馃 NEAR Foundation Backs $120M SovereignAI Infrastructure Launch
馃 NEAR Foundation Backs $120M SovereignAI Infrastructure Launch
馃殌 $120M AI Infrastructure
NEAR Foundation partners with OceanPal to launch SovereignAI with a $120M PIPE investment.
The initiative aims to build:
- Blockchain-native AI infrastructure
- Confidential computing capabilities
- NEAR-powered AI systems
SovereignAI will leverage yield from its balance sheet to fund development of innovative AI infrastructure solutions.
This follows broader industry momentum in decentralized AI, with Ocean Protocol and ASI Alliance members being recognized by Forbes as pioneers in transparent, user-controlled AI systems.
The project represents a significant step toward community-driven AI that addresses data privacy and ownership challenges.
We look forward to supporting @sal_ternullo, @dschwed, and the entire @svrn_ai team as they seek to leverage the yield from SovereigntyAI鈥檚 balance sheet to build an innovative, unique, blockchain-native, confidential AI infrastructure. More in the launch announcement here:
NEAR Node Studio Program 2 Applications Close Today - Final Hours for Validator Seats
**Final deadline today** for Node Studio Program 2 applications. After tonight, validator seats lock permanently and the program moves forward without new applicants. **Key details:** - Applications close October 30th (today) - Program targets builders across LATAM, Africa, and Asia - Offers 50,000 NEAR initial delegation - 1-year scaling framework with Meta Pool & NEAR Foundation support - Top 5 performers eligible for commitment bounties up to ~4,563 NEAR **Apply now:** [bit.ly/NodeStudio-v2](https://bit.ly/NodeStudio-v2) *This is the last opportunity to join this validator cohort.*
Meta Pool Offers ETH Staking at 4.51% APY Plus Referral Rewards
**Meta Pool** is promoting its staking platform with **4.51% APY** on ETH staking this week. Key features include: - Multi-asset staking options available - **Referral program** offering $mpDAO tokens for each successful referral - $mpDAO holders receive **governance voting rights** and monthly protocol fees The platform supports staking across NEAR, Aurora, and Ethereum networks through a unified interface. **Get started:** [Stake here](https://www.metapool.app/stake/?referralCode=5) or [join referral program](https://peppermint-daffodil-e37.notion.site/12d3f29d38d380779947db096ec04dce)
Meta Pool DAO Co-founder Shares DeFi Knowledge at Mexico Tech Week
Meta Pool DAO co-founder @ccossio participated in **Mexico Tech Week** alongside @Guabster, a scholarship recipient at @uzh_blockchain through Meta Pool DAO grants. The event featured community collaboration with @waylearnlatam, focusing on: - Blockchain fundamentals - DeFi opportunities and education - Knowledge sharing within the ecosystem The participation highlights Meta Pool's commitment to **education and community building** in Latin America's growing blockchain space.
馃幆 NEAR Guild Proposes Validator Stake Cap
**NEAR Ukraine Guild** has released a new Request for Proposals (RFP) targeting network decentralization. The proposal suggests **excluding validators** that already control 1.00% or more of total network stake from receiving performance-based delegation through Meta Pool. **Key Points:** - Aims to prevent further concentration of stake among large validators - Open for community discussion and feedback - Part of ongoing efforts to maintain network decentralization The community can review the full proposal and share comments on the NEAR governance forum. [Read full proposal](https://gov.near.org/t/proposal-stop-meta-pool-performance-delegation-to-validators-1-stake-on-near/41724?u=kiskesis)