Welcome back to Build On Core, your monthly builder digest tracking what’s launching, scaling, and gaining traction across the Core ecosystem. This issue highlights a surge in BTCfi adoption, flagship protocols, validator tooling upgrades, AI-powered dApps, and key ecosystem rankings, all pointing to one thing: builders are doubling down on Core blockchain.
Core Network Growth & Highlights
► Core Debuts in Electric Capital Developer Report: Climbing Fast
Core has emerged as the fastest-growing blockchain across all ecosystems, ranking #2 in BTCfi developer count with over 250 active developers as of June 2025. Full-time developer growth has skyrocketed over 650% year-over-year, underscoring Core’s momentum as the premier home for Bitcoin DeFi innovation. Keep building on Core, where BTCfi thrives.
► 87% of Bitcoin Mining Hashrate Now Securing Core
More than 87% of Bitcoin’s mining hashrate is now being delegated to Core, significantly boosting the network’s security and cementing its role as the backbone of Bitcoin-native DeFi. This achievement underscores Core’s emergence as the Bitcoin Everything Chain, driving the future of BTCfi with unmatched security and scalability.
► Core Leads Bitcoin-Powered Blockchains in Total Transactions
In July, Core achieved the top spot for total transactions among all Bitcoin-powered blockchains in the past 30 days. This milestone underscores Core’s accelerating adoption and its position as a leading platform combining Bitcoin’s security with smart contract functionality. By enabling seamless high-volume activity across DeFi, NFTs, and beyond, Core continues to attract developers and users, driving rapid ecosystem growth and innovation.
► Core Ranks in Top 10 for AI dApps
AI-powered DeFi is already live on Core. According to DappRadar, in July, Core ranked among the top 10 blockchains for AI-driven applications, a reflection of its growing ecosystem where on-chain automation, AI agents, and smart vaults are already shaping the future of Bitcoin DeFi.
New Launches & Integrations
► Molten Finance Is Live on Core: The Liquidity Hub for BTCfi
Core’s BTCfi landscape has leveled up with the launch of Molten Finance, the flagship Super DEX purpose-built for BTCfi on Core. Born from the merger of BitFLUX and Glyph, Molten combines the best of Uniswap’s wide token swaps with Curve’s ultra-efficient stable trading, all optimized for the new wave of Bitcoin-backed assets.
Deep liquidity. Minimal slippage. Built for Bitcoin at scale. Molten delivers institutional-grade trading across Bitcoin LSTs, wrapped BTC variants, and Bitcoin-backed stablecoins, finally solving the fragmented liquidity problem holding BTCfi back. No more passive Bitcoin. It’s time to trade, stake, and earn. Explore Molten Finance now!
► SF Legends Is Live on Core: Tactical FPS Meets Real Ownership
SF Legends by MythGamesNet has officially launched on Core, delivering a fast-paced, tactical first-person shooter built natively for Web3. Inspired by genre classics like Counter-Strike, it brings tight movement, team-based combat, and skill-driven gameplay to the Bitcoin-secured chain.
What sets it apart is true asset ownership. Supply crates, weapons, and skins are all on-chain NFTs — no databases, no rentals. When you earn a skin, it goes straight to your wallet, where you can trade it, sell it, or flex it however you like.
Now available on Epic Games, SF Legends is already in the top 25 ranking of Web3 games by volume, just one week after its launch. It’s a full Web3 experience designed for gamers who want real gameplay and real rewards. Jump in at sf.mythgames.net.
► Houdini Swap Integrates with Core: 100+ Chains, One Bridge
Houdini Swap has integrated with Core, unlocking seamless, one-click bridging between Core and over 100 blockchains. Users can move assets like BTC, ETH, USDT, and USDC into Core in seconds with two flexible options: connect your wallet for fast, on-chain swaps via Wallet Connect, or use Manual Send to bridge without connecting a wallet, enhancing privacy by sending funds through unique deposit addresses.
