Starknet

Starknet is launching a new online hackathon from May 12-26, 2025, with a substantial $25,000 prize pool. The event is open to all developers interested in building on the Starknet ecosystem. - **Duration**: 2 weeks (May 12-26, 2025) - **Format**: Fully online - **Prize**: $25,000 total pool - **Eligibility**: Open to all participants This follows their successful Tokenbound Hackathon in 2024, which focused on ERC6551 implementation. [Register now at hackathon.starknet.org](https://hackathon.starknet.org)

Starknet is positioning itself as a unified development platform that bridges both Ethereum and Bitcoin ecosystems. This strategic approach allows developers to: - Build applications that leverage both blockchain networks - Access established tooling from industry leaders - Utilize infrastructure from partners like OpenZeppelin, Graph Protocol, and Nethermind The platform continues to expand its ecosystem through partnerships and developer support initiatives, making cross-chain development more accessible. *Key partners include:* - OpenZeppelin - Graph Protocol - Nethermind - OnlyDust - StarkWare - Starknet Foundation

Atomiq Labs has launched a new cross-chain swap platform enabling Bitcoin holders to convert BTC to wBTC on Starknet. Key features: - Zero slippage trading - Secured by Bitcoin's Proof of Work - Seamless conversion process - DeFi Spring incentives available The integration positions Starknet as Bitcoin's execution layer, allowing BTC holders to participate in DeFi through platforms like Vesu and Nostra Finance. This follows Braavos' recent one-click solution for bridging and vaulting BTC on Starknet. Try it now at [Atomiq Exchange](https://app.atomiq.exchange) or learn more at [Starknet Blog](https://www.starknet.io/blog/atomiq-wbtc-on-starknet/)

Developers can now verify Noir zero-knowledge proofs on Starknet without writing Cairo code, marking a significant advancement in blockchain privacy scaling. Key updates: - Integration enables programmable privacy at scale - No Cairo coding required for verification - Combines Noir's privacy features with Starknet's speed and cost efficiency The upcoming Noir hackathon will showcase these new capabilities. Interested developers can participate at [noirhack.com](https://www.noirhack.com/). This development represents a crucial step toward scalable onchain privacy solutions, essential for preserving digital freedom.

Several major gaming and consumer dApps are launching on Starknet this April: - Realms Eternum Season 1 - Blobarena (early access) - Ponzidotland - Pistols.gg - Focustree app moving fully onchain - Art Peace SN extended This follows Starknet's recent infrastructure improvements: - 500 TPS capacity - $0.002 average gas fees - 2-second transaction times The network is also expanding with new bridges via Hyperlane and BTC integration through Lendasat. Kakarot ZK-EVM testnet launch will make Starknet the first DualVM Validity Rollup.

StarkWare has released a breakthrough research paper introducing ColliderVM, a new approach to scale Bitcoin that doesn't require OP_CAT. The technology enables stateful computation on Bitcoin without fraud proofs, potentially allowing Starknet to scale Bitcoin with or without OP_CAT implementation. In other key updates: - STRK staking v2 is now live on testnet with new validator parameters - DeFi Spring incentives launched for wBTC on Vesu - Braavos released a new Bitcoin vault product for bridging and yield generation - Multiple gaming projects advancing including Crimson Fate beta launch - Request Finance adds Starknet support for crypto/fiat operations

Starknet introduces Garaga SDK, enabling Noir developers to verify ZK proofs on Starknet without writing Cairo code. This collaboration between Aztec Network, StarkWare, and Starknet Foundation brings new capabilities: - Automatic generation of Cairo-based verifiers for Noir proofs - Simple two-step deployment process - Support for ZKML, L2/L3 appchains, and privacy-preserving dApps The integration expands Starknet's ZK toolkit and welcomes developers from multiple languages. Developers can now leverage Starknet's efficient proof verification while working in their preferred language. Learn more: [Noir on Starknet](https://www.starknet.io/blog/noir-on-starknet/)

Starknet's latest developments focus on two key areas: - Core developers held their 22nd full nodes meeting, discussing technical implementations and network improvements - Starknet Foundation released insights on integrating with Bitcoin and Ethereum, outlining their vision for cross-chain interoperability The foundation emphasizes building a robust digital infrastructure that connects major blockchain networks. This marks a significant step in Starknet's evolution as a layer-2 scaling solution. Technical discussions from the dev meeting centered on node operations and network stability improvements. [Watch the full dev meeting](https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1lDGLzbNQdZxm)

**Braavos mobile wallet** now enables instant real-world payments using STRK at Lightning Network-enabled vendors. The integration represents a significant step in blockchain usability: - Simple 3-step payment process: 1. Open Braavos app 2. Scan vendor QR code 3. Complete payment This development builds on Starknet's robust security features including: - Limited approval controls - Multi-factor authentication - Daily spending limits - Real-time fraud detection - Social recovery options [Learn more about the integration](https://www.starknet.io/blog/braavos-bitcoin-lightning-payments-strk/)

Starknet has reached impressive maturity levels: - 500 TPS capacity - $0.002 average gas fees - 2-sec transaction waiting time The ecosystem is expanding rapidly: - Hyperlane integration for improved bridging - BTC loans on Starknet via Lendasat - Upcoming DualVM Validity Rollup with Kakarot ZK-EVM - New DeFi dApp (@strkfarm) crosses $1M TVL Art Peace Round 2 was a success, showcasing network capabilities. *Note: This is not financial advice. Always DYOR.*