Ethereum Upgrade: Cheaper Gas Fees and Scaling Progress

ZKsync is launching its **ZKnomics Staking Pilot Program** on February 9th, allowing $ZK holders to stake tokens through the Tally interface while strengthening governance participation. **Key Details:** - Participants must delegate $ZK to an active Delegate to earn rewards - Built-in delegate-to-stake infrastructure aims to expand voting participation - Look for "Active" tag on Delegate profiles when staking **Program Structure:** - **Season 1** (3 months): 10M $ZK reward cap, targeting +200M active voting power - **Season 2** (3 months, conditional): 25M $ZK reward cap, targeting +500M active voting power **Program Goals:** - Test and validate Tally staking infrastructure for future decentralized sequencer - Increase delegated $ZK and active voting power A detailed FAQ will be released later this week. [Full details available on the ZKnation forum](https://forum.zknation.io/t/refresher-on-zknomics-staking-pilot-program/871).

A new staking program is launching with flexible APR rates: - **Starting rate**: 3% APR target per season - **Maximum rate**: Up to 10% APR based on participation levels - **No lockup period**: Rewards stream continuously - **Important**: APR rates are managed, not guaranteed or fixed A detailed FAQ will be published later this week with additional information about the program structure and mechanics.

ZKsync has launched a new campaign with RallyOnChain to explain how **Prividiums** enable the onchain Bank Stack. The initiative demonstrates how institutions can build on public blockchain infrastructure while maintaining privacy, compliance, and interoperability. **Key Features:** - Privacy-preserving infrastructure on public rails - Built-in compliance mechanisms - Cross-chain connectivity with Ethereum Prividiums represent ZKsync's approach to institutional blockchain adoption, offering what they call a "turnkey solution" with pre-built capabilities. The platform uses zero-knowledge proofs to enable cryptographic privacy while maintaining regulatory compliance. The campaign follows ZKsync's broader push into institutional markets, including the Prividium Breakthrough Initiative with participation from Citi, Deutsche Bank, and 30+ financial institutions. [Learn more about the campaign](https://x.com/RallyOnChain/status/2015012758480196056?s=20)

**ZTX is preparing to launch its mobile app** following the completion of Playtest 5, marking a significant bridge between Web2 and Web3 gaming. **Key Features:** - 40+ ZEPETO creators (known as ZEM!) joining the platform - Seamless blockchain integration for mainstream users - Avatar and digital identity creation tools - 3D wearables ownership - Referral code system and in-game rewards **The Strategy:** ZTX is positioning itself as the Web3 version of ZEPETO, often called the "Roblox of Asia." By partnering with established ZEPETO creators who have millions of followers, ZTX aims to introduce a massive Web2 audience to crypto gaming. The mobile app launch represents an attempt to lower the barrier to entry for blockchain gaming, focusing on user experience and familiar gameplay mechanics while incorporating crypto elements. [Learn more](<https://x.com/ZTXofficial/status/2016867394879181201?s=20>)

**Ultraman AI is expanding to Abstract Chain**, marking the iconic Japanese hero's entry into blockchain technology across 190+ countries. **Key Details:** - Partnership facilitated by bythenAI - Deployment on Abstract Chain, an Ethereum Layer 2 using ZK Stack technology - Represents Ultraman's first major onchain initiative Abstract Chain offers fast, low-cost transactions through zero-knowledge rollup technology, making it suitable for scalable blockchain applications. [View announcement](https://x.com/AbstractChain/status/2015807392949096506?s=20)