StarkWare Publishes ColliderVM Research for Bitcoin Scaling Without OP_CAT
StarkWare Publishes ColliderVM Research for Bitcoin Scaling Without OP_CAT
🔬 Bitcoin Scaling Without OP_CAT
StarkWare has released a breakthrough research paper introducing ColliderVM, a new approach to scale Bitcoin that doesn't require OP_CAT. The technology enables stateful computation on Bitcoin without fraud proofs, potentially allowing Starknet to scale Bitcoin with or without OP_CAT implementation.
In other key updates:
- STRK staking v2 is now live on testnet with new validator parameters
- DeFi Spring incentives launched for wBTC on Vesu
- Braavos released a new Bitcoin vault product for bridging and yield generation
- Multiple gaming projects advancing including Crimson Fate beta launch
- Request Finance adds Starknet support for crypto/fiat operations
Whatever happens in the crypto space, the Starknet ecosystem does what it does best: ship. Here are all the important updates from our ecosystem over the past week 🧵
Noir gud, and Noir devs can now leverage Starknet’s scalability for their ZK-powered applications! With Garaga SDK, you can verify Noir proofs on Starknet without writing a single line of Cairo. Here’s how it works 🧵👇
1/ This week in the pack 🧵 From infra to apps, here is your Starknet weekly recap.
You can now swap both ways between Bitcoin and Starknet. Bitcoin → Starknet Starknet → Bitcoin All powered by Xverse cross-chain swaps. This is just the beginning of @xverse's expansion into Starknet anon
The STRK Staking v2 test vote is now live! As a reminder, this vote will not impact the final decision, which will be determined by the official vote starting tomorrow. For the first time ever, STRK stakers (validators and delegators) can participate in governance voting; and
STRK Staking V2 official vote starts today at 4 PM UTC 🫵 This Staking V2 upgrade is crucial, as it transitions validators from running full nodes and monitoring the network to also sending block attestations. The main goal is to evaluate their liveness before they take on a
Starknet All Core Devs: Full nodes meeting #22 x.com/i/broadcasts/1…
staking looking good here
Yo STRK holders, the countdown’s begun, 1 day left, then you’re done. Wrap or stake, don’t be too late, Onchain governance, fam, this is fate. 🫳 🎤 Final call: Make sure to wrap or stake your STRK by 4 PM UTC tomorrow to participate in the test vote for STRK Staking V2!
Cross-chain swaps between Bitcoin and Starknet are live with Xverse Swap! As part of its mission to bring Bitcoin DeFi to the masses, @xverse, one of Bitcoin’s leading wallets, is gradually expanding to Starknet. You can now swap from Bitcoin to Starknet anytime.
This week in the pack 🧵 From infra to apps, here is your Starknet weekly recap.
This week in the pack 🧵 From infra to apps, here is your Starknet weekly recap.
Last reminder: The STRK Staking V2 vote closes in 2 days! This upgrade is crucial as it introduces a new role for validators, block attestation, and grants them the ability to increase their commission under strict rules. Make sure you're aligned, vote now:
Lightning Network, directly usable from Starknet. You can now use your @myBraavos mobile app to instantly pay for real-world purchases with STRK at any Lightning-enabled vendor. Just open your Braavos app, scan a QR code, and pay; it's that simple.
Starknet v0.13.4 is now live on Starknet Testnet! This new version introduces major optimizations, including: - Cairo-Native for faster smart contract execution (and lower fees over time) - L2 gas for more accurate transaction fees - Stateful compression to reduce storage costs
It’s delivery time on Starknet 🚢 @xverse is deploying on Starknet, with cross-chain swaps already live and full wallet integration & Bitcoin DeFi coming next. Join us today at 9 PM PST to discuss why Xverse on Starknet is a major unlock for our ecosystem 🫵
We cook, we ship, we keep grinding. Here are the most important updates from the Starknet ecosystem this past week 🧵
Devs and project buildooors This is your final reminder: Starknet v0.13.4 is now live on Testnet and will be deployed to Mainnet around March 17. This update introduces breaking changes that may impact your projects: the sooner you prepare, the better! So here’s your last
We are on the verge of something amazing, and Starknet is leading the way. A new blog by @StarknetFndn's @strjd87 on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a new foundation for the digital world.
