Meta Pool

The Node Studio Program has reached a significant milestone with three cohorts now running simultaneously. **Key Achievements:** - Over 170 validator nodes successfully onboarded and operational on NEAR Protocol - 13.6M NEAR tokens staked, including delegation from NEAR Foundation - Continued growth from 300 validators in July 2025 Node Studio, developed in partnership with Openmesh Network, provides a no-code platform that enables users to deploy validator nodes with minimal technical complexity. The program has consistently attracted new validators, with over 30 joining in a single week during its earlier phase.

Meta Pool has introduced a **referral program** designed to reward community members for bringing new users to the platform. **Key Features:** - Participants can request personalized referral links - Rewards and payment structures are detailed in the program documentation - The initiative builds on previous campaigns like "The Last Block of 2025" The program integrates with Meta Pool's Ecosystem DApp, which streamlines wallet authentication across NEAR, Aurora, and Ethereum networks. Users can stake and purchase bonds without repeatedly connecting wallets across different platforms. [View full program details](https://docs.metapool.app/master/contribute-to-meta-pool/referral-program)

**Node Studio Program 2** has officially launched on the NEAR Protocol ecosystem, focusing on expanding validator opportunities for builders. **Key highlights:** - 64 new validators onboarded to strengthen network decentralization - Program designed to grow NEAR's validator ecosystem - Cohort 3 preparations already underway The initiative aims to create more opportunities for developers and validators within the NEAR ecosystem. Registration is open for those wanting to stay updated on program developments. [Learn more about the program details](https://medium.com/meta-pool/node-studio-program-2-official-launch-7a26fe73d451)

The latest governance call for November 2025 has concluded, marking the 24th community discussion session. This follows the previous governance call held in September 2025. **Key Details:** - Monthly governance call format continues - Community participation in protocol decisions - Regular cadence maintained for stakeholder engagement The governance calls serve as a platform for community members to discuss protocol updates, proposals, and strategic decisions affecting the ecosystem. [Watch the full governance call](https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1YqxolLoNzNKv)

**Build Buddies** is hosting a Web3 community event in **Texcoco, Mexico** this Friday. The gathering aims to: - Connect builders in the Web3 space - Share ideas and collaborate - Foster community engagement This follows previous Build Buddies events across Asia, including Manila, Saigon, Jakarta, Bangkok, Hanoi, and Ahmedabad. [Event details and registration](https://luma.com/sibx7dby)

**Meta Pool DAO** completed a **1.67M $mpDAO token buyback** in November 2025, marking significant progress in their governance strengthening initiative. **Key Achievements:** - November buyback: 1.67M $mpDAO tokens - **Total buybacks since March 2025: Over 12M $mpDAO** - All transactions executed transparently through Rhea Finance on NEAR Protocol **Recent Context:** - October protocol fees: $38,177 collected - $24,815 allocated to active voters (1.2M mpDAO) - **mpIP-20 now implemented** - all rewards distributed in mpDAO tokens The buyback program operates under **mpIP-15** and **mpIP-18** mechanisms, with all transactions verifiable on-chain and tracked via their [Grafana dashboard](https://stats.metapool.app/d/o6-y_wQ7k/meta-pool-public-dashboard?orgId=2&from=1740805200000&to=1764565199000&viewPanel=226). **For Governance Participants:** Active voters can now claim their mpDAO rewards at [metapool.app/myvotes](http://metapool.app/myvotes/)

**MetaPool vote renewal deadline approaching** for December distribution. - Final days to verify and renew votes before month-end - December rewards distribution depends on active voting status - Simple renewal process available at [MetaPool voting portal](https://www.metapool.app/myvotes) **Action required:** Check your voting status and renew if needed to ensure eligibility for upcoming December distribution.

**NodeStudio Program** is accepting final applications for **Cohort 2**, with the deadline set for **October 30**. The program targets builders interested in participating in decentralization efforts. **Limited slots remain** available for the upcoming cohort. Builders from various global locations including Nairobi, Lima, Delhi, and Lagos are already launching validators on the **NEAR Protocol network**. **Key details:** - Application deadline: October 30 - Focus on validator deployment - Part of NEAR Protocol ecosystem - Global participation encouraged [Apply now](http://bit.ly/NodeStudio-v2)

**NEAR Protocol's Node Studio Cohort 2** is accepting applications until **October 24th**. - **60 validator slots** available in this 1-year program - **2.52M $NEAR** allocated for participants - Builders from **global cities** like Nairobi, Lima, Delhi, and Lagos are already launching validators The program aims to expand NEAR's validator network by making node operation more accessible to developers worldwide. **Key details:** - Application deadline: October 24, 2025 - Program duration: 1 year - Focus: Validator node setup and operation Apply at: [Node Studio Application](http://bit.ly/NodeStudio-v2)

Meta Pool DAO has introduced **mpIP-16**, a governance upgrade that brings voting power expiration cycles to the protocol. **Key Changes:** - Voting power now expires in cycles rather than remaining permanent - Aims to improve governance participation and decision-making - Affects how META token holders engage with DAO proposals Alan from Meta Pool's Ambassador team explains the technical details and implications in a dedicated video walkthrough. This change represents a significant shift in how the protocol manages governance rights and could influence future voting patterns within the DAO.