Optimism

**Ethena is expanding its DeFi ecosystem** across 18 OP Stack-powered networks, including OP Mainnet, Frax Finance, Mode Network, and Base. **OVaults technology** enables seamless cross-chain yield farming, connecting previously isolated DeFi protocols across multiple networks. Key benefits: - Enhanced scalability through OP Stack infrastructure - Unified yield opportunities across chains - More connected DeFi ecosystem This expansion demonstrates how **modular blockchain frameworks** like OP Stack are enabling the next generation of cross-chain DeFi applications.

**Optimism Season 8** has officially launched, distributing Retro Funding rewards to **182 builders** who contributed to advancing the Superchain ecosystem. **Funding breakdown:** - 109 onchain applications - 79 developer tools This follows Season 7's success, which rewarded 158 onchain apps and 93 dev tools with 2.6M OP tokens in July. **What is Retro Funding?** Optimism's retroactive funding program rewards builders who have already contributed value to the ecosystem, supporting both applications and the infrastructure tools that enable development. Developers can explore qualifying projects and learn about future funding opportunities at [atlas.optimism.io](http://atlas.optimism.io). *Ready to build on the Superchain? Season 8 grants are currently open for applications.*

Optimism Collective announces its H2 strategic goal: achieving $100M monthly in cross-chain asset transfers across interoperable Stage 1 chains. The Citizens House introduces three stakeholder groups: - Top 15 chains by revenue - Top 100 apps by gas fees - End-users with verified activity Key registration requirements: - End-users must prove human status via WorldCoin - Limited spots available - Sybil protection through HumanPassport screening This follows Optimism's recent $2M bug bounty extension for Superchain protocol upgrades, which has already paid out $2.6M since 2022. [Register for citizenship](http://atlas.optimism.io/citizenship)

The Superchain ecosystem continues to expand with the OP Stack emerging as the dominant L2 solution. Key metrics include: - 50+ chains and $17B+ in TVL - 6 of top 10 L2s running OP Stack - Powers 70% of all L2 transactions Recent developments: - Four networks (OP Mainnet, Base, Unichain, Ink) reached Stage 1 decentralization - Flashblocks upgrade reducing transaction times to ~200ms - Native interop features coming this summer - Growing number of teams joining Superchain Incubator The platform emphasizes security, speed, and seamless cross-chain interactions while maintaining Ethereum compatibility.

Two major audit contests have been announced for blockchain security: - **Superchain Security Contest** Open invitation for whitehats and developers to audit code for secure interoperability [Contest Details](https://cantina.xyz/competitions/44b385bf-e51a-4e6c-b3a8-adbbe24d16e1) - **STRK Staking Contract Audit** CodeHawks contest starting April 4th Prize pool: $80k USDC KYC required [Registration Link](https://codehawks.cyfrin.io/c/2025-04-starknet-part-2) *Both contests offer opportunities for security researchers to contribute to blockchain infrastructure security.*

Superchain interoperability has officially launched, enabling seamless interaction between previously fragmented blockchain networks. Key features: - Cross-chain event reading without additional trust requirements - Single integration point for developers - Universal access to assets and users across the Superchain - Elimination of manual network switching and bridge hunting The system creates a unified blockchain experience that functions as a single cohesive network, significantly simplifying both development and user experience.

Attention app developers: Prepare for Superchain Interop with Supersim, a lightweight tool for local Superchain simulation. Key features include: - Developer-friendly interface - Local Superchain simulation - L2 to L2 message passing testing - Cross-chain feature and app flow iteration **Workshop Details:** - Date: October 23, 2024 - Time: 1800 UTC - Host: @allam_hamdi Supersim allows developers to simulate cross-chain application flows, message passing infrastructure, and OP Stack logic with a single command. This enables local observation of cross-chain interactions and multi-chain app iteration. Register for the workshop: https://lu.ma/interopworkshops Get started with Supersim: https://docs.optimism.io/builders/app-developers/tools/supersim

**Uniswap community chooses Optimism** for Unichain, citing: - Battle-tested, open-source technology - Superchain's network effects and interoperability roadmap - Shared goal of scaling Ethereum **Key features of Unichain:** - Built on OP Stack - 1-second confirmation times (aiming for 250ms) - Optimized for cross-chain liquidity - Supports Superchain Interop-compatible ERC20s **Benefits:** - Fast, low-cost transactions - Seamless cross-chain asset and data movement - Contributes to Optimism Collective **Call-to-Action:** Learn more about Superchain Interop and mint a commemorative NFT.

The OP Stack, a blockchain framework designed to scale Ethereum, has been modular and open-source since its inception. Despite its name, it's not limited to optimistic rollups. - Helps developers scale Ethereum - Modular and open-source architecture - Versatile beyond optimistic rollups The community is eager to see how developers will utilize the OP Stack to innovate and expand Ethereum's capabilities. **Let's continue building together and push the boundaries of blockchain technology.**

Automata Network has been welcomed to the Superchain Ecosystem. This announcement comes as part of Optimism Collective's ongoing efforts to scale Ethereum. Key points: - Applications for Retro Funding 5 are open - Deadline: October 14 - Eligibility criteria available for review - New impact metrics for evaluating contributions to OP Stack The Superchain continues to grow, with recent additions including: - ArenaZ - Shape L2 Other notable updates: - Launch of @optimismgovbot for governance updates - Chain Delegation program onboarding more teams - @OptimismGrants fueling Superchain growth For more information and to apply, visit: http://retrofunding.optimism.io