadot ensures that AI operations can be run sustainably without compromising performance or security.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Security for Everyone</h2>



Polkadot’s innovative data availability and validity scheme allows chains to interact with each other in a meaningful way while maintaining their independence in governance. This unified yet decentralized security model is critical for AI applications that handle sensitive data, as it provides robust protection against potential threats. The strong security guarantees of Polkadot make it a reliable platform for deploying AI solutions that require high levels of trust and integrity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">User-Driven Governance</h2>



Polkadot features a sophisticated governance system where all stakeholders have a voice. Network upgrades and changes are coordinated on-chain and enacted autonomously without requiring forks, ensuring continuous and seamless evolution. This user-driven governance model fosters a collaborative environment where AI developers and users can propose and implement changes to optimize the network for AI applications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Supportive Ecosystem and Community</h2>



Polkadot is backed by the Web3 Foundation and developed by some of the foremost builders in the blockchain industry. The collaborative and supportive ecosystem around Polkadot, including initiatives like the Polkadot Treasury and community-driven projects, provides ample resources and opportunities for AI developers. The active community and extensive developer support make it easier to build, test, and deploy AI solutions on Polkadot.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">An ecosystem primed for expansion</h1>



The convergence of AI and blockchain on Polkadot represents a groundbreaking opportunity for investors and developers alike. By leveraging Polkadot’s unique features such as interoperability, scalability, and robust security, AI projects can thrive in a decentralized environment, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in AI development.



As AI continues to revolutionize industries, Polkadot’s supportive infrastructure and vibrant community offer a fertile ground for the next generation of AI applications. For more details on Polkadot, you can visit the following links:&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://polkadot.network/">Polkadot Network</a>&nbsp;</li>



<li><a href="https://polkadot.network/features/blockspace/">Polkadot Features: Blockspace</a>&nbsp;</li>



<li><a href="https://polkadot.network/features/technology/">Polkadot Features: Technology</a>&nbsp;</li>



<li><a href="https://polkadot.network/about/">Polkadot About</a>&nbsp;</li>



<li><a href="https://www.coinbureau.com/review/polkadot-dot/">Coin Bureau Review on Polkadot</a></li>
</ul>



This content is sponsored by Polkadot and does not serve as an endorsement by Blockworks. The veracity of this content has not been verified and should not serve as financial advice. We encourage readers to conduct their own research before making financial decisions. &nbsp;



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The investor’s guide to AI on Polkadot

At 2023 year-end, only about <a href="https://dappradar.com/blog/dapp-industry-report-2023-defi-nft-web3-games">4.2 million unique active wallets</a> were using decentralized applications (dApps) each day.



While this number has grown, the reality is that the Web3 industry still needs to improve two pain points to be in a realistic position to achieve global adoption:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>User experience (UX) complexity.</li>



<li>The fragmentation of users and liquidity.</li>
</ol>



Chain abstraction, a transformative concept being pioneered by projects like <a href="https://particle.network/">Particle Network</a>, is set to solve both issues.



This guide explores the significance of chain abstraction, its benefits, real-world applications, challenges, and future outlook, as well as an in-depth overview of Particle Network’s account-based approach, providing a comprehensive overview of the topic.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">The basics of chain abstraction</h1>



The fragmentation of users and liquidity across different blockchains is increasingly an obstacle for Web3 applications.



Chain abstraction refers to the removal of UX frictions typically associated with managing multiple blockchains and distancing end users from front-end blockchain interactions. For example, it allows users to leverage their wallet balances across multiple chains as if they were unified on one.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1600" height="900" src="https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-6.png" alt="" class="wp-image-86472" srcset="https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-6.png?w=1600 1600w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-6.png?w=300 300w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-6.png?w=1024 1024w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-6.png?w=768 768w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-6.png?w=1536 1536w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-6.png?w=428 428w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-6.png?w=464 464w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-6.png?w=389 389w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-6.png?w=80 80w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chain abstraction | Source: <a href="https://developers.particle.network/docs/particle-vision-and-ecosystem">Particle Network</a></figcaption></figure>



By doing so, chain abstraction empowers the Web3 industry to build applications unbound by the traditional UX confines of individual chains, poised for explosive growth beyond the Web3-native bubble.



