Meta Pool

**NEAR's Node Studio Program 2** offers a practical entry point into blockchain infrastructure. **The Opportunity:** - Run a validator node for approximately $25/month - 60 available slots in the program - Initial backing of 40K NEAR provided **What Validators Receive:** - 50,000 NEAR initial delegation - 1-year structured framework - Support from Meta Pool & NEAR Foundation - Eligibility for performance bounties **Top 5 Commitment Bounty Structure:** - 1st place: ~4,563 NEAR - 2nd place: ~2,535 NEAR - 3rd place: ~1,521 NEAR - 4th place: ~1,014 NEAR - 5th place: ~507 NEAR *Rewards split: 40% stablecoins, 60% locked mpDAO tokens* The program positions validators as active network participants rather than passive consumers. Consistent uptime builds reputation, attracts delegations, and generates sustainable income. [Apply here](https://peppermint-daffodil-e37.notion.site/1f23f29d38d3811f8a47cb4e612c3a19)

**Event Details** - Prize per box: **USD 10-15** - **1 winner per box** - Winners announced at event conclusion - Rewards distributed same day or within 48 hours **Recent Winners** Congratulations to recent $10 USDT winners including @Liiwy198995, @doc_tix68771, @vladi08061913, and others. **Claim Process** - Winners must DM the page to claim prizes - Admin contact required within 3 days - Unclaimed rewards forfeited after deadline

**Node Studio Cohort #3** introduces an Advent-style challenge running from **February 4 to March 20, 2026**. **How it works:** - Up to **8 Advent Boxes** will unlock at random, unannounced times - Each box ties to specific activities: Spaces, workshops, posts, or community actions - Rewards go to **active participants**, not passive observers **Eligibility requirements:** - Be registered for the Node Studio program - Complete the specific action required for each box This gamified approach encourages genuine community engagement through surprise challenges rather than predictable tasks.

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)