Japan’s Astar Network has partnered with Soneium, an Ethereum Layer 2 (L2) blockchain developed by Sony Block Solutions Labs (Sony BSL). This collaboration aims to launch the Astar Contribution Score (ACS) campaign, a 100-day initiative designed to invigorate Soneium’s ecosystem by enhancing on-chain activity, incentivizing liquidity, and broadening the adoption of Web3 applications.
A Convergence of Pioneering Entities
Sony BSL, a joint venture between the global technology conglomerate Sony Group and Web3 innovator Startale Group, introduced Soneium as a next-generation Ethereum L2 solution. This venture signifies Sony’s ambitious foray into the blockchain domain, leveraging its extensive experience in technology, entertainment, and finance to foster a decentralized internet that transcends traditional boundaries.
Astar Network brings to the table its native token, ASTR, which will serve as the cornerstone of the ACS campaign. This partnership not only amplifies Astar’s presence within the Ethereum ecosystem but also aligns with its mission to drive Web3 adoption on a global scale.
Astar Contribution Score Campaign
Scheduled from February 20 to May 30, 2025, the ACS campaign is crafted to catalyze growth within the Soneium ecosystem.
Participants can accrue ACS points through various engagements, such as interacting with decentralized applications (dApps), supplying liquidity to decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, and participating in diverse Web3 activities.
These points are convertible into ASTR tokens at a rate of 0.1 ASTR per point, with a substantial reward pool of 100 million ASTR earmarked for distribution.
To further incentivize participation, the campaign offers point multipliers based on the assets utilized:
- ASTR: 2x multiplier
- ETH: 1.3x multiplier
- USDC: 1.2x multiplier
- USDT: 1x multiplier
This structure is designed to reward users who actively contribute to the ecosystem’s vitality, thereby fostering a dynamic and engaged community.
Strategic Integration of ASTR in Soneium’s Ecosystem
The ACS campaign encompasses over 40 innovative projects within the Soneium network, including prominent platforms like Velodrome, Quickswap, SoneX, Kyo Finance, SoneFi, and Synstation. By embedding ASTR into a diverse array of DeFi, gaming, and consumer applications, the initiative seeks to expand the token’s utility, stimulate sustained demand, and cultivate long-term growth.
Sota Watanabe, founder of Astar Network and CEO of Startale Group, noted the campaign’s community-centric approach:
“At the heart of ACS is a powerful incentive mechanism designed to truly reward the people who drive the Soneium ecosystem forward.”
“It’s for the users who don’t just participate but who actively engage, provide liquidity to DeFi platforms, and interact with Web3 applications in meaningful ways,” he added.
This sentiment underscores a strategic vision to transform user contributions into tangible rewards, thereby creating a self-sustaining cycle of growth and adoption.
Soneium’s Meteoric Rise in the Blockchain Arena
Despite its recent launch in January 2025, Soneium has rapidly ascended the ranks, currently positioned among the top six Layer-2 solutions in terms of user-generated transactions. The platform boasts impressive metrics, including 3 million total wallets, 1.5 million active users, and nearly $50 million in total value locked (TVL). This swift growth trajectory is a testament to Soneium’s robust infrastructure and its appeal to a broad spectrum of users and developers.
Jun Watanabe, Chairman of Sony Block Solutions Labs, articulated the broader vision driving Soneium’s development:
“We will work to create diverse businesses and new use cases with the aim of delivering customer value that can only be enjoyed through Web3 technology to as many users as possible and making people’s lives richer and more colorful.”
This philosophy reflects a commitment to harnessing blockchain technology to enhance everyday experiences and foster a more inclusive digital economy.
The Genesis of Sony Block Solutions Labs and Soneium
Sony Block Solutions Labs emerged from a strategic partnership between Sony Group and Startale Group, culminating in the development of Soneium.
This Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain provides a scalable, efficient, and developer-friendly environment, leveraging the OP Stack from the Optimism Foundation. The platform aspires to serve as a nexus for creativity and innovation, enabling seamless interoperability and scalability across decentralized ecosystems.
Sota Watanabe highlighted the transformative potential of this collaboration:
“The launch of the Soneium Mainnet by Sony Block Solutions Labs will have a great influence on Astar. As part of Startale Group, Astar is playing an important role within the Soneium ecosystem, especially when it comes to driving innovation and connecting systems that need to work together.”
This partnership exemplifies a synergistic approach to ecosystem development, combining Sony’s technological prowess with Astar’s blockchain expertise.
Astar’s Strategic Evolution: Phase 1.5 and Beyond
The integration with Soneium aligns with Astar Network’s strategic roadmap, specifically its Evolution Phase 1.5. This phase signifies a transition from a standalone blockchain protocol to a dynamic collective, emphasizing interoperability and cross-chain functionality.
By adopting the SuperchainERC20 standard, ASTR is poised for seamless integration across various Layer-2 networks, including Base and OP Mainnet, thereby amplifying its role within the Superchain ecosystem.
This strategic positioning enhances ASTR’s utility, and also fortifies Astar’s commitment to fostering a cohesive and scalable Web3 infrastructure.
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