This marks a significant leap in cross-chain access, giving Core users faster, more private entry into DeFi, staking, and GameFi, all powered by Houdini’s upgraded aggregation engine and Core’s Bitcoin-secured infrastructure. Bridge with privacy at houdiniswap.com!
► BitFi Is Live on Core: Earn Yield on BTC Without Losing Liquidity
BitFi combines the best of CeFi and DeFi. Deposit BTC, securely held by industry leading institutional custodian Ceffu, and earn ~5–8% APY through delta-neutral strategies with minimal market risk. In return, you get bfBTC, a tokenized, fully liquid representation of your BTC plus yield that updates daily and is now integrated across Core’s ecosystem.
BitFi’s quant-driven, off-exchange execution and custody ensure your Bitcoin works for you without locking it up. Don’t let your BTC sit idle. Start earning and stay liquid with BitFi on Core today. Your BTC, your yield. Start earning today with BitFi on Core.
► Vault Layer: Smart Vaults, AI Agents, and Borrowing Power for Staked BTC Now Live on Core
Vault Layer redefines what you can do with staked Bitcoin. Stake BTC self-custodially, and wrap it into a Smart Vault, a liquid, NFT-based position you fully control. Use your Smart Vault to borrow, lend, or delegate strategy execution to an AI agent, all while your BTC keeps earning yield.
Whether you’re automating returns, unlocking liquidity, or lending into the market, Vault Layer turns passive BTC into programmable capital. Put your Bitcoin to work, explore Vault Layer on Core, and unlock a new era of DeFi automation.
► WBTC Now Live on Sumer: Unlock High-LTV BTC Derivatives
Sumer Money has added support for WBTC on Core, bringing even more firepower to the BTCfi ecosystem. Users can now: borrow BTC derivatives at up to 80% LTV, mint $suBTC at 95% LTV, and restake via Pell Network, and borrow against $CORE at 50% LTV. Explore the full range of Bitcoin-backed DeFi tools now live on Sumer.
Latest from Core Ventures
► BTC‑FI Accelerator: Powering the Next Wave of Bitcoin DeFi Builders
Core Ventures has launched BTC‑FI, a 14-week accelerator designed to fuel Bitcoin-native DeFi innovation on Core. This flagship program supports early-stage teams building yield-generating, trading, and liquidity solutions. Selected teams will receive up to $100K in funding, dedicated mentorship from industry leaders, and full access to Core’s ecosystem, including technical, strategic, and BD support. Applications are open now through late August. Build the future of Bitcoin DeFi, apply now.
Upgrades & Hardforks
► Core’s Rev+ Program: Got Users? Get Paid.
The Core Foundation unveiled the Rev+ Program, a protocol-level revenue-sharing model that rewards builders, stablecoin issuers, and DAOs based on the actual value they bring to the network.
No complex tokenomics. No guesswork. Rev+ enables creators to earn directly from user activity through automated gas fee distribution. The more your project is used, the more you earn — simple as that. Learn how Rev+ works and why it’s a game-changer for builders here.
► Dual Staking Tier Ratios Adjusted
After Core implemented an update to its Dual Staking tier ratios, effective mid-July 2025, to improve long-term sustainability and preserve tier exclusivity. The new staking requirements are now set at 34,000 CORE per BTC for the Satoshi Tier, 12,750 CORE per BTC for the Super Tier, and 4,250 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!
Developer Tools for Seamless Onboarding
► Set Up a Core Validator Node in Minutes with the Core Validator TUI Tool
Deploying a validator node on Core just got easier. The Core Validator TUI Tool is a terminal-based installer that automates everything, from hardware checks and dependency installs to consensus key generation and node management. With minimized hassle, get a fully operational testnet validator node up and running in minutes with guided menus, real-time logs, and built-in recovery options. Check out this latest tool from Core now!
Dev Events & Sessions
► Core Connect Campus Edition: India
In July 2025, in collaboration with Geeks of Gