University of Zurich Selects 4 APAC Scholars for Blockchain Course

Meta Pool has outlined its Q1 2026 roadmap focused on measurable protocol growth through three key initiatives. **Node Studio Cohort #3** aims to onboard 60 new validators to the NEAR ecosystem starting April 1, 2026. The 12-month program provides initial delegation support and performance-based incentives to strengthen network security and decentralization. Applications opened February 2, with validator selection running through March 27. **Distribution expansion** includes: - Coinstore integrating mpSOL into its Web3 wallet, with stIP integration planned afterward - Zoo Finance partnership to introduce a Liquid Vesting Token built on Story's LST, enabling users to unlock staking reward value early for DeFi deployment The roadmap emphasizes concrete outcomes over narrative, with progress tracked through: - Validator count increases - New staker participation - LST adoption metrics - Enhanced composability Meta Pool states the quarter will be evaluated by delivered milestones and measurable impact rather than promises. [Read the full roadmap](https://medium.com/meta-pool/q1-2026-meta-pools-roadmap-more-validators-more-participation-more-distribution-52281d9207bd)

**Meta Pool Validator World Cup Results** The Ecuador matchup in Cohort 2 concluded with **latam-pool.pool.near** securing victory over zklatitudzero.pool.near through community voting. **Key Details:** - Community engagement determined the winner through social media interactions - Both validators competed in a decentralized, public voting format - No traditional judging system - purely community-driven decision - Next round approaching The competition format allowed supporters to vote via likes and retweets, demonstrating grassroots participation in validator selection. Both teams received recognition for their participation in the tournament structure.

**Meta Pool Validator World Cup 2026 - Week 4 Results** 🏆 **Winner: ttt.poolv1.near** advances to the next round in Cohort 1 The Vietnam matchup concluded with community votes determining the outcome through likes and retweets. The competition featured: - **ttt.poolv1.near** (backed by likes) - **validatorvn.pool.near** (backed by retweets) Both validators competed in this public, on-chain decision process where community engagement directly influenced the results. **Tournament Format:** - Pure community-driven voting - No judges or overtime - Decided through social engagement metrics The next fixture will be announced soon as the Meta Pool Validator World Cup 2026 continues.

NEAR Protocol is offering a limited opportunity for users to register and run validator nodes through their Node Studio program. **Key Details:** - Registration available through a simplified 3-click process requiring no coding experience - The program covers validator seat costs for participants - Limited slots remain available as the registration period nears its end - Participants can join a livestream for a chance to win $15 USD This initiative aims to expand NEAR's validator network while lowering technical barriers to entry for those interested in building a Web3 validator career. [Register here](https://peppermint-daffodil-e37.notion.site/1f23f29d38d3811f8a47cb4e612c3a19)

**Node Studio Cohort #3** is now accepting applications for builders interested in validator careers. **Program Details:** - Information session scheduled for February 12 - Hosted by representatives from Cherry Servers - Focuses on validator operations and blockchain ecosystem development **What Node Studio Offers:** - Structured path to becoming a validator on NEAR - Technical training and ecosystem integration - Support for building validator infrastructure The program follows two previous cohorts, with Cohort 2 featuring speakers from Meta Pool and NEAR Protocol. Node Studio aims to simplify the validator onboarding process for builders looking to participate in network validation. Interested participants can join the February 12 session to learn more about the program structure and requirements.