Essential to this end result are the several basic benefits that chain abstraction offers. Each enhances the blockchain ecosystem and ultimately shapes chain abstraction’s core value propositions (detailed in the next section) for the Web3 industry:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Enhanced interoperability</h2>



Chain abstraction allows users to interact across different blockchain networks seamlessly. This focus on interoperability means that assets and accounts can be leveraged uniformly across any blockchain, eliminating the need to manually bridge assets or manage multiple balances, thus reducing friction and increasing efficiency.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Simplified development</h2>



Developers can build dApps that are not tied to the liquidity limitations or user base of a specific blockchain, enabling them to tap into resources from across the ecosystem. This flexibility improves network effects and broadens the potential user base for dApps.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Improved user experience</h2>



Users can interact with dApps without needing to manage balances between chains or understand the underlying blockchain infrastructure used by a given application. Chain abstraction removes the technical complexities away from users, providing a more intuitive and friendly experience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cost efficiency and scalability</h2>



By enabling dApps to access value and users from around the ecosystem, chain abstraction can help optimize transaction costs and scalability. This is because, in the presence of chain abstraction, developers can choose the most cost-effective and scalable blockchain for specific tasks without regard for their social or economic power.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Chain abstraction’s core value propositions</h1>



Bringing the basics of chain abstraction together, we arrive at two pillar value propositions that solve Web3’s prevalent UX and liquidity/user fragmentation issues.



Each of these pillars has widespread application and significant power to transform the Web3 landscape.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">An optimized UX</h2>



Currently, users interacting with dApps across the multi-chain ecosystem are required to manage multiple wallets, balances, and addresses, and remain constantly aware of the technical differences between blockchains. This complexity is a major reason why dApp adoption remains limited worldwide.



From a UX perspective, chain abstraction significantly simplifies Web3 with the elimination of inter-chain barriers. Users can now use applications unhindered; the origin chain of their funds or the base chain of their selected application become background details, largely irrelevant to the user. As a result, users are freed from the longstanding friction and complexity traditionally present when navigating the Web3 landscape.



Chain abstraction decouples blockchain infrastructure from the user experience, enabling seamless interaction with dApps across multiple chains through a single interface. This eliminates the need for users to manage multiple wallets, switch networks, or handle various chain-specific gas fee denominations. For instance, a user can transact across different networks and navigate various dApp experiences without changing wallets or acquiring multiple gas tokens. This level of integration is critical for onboarding billions of users to Web3.



Imagine a scenario where users can perform a range of activities, from buying items to earning rewards, all within a single app, using a unified balance and constant address, without worrying about the underlying blockchain technology.&nbsp;



This vision of a seamless user experience is what chain abstraction aims to achieve.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defragmenting users and liquidity</h2>



Fragmentation also hinders dApp development, often forcing developers to choose a blockchain based on its liquidity, co-marketing opportunities, and user access rather than technical needs.



Chain abstraction allows developers to build with the best available technology without feeling forced to choose a single blockchain or a small set of blockchains. Chain abstraction transitions users and liquidity in Web3 from a scarce, ecosystem-bound resource to a global commodity traded between applications.&nbsp;



As Web3 transitions from a monolithic, isolated ecosystem of generalized chains to a modular one with a large volume of specialized chains, the need for chain abstraction grows in prevalence even further. As an industry, Web3 is on the path to ten thousand rollups—developers are beginning to choose to build application-specific blockchains rather than settling for applications built on top of larger, generalized blockchains.&nbsp;



Without chain abstraction, this approach to scaling would introduce significant fragmentation to the ecosystem.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Particle Network: Powering chain abstraction</h1>



Particle Network shines as a leader at the forefront of advancing chain abstraction, boasting 17 million+ users and 45,000+ developers across their existing products, with building through their L1 notably set to be the next step of the project’s evolution.&nbsp;



By enabling developers to integrate <a href="https://developers.particle.network/docs/universal-accounts">Universal Accounts</a> into their applications, Particle Network allows users from any chain to utilize them, simplifying the complexities associated with cross-chain communication and fostering an integrated, efficient blockchain ecosystem.&nbsp;



This is enabled by the project’s Layer-1 Cosmos blockchain, which acts as a coordination mechanism for accounts on all chains. The Particle Network L1 is intrinsically modular, featuring a high-performance EVM execution environment with built-in access to Cosmos’ <a href="https://tutorials.cosmos.network/academy/3-ibc/1-what-is-ibc.html">Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC)</a> protocol for interoperability and rapid cross-chain transaction execution. Serving as a universal settlement layer, Particle Network’s chain abstraction spans both EVM and non-EVM ecosystems.&nbsp;



It’s important to note that chain abstraction is not one problem to solve; it’s many problems grouped. The below image highlights Particle’s unique approach in comparison to other chain abstraction solutions at an economic, integration, and procedural level:



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1600" height="916" src="https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-86473" srcset="https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image.jpeg?w=300 300w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image.jpeg?w=1536 1536w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image.jpeg?w=428 428w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image.jpeg?w=456 456w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image.jpeg?w=383 383w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image.jpeg?w=80 80w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chain abstraction solutions | Source: <a href="https://blog.particle.network/chain-abstraction-landscape-report/#about-particle-network">Particle Network</a></figcaption></figure>



Providing a foundation to its chain abstraction approach, Particle Network offers three core functionalities in its modular L1 that streamline user interactions and transactions across blockchains:



Universal Accounts Particle Network’s Universal Accounts provide users with a single address and balance across multiple blockchain ecosystems. This simplifies cross-chain wallet management by unifying user interfaces across all chains (EVM and non-EVM).



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1600" height="900" src="https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-5.png" alt="" class="wp-image-86471" srcset="https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-5.png?w=1600 1600w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-5.png?w=300 300w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-5.png?w=1024 1024w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-5.png?w=768 768w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-5.png?w=1536 1536w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-5.png?w=428 428w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-5.png?w=464 464w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-5.png?w=389 389w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-5.png?w=80 80w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Composition of Universal Accounts | Source: <a href="https://developers.particle.network/docs/universal-accounts">Particle Network</a></figcaption></figure>



Universal Accounts leverage Universal Liquidity to execute atomic cross-chain transactions, allowing users to deposit and use funds on any blockchain as if they existed on a single chain.&nbsp;



Universal Liquidity Universal Liquidity unifies the liquidity of different blockchains through the atomic execution of multi-chain transactions. This allows users to interact with new chains without needing to hold tokens on them.&nbsp;



Leveraging universal liquidity, required funds are automatically sourced from users’ balances on other chains, eliminating the need for them to complete the tedious, risky process of manual bridging.&nbsp;



For example, take a scenario in which a user wants to purchase a $300 NFT on an application operating through “Chain D.” This user has $300 in USDT to purchase the NFT, spread equally across three chains: Chain A, Chain B, and Chain C. In such a scenario, Universal Liquidity would perform the following operations:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>By clicking “Buy”, the user bundles transactions involving five chains (Chain A, B, C, D, and the Particle Network L1) into a single signature processed by the Particle L1.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Upon execution, the USDT on Chains A, B, and C is exchanged for an intermediary token, e.g. USDC, using the corresponding chains’ DEXs (Decentralized Exchanges).</li>



<li>The USDC from Chains A, B, and C is sent to a Liquidity Provider (LP).</li>



<li>The LP releases the full USDC amount on Chain D.</li>



<li>The USDC on Chain D is exchanged for ETH using a DEX on Chain D.</li>



<li>The ETH on Chain D is used to purchase the NFT.</li>
</ol>



Another common scenario could involve a user with tokens exclusively on Chain A, but wishing to engage with a DeFi protocol on Chain B. In this case, Particle Network&#8217;s Universal Accounts would enable interaction with protocols across any blockchain, eliminating the need to create multiple accounts, manually bridge assets, or hold separate tokens for gas fees.



Universal Gas Universal Gas eliminates the need for multiple chain-specific gas tokens, allowing users to pay for cross-chain transactions with any token. This feature is accessed through Universal Accounts, enabling users to pay gas fees with tokens from any source chain, such as paying fees on Arbitrum using USDT from Base.&nbsp;



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Future outlook and impact of chain abstraction</h1>



The future of chain abstraction looks promising, addressing the critical pain points of UX complexity and the fragmentation of users and liquidity. As the technology evolves, chain abstraction will drive significant innovations, shaping the future of dApps while addressing many current challenges facing the Web3 ecosystem.&nbsp;



Through the proliferation of chain abstraction led by pioneers like Particle Network, the Web3 industry can achieve seamless, user-friendly experiences and ultimately attract a global audience.



Read more: <a href="https://blog.particle.network/what-is-chain-abstraction-a-formal-definition/">What is chain abstraction? Arriving at a formal definition</a>



To learn more about chain abstraction and stay up to date on Particle Network’s progress, head to <a href="https://particle.network/">their website</a> and follow them on <a href="https://twitter.com/ParticleNtwrk">X</a>.



This content is sponsored by Particle Network and does not serve as an endorsement by Blockworks. The veracity of this content has not been verified and should not serve as financial advice. We encourage readers to conduct their own research before making financial decisions.



