📊 Meta Pool DAO Buyback Milestone

NEAR Intents now allows users to stake from any blockchain network directly into Meta Pool, NEAR Protocol's first liquid staking platform. **Key Features:** - Cross-chain accessibility - move assets from any chain to NEAR - Instant access to staking opportunities - Real yield generation through Meta Pool - Simplified authentication process across NEAR, Aurora, and Ethereum **What This Means:** Users can now stake tokens without the traditional friction of multiple wallet connections or complex bridging processes. The integration removes barriers for participants across different blockchain ecosystems. Meta Pool serves as the entry point for liquid staking on NEAR Protocol, offering yield opportunities to a broader audience through this cross-chain functionality. [Get started with NEAR Intents](https://near.com/)

Meta Pool has released a major platform upgrade after a period of quiet development. The new ecosystem DApp streamlines multi-chain staking by eliminating repetitive wallet authentication across platforms. **Key features:** - Unified access for NEAR, Aurora, ETH, and META token holders - Single authentication for staking and bond purchases - Cross-chain functionality on one platform **What changed:** - Redesigned landing page at [metapool.app](http://metapool.app) - New main application at [main.metapool.app](https://main.metapool.app/) - Simplified user experience for cross-chain interactions The upgrade maintains Meta Pool's core staking mission while reducing friction for users managing assets across NEAR, Aurora, and Ethereum ecosystems.

NTT DATA and Darshana are partnering to introduce verifiable academic credentials across Latin America using decentralized identity technology built on NEAR Protocol. **Key Details:** - The initiative brings blockchain-based academic verification to the region - Uses decentralized identity infrastructure on NEAR Protocol - Aims to transform how universities issue and verify credentials - Represents a significant development for academic identity systems in Latin America The partnership addresses the need for secure, verifiable academic credentials that can be easily authenticated across institutions and borders. By leveraging blockchain technology, the system provides tamper-proof digital credentials that students and institutions can trust. Read more: [Business Empresarial](https://www.businessempresarial.com.pe/ntt-data-y-darshana-transforman-la-certificacion-universitaria-con-credenciales-digitales-verificables-basadas-en-tecnologia-blockchain-de-near-protocol/)

Meta Pool has introduced a **referral program** designed to reward community members for bringing new users to the platform. **Key Features:** - Participants can request personalized referral links - Rewards and payment structures are detailed in the program documentation - The initiative builds on previous campaigns like "The Last Block of 2025" The program integrates with Meta Pool's Ecosystem DApp, which streamlines wallet authentication across NEAR, Aurora, and Ethereum networks. Users can stake and purchase bonds without repeatedly connecting wallets across different platforms. [View full program details](https://docs.metapool.app/master/contribute-to-meta-pool/referral-program)

**Node Studio Program 2** has officially launched on the NEAR Protocol ecosystem, focusing on expanding validator opportunities for builders. **Key highlights:** - 64 new validators onboarded to strengthen network decentralization - Program designed to grow NEAR's validator ecosystem - Cohort 3 preparations already underway The initiative aims to create more opportunities for developers and validators within the NEAR ecosystem. Registration is open for those wanting to stay updated on program developments. [Learn more about the program details](https://medium.com/meta-pool/node-studio-program-2-official-launch-7a26fe73d451)