Weekly News from Polkadot & Kusama #174
1. Polkadot sponsors ETH Prague: Supporting open web innovation
Polkadot is proud to be a Sun sponsor of ETH Prague, supporting the builders, communities, and creators shaping a more open, decentralized internet. Meet the Polkadot team in Prague and explore how the ecosystem empowers innovation across Web3.
2. Newsletter highlights: Hydration breaks $200M TVL and launches GIGADOT
The latest edition of the Hydration Newsletter is live, covering a packed March and April.
Highlights:
• 💧 TVL hits a new ATH at $200M
• 🚀 GIGADOT launched — a capital-efficient DOT product combining staking, lending, and DeFi yields
• 📢 5M DOT incentive proposal submitted via Polkadot OpenGov
• ⚙️ New integrations & assets — LINK, SKY, tBTC, and more in the Omnipool
• 🔁 Cross-chain swaps go live via Turtle v3 + Paraspell
• 💸 Continued HDX staking rewards & buybacks
• 💵 HOLLAR stablecoin gearing up for testnet
• 🌉 KSM & SOL added, bridging ecosystems
The year’s off to a powerful start — stay hydrated and read the full recap 👉 hydration.net
3. Yield-bearing stablecoins aUSDT & aUSDC now tradable on Hydration
Hydration now supports yield-bearing stablecoins — trade aUSDT and aUSDC just like regular USDT/USDC, but earn APY (~8%) while you’re at it.
These aTokens act as collateral in lending markets, so you earn interest between trades. Same trading experience, extra passive income.
Just a heads-up: in rare cases of high utilization, immediate withdrawals may be delayed, and you can’t use aTokens for gas — keep a little DOT on hand.
4. AI agents get decentralized memory with OriginTrail DKG V8.1.0RC
OriginTrail is launching the DKG V8.1.0 release candidate — a major step toward building AI agents with trusted memory. The update enhances staking with performance-based rewards and introduces Random Sampling, allowing Core nodes to prove their services on-chain.
Over 85M TRAC are already staked, and the network has earned 13M+ TRAC in revenue. The release also brings improved node sync and a new staking UI. V8.1.0 lands on testnet next week, ahead of a full mainnet rollout.
5. Acurast x Flock.io: Smarter staking with AI
Acurast and Flock.io have teamed up to launch an AI-powered staking strategy PoC. By combining validator data, LLMs, and Acurast’s decentralized compute layer, the system enables autonomous, on-chain delegation decisions. Flock.io brings reputation insights to optimize validator performance, while Acurast ensures trustless execution. Together, they’re creating smarter, data-driven staking strategies tailored to dynamic network conditions — an early step toward fully automated staking powered by AI. A promising collaboration for the future of decentralized delegation optimization.
6. NowPayments integrates Polkadot: Accept $DOT instantly
Polkadot is now supported on NowPayments, giving businesses a seamless way to accept $DOT. Scalable, secure, and interoperable by design, Polkadot enables cost-efficient blockchain connections — and now, real crypto commerce. Whether you’re in DeFi or building enterprise solutions, accepting $DOT unlocks new Web3 revenue streams. With NowPayments, integration is simple and fast. Bring crypto to your checkout and start accepting $DOT today.
7. Truth Network is now on Discord
The Truth Network is expanding — the TRUU community is now on Discord!
Just join the Truth movement if you’re here for alpha, updates, or community vibes.
All channels in one place 👉 https://linktr.ee/TruthNetworkOfficial
Discord channel: https://discord.gg/Zdf94E5QCS
8. Xkode integrates stablecoins: USDT & USDC now accepted via AssetHub
You can now use USDT and USDC on Xkode.io for real purchases, thanks to integration with Polkadot’s AssetHub. This collaboration brings real-world utility to crypto and makes Web3 adoption easier than ever. No complex wallets, no bridges — just fast, simple stablecoin payments for everyone. 🌍
- Support our Polkadotters 🦐 Shrimp, 🐙 Octopus, 🐬 Dolphin & 🦈Shark 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
