Meta Pool

**Meta Pool has launched its Referral Program**, allowing users to earn rewards while building their staking history. **Key features:** - Users earn points, XP, and tickets for upcoming rewards - Each referred user who stakes during the cycle earns the referrer tickets for prize draws - Simple wallet connection to get started with a unique referral link **For Node Studio Program operators:** A 30-day referral contest is running where the node with the most verified mpSOL & stNEAR referrals wins 5,000,000 Voting Power delegated for one month. [Get your referral link](https://referrals.metapool.app/)

Meta Pool has released a major platform upgrade after a period of quiet development. The new ecosystem DApp streamlines multi-chain staking by eliminating repetitive wallet authentication across platforms. **Key features:** - Unified access for NEAR, Aurora, ETH, and META token holders - Single authentication for staking and bond purchases - Cross-chain functionality on one platform **What changed:** - Redesigned landing page at [metapool.app](http://metapool.app) - New main application at [main.metapool.app](https://main.metapool.app/) - Simplified user experience for cross-chain interactions The upgrade maintains Meta Pool's core staking mission while reducing friction for users managing assets across NEAR, Aurora, and Ethereum ecosystems.

NTT DATA and Darshana are partnering to introduce verifiable academic credentials across Latin America using decentralized identity technology built on NEAR Protocol. **Key Details:** - The initiative brings blockchain-based academic verification to the region - Uses decentralized identity infrastructure on NEAR Protocol - Aims to transform how universities issue and verify credentials - Represents a significant development for academic identity systems in Latin America The partnership addresses the need for secure, verifiable academic credentials that can be easily authenticated across institutions and borders. By leveraging blockchain technology, the system provides tamper-proof digital credentials that students and institutions can trust. Read more: [Business Empresarial](https://www.businessempresarial.com.pe/ntt-data-y-darshana-transforman-la-certificacion-universitaria-con-credenciales-digitales-verificables-basadas-en-tecnologia-blockchain-de-near-protocol/)

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)