Latest news with #Bitwire
Associated Press
15-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
CoinMarketCap Introduces CMC Launch, Elite Pre-TGE Project Launchpad, With Aster as Inaugural Project
May 15 2025 (Bitwire) -- CoinMarketCap , the world's leading cryptocurrency data platform, has officially launched CMC Launch, a powerful new launchpad designed to connect quality, pre-TGE crypto projects with its massive audience of over 70 million monthly users. Aster ($AST), an innovative decentralized perpetual exchange, is the platform's inaugural featured project. Unlike traditional launchpads, CMC Launch is a premium platform with stringent qualification requirements, ensuring only truly promising innovations reach its global audience and have the opportunity to grow their communities and gain substantial market traction. CMC Launch projects gain unparalleled exposure to CoinMarketCap's expanded user base through a dedicated launch page, interactive quests that incentivize deeper project exploration, and by facilitating the qualification process of eligible wallets for airdrops. 'The crypto space is packed with thousands of projects all competing for attention,' said Rush, CEO at CoinMarketCap. 'CMC Launch helps new projects connect directly with users who are actively looking for the next big thing. As the 'Home Of Crypto,' we're thrilled to welcome Aster as our first CMC Launch project and introduce them to our global community.' As CMC Launch's inaugural project, Aster reimagines the perpetual exchange landscape and caters to traders of all experience levels. The platform features: Backed by YZi Labs and partnered with established players like PancakeSwap, Aster is currently available on BNB Chain and Arbitrum, with expansion to additional chains planned. Users can participate in CoinMarketCap's first CMC Launch today at: About Aster Aster ($AST) represents the evolution of decentralized trading, built to serve everyone from crypto newcomers to seasoned traders. Created through the merger of Astherus and APX Finance, Aster combines powerful yield products with an advanced perpetual trading platform. About CoinMarketCap CoinMarketCap stands as the Home of Crypto. With over 880 million monthly page views and 14 million tracked cryptocurrencies, CoinMarketCap drives the industry forward by organizing and delivering comprehensive crypto intelligence. Major media outlets including Forbes, Bloomberg, CNBC, and The Wall Street Journal rely on CoinMarketCap as their primary source for crypto data. Jin Choo CoinMarketCap CMC Labs & CMC Launch Lead [email protected]
Associated Press
02-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Aztec Network's Public Testnet Launch Achieves First Major Milestone In Bringing Privacy To Web3
Programmable privacy solution enables developers to build fully private applications on Ethereum for the first time LONDON, May 1, 2025 (Bitwire) -– Aztec Network today announced the launch of its Public Testnet, celebrating a pivotal milestone in the company's eight-year journey to solve one of blockchain's biggest challenges: privacy. Open to all developers, Aztec introduces the first fully programmable privacy solution that protects sensitive information while still maintaining blockchain's inherent transparency. Testnet follows successful testing of the first decentralized upgrade process for an L2, with over 100 sequencers participating in successful deployments of both DevNet and ProverNet. It represents a crucial step forward as Aztec prepares for a mainnet that will launch fully decentralized from day one - because true privacy means no central entity gets backdoor access. 'We currently view blockchain privacy as all-or-nothing, but it doesn't have to be,' said Zac Williamson, Co-Founder of Aztec Network. 'Developers can use Aztec to build dApps with privacy features that seamlessly blend with Ethereum's existing infrastructure, and they won't need to struggle implementing complex cryptography.' 'We first invested in Aztec in 2022 because we shared its vision for making privacy programmable and accessible for any crypto developer,' said Ali Yahya, General Partner at a16z crypto. 'Privacy is essential for blockchains to gain widespread adoption, enabling many new possibilities for crypto applications in financial services, gaming, identity, AI, and much more. Aztec's testnet launch is a significant step towards building that future.' This is the final step for Aztec following the development of several breakthrough technologies that paved the way to, and now set the stage for, mainnet: PLONK, a novel proving system for user-level privacy and programmability that yielded and Aztec Connect, which was a pivotal moment for privacy and encryption solutions; Noir, an intuitive zero-knowledge, Rust-like programming language; and a client-side library for a private execution environment (PXE). These tools allow developers to explore privacy-preserving applications across any use case where protecting sensitive data is a critical function. For more information about Aztec Network and to participate in the Public Testnet, developers can click here . For node operators looking to help run the network, click here . About Aztec Network Aztec is the only privacy-first Layer 2 on Ethereum, empowering developers to build applications that protect user privacy while enabling compliance. Backed by a $100M Series B led by a16z, Aztec is led by a team of world-class researchers and cryptographers who invented trustless client-side proving—the innovation that makes privacy-preserving apps on mobile possible. Using zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) and the Noir open-source, Rust-like programming language, Aztec is building a secure and scalable privacy layer for the decentralized future.
Associated Press
01-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Secret Network Launches 'Privacy 2.0: The AI Revolution' at Blockchain Futurist Conference 2025
New initiative explores the intersection of AI, blockchain, and privacy in the age of intelligent technology TORONTO, ON, May 1, 2025 (Bitwire) -– Secret Network , the leading blockchain platform for privacy-preserving smart contracts, announced the debut of its newest event, Privacy 2.0: The AI Revolution, taking place at the Blockchain Futurist Conference on May 13, 2025 in Toronto. This inaugural event sponsored by Secret Network, Silent Swap, and DAIS, will bring together leading minds in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data privacy to explore how privacy-first infrastructure is essential in shaping ethical and secure AI systems. As AI continues to advance rapidly, Privacy 2.0 will examine the role of confidential computing in protecting user data, preserving digital rights, and enabling real-world decentralized applications. The launch of Privacy 2.0 builds on Secret Network's ongoing mission to advance privacy in Web3. Over the past two years, the organization has hosted DeCC Day — a global series of completely free educational events focused on Decentralized Confidential Computing (DeCC). These sessions have equipped developers, researchers, and entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge needed to build privacy-preserving applications in an open and accessible way. 'Privacy is not just a feature — it's a foundational requirement for the next generation of intelligent systems,' said Lisa Loud, Executive Director at Secret Network. 'With Privacy 2.0, we're creating space for developers, thinkers, and leaders to explore how confidential computing can protect user data while enabling powerful new AI-driven applications. We're proud to bring this conversation to Toronto and continue our mission of open, accessible education.' Top thought leaders are leading the conversation at this event, including: Secret Network is widely recognized for pioneering privacy-preserving smart contracts, enabling encrypted inputs, outputs, and states while maintaining decentralization and verifiability. These capabilities unlock powerful new use cases — from secure voting systems to confidential DeFi — that protect sensitive data without compromising transparency or trust. 'Secret Network's new Privacy 2.0 event is an important addition to this year's conference,' said Tracy Leparulo, Founder of Blockchain Futurist Conference. 'As we explore the future of blockchain and AI, it's essential that conversations around privacy and ethical innovation are front and center — and Secret continues to lead by example.' By hosting Privacy 2.0: The AI Revolution, Secret Network is once again demonstrating its leadership in bringing timely, mission-driven education to the broader Web3 ecosystem. Their continued commitment to open access and free learning experiences has made a lasting impact on how privacy is understood, implemented, and prioritized across the space. About Secret Network Secret Network is a layer-1 blockchain on Cosmos, leveraging TEE technology for default encryption of all data, offering the fastest and most efficient confidential computing available via Secret Contracts. These enable private decentralized applications, akin to standard smart contracts but inherently private. The Secret AI SDK integrates TEE-enabled GPUs with the blockchain, supporting encrypted LLM models and AI agents for private chatbots, DeFAI, and proprietary AI use cases. Through Cosmos IBC and integrations, Secret extends privacy-preserving smart contracts to Ethereum, EVM networks, and Solana, positioning itself as the confidential computing hub for web3 and AI. Learn more at . About Blockchain Futurist Conference Blockchain Futurist Conference is Canada's largest and longest-running Web3 event, now celebrating its 7th year. With over 11 years of experience in the crypto event space—including organizing Canada's first Bitcoin conference and the world's first Ethereum hackathon—the team is dedicated to building community and bridging the gap between Web3 technologies and real-world applications. The Blockchain Futurist Conference team has produced more than 150 large-scale Web3 events across the globe, from the Bahamas to Italy to Australia. The conference explores cutting-edge topics like cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, decentralized finance, and the future of Web3 technology—uniting innovators, investors, and industry leaders to shape the future. Register for the Privacy 2.0 Event: Register for Blockchain Futurist Conference: For media inquiries reach out to [email protected] For sponsorship inquiries reach out to: [email protected]
