Ethereum

**Ethereum scaling breakthrough** with ZK technology advancement - **Pico Prism** emerges as key solution for global transaction demand - Maintains **trustworthy and decentralized** network properties - Builds on recent ZK progress including zkSync's Atlas **Key benefits:** - Cheaper, near-instant transactions - Improved scalability and user experience - Lightweight device verification of millions of transactions - **No compromise** on security or neutrality ZK (zero-knowledge) technology continues advancing Ethereum's ability to handle massive transaction volumes while preserving the network's core principles of decentralization and security.

**Layer 2 networks are experiencing deployment failures** on Ethereum's Sepolia testnet due to EIP-7594 implementation. **What's happening:** - Multiple L2s noticed their Sepolia deployments stopped working - Root cause: EIP-7594 changed proof formats - Issue emerged over the past few days **The fix:** All blob originators need to update their systems before Fusaka upgrade arrives. **Why this matters:** This testnet disruption serves as an early warning for the upcoming Fusaka upgrade, which will bring significant changes to Ethereum's data availability layer.

The **Ethereum Foundation** has launched applications for its **2026 Internship Program**, offering paid, full-time positions working directly with teams advancing the Ethereum protocol. **Key Details:** - 12-week summer program - Direct collaboration with EF teams - Focus on protocol and ecosystem development - Full-time, compensated positions This marks the continuation of EF's formal internship initiative, following their inaugural 2025 program. The opportunity provides hands-on experience with one of blockchain's most significant protocols. Applications are now open for students and early-career professionals interested in contributing to Ethereum's development.

**Replicats** launches on Base, offering AI Smart Wealth Companions that autonomously manage and grow crypto portfolios. The Ethereum-based mini-app will showcase at **Devconnect's App Showcase** this November, demonstrating how AI agents are evolving from simple chatbots to active portfolio managers. This follows a broader trend of AI agents integrating directly into DeFi platforms: - **Rhea Finance** embedded agents for borrowing, lending, and swapping - **TrebleSwap** deployed branded agents for seamless transactions - **Bitte's embeddable chat** enables real actions across 12+ blockchains These developments signal AI's shift from answering questions to **executing real financial actions** through conversational interfaces. *Experience live demos at Devconnect to see how AI companions could transform portfolio management.*

**Key Ethereum Developments:** - Pectra upgrade live with smart account features and 2x L2 capacity - Stripe launches stablecoin accounts in 101 countries - Uniswap reaches $3T all-time swap volume - Multiple L2s reach Stage 1: Base, Kinto, Scroll, and Starknet **Technical Achievements:** - ZKSync achieves full EVM equivalence - SuccinctLabs/RiscZero reduces block proving to 12s - Aztec launches public testnet for private L2 **Adoption Highlights:** - Coinbase integrates Farcaster social - AAVE partners with ANT for RWA marketplace - WorldID verifies 12.5M humans on L2 - MorphoLabs hits $1B TVL on Base

Microsoft Fabric users can now access Ethereum blockchain data through Space and Time's integration. This development marks a significant step in enterprise blockchain adoption. - The integration enables direct querying of Ethereum on-chain data - Space and Time, operating on ZKsync Chain, provides ZK-verified data - Enterprise users can now access trustless, queryable blockchain data for business analytics This collaboration bridges the gap between traditional enterprise systems and blockchain technology, making Web3 data more accessible to mainstream businesses.

A new 'Checkpoint' series has been introduced to provide condensed updates from Ethereum's weekly All Core Developer calls. - Series will cover 4-5 calls per update - Focus on high-level development progress - Aims to make technical discussions more accessible The initiative comes as Ethereum continues to evolve, with recent discussions including the Dencun upgrade coordination among core developers. *Follow the Checkpoint series to stay informed about Ethereum's technical development without getting overwhelmed by weekly details.*

The Ethereum Foundation emphasizes its dedication to treating information as a public good, highlighting two key initiatives: - **Research Grant Program**: Launched in 2022 to support academic research and knowledge sharing - **Next Billion Fellowship**: Focuses on documenting community impact stories and technological accessibility These programs align with the Foundation's core mission of keeping technology open and accessible while fostering community-driven development. *Learn more about ongoing research opportunities and fellowship applications through the Ethereum Foundation portal.*

Mulenga Kapwepwe, founder of the Women's History Museum of Zambia, initiated discussions with local tech experts about blockchain's potential role in cultural preservation. This exploration follows a growing trend of African cultural institutions seeking innovative technological solutions. The initiative connects with other regional movements like Bitcoin Dada in Kenya, which focuses on empowering African women in blockchain technology. Key points: - Museum founder exploring blockchain for heritage preservation - Local tech community engaged in discussions - Part of broader African tech adoption movement *This intersection of traditional cultural preservation and blockchain technology represents an emerging trend in African heritage institutions.*

The Ethereum Foundation's EcoDev Research Team has announced five six-month research fellowship positions. These fellowships aim to explore underutilized Ethereum use cases, offering participants a unique opportunity for in-depth research. Key points: - Five positions available - Six-month duration - Focus on underexplored Ethereum applications This initiative follows the recent Devconnect Scholars Program, which aimed to increase diversity in the Ethereum community. Both programs demonstrate the Foundation's commitment to fostering innovation and inclusivity in the Ethereum ecosystem. Interested candidates should check the Ethereum Foundation's website for application details and deadlines.