.@Starknet was designed to scale any blockchain from the start. We’re now bringing this vision to life, beyond Ethereum. The journey to Bitcoin begins.✨ tinyurl.com/going-beyond-l…
building on Starknet has never been easier anon with Starkup, a single command is all it takes to set up everything you need for Cairo smart contracts whatever you have in mind, just build it
Starknet on Bitcoin and Ethereum x.com/i/broadcasts/1…
Argent's New Era & Starknet's Big Bitcoin Play x.com/i/broadcasts/1…
Starknet All Core Devs: Full nodes meeting #22 x.com/i/broadcasts/1…
It’s shipping time on Starknet. Bitcoin use cases, new dApps on Mainnet, fresh features… A lot has happened this past week; it’s time for your weekly recap 🧵
Shieldnet Launches Privacy Layer for Existing Crypto Infrastructure
**Shieldnet** is launching a privacy solution designed to integrate with existing crypto infrastructure. **Key features:** - **One-click asset shielding** for users with wallet privacy controls - **Privacy integration** for builders without rebuilding infrastructure - **ERC-20 privacy** for asset issuers on Starknet without new tokens or wrappers - **Default confidentiality** for institutions with customizable disclosure options The platform aims to add privacy functionality to current crypto systems rather than requiring migration to new standards or creating fragmented liquidity pools.
🏗️ Starknet Challenges Builders
Starknet has published **11 concrete project ideas** for developers to build using STRK-20 tokens on their network. The challenge is simple: these applications will eventually be built - the question is who builds them first. The announcement emphasizes Starknet's **developer-friendly infrastructure**, making it straightforward to create consumer applications while abstracting away blockchain complexity. This positions the network as accessible for building diverse use cases. **Key points:** - 11 specific building opportunities outlined - Some ideas are concrete, others remain open design spaces - Race-to-build dynamic created for developers - Focus on consumer app accessibility The initiative appears designed to **stimulate ecosystem growth** by providing clear direction for builders while maintaining competitive incentives.
🔓 Transparent On-Chain Payroll Without Exposing Org Charts
A new payroll system is being developed that operates on public blockchains while maintaining organizational privacy. **Key Features:** - All salary payments and contributor compensation visible on-chain - Every pay cycle publicly readable by default - Organizational structure remains private This approach contrasts with earlier privacy-focused solutions that kept salaries confidential. The system aims to provide full payment transparency without revealing internal hierarchies or reporting structures. The platform represents a shift toward radical compensation transparency in web3 organizations while preserving operational privacy.
🔐 Privacy Without Secrecy: How STRK20 Solves Compliance
**Privacy doesn't have to mean breaking compliance rules.** Most privacy solutions face a problem: they either can't respond to legal requests without exposing everyone, or they isolate users in fragmented ecosystems. **STRK20 takes a different approach:** - Viewing keys are encrypted by an independent auditor - Legal requests can be answered with scoped access per user - Other users in the pool remain protected - No need to freeze funds or delist assets This design keeps privacy functional while meeting regulatory demands—connecting users to existing DeFi without the compliance risks that have plagued other privacy tools.
strkBTC Launches Privacy Layer for Bitcoin on Starknet
At Bitcoin 2026, a new privacy solution for Bitcoin was demonstrated on stage. **strkBTC** enables Bitcoin holders to conduct private transactions on Starknet through a privacy pool system. **How it works:** - Users bridge their BTC into the Starknet network - Balances and transfers become shielded within the privacy pool - Bitcoin remains fully redeemable back to native BTC at any time - External observers only see bridge deposits and withdrawals - Internal transaction activity stays private The solution gives Bitcoin users optional privacy without sacrificing the ability to return to native BTC. Users maintain control over when to enter and exit the privacy layer.