Sony bets on Web3 with Soneium blockchain and incubation programme

Sony Block Solutions Labs has announced the launch of Soneium Minato, a new Ethereum layer-2 testnet, alongside an incubation programme called Soneium Spark. Aimed at establishing Soneium as a key Web3 infrastructure, the initiatives leverage Sony Group’s reach to drive mainstream adoption across a range of applications. 

Driven by the vision to “Realise the Open Internet that Transcends Boundaries,” Sony Block Solutions Labs seeks to demystify and promote Web3 to a wider audience. The company aims to cultivate an internet where anyone can become a creator, making Web3 services more accessible and engaging, even for those unfamiliar with the technology.

Soneium Minato, positioned as the first step towards this vision, provides a public blockchain testnet open to all developers and creators.

“We have opened our testnet as a first step to foster a fan community centred on creators that can connect diverse values through Soneium,” said Jun Watanabe, Chairman of Sony Blockchain Solutions Labs and Senior General Manager of Business Incubation Platform of Sony Group Corporation. 

“We look forward to working with partners who relate to our vision and are willing to participate in collaboration with Sony Group. Let’s work together to create new value in Web3 toward a world where Web3 services are used in people’s daily life.”

The testnet encourages early community formation and feedback, crucial for refining services and creating a robust ecosystem. By accessing apps on Soneium Minato, users can experience diverse services, join nascent communities, and help shape the future of these applications.

“The leadership shown by Sony Group with the launch of Soneium is a strong signal of the advancements taking place in the blockchain industry,” said Johann Eid, Chief Business Officer at Chainlink Labs.

“We are excited to support Soneium’s vision through the Chainlink platform, enabling Soneium to extensively impact the current blockchain landscape and drive adoption both regionally, in markets like Japan, and globally.”

Building on the existing Ethereum layer 1, Soneium leverages the Optimism Foundation’s Op Stack to address scalability and high fee issues. This results in an EVM-compatible, developer-friendly blockchain for broader adoption.

Soneium Spark: Igniting innovation

Alongside the testnet, the Soneium Spark programme aims to cultivate a community of developers and creators. It provides the resources and support needed to transform innovative ideas into market-ready solutions.  

“Soneium becomes stronger by partnering with builders,” explained Sota Watanabe, Director of Sony Blockchain Solutions Labs. “Through Soneium Spark, we bridge Web3 and Web2, startups and enterprises, and innovative builders and the mass users.” 

Soneium Spark offers expert mentorship, cutting-edge infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and market connections to chosen projects. Investments of up to $100,000 USD per team are available. 

“By leveraging Sony Group’s assets and Startale’s experience, we will go mainstream together with the community. We are excited to see creative use cases we will build worldwide together with builders,” added Watanabe.

The programme focuses on key areas such as DeFi, Web3 experiences (including NFTs, gaming, entertainment, and social applications), with an open category for other innovative solutions.

With a strong network of partners – including industry-leading infrastructure providers, enterprise leaders, and venture capital firms – Soneium Spark represents a significant step towards mainstream Web3 adoption. 

Applications for the first cohort of Soneium Spark will open in the coming weeks, with the incubation period commencing in mid-October and running through the following months. The programme will be held entirely online and supplemented by offline events.

“Alongside Startale Labs, we’re supporting the launch of Soneium by equipping developers worldwide to regain autonomy over their creations and their data,” explains Tegan Kline, CEO & Co-Founder of Edge & Node, the initial team behind The Graph.

“We believe that no one entity should hoard power on the internet – building on blockchain technology puts power back in the hands of creators. I hope to see more household names follow in Sony Group’s footsteps.”

(Image Credit: Sony Block Solutions Labs)

See also: Bitwise will donate 10% of Ethereum ETF profits to developers

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Tags: blockchain, coding, Developers, ethereum, incubation, minato, programming, Soneium, sony, web3