BNB Smart Chain

BNB Chain wrapped up its **Good Vibes Only: OpenClaw Edition** hackathon, marking its largest event to date. The competition attracted **600 builders** who submitted **200 projects** competing for a **$100,000 prize pool**. The 14-day online sprint encouraged participants to use AI tools like Claude, Cursor, and Copilot while requiring onchain proof via BSC or opBNB. Projects needed public repositories, demos, and reproducible setups to qualify. Builders created diverse applications including: - AI agents for autonomous DeFi trading - Wallet security monitoring bots - Prompt-based onchain action tools - AI-native marketplaces The hackathon was sponsored by Flap and Surge. Winners were announced via livestream, with full details available on the [BNB Chain blog](https://www.bnbchain.org/en/blog/good-vibes-only-openclaw-edition-winners). BNB Chain is now gauging community interest for future Good Vibes Only events.

**zBNB by zERC20 is now operational**, bringing privacy-focused transaction capabilities to the BNB Chain ecosystem. **Key features:** - Private transaction histories - Hidden account balances - Confidential asset transfers Users can now send, hold, and utilize assets on BNB Chain while maintaining financial privacy. The service is accessible through the zERC20 application. [Access zBNB](https://app.zerc20.io/?token=zbnb) *This is informational content only. Conduct your own research before using any financial services.*

**BNB Chain is hosting a hackathon in Bengaluru, India on February 27-28.** Key details: - **Prize pool**: $160,000 in cash and ecosystem support - **Focus areas**: Prediction markets, token launchpads, Web3 credit solutions, and privacy tools - **Additional benefits**: Access to YZi Labs' $1B Builder Fund, mentorship, and incubation opportunities The event follows an orientation and team formation session that began on February 15. Builders can still register to participate in the two-day in-person hackathon. [Register here](https://luma.com/txyqwnzd)

BNB Chain has extended its zero-fee promotion for stablecoin transactions through February 28, 2026. **Key Details:** - Users can transfer, withdraw, and bridge USDC, U, and USD1 without paying transaction fees - The promotion applies to both BSC (BNB Smart Chain) and opBNB networks - Fee waiver availability depends on partner participation - This marks the second extension of the campaign, which originally launched in January **What This Means:** The extended promotion allows users to move stablecoins across BNB Chain's ecosystem at no cost, potentially reducing friction for DeFi activities and cross-chain transfers. The initiative appears designed to increase stablecoin adoption and activity on BNB Chain's networks. Full details available at: [BNB Chain Blog](https://www.bnbchain.org/en/blog/the-carnival-continues-0-fee-transactions-for-usdc-usd1-u-extended)

Oobit has integrated with BNB Chain, enabling users to spend directly from their BNB Chain wallets at 150 million Visa merchants worldwide. **Key Details:** - Direct wallet-to-merchant payments now possible - Access to Visa's global merchant network - Bridges crypto holdings with traditional payment infrastructure This integration removes a friction point between holding crypto assets and using them for everyday purchases. Users can now tap into their BNB Chain balances without converting to fiat first. [Learn more](<https://x.com/oobit/status/2021953205647602160>) *Note: This is informational content, not financial advice. Do your own research.*

BNB Chain is hosting a Lunar New Year celebration with $88,000 in rewards available from February 17 to March 3. **How to Participate:** - Complete festive tasks on DappBay - Engage with eight ecosystem projects including SUPERFORTUNE888, Maiga AI, fourdot.meme, ChainGPT, Chat & Build, Predict.fun, Renaiss, and Audiera - Share in the collective rewards pool The campaign runs through the "Carousel of Blessings" initiative, where users can stack rewards by participating in various activities across the BNB Chain ecosystem. [Start participating on DappBay](http://dappbay.bnbchain.org/campaign) | [Read full details](https://www.bnbchain.org/en/blog/celebrate-the-year-of-the-horse-with-over-88k-in-rewards-across-the-bnb-chain-ecosystem/)

The **Open Track** category offers flexibility for builders who don't fit into predefined categories. **Key Requirements:** - Must meet standard submission criteria - Must prove execution onchain - No specific category restrictions This track encourages experimentation and innovation beyond traditional boundaries, allowing developers to submit any project as long as it demonstrates verifiable onchain activity. With the submission deadline approaching, builders have the freedom to pursue unconventional ideas that showcase blockchain execution.

BNB Chain is emphasizing the importance of **developer infrastructure tools** that streamline the building process. Key focus areas include: - Scaffolding tools for project setup - Testing frameworks for quality assurance - Monitoring dashboards for system oversight - Security scanners for vulnerability detection The initiative recognizes projects that **reduce friction** and help developers ship faster as valuable contributions to the ecosystem. This developer-first approach aims to lower barriers to entry and improve the overall building experience on BNB Chain's Layer-1 and Layer-2 infrastructure.

The focus is shifting to **consumer-facing blockchain applications** that prioritize simplicity and intuitive design. **Key areas of opportunity:** - Onchain mini apps and games with achievement systems - Social check-ins and event management tools - Creator platforms that feel familiar to mainstream users The core principle: if a non-crypto user can't understand your product in under a minute, it needs refinement. Success lies in building applications that **leverage onchain primitives** while hiding the complexity behind user-friendly interfaces. This approach marks a departure from crypto-native products toward mainstream adoption through familiar user experiences.

The focus shifts to **practical DeFi tools** that users will genuinely adopt: - **Yield dashboards** that cut through complexity - **Strategy builders** for reproducible execution - **Risk monitors** that clearly surface exposure - **Liquidation alerts** that actively save positions The emphasis is on functionality over features—tools that solve real problems rather than add layers of confusion. This approach prioritizes user protection and clarity, making DeFi accessible without sacrificing sophistication.