Ethereum Ecosystem Update: 21 Major Developments

**Ethereum scaling breakthrough** with ZK technology advancement - **Pico Prism** emerges as key solution for global transaction demand - Maintains **trustworthy and decentralized** network properties - Builds on recent ZK progress including zkSync's Atlas **Key benefits:** - Cheaper, near-instant transactions - Improved scalability and user experience - Lightweight device verification of millions of transactions - **No compromise** on security or neutrality ZK (zero-knowledge) technology continues advancing Ethereum's ability to handle massive transaction volumes while preserving the network's core principles of decentralization and security.

**Layer 2 networks are experiencing deployment failures** on Ethereum's Sepolia testnet due to EIP-7594 implementation. **What's happening:** - Multiple L2s noticed their Sepolia deployments stopped working - Root cause: EIP-7594 changed proof formats - Issue emerged over the past few days **The fix:** All blob originators need to update their systems before Fusaka upgrade arrives. **Why this matters:** This testnet disruption serves as an early warning for the upcoming Fusaka upgrade, which will bring significant changes to Ethereum's data availability layer.

The **Ethereum Foundation** has launched applications for its **2026 Internship Program**, offering paid, full-time positions working directly with teams advancing the Ethereum protocol. **Key Details:** - 12-week summer program - Direct collaboration with EF teams - Focus on protocol and ecosystem development - Full-time, compensated positions This marks the continuation of EF's formal internship initiative, following their inaugural 2025 program. The opportunity provides hands-on experience with one of blockchain's most significant protocols. Applications are now open for students and early-career professionals interested in contributing to Ethereum's development.

**Replicats** launches on Base, offering AI Smart Wealth Companions that autonomously manage and grow crypto portfolios. The Ethereum-based mini-app will showcase at **Devconnect's App Showcase** this November, demonstrating how AI agents are evolving from simple chatbots to active portfolio managers. This follows a broader trend of AI agents integrating directly into DeFi platforms: - **Rhea Finance** embedded agents for borrowing, lending, and swapping - **TrebleSwap** deployed branded agents for seamless transactions - **Bitte's embeddable chat** enables real actions across 12+ blockchains These developments signal AI's shift from answering questions to **executing real financial actions** through conversational interfaces. *Experience live demos at Devconnect to see how AI companions could transform portfolio management.*