Weekly News from Polkadot & Kusama #130
1. Frank McCourt aims to acquire and transform TikTok
Frank McCourt, executive chairman of McCourt Global and founder of Project Liberty, is bidding to acquire TikTok. Amid U.S. government pressure for TikTok’s parent company to sell, McCourt envisions a new internet era where users control their identity and data.
Utilizing DSNP and the Polkadot parachain Frequency, which upgraded over 1 million MeWe users to Web3, McCourt aims to redefine social media by prioritizing decentralization, user privacy, and data ownership.
“We want all the capital to be values-aligned [around] a new and better version of the internet, where individuals are respected and they own and control their identity and their data,” said Frank McCourt.
2. peaq selected for award-winning Mastercard program
peaq has been selected for Mastercard's award-winning Start Path program for Blockchain and Digital Assets. This collaboration aims to merge DePINs with TradFi convenience, maintaining their Web3 essence.
For the peaq community, this means exciting new integrations and a strengthened position at the forefront of Web3's real-world applications. The program offers peaq opportunities for strategic partnerships, regulatory-compliant payment methods, and broader accessibility, fostering seamless interactions between decentralized and traditional financial systems.
3. ChatDKG.AI is unlocking a truly open AI powered by OriginTrail
The convergence of the Internet, crypto, and AI promises to resolve AI’s current challenges and unlock its full societal potential. ChatDKG, leveraging the OriginTrail Decentralized Knowledge Graph (DKG), offers an open AI approach where users define trusted knowledge foundations.
This decentralized framework supports various AI models, ensuring data ownership and verifiability. Creators can join the ChatDKG inception program to build next-generation AI solutions and participate in the emerging knowledge economy.
Join the early adopters of a Truly Open AI by applying at chatdkg.ai.
4. Decentralized Futures introduced another grant receiver: PoKe by Scytale Digital and BOTLabs GmbH
PoKe (Polkadot Key Account Unit), funded by the Web3 Foundation’s Decentralized Futures Program, aims to bridge Polkadot with enterprises and governments. Launched by Scytale Digital and BOTLabs GmbH which are behind KILT parachain, PoKe seeks to integrate Polkadot into large institutions, enhancing its visibility and utility.
Focusing on institutional adoption, PoKe’s strategic approach includes research, industry engagement, and lobbying. This initiative represents a pivotal step in broadening Polkadot’s real-world applications and fostering high-caliber partnerships.
5. Pendulum now integrated on Subscan.io
Pendulum has been integrated on Subscan.io, the leading Web3 blockchain explorer for the Polkadot ecosystem. Explore Pendulum’s blockchain data, transactions, and more through Subscan’s user-friendly interface. This integration enhances transparency and accessibility, allowing users to delve deeper into Pendulum’s blockchain activities.
6. Raoul Pal interviews Gavin Wood on Polkadot and JAM
In the latest episode of “The Journey Man,” Raoul Pal sits down with Gavin Wood for an insightful discussion on the past, present, and future of crypto.
They cover Ethereum, Polkadot, and JAM, offering a deep dive into the evolution of blockchain technology.
Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/9SAxnF2sys8?si=wkaHBT3PSz6ZmBvI
7. Crust integrates with Tanssi: Joins the Let’s Forkin Dance incentivized TestNet campaign
Crust announced its integration with Tanssi. Crust deployed an App Chain on Tanssi and offers storage services to the Tanssi community. Crust has also joined the “Let’s Forkin Dance” campaign, a mix of on-chain and off-chain quests designed for developers, casual users, and key network supporters.
Participate now to claim generous rewards. For more details, visit Tanssi TestNet Campaign.
8. vMANTA now live on Manta Network Pacific
vMANTA is now live on Manta Network Pacific. Thanks to LayerZero Labs and Polkadot XCM, EVM-based users can liquid-stake MANTA on Pacific via the Omni.ls dApp, securing the network while unlocking liquidity.
This milestone marks the second major step for Bifrost LST within the Manta Network ecosystem, following the release of vMANTA on Atlantic. More DeFi scenarios and use cases will be announced in the coming weeks, enhancing vMANTA interoperability.
9. Historic Bid-to-Earn auctions now live on Moonbeam Network
The historic Bid-to-Earn auctions are now live on Moonbeam Network. Place your bids at gavinwood.gbm.auction to own a unique piece of blockchain history signed and annotated by Polkadot creator Dr. Gavin Wood.
10. Future airdrop for Starlay Finance users on Acala Network announced
Users who engaged with Starlay Finance on the Acala Network are eligible for a future Neemo Finance airdrop, pending the finalization of tokenomics. Details will be shared soon. Additionally, a point mechanism is in place, so follow Starlay Finance for updates.
Neemo, a new spin-off from Starlay Finance is a staking protocol, that enhances BTC Layer 2 network security by offering Liquid Staked Tokens (LST).
11. Exploring JAM: The future of Polkadot and blockchain innovation
We recently published a simple explanation of JAM, outlining its potential. Although it’s about two years from full deployment, JAM promises to revolutionize blockchain development by integrating smart contracts with Polkadot’s parachains.
With multi-core processing, native ZK-rollups, and transactionless applications, JAM aims to deliver an impressive 850 MB/s throughput, handling over 3.4 million TPS. This ambitious project could transform both the Polkadot ecosystem and the broader blockchain landscape. Check out our new article for more details:
- Support Polkadotters Shrimp and Polkadotters Octopus validators on Polkadot and be a part of a more secure Web3 future
- Enhance Polkadot’s governance process by delegating your DOT or KSM to POLKADOTTERS, dedicated community supporters within the Polkadot ecosystem, enabling seamless participation in on-chain governance through Nova wallet or Polkadot Delegation Dashboard
