[PRESS RELEASE – LAS VEGAS, United States, September 19th, 2024]

Blockchain storage layer Xandeum has announced that it will reveal its blueprint for scaling Solana storage at Breakpoint 2024 on September 20, 2024. At the flagship Solana conference in Singapore, Xandeum will also share details of its new storage-enabled liquid staking program and officially announce the launch of the XAND token.

Designed to overcome the limitations of Solana’s current storage model, Xandeum’s technology will allow dapps to scale by accessing virtually unlimited storage. Solana can be looked at as a “world computer”, and Solana accounts are its “RAM”. At Breakpoint 2024, Xandeum will share its vision for adding the “hard drive” via their scalable storage layer, the missing piece to a full-fledged world computer. This innovation enables a Cambrian Explosion of storage-enabled dapps.

The smart contract native storage layer introduces “Xandeum buckets,” an exabytes+ scalable file system integrated directly into Solana RPC nodes. Storage will be offloaded to a decentralized network of hundreds of thousands of storage provider nodes (pNodes), supervised by Xandeum-enabled Solana validators. pNodes, validators, and liquid stakers will earn additional rewards in SOL, thanks to highly dynamic fee markets designed to optimize storage efficiency and profitability.

“A low-cost, decentralized storage solution will drastically expand the application landscape.” says Tommy Johnson, early Solana builder, co-founder, and lead engineer at Armada. “It can unlock a new revenue stream for SOL validators and stakers. The Xandeum solution will have an enormous impact on the growth of the Solana ecosystem.”

More details of Xandeum’s Solana scaling solution will be shared at Breakpoint 2024. In addition, Xandeum will use the event to announce its storage-enabled liquid staking platform. Scheduled to go live on October 29, the platform will capture future Xandeum storage fees for xandSOL stakers. Early adopters who stake with Xandeum will be eligible for boosted rewards of up to 10x with more details at https://xandeum.network

As an event sponsor, the Xandeum team will have its own booth at Solana Breakpoint 2024 in Singapore, with community members able to learn more about key initiatives including the liquid staking pool, XAND token, and forthcoming airdrops. The first airdrop snapshot will take place on October 8, with the XAND token launch scheduled for October 29.

Xandeum’s development of new storage primitives to enhance Solana’s programming model will solve the issues with the current storage system, known as “accounts,” which has proven insufficient to hold even a few gigabytes per dapp. These limitations threaten to stifle the growth of web3 applications on Solana.

Xandeum lead developer Xandeum Labs has raised $2.8M to build out its scaling solution and has seen significant interest from Solana’s builder community, with over 4B transactions completed on its community-run devnet. Xandeum will support a new wave of scalable web3 dapps while maintaining Solana’s security and decentralization.

About Xandeum Labs

Xandeum Labs is a web3 startup dedicated to building the scalable storage layer for Solana. As a major contributor to the world’s first storage-enabled liquid staking platform, operated by the XAND DAO, Xandeum has already raised $2.8 million from its community and is on track to launch its pNode network in early 2025.

Users can learn more: https://xandeum.com

[PRESS RELEASE – Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, September 19th, 2024]

Aptos Foundation successfully hosted The Aptos Experience, a multi-day event held on September 5 and 6, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea to celebrate the ecosystem contributions shaping the future of Web3 on the Aptos blockchain.

This flagship event attracted more than 700 pass holders from Web2 giants like Universal Pictures, Google Cloud, Franklin Templeton, Visa, and SK Telecom; leaders of Web3-native projects like Aave Labs, Ondo Finance, and Supervillain Labs; and ecosystem members and aspiring builders from around the globe. Attendees were immersed in an “un-conference” environment, filled with technical workshops from Move developers, an immersive Web3 exhibition hall, and dynamic discussions designed to shape the future of Web3. Builders also took part in networking and nightly curated events.

Over 60 speakers shared perspectives that set the tone for discussions on the evolution of the creator economy, digital ownership, and the critical steps needed to onboard the next billion users to Web3. Experts including Arthur Hayes, Meltem Demirors, and Santiago R. Santos offered deep dives into the future of finance, gaming, art, culture, and technology.

While specific topics varied, the common theme was clear: the future on-chain is bright, and the Aptos ecosystem is making it real.

NBC Universal shared insights from the company’s ongoing Web3 journey, while representatives from Visa, PayPal, Arculus, and IDA discussed the future of on-chain transactions for mobile, wallets, and stablecoins. SK Telecom, Xangle, and Lotte Group outlined the use cases and benefits of the enterprise adoption of Web3 in South Korea. Leaders from Deutsche Motors spoke about how Web3 is transforming the used car market with enhanced security and transparency.

Aptos Labs announced plans for an enhanced version of the Petra wallet that will include new features: earn, which simplifies access to stablecoin DeFi lending pools for non-US users; features for peer-to-peer payments; access to exclusive content like videos and digital collectibles based on interests; groups designed to create digital communities for shared interests; and peer-to-peer “nudges” to interact with friends. Aptos Build, a suite of tools for builders to create dApps regardless of blockchain or Move skill level with integrated solutions, was also revealed and launched. Arculus debuted the highly secure and user-friendly Aptos Card – a hardware wallet that can make global value transfers as simple as tapping to pay.

Throughout the Experience, cryptographers and engineers discussed multiple innovative proposals that could drive the future of finance – and Web3 – on Aptos. There will be a governance proposal, including one for Raptr, the ultimate BFT protocol, that has the potential to unlock high throughput while preserving optimal latency and maintaining performance on Aptos very soon. A new and improved Move programming language will feature greater code, vector, and storage control for builders.

“It was incredible to have such a diverse group of people in one room, their enthusiasm about Web3 being their common denominator. It’s emblematic of the Aptos Network’s reach,” said Bashar Lazaar, Head of Grants and Ecosystem at Aptos Foundation. “From DeFi to gaming to the used car market, each segment brought a Web3 use case being proven out on Aptos to light. In addition to showcasing real-world innovation translating to decentralized value for the masses, it showed just how boundless an on-chain future can be.”

“Aptos Experience provided a comprehensive look at the massive opportunity decentralization offers not only builders, institutions, and household brands, but communities around the world,” said Alix Musset, Ecosystem Manager at Aptos Labs, a key contributor to the Aptos ecosystem. “The Aptos ecosystem is full of gigabrains actively advancing Web3 into a scalable, secure, and accessible next chapter of the global internet. Together, we’re bringing the world closer to mass adoption, thanks to the infrastructure, innovations, and features only available on Aptos.”

“This event took things to the next level,” said Joseph Lee, CEO of Supervillain Labs, a project building on Aptos “The opportunity to meet with peers and experts, all in the name of building the best Web3 experiences possible, was unlike anything we’ve seen before. It was a nice reminder that we’re all working together towards something greater – and the Aptos tech stack provides a stellar platform for true innovation and interoperability.”

Presentations made onstage in Seoul made it clear that Aptos is the home for high-performance DeFi. In collaboration with ecosystem members and partner organizations, the Aptos Foundation will continue supporting projects that bridge the Web2-Web3 gap and bring the world closer to mass adoption. For more about the Aptos ecosystem’s projects, please visit https://aptosfoundation.org/ecosystem/projects.

About Aptos Foundation

Aptos Foundation, is dedicated to supporting the development of the Aptos protocol, decentralized network and ecosystem and driving engagement with the Aptos ecosystem. By unlocking a blockchain with seamless usability, Aptos Foundation aims to bring the benefits of decentralization to the masses.

Aptos Network

Aptos is a next-generation Layer 1 blockchain. Aptos’ breakthrough technology and programming language, Move, are designed to evolve, improve performance and strengthen user safeguards. Please visit https://www.aptosfoundation.org for more information on the Aptos blockchain.

[PRESS RELEASE – Singapore, Asia, September 19th, 2024]

Harvard Students and Alumni Launch Groundbreaking Native Bitcoin Blockchain Project at Harvard Innovation Labs to Tackle Global Debt Crisis 

•  Launch of “New Bretton Woods Project” (NBW): A Harvard-led initiative, soon to be incubated at Harvard Innovation Labs, tackling the global debt crisis through decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions.
•  Native Bitcoin Stablecoin: NBW is developing a Bitcoin-backed stablecoin via BeL2 infrastructure, offering stability while preserving Bitcoin’s decentralization and security.
•  Economic Disruption and Resilience: The project aims to reshape global finance by leveraging Bitcoin and DeFi to promote economic stability and empower users in the face of rising global debt.

In a bold step to transform the global financial landscape, the Digital Economy Research Initiative, led by a dynamic group of Harvard students and alumni, has officially launched the “New Bretton Woods Project” (NBW). This pioneering blockchain-based initiative has secured membership in Harvard’s prestigious Innovation Labs and is set to begin incubation there in the coming weeks. NBW aims to tackle the escalating global debt crisis by offering innovative, technology-driven solutions.

At the heart of the project is the development of a native Bitcoin stablecoin, leveraging the transformative potential of decentralized finance (DeFi). Built on the innovative BeL2 infrastructure, NBW aims to reshape global financial systems, unlocking new possibilities for debt management and financial stability across nations.

With the power of DeFi and blockchain, NBW stands poised to disrupt the status quo, offering a bold new path toward economic resilience in the face of one of the greatest challenges of our time. This initiative signals not just a step, but a leap toward a decentralized, stable and secure economic future.

The project reframes Bitcoin as not just a store of value but the foundation of a decentralized financial system. Using BeL2—Bitcoin’s second-layer solution—the NBW project enables smart contracts for Bitcoin-backed stablecoin construction, empowering users to engage in decentralized finance while preserving Bitcoin’s core principles of decentralization and security.

“Harvard Innovation Labs will help turn our vision into reality,” said Jacob, Lead Member of New Bretton Woods (NBW) at Harvard University. “Our goal is to create a ‘New Bretton Woods’ system anchored in Bitcoin, bringing stability through the utility of a stablecoin. This stablecoin allows users to bypass Bitcoin’s price volatility while retaining the potential for long-term gain, making the product practical for daily use.”

The native Bitcoin stablecoin will be fully backed by Bitcoin, enabling users to experience the stability of fiat currency without liquidating their Bitcoin holdings. This offers a balance of algorithmic security using Bitcoin miners and the opportunity for long-term growth.

The BeL2 infrastructure allows for decentralized finance applications, where Bitcoin remains securely on the main network. Bitcoin can be used as collateral for Layer 2 applications such as decentralized exchanges, loans, and stablecoin issuance. The NBW team ensures that all Bitcoin-related settlements occur on the Bitcoin main network for maximum security. Instead of transferring assets across chains, messages are sent to Ethereum-compatible networks to issue stablecoin, uniting technologies and supporting a robust decentralized economy.

“Financial empowerment comes from both freedom and stability,” added Sasha Mitchell, Head of Operations at BeL2. “By offering a stablecoin backed by Bitcoin on the BeL2 platform, NBW is giving people a way to protect their wealth and access new financial opportunities, especially in times of economic volatility.”

“This initiative comes at a crucial time as global debt reaches record levels. By combining Bitcoin’s decentralized structure with the stability of a pegged currency, the project offers a financial system that mitigates the risks of traditional economies, highlighting the real-world benefits of financial security and sovereignty. Our stablecoin isn’t just another digital currency; it’s a tool for global financial stability,” said Jacob, Lead Member of the NBW project. “We believe that offering a decentralized and stable currency helps individuals and communities navigate the growing challenges posed by the global debt crisis.”

The NBW team invites those who share their vision for a decentralized and secure financial future to explore how they can contribute. Whether you’re a developer, an investor, or a policymaker interested in sustainable financial solutions, this project offers a unique chance to shape a future focused on security, accessibility, and freedom.

About New Bretton Woods Project (NBW)

The project is led by Digital Economy Research Initiative, a team of Harvard students and alumni. NBW is set to be incubated at Harvard Innovation Labs in the coming weeks. Focused on bridging the gap between traditional finance and decentralized systems, the team is committed to advancing financial inclusivity and economic stability.

About Harvard Innovation Labs

Harvard Innovation Labs is a collaborative ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship across Harvard University. It provides resources, mentorship, and funding to students, faculty, and alumni as they develop practical solutions in fields like technology and finance.

About BeL2

BeL2 is Bitcoin’s second-layer solution that enables decentralized finance (DeFi) while keeping Bitcoin secure on its main chain. By providing users with the ability to lend, borrow, and trade without intermediaries, BeL2 ensures financial freedom while preserving Bitcoin’s core principles of decentralization. With BeL2, users retain full control over their Bitcoin while accessing new financial opportunities.