Welcome back to Build On Core — your monthly builder digest covering the latest launches, integrations, investments, and momentum across the Core ecosystem. This month, we’re spotlighting massive traction in NFT, SocialFi, AI-driven DeFi, and validator expansion — all signaling one clear message: the Core builder economy is scaling fast.
Scaling Ecosystem Momentum
Core is now ranked among the top 10 gaming blockchains, cementing its position as a rising hub for on-chain gaming, and summer is just getting started.
Additionally, according to DappRadar, Core now ranks in the top 5 EVM chains by daily active users (DAU), reflecting rapid adoption across gaming, DeFi, and BTCFi use cases.
DEX Volumes Hit Yearly High on Core
DeFi on Core is thriving — DEX volumes surged to a 2025 high of $71.17M this month, signaling increased liquidity, user activity, and protocol adoption across the ecosystem.
A clear indicator that Core’s BTCFi and DeFi layers are gaining serious traction.
New dApps & Launches on Core
► ASX NFT Raise Sells Out in Under 1 Hour
ASX’s first RWA-backed NFT mint was a resounding success, selling out in less than an hour during the public round. Each NFT delivers a projected 7.2% APR, paid via monthly airdrops, sourced directly from real-world real estate revenue.
This marks a major milestone for BTCFi and real yield on Core, bringing tangible, off-chain income streams into the on-chain economy.
ASX’s next RWA NFT mint is already in the works, further expanding Core’s presence in tokenized real estate and synthetic asset innovation.
► Aida AI-powered trading terminal & Launchpad Live on Core
Aida, a new dApp blending AI and asset management, is officially live on Core. The platform serves as a launchpad, trading terminal, and wallet designed explicitly for AI tokens. For a limited time, complete three swaps to unlock rewards. Start exploring the AI-powered trading terminal!
► Corepound Vaults Now Live
Built during the Core Global Gaming Hackathon, @corepoundxyz has officially launched its smart vaults on Core, designed for SolvBTC holders seeking automated, risk-adjusted yield.
With features like auto-rebalancing strategies and structured risk tiers, Corepound puts BTCFi optimization on autopilot, making DeFi-native returns more accessible than ever.
Yield strategies, automated. Vaults now live at corepound.xyz
► Nawa Finance Surpasses $40M TVL
@nawafinance, the first Sharia-compliant BTC yield platform on Core, has officially surpassed $40M in total value locked, marking a significant milestone for ethical finance in Web3. Launched in the GCC and backed by @ventures_core, Nawa is pioneering a suite of halal yield products.
With this traction, Nawa is solidifying its position as a core pillar of BTCFi on Core.
► Vault Layer Deploys AI Agents for BTC Yield
Vault Layer just activated “Vaulter”, its first AI agent designed to manage BTC yield strategies using verifiable on-chain logic. These smart agents can autonomously rebalance positions, optimize risk, and fine-tune performance, removing the need for constant manual oversight.
► Akka Finance Launches Limit Orders & AI Analytics
@AkkaFinance just rolled out two powerful new features to elevate your experience:
Limit Orders: Set your preferred entry and exit points to suit your trading strategy. Akka executes them automatically, so you never miss a market move.
AI Analysis: Real-time, AI-powered insights to help you move faster.
Akka continues to push the edge of UX and intelligence in BTCFi — all from one seamless terminal. Trade with precision. Analyze with intelligence. Explore now!
Core Ventures Investments
► Core Ventures Backs BITS for Institutional BTC Yield
BITS is a decentralized Bitcoin lending protocol enabling BTC holders to earn real, demand-driven yield from institutional borrowers — no tokens, just BTC in, BTC out.
Now backed by Core Ventures, BITS brings institutional-grade BTCFi to Core, powering strategies like arbitrage and liquidity provision with yield paid directly in BTC.
► BitGo & Koda Join Core Validator Set
According to an official update from @Coredao_Org, BitGo and Koda—two leading institutional-grade custody and infrastructure providers—have officially joined the Core validator network.
