Blockchain
Astar partners with Polygon to deploy its zkEVM testnet, the network’s solution for interoperability
Astar Network, a leading blockchain platform on Polkadot creating a cross-chain smart contract environment to support enterprises and dApp builders, joins forces with Polygon to launch zKatana, the testnet for its layer-2 scaling solution.
Blockchain scalability presents the challenge of balancing decentralization, security, and transaction capacity within networks and protocols. This has led to the development of layer-1 and layer-2 scaling solutions, each tasked with different responsibilities and functions. Layer-1 solutions modify the base blockchain protocol to directly boost transaction throughput. In contrast, layer-2 solutions, such as state channels and sidechains, offload transactional work to auxiliary systems, reducing the load on the primary blockchain and boosting efficiency.
Astar’s introduction of zkEVM and its partnership with Polygon primarily focuses on layer-2 solutions, enhancing interoperability and scalability without compromising decentralization or security. Its deployment aims to ensure Ethereum state continuity while providing verifiable data, delivering a reliable blockchain solution tailored for global enterprises. As part of its Astar Supernova zkEVM launch, it effectively addresses scalability issues while enhancing security and privacy, facilitating trustless interoperability abilities. Its key attributes include:
- Speed and Scalability: Through zero-knowledge technology, Astar zkEVM ensures seamless operational stability, even during high transaction volume periods.
- High EVM Equivalency: Astar zkEVM is equivalent to Ethereum’s EVM, offering greater scalability when working with existing Ethereum tools and clients.
- Security: Building upon Ethereum’s security mechanisms, Astar zkEVM establishes a robust and secure environment for executing smart contracts and processing transactions.
- Interoperability: Trustless interoperability, making integrations with Ethereum-based applications and assets smoother than ever.
- Cost Efficiency: Astar zkEVM significantly reduces transaction costs compared to Ethereum, delivering economic benefits for users and companies.
zkEVM deployment serves as an expansion strategy for the Astar ecosystem, enriching developer choices and reinforcing connections with leading Ethereum ventures. Astar’s collaboration with Polygon Labs and its zkRollup technology marks a pivotal achievement in promoting interoperability and unlocking a diverse spectrum of applications. It’s a key component of Astar 2.0, a transformative phase that expands its capabilities to support multiple chains and smart contract technologies, unlocking the full potential of Web3 applications.
Astar 2.0 showcases the project’s dedication to Web3 innovation and solidifies its position as a leading Polkadot parachain, marked by initiatives including the Supernova launch, a Japanese ecosystem expansion, and the Astar Tokenomics 2.0 upgrade.
As a pioneering parachain with a total value locked (TVL) exceeding $200 million, Astar has excelled through strong partnerships and a pilot program with major Japanese enterprises including Sony and Toyota. Its primary goal is to promote expansion and interoperability in the blockchain industry, providing developers and enterprises with greater options. By adopting zkRollup technology, Astar prioritizes security by enabling trustless interactions and safeguarding sensitive data, serving as a significant step forward for the entire blockchain sector.
“Astar is set to illuminate the path to an exciting future in the blockchain space,” affirms Sota Watanabe, CEO of Astar Network. “Our journey at Astar has been a remarkable evolution, driven by our unwavering commitment to advancing the blockchain landscape. As we transition to Astar 2.0, we are poised to unlock a new era of possibilities in the Web3 industry to global audiences.”
“Astar’s impressive journey to 2.0 signifies a pivotal moment that will ignite a phase of unprecedented growth,” says James Wo, founder of Digital Finance Group, or DFG, a global blockchain and digital asset investment firm, itself an early backer of Astar Network. “The prospects for Astar in Japan, the Asia-Pacific region, and on a global scale are exceptionally bright. We anticipate Astar’s ecosystem expanding, bringing the benefits of Web3 to millions of users.”
With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help finance journalists and consumers stay on top of the week’s most newsworthy and popular releases, here’s a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn’t be missed.
The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.
- Prosperity or catastrophe: #Insurance2040 study reveals four possible futures for the industry
By 2040, technological innovation driven by customer centricity could pave the way to greater climate resilience and more personalized offerings by the insurance industry. Alternatively, insurance could become a luxury afforded only to the wealthiest few. - Cardinal Health announces two strategic additions to its portfolio
Cardinal Health will acquire a majority stake in GI Alliance (GIA), the country’s leading gastroenterology (GI) management services organization (MSO), from a combination of GIA physician owners and funds managed by affiliates of Apollo. Cardinal Health will also acquire the Advanced Diabetes Supply Group (ADSG), one of the country’s leading diabetic medical supplies providers, for approximately $1.1 billion in cash. - BlackRock Launches New BUIDL Share Classes Across Multiple Blockchains to Expand Access and Potential of BUIDL Ecosystem
This initiative represents the next step in the evolution of the tokenization market, by enabling BUIDL to be used within leading blockchain-based financial products and infrastructure across ecosystems. - Primo Brands Corporation Announces Successful Completion of Merger of Primo Water and BlueTriton Brands
“I believe Primo Brands is positioned to be a leader in the healthy hydration beverage category, thanks to the strength of its iconic, sustainably-sourced brands, its robust operations and extensive North American network, and its responsible operation of numerous springs across the country,” said Dean Metropoulos, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Primo Brands. - Jackson Hewitt Tax Services Expands Workforce, Offering Job Opportunities Nationwide for Upcoming Tax Filing Season
The week-long event will launch the combined hiring of 18,000 employees to prepare for the upcoming tax filing season. The Jackson Hewitt hiring events are open to the public and include on-site interviews. Qualified candidates could receive a job offer immediately. - PNC Bank to Double Planned Branch Openings to More Than 200 Across Six States This announcement brings the bank’s total investment to approximately $1.5 billion to open more than 200 new branch locations in 12 cities across the U.S. over the next five years, while completing the renovations of 1,400 existing branches during the same time period.
- Alchemy Pay Expands Virtual Card Functionality with Google Pay Support The new card BINs added will significantly enhance the capabilities of crypto cards, expanding their support for a broader range of payment scenarios and improving transaction success rates. This advancement is particularly impactful when paired with Google Pay, one of the most popular and widely used digital payment platforms, trusted by millions for its convenience and security.
- Finaya Unveils Nationwide Homeownership Platform
From providing rich and current information about home values and property conditions, to finding helpful repair and remodeling providers, to shopping for and securing the right insurance, the platform simplifies the homeownership process, making it more accessible, convenient and efficient. - GenAI predicted to inspire revenue growth in 76% of businesses, but only 4% qualify as “leaders” in AI and analytics
Kearney’s report confirms that businesses are not only aware of how big data, AI, and analytics will impact revenue generation and enhance business strategies, but they are investing to stay ahead of the curve, too. - GameAbove Sports Acquires Meaningful Ownership Stake in Brisbane Bullets with NBA Legend George Gervin as Part of Ownership Team
This move marks a significant milestone for GameAbove Sports, a CapStone Holdings Inc. company, as it expands its influence on international basketball ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. - Most US shoppers are encountering generative AI while shopping without realizing it
A survey of 700 online shoppers in the US shows 71% are unaware of having used generative AI while shopping online even though most had recently shopped at retailers currently using it. 41% of customers say they would feel comfortable using a generative AI tool from a brand they trust.
For more news like this, check out all of the latest finance-related releases from PR Newswire.
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