Meta Pool introduces Node Studio, a no-code platform enabling anyone to run a NEAR Protocol validator node. The initiative specifically supports women entering blockchain infrastructure.
Key features:
- No technical skills required - just a NEAR wallet
- $29/month includes hosting, support, and mentorship
- Meta Pool DAO can delegate up to 40,000 NEAR tokens
The program aims to support 60 new validators, prioritizing women applicants. This effort addresses the gender gap in Web3 infrastructure while promoting network decentralization.
NEAR Protocol Onboards 63 Nodes in Under a Month Through NodeStudio Program

**NEAR Protocol** continues its rapid expansion with **63 new nodes** onboarded through the #NodeStudioProgram2 in less than a month. The latest milestone includes welcoming the **R1M team** to the NEAR ecosystem during another successful weekend of onboarding activities. **Key highlights:** - 63 nodes added in under 30 days - R1M team joins NEAR Protocol ecosystem - NodeStudio Program driving consistent growth - Strong weekend onboarding momentum The NodeStudio Program appears to be **accelerating network participation** and bringing new teams into the NEAR ecosystem at a steady pace.
Node Studio Continues Building Momentum in Web3 Development
Node Studio maintains its active development pace with continued building efforts. The team emphasizes their commitment to **non-stop construction** and progress. - Studio remains focused on consistent development work - Building activities continue without interruption - Team demonstrates ongoing dedication to project advancement This follows their established pattern of continuous development work throughout 2025, reinforcing their **"never stop building"** philosophy.
NEAR Protocol Expands Validator Network with BonyNode Addition
**NEAR Protocol continues growing its validator network** with the addition of BonyNode as the latest validator to join the ecosystem. This follows a recent pattern of network expansion, with **Solvium_game also joining** through the Node Studio Program 2 just days earlier. **Key developments:** - BonyNode becomes newest NEAR validator - Part of ongoing validator onboarding initiative - Strengthens network decentralization and security The consistent addition of new validators demonstrates **NEAR's commitment to expanding** its decentralized infrastructure and maintaining network growth momentum.
NEAR Protocol Node Studio Program 2 Application Window Closes

**NEAR Protocol's Node Studio Program 2 has officially closed its application window.** The program, which offered 60 validator slots and 2.52M NEAR tokens over a one-year period, concluded its recruitment phase on October 30, 2025. **Key program highlights:** - 50,000 NEAR initial delegation per validator - Support from Meta Pool & NEAR Foundation - Special focus on diversity with 20 spots reserved for women - Coverage across LATAM, Africa, and Asia regions **Top 5 Node Commitment Bounty rewards:** - 1st place: ~4,563 NEAR - 2nd place: ~2,535 NEAR - 3rd place: ~1,521 NEAR - 4th-5th place: ~1,014 and ~507 NEAR respectively Rewards split 40% stablecoins and 60% locked mpDAO tokens. Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to follow NEAR's social channels for future program announcements.
NEAR Governance Call 23 Highlights Key Validator and veNEAR Proposals
**NEAR Governance Call 23** took place on October 30, 2025, focusing on two critical proposals: - **HSP-002: Validator Support Program** - Aims to maintain network decentralization following NEAR's planned inflation reduction from 5% to 2.5% - **HSP-003: veNEAR Holder Rewards Program** - Establishes a 3-month rewards program to incentivize governance participation **Participation Requirements:** To vote on these proposals, users need veNEAR tokens. A step-by-step guide is available showing how to obtain veNEAR using: - Different Liquid Staking Tokens (LSTs) - NEAR native tokens Both proposals are now live for voting at [gov.houseofstake.org](https://gov.houseofstake.org/proposals). **Background Context:** These initiatives are part of NEAR's broader tokenomics upgrade coinciding with the network's five-year mainnet anniversary. The proposals work alongside the "Halving Upgrade" to create a comprehensive economic strategy focused on sustainability and decentralization. *Get your veNEAR and participate in shaping NEAR's governance future.*