Starknet

**strkBTC is launching a three-phase bridge architecture** designed to progressively eliminate trust requirements for Bitcoin transfers to Starknet. **Key Features:** - Each phase systematically removes a layer of trust from the bridging process - The final phase aims to make fraudulent transactions mathematically impossible - Users can bridge native BTC into strkBTC through three routes: [strkbtc.io](http://strkbtc.io) (built by StarkWare, powered by Atomiq Labs), Atomiq Labs, and Gardenfi - All three routes lead to the same asset on Starknet **The Approach:** The phased rollout represents a methodical path toward a fully trustless bridge, where security is enforced through mathematical proofs rather than trusted intermediaries. This architecture addresses one of crypto's persistent challenges: creating secure cross-chain bridges without relying on centralized validators or multisig setups.

**Multiple pathways now available for bringing Bitcoin to Starknet** Users can now bridge native BTC to Starknet as strkBTC through three different routes: - [strkbtc.io](http://strkbtc.io) - built by StarkWare and powered by Atomiq - [Atomiq Labs](https://atomiqlabs.com) - direct native BTC bridging - [Garden Finance](https://gardenfi.com) - cross-chain BTC and WBTC swaps All three routes lead to the same strkBTC asset on Starknet, giving users flexibility in how they bring their Bitcoin onchain. Once bridged, strkBTC can be shielded for privacy or used across Starknet DeFi applications. The multi-route approach provides redundancy and choice for Bitcoin holders looking to access Starknet's privacy features and DeFi ecosystem.

**Stark Lens** has launched as a blockchain visualization platform for Starknet, similar to Bubblemaps on other networks. The tool enables users to: - Visualize token holder activity across the network - Trace connections between wallets - Track token supply movements throughout the ecosystem All data is sourced directly from onchain activity. The platform is designed for traders and analysts working within the Starknet ecosystem. [Access Stark Lens](https://starklens.aegisanalytics.xyz/)

**0dAMM by 0D Finance has launched exclusively on AVNU**, marking the first Proprietary Automated Market Maker (PropAMM) on Starknet. **Key benefits for traders:** - Tighter pricing spreads - Reduced price impact on trades - More consistent order fills **What are PropAMMs?** PropAMMs use oracle-driven pricing with sub-second quote updates, delivering spreads tighter than most centralized exchanges. While they dominate volume on Solana, most implementations are closed-source black boxes. **Why this matters:** 0dAMM brings this advanced execution model to Starknet's ecosystem, potentially opening up better pricing infrastructure for the broader DeFi stack including lending protocols and retail liquidity providers. Learn more about [0dAMM on AVNU](https://avnu.fi)

At Bitcoin 2026, a new privacy solution for Bitcoin was demonstrated on stage. **strkBTC** enables Bitcoin holders to conduct private transactions on Starknet through a privacy pool system. **How it works:** - Users bridge their BTC into the Starknet network - Balances and transfers become shielded within the privacy pool - Bitcoin remains fully redeemable back to native BTC at any time - External observers only see bridge deposits and withdrawals - Internal transaction activity stays private The solution gives Bitcoin users optional privacy without sacrificing the ability to return to native BTC. Users maintain control over when to enter and exit the privacy layer.

Starknet mainnet experienced a brief ~10 minute downtime starting at 8:10 AM UTC on April 20 for the v0.14.2 protocol upgrade. **Key Changes:** - **In-protocol proof verification** - Starknet can now verify proofs natively at the protocol level, eliminating expensive application-layer workarounds - **Native privacy unlocked** - Enables STRK20 and strkBTC tokens with built-in privacy features - **zkThreads foundation** - Lays groundwork for infinite scaling through parallel execution - **Decentralization building blocks** - Adds infrastructure for future decentralized validation The upgrade passed community vote on April 16 after STRK stakers and delegators approved the changes. Additional improvements include revised storage economics and StarkGate token contract upgrades. This represents a fundamental shift in how Starknet handles proof verification, moving critical functionality from the application layer into the core protocol.

**strkBTC is set to launch by end of April/early May**, bringing a new Bitcoin wrapper to Starknet that combines hard money principles with privacy and DeFi productivity. **Key features:** - Privacy-enabled Bitcoin transactions - Built on STRK20s privacy technology - Compliance integrated from day one - Full DeFi composability on Starknet **What this means:** Bitcoin holders will be able to do more than just HODL - they can participate in Starknet's DeFi ecosystem while maintaining privacy. The asset aims to provide Bitcoiners with confidential balances and private transfers. **Get involved:** Interested users can contact the team at [strk20.starknet.io](https://strk20.starknet.io/) to participate in the upcoming launch. Bitcoin can already be bridged to Starknet in preparation. This launch is part of Starknet's broader privacy initiative, which includes STRK20s - a privacy layer for all ERC-20 tokens with built-in compliance.

Starknet has activated **post-quantum resistant wallets** on its network, marking a significant step in blockchain security. **Key Features:** - No address changes required for users - No hard fork needed for implementation - Proving system already post-quantum by design - Seamless upgrade path for existing wallets This development positions Starknet ahead of potential quantum computing threats to blockchain security, while maintaining backward compatibility.

**Starkzap** is lowering the barrier to entry for blockchain development. The platform demonstrates how developers can quickly transform app ideas into functional onchain applications. This represents a significant shift in blockchain development accessibility. **Key points:** - Building consumer apps on Starknet has become straightforward - Developers can create virtually any application type - The platform abstracts away blockchain complexity - No deep technical blockchain knowledge required This development signals a maturation of blockchain infrastructure, where the underlying technology becomes invisible to both developers and end users. The focus shifts from technical implementation to actual user experience and functionality.

**Starkzap v2 is now live**, expanding beyond its initial social login, gasless transactions, and staking capabilities. The updated SDK now includes: - Bridging functionality - Token swaps - Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) - Lending and borrowing protocols - Confidential transfers **All features are integrated into one unified SDK**, building on the original Starkzap toolkit that included invisible wallets, paymasters, session keys, and mobile access. The platform aims to help developers build fully onchain applications while abstracting blockchain complexity and creating new revenue opportunities.