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The definitive guide to chain abstraction

Radix, a “full-stack” Layer 1 network, has been busy building the foundation needed for the next generation of DeFi to thrive. In the past six months, following the introduction of smart contract capabilities with the Radix Babylon Mainnet Upgrade, the Layer 1 protocol has significantly expanded its total value locked (TVL), positioning itself for a major breakout year in 2024. With TVL metrics now stable, the focus has shifted to the next phase; expanding the Radix user base and increasing on-chain activity.



As part of the #Breakout2024 plans, which were announced in March and include major marketing campaigns, Radix has introduced <a href="http://go.radixdlt.com/tt4">Token Trek</a><a href="http://tokentrek.io/">.</a>&nbsp;



Token Trek, built by dmany, is a new community rewards program, launched with over $120,000 in rewards that any Web3 user can earn a share of by exploring the Radix Ecosystem. Designed to stimulate on-chain activity, Token Trek allows users to earn XP which can then be exchanged for&nbsp; $XRD, and ecosystem tokens by completing a range of tasks utilizing the rapidly growing number of dApps already live on Radix as well as for participating in those project communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Momentum on Radix</h2>



<a href="http://go.radixdlt.com/tt4">Token Trek</a> follows the recent launch of Project Ignition in March 2024. Ignition was the first major event as part of the #Breakout2024 campaign, and saw $10+ million in liquidity injected into the Radix ecosystem. Project Ignition incentives aimed to increase the amount of TVL of major cryptocurrencies such as USD Coin (USDC), Tether (USDT), wBTC, and Ether (ETH) in the Radix ecosystem.&nbsp;



Within two weeks, Project Ignition resulted in a 76% increase in Radix total value locked (TVL) and a significant increase in on-chain activity on Radix.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1496" height="1500" src="https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-85049" srcset="https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image-1.png?w=1496 1496w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image-1.png?w=300 300w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image-1.png?w=1021 1021w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image-1.png?w=150 150w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image-1.png?w=768 768w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image-1.png?w=256 256w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image-1.png?w=260 260w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image-1.png?w=218 218w, https://blockworks-co.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image-1.png?w=80 80w" sizes="(max-width: 1496px) 100vw, 1496px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Radix increased its total value locked by 76% in two weeks. Source: Radix</figcaption></figure>



Alongside Ignition and Token Trek, Radix is fostering new integrations as part of #Breakout2024, including LayerZero and Maya Protocol — a cross-chain liquidity and swap protocol that utilizes an innovative cross-chain liquidity mechanism.&nbsp;



The Maya community voted to integrate Radix, with over 95 percent of participants saying yes, demonstrating the excitement about the growth that a Radix integration will bring. This integration will allow for a permissionless flow of assets between Ethereum, Thorchain, Kujira, Arbitrum, Bitcoin, and the Radix network, boosting the growth of TVL and its users.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Getting started with Token Trek</h2>



If you&#8217;re new to Radix, Token Trek offers a fantastic gateway into its rapidly growing ecosystem. Several projects, like CaviarNine—the leading DEX on Radix—offer their own incentive programs, with liquidity providers potentially earning over $500,000 in $CAVIAR monthly.



Visit the <a href="http://go.radixdlt.com/tt4">Token Trek page</a> and choose your inaugural quest. As you hit XP milestones, you can claim your XRD rewards. With more than 20 Radix ecosystem projects participating, you’ll have a firsthand look at the platform&#8217;s groundbreaking features, including the Radix Wallet, known for its sleek user interface and robust security measures.



This content is sponsored by Radix and does not serve as an endorsement by Blockworks. The veracity of this content has not been verified and should not serve as financial advice. We encourage readers to conduct their own research before making financial decisions. &nbsp;



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#Breakout2024 – The Year of Radix

<a href="https://trondao.org/">TRON DAO</a> today announced that Google Cloud has joined its roster of Super Representative candidates on the TRON blockchain. <a href="https://tronscan.org/#/sr/representatives">Super Representatives</a> are responsible for producing blocks and packing transactions to help ensure blockchain governance on the TRON network.&nbsp;



This initiative builds on TRON’s collaboration with Google Cloud to make its data <a href="https://console.cloud.google.com/marketplace/product/bigquery-public-data/blockchain-analytics-tron-mainnet-us?hl=en-GB">available</a> on BigQuery, Google Cloud’s fully-managed, serverless data warehouse. Having TRON data on BigQuery equips developers with advanced analytics to dissect blockchain transactions and smart contract intricacies on the TRON network. 



It not only streamlines in-depth analysis for data-driven decision-making but also paves the way for more sophisticated decentralized applications (dapps). The scalability and cost-efficiency of BigQuery bolsters the TRON ecosystem, aligning with its vision of an accessible decentralized internet. 



TRON will also be using Google Cloud’s suite of solutions that empower the Web3 space including Compute Engine for scalable computing resources and Kubernetes Engine for managing containerized applications.



Dave Uhriyniak, Ecosystem Lead at the TRON DAO, expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration: &#8220;The initiative with Google Cloud represents a significant&nbsp; step for TRON DAO in our journey towards decentralizing the web and making blockchain technology more mainstream. Google Cloud&#8217;s becoming a Super Representative candidate underscores our shared vision for a secure, innovative, and decentralized future.&#8221;



“At Google Cloud, we’re committed to making it easy for developers to build Web3 products on our efficient, secure, and reliable infrastructure. We look forward to providing this infrastructure for the TRON ecosystem,” said Rishi Ramchandani, Head of APAC Web3, Google Cloud.



With its high-performance blockchain that supports smart contracts, dApps, and a wide array of digital assets, TRON facilitates fast, low-cost transactions, making it an attractive platform for developers and users alike.



This content is sponsored by TRON and does not serve as an endorsement by Blockworks. The veracity of this content has not been verified and should not serve as financial advice. We encourage readers to conduct their own research before making financial decisions.  



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TRON DAO adds Google Cloud as a Super Representative candidate on the TRON blockchain

StakeKit, emerging from stealth after 18 months of development, has launched its powerful self-custodial yield API, powering Zerion&#8217;s newly unveiled Earn page. This integration marks a significant milestone in providing users a unified platform to manage and grow their digital asset portfolio across more than 13 blockchain networks natively within Zerion.&nbsp;



StakeKit aggregates over 500 yield opportunities into a single, easy-to-use interface. This includes staking, restaking, liquid staking, yield vaults, and lending pools. 



&#8220;Our goal was to make earning yield in self-custodial wallets as easy as earning yield on a CEX. We’ve spent more than 1.5 years building StakeKit and worked closely together with protocol teams and DeFi developers to make this a reality. We’re excited to power the new Earn section in Zerion and allow users to get yield with ultimate ease of use and without having to give up even an ounce of self-custody” says Serafin Lion Engel, CEO of StakeKit.



The Earn section on Zerion now offers users the ability to stake, liquid stake, restake, and earn DeFi yields with the simplicity typically available on centralized exchanges (CEXs), but with the crucial benefit of users retaining 100% self-custody over their funds. This integration not only simplifies access to diverse DeFi yields but also enhances user safety. 



&#8220;Each yield contract featured on our platform is manually authenticated and integrated which mitigates risks users would normally face if they sought yield in third party dapps, such as phishing risks. This allows users to stack yields safely and effectively,&#8221; added Engel.



While users can delegate to any validator of their choice, StakeKit enables users to delegate to members of their Preferred Validator Network which provides users additional benefits such as slashing protection and uptime guarantees, which safeguard their staked assets and ensure optimal yield generation.



“We&#8217;re thrilled to partner with StakeKit to offer users the opportunity to earn passive income with their assets across multiple networks, seamlessly. At Zerion, our users enjoy the multichain experience, from portfolio tracking to bridging and swapping natively within our self-custodial wallet. StakeKit further enhances this experience by abstracting the specifics of each chain and protocol,” shared Yassine, senior product manager at Zerion.



The new Earn section in Zerion is available as of the release of this article. For more information about StakeKit and the new Earn page on Zerion, visit <a href="https://app.zerion.io/earn">their website</a>.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">About StakeKit&nbsp;</h3>



StakeKit is the leading provider of self-custodial yield solutions in the Web3 space. By combining the most powerful self-custodial yield API with a user-focused interface, StakeKit enables seamless, secure, and efficient yield generation across over 50 blockchain networks. Learn more at <a href="https://www.stakek.it/">https://www.stakek.it/</a>. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">About Zerion&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>



Zerion is your premier crypto wallet for everything onchain. Easily and safely manage assets, collections, staked positions, and airdrops across multiple chains — all in one app. Over 550K monthly users trust Zerion as the self-custodial wallet for exploring Web3. Learn more at <a href="http://zerion.io/">zerion.io</a>. 



This content is sponsored by StakeKit and does not serve as an endorsement by Blockworks. The veracity of this content has not been verified and should not serve as financial advice. We encourage readers to conduct their own research before making financial decisions.



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