Weekly News from Polkadot & Kusama #136
1. Velocity Labs announces the first Polkadot DeFi Child Bounties to KuCoin, Ramp & Zapper
Polkadot’s DeFi and Infrastructure Bounty, managed by Velocity Labs and funded by the Polkadot treasury, has awarded its first child bounties. KuCoin, Ramp Network, and Zapper were selected for their valuable contributions.
- KuCoin integrated USDT deposits/withdrawals from/to Asset Hub,
- Ramp Network improved fiat-to-crypto onramps for USDT, USDC and DOT on Asset Hub,
- Zapper added four EVM parachains, namely Astar, Moonbeam, Acala, and Hydration Network, to their platform.
This bounty is administered by Velocity Labs in cooperation with curators from Novasama, Hydration Network, Centrifuge, Moonbeam, Acala and also Giotto.
2. Coinbase Derivatives files for US-regulated DOT futures contracts
Coinbase Derivatives has filed with the CFTC to offer U.S.-regulated futures contracts for Polkadot (DOT) and some other cryptocurrencies, namely Avalanche, Chainlink, Stellar, and Shiba Inu. Set to launch on July 15th, these contracts will be the first CFTC-regulated margined futures for DOT, allowing investors to leverage positions with reduced upfront capital.
This move aims to enhance trading experiences and improve access to the crypto economy while maintaining stringent regulatory standards. The introduction of futures contracts paves the way for futures ETFs and eventually spot ETFs.
3. Nova Wallet simplifies onboarding for Polkadot users with seamless and secure cloud backups
Nova Wallet simplifies creating a wallet in seconds with password and Face ID encryption. Securely store encrypted backups on Apple iCloud or Google Drive for simple recovery, eliminating the need for 12-word passphrases.
Seamlessly recover and sync wallets across devices using Cloud Backups. Opt-in for cloud storage or continue using paper backups. Nova wallet onboard billions to Polkadot effortlessly.
4. Euphrates welcomes JitoSOL: Solana’s liquid staking protocol arrives on Acala
Acala is set to integrate JitoSOL, Solana’s premier liquid staking protocol, onto the Euphrates platform. This move aims to amplify liquidity and yield prospects, pushing Acala’s role as the central Liquidity Layer X across blockchains. Stay tuned for further updates on expanding staking capabilities and enhancing user benefits.
5. Brazil’s first municipal blockchain currency ‘Alegria’ launches with C9 Tech and Tanssi Network
C9 Tech and Tanssi Network are pioneering Brazil’s inaugural municipal blockchain currency, the ‘Alegria’ token. This collaboration aims to revolutionize financial inclusion and management in Santo Antônio da Alegria, leveraging blockchain for efficiency and transparency. The initiative eliminates intermediaries, making transactions accessible via POS machines or NFC-enabled smartphones, enhancing local economic circulation and public trust.
6. Adam Clay Steeber launched an YouTube tutorial covering Polkadot Bounties, Multisigs, and Proxies
Adam Clay Steeber has launched a comprehensive YouTube tutorial covering Polkadot Bounties, Multisigs, and Proxies. Learn step-by-step with quizzes included.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv_nJVcvQr8
7. New updates for Energy Web X Marketplace including Claim Rewards Before Unsubscription
A new update for the Energy Web X Marketplace app is now live. Key features include prompts to claim rewards before unsubscription, displaying unsubscribed groups with unclaimed rewards, and the ability to copy the Worker Node Address from the dashboard. Other improvements are fixes for Apple Store launch issues, dynamic content for banners, and enhanced loading screens and user flows.
This update includes:
- Prompt to claim rewards before unsubscription
- Display unsubscribed groups with unclaimed rewards
- Copy Worker Node Address from Dashboard
- Fix for Apple Store launch issue on Intel Chips
- Dynamic content for banners and notifications
- Improved loading screens and user flows
Also, if you run a Workers Node, get notice that the SmartFlow Q2–2024 is finished and now you can join the SmartFlow Q3–2024.
8. Hydration Network Omnipool TVL hits record $50 million
Hydration Network celebrates a milestone as its Omnipool Total Value Locked (TVL) surpasses $50 million, marking a significant achievement. This is indeed big news for the largest DEX on Polkadot.
9. Combinder joins peaq ecosystem to build world’s largest virtual energy network
Combinder is partnering with peaq to create a decentralized energy data and grid load management network. This collaboration aims to transform smart household appliances into Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), allowing users to earn rewards by providing crucial energy usage data and grid balancing.
This initiative will help build a more efficient and sustainable energy grid while empowering users to monetize their energy data and flexibility.
10. Acurast and Nodle partner for decentralized smartphone computing
Aurast, a decentralized serverless cloud network, is partnering with Nodle, the largest DePIN on zkSync. Acurast will deploy a smart mission in Nodle’s apps, leveraging Nodle’s extensive user base.
This partnership allows Nodle app users to share their smartphone computing power, transforming the Nodle Network into a massive decentralized computer. Users will earn rewards, enabling a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, decentralized computing infrastructure.
11. LEXR launches tzBTC 2.0 with Acurast for seamless Bitcoin bridging
tzBTC, the decentralized and compliant wrapped Bitcoin on Tezos by LEXR, now leverages Acurast’s confidential compute for a seamless bridging process. This upgrade automates BTC-to-tzBTC conversions, enhancing security and cost-effectiveness. Keyholders and Gatekeepers manage compliance, while Acurast Processors verify transactions.
This collaboration ensures institutional-grade Bitcoin DeFi, offering a transparent and user-friendly experience.
12. Kraken listed TRAC token from OriginTrail
Kraken has enabled deposits, withdrawals, and live trading for TRAC, the utility token driving OriginTrail’s decentralized AI initiatives. This integration significantly bolsters OriginTrail’s ecosystem capabilities, marking a major milestone on one of crypto’s most trusted platforms, Kraken, used by over 10 million worldwide.
- 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