With BitGo and Koda joining the expanded validator set, Core gains enhanced security, decentralization, and credibility for large-scale BTCFi participation.
Dev Events & Sessions
► Core Connect Campus Edition: India
In June 2025, in collaboration with Geeks of Gurukul and Hack4Bengal, six hands-on workshops were hosted across top universities in India. These IRL sessions introduced students to the Core ecosystem, smart contract development, and dApp deployment, paired with live mentorship from Web3 builders. The initiative reflects Core’s commitment to grassroots developer education and onboarding in emerging markets. Register now for an exciting workshop!
► Core Connect Global Buildathon
This summer, the Core Connect Global Buildathon kicks off with up to $1.2 million in prizes, developer resources including up to $100,000 in AWS Activate Credits, funding opportunities from Core Ventures, and travel scholarships for finalists to attend the global finale at Token2049 Singapore. It’s the most ambitious builder challenge yet, open to all who want to launch on Core. Register, Build, and Ship PMF solutions!
► Core Connect Global Meetups: 12 Cities, 1 Vision
To grow Core’s global builder community, IRL meetups are being held across 12 cities spanning Asia, Africa, Europe, LATAM, and Southeast Asia. These events offer direct mentorship, project feedback, and a launchpad for developers looking to ship on Core. In June, 6 IRL Meetups were held across India, Pakistan, Germany, Turkey, and France. Register now for a meetup near you!
Upgrades & Hardforks
► Theseus Hardfork Activated on Core Mainnet
The Theseus Hardfork has officially been activated on Core Mainnet on June 25, 2025, with the release of v1.0.17, following its successful rollout on Testnet2 on May 30, 2025, at 08:00 AM UTC. This major network upgrade introduces enhanced transparency, revenue-sharing mechanisms, and improved developer tooling, marking a significant step forward for the Core ecosystem. All validators and full node operators are required to upgrade to v1.0.17 to ensure uninterrupted network operations. Meanwhile, devs are strongly advised to thoroughly test dApps for custom gas logic and gas-sensitive workflows to maintain compatibility. Theseus strengthens the foundation for a more efficient and builder-friendly Core. Get the latest release!
► Dual Staking Tier Ratios Adjusted
After Core implemented an update to its Dual Staking tier ratios, effective mid-June 2025, to improve long-term sustainability and preserve tier exclusivity. The new staking requirements are now set at 29,000 CORE per BTC for the Satoshi Tier, 10,875 CORE per BTC for the Super Tier, and 3,625 CORE per BTC for the Boost Tier. This adjustment was proposed and approved through Core’s governance process. By increasing the CORE required for each tier, the update strengthens commitment from stakers. This aligns incentives more closely between BTC and CORE holders, reinforcing the economic security of Core’s BTCFi ecosystem. Adjust your staking to keep earning!
► Core Unveils the H2 2025 Roadmap
The second half of 2025 is poised to be a significant growth period for Core. Key initiatives on the horizon include the launch of lstBTC, the rollout of the CoreFi Strategy, and major stablecoin and hardware wallet integrations. Expect further improvements to Dual Staking, as well as the introduction of revenue sharing, fee splitting, and local fee markets — all designed to strengthen Core’s infrastructure and user incentives. This is just a preview of what’s coming.
Now Is the Time to Build on Core
Core’s momentum is real — with new vaults, AI tools, and BTCFi innovations going live weekly, plus a roadmap packed with stablecoin integrations, lstBTC, and revenue sharing.
Whether you’re launching a DeFi protocol, an on-chain game, or an AI-native app, there’s never been a better time to build.
Grab the Core CLI Toolkit and kickstart your dApp.
Submit it to the Core Connect Global Buildathon for a shot at $1.2M+ in support.
Scale with Core Ventures and grow alongside a global builder community.
Start building — and lead the next wave of Bitcoin-powered innovation.