Associated Press
16-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
HASHBRANCH AND MERKLE STANDARD DEPLOY MASSIVE 1.3 EXAHASH BITCOIN MINING OPERATION
End-of-life hardware strategy creates win-win scenario for miners and hosting facilities in fluctuating markets SAN DIEGO, April 16, 2025 (Bitwire) -- Merkle Standard, a leading sustainable cryptocurrency mining company, and Hashbranch, the software-enabled Bitcoin mining investment platform, today announced the successful deployment of 13,000 Bitcoin mining units, representing 1.3 Exahash of computing power across 30MW of capacity. The strategic collaboration, which progressed from initial discussions to full implementation through an accelerated timeline, demonstrates both companies' commitment to creating innovative solutions for institutional mining operations. The seamless execution highlights the operational synergy and aligned vision that characterizes the partnership. 'This partnership with Hashbranch has allowed us to monetize our available rack space at several locations while implementing a unique profit-sharing model that helps all parties navigate hashprice fluctuations,' said Barry An, Senior Vice President at Allrise Capital, the investment management firm behind Merkle Standard. 'Hashbranch's ability to match the hardware profile and optimal contract terms resulted in an exceptionally efficient process, moving from introduction to signed agreement in under 45 days.' The agreement includes options to expand the deployment to 23,000 units, further solidifying the relationship between the companies and demonstrating confidence in the innovative hosting model. 'By focusing on end-of-life strategies for older Bitcoin mining equipment, we've created a framework that unlocks maximum value regardless of market conditions,' said Tom Merkle, Co-Founder & CEO at Hashbranch. 'Our role in facilitating this agreement demonstrates our ability to align incentives and create sustainable value for institutional mining operations.' Hashbranch provided crucial market intelligence and contract structuring expertise throughout the process, helping both parties accurately assess value and expedite the agreement. The collaboration highlights Hashbranch's growing role in servicing the professional needs of larger institutional clients with specialized requirements through market analysis, strategic matchmaking, and innovative deal structuring. For more information about Merkle Standard's sustainable mining operations or Hashbranch's infrastructure solutions, please visit or . About Merkle Standard Merkle Standard is a premier digital asset mining company based in Washington state with operating sites across the country. The company has a distinct focus on developing North America's most efficient vertically integrated self-mining platform and hosting services. In addition, Merkle Standard specializes in rapid data center development consistently executing buildouts that take less than one year from groundbreaking to mining. At their flagship site in Northeast Washington, Merkle Standard have been operating more than 20 megawatts of water-cooled ('hydro') ASICs since fall of 2022, earning the company accolades as the largest successful operation of 'hydros' in the United States. About Hashbranch Hashbranch is the #1 hosting platform for U.S. Bitcoin mining. The company provides enterprise-grade hardware brokerage services to institutional clients worldwide. Leveraging advanced market intelligence, they connect miners with premier hardware and hosting solutions that maximize investment returns. Their proprietary software platform transforms the entire mining lifecycle, pioneering innovative strategies that extend ASIC profitability well beyond conventional industry timelines. Media Contacts: Merkle Standard Laura Verity [email protected] 509 550 7292 Hashbranch Deepak Atyam [email protected] 562 600 0598
Associated Press
10-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Babylon Genesis is Live: Secured by Bitcoin to Unite the Decentralized World
TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, April 10, 2025 (Bitwire) -– Babylon Genesis, the world's first L1 blockchain secured by Bitcoin, officially launches today, representing a historic moment for Bitcoin utility. This launch cements the Babylon Bitcoin staking protocol as the foundational infrastructure layer for Bitcoin and the most impactful staking solution in the web3 ecosystem, transforming idle Bitcoin into the backbone of the decentralized economy and unlocking its full utility. The Babylon protocol addresses the fundamental issues of two largely disconnected halves of the decentralized ecosystem: the idle potential of Bitcoin and Web3's demand for security, liquidity, and active users. With the groundbreaking Babylon Bitcoin staking protocol, Bitcoin holders can now safely stake their assets to provide security and liquidity to other decentralized networks and earn rewards in return, all without giving up custody of their Bitcoin. This way, the value and user base that Bitcoin captured through mainstream adoption can also be channeled to other decentralized systems, resulting in a more united decentralized world and accelerating its path towards mainstream adoption. During Phase-1, over 57000 BTC were staked on the Babylon protocol, showing strong momentum on the Bitcoin side. Bitgo, one of the top-3 largest qualified custodian for crypto assets, recently announced that they will be supporting BTC staking as well as custody and staking for BABY, Babylon Genesis' native token. Anchorage Digital, another top institutional crypto custody provider, also announced that they will be supporting BTC staking through the Babylon Bitcoin staking protocol, as well as BABY staking. Further, leading wallet providers like Binance Wallet, OKX Wallet, UniSat, and Xverse are going to support Bitcoin staking from day 1. Babylon Genesis represents the successful completion of the second phase in a three-phase launch, and introduces Bitcoin's security to the broader blockchain ecosystem. The blockchain will serve three essential functions: The very first Bitcoin Secured Network (BSN): Uses Bitcoin staking and timestamping to leverage Bitcoin security. Bitcoin Timestamping not only protects against long-range attacks, it enables faster unbonding times (~50 hours for BABY stake, ~7 days for Bitcoin stake). Control plane: Coordinating other BSNs with Bitcoin to help them access Bitcoin's security and liquidity with minimal integration efforts. Liquidity hub: Securely manages Bitcoin liquidity via on-chain applications. Babylon Genesis's Bitcoin traction, benefits to other decentralized networks, and its easy integrations, have attracted adoptions from many networks who have committed to becoming BSNs like Osmosis, TAC, BOB and Corn. Babylon Genesis also facilitates rich on-chain dapps, including: Tower: A decentralized exchange (DEX) for BTCFi. Satlayer: A BTC restaking protocol & BABY liquid staking token (LST) solution Escher: A BABY LST protocol built for DeFi. Milkyway: A modular BABY staking portal for liquid staking and restaking. Further, Babylon Genesis will be supported by bridges, including IBC Eureka (Skip-Go), Union IBC, and Axelar (via Squid), to help interoperability across multiple blockchain ecosystems. Babylon Genesis is powered by well-balanced tokenomics. 8% annual inflation, with half going to BTC stakers, and the other half going to BABY stakers. The token distribution focuses on long-term building. 4-year unlocking on Investor and team and advisor and no staking of locked tokens in year-1. On top of the many BSNs and wallet providers committed to supporting Babylon Genesis and Babylon Bitcoin staking protocol, the Babylon ecosystem is launching with a robust lineup of over 15 leading LSTs (like Lombard, Solv, Pump and Bedrock), and over 250 Finality Providers (FPs, like P2P, Kiln, Chorus One, Figment and Galaxy) to help drive adoption and liquidity from launch. 'Bitcoin has always been the benchmark for security, but until today, that security has been limited to the Bitcoin network itself,' said Fisher Yu, Co-Founder of the Babylon project. 'Through Babylon Genesis, Bitcoin is evolving from an underutilized asset into a dynamic cornerstone of the broader digital economy.' For the first time, Bitcoin's unmatched security resources are securely linked to the wider blockchain ecosystem, providing shared security, liquidity, and utility without compromising self-custody. This launch marks a pivotal moment where Bitcoin's economic gravity extends beyond its own chain.' For a deep dive into the three facets of Babylon Genesis, read more here. Babylon Labs focuses on Bitcoin security-sharing protocols with a vision of building a Bitcoin-secured decentralized world. The latest software development is the world's first trustless and self-custodial Bitcoin staking protocol, which enables Bitcoin holders to stake their BTC on other decentralized systems such as PoS chains, L2s, Data Availability (DA) layers, etc, enabling stakers to earn staking rewards without the need for third-party custody, bridge solutions, or wrapping services. The greater idea is to combine the high security and wide adoption of Bitcoin with the efficiency and scalability of PoS systems, increasing Bitcoin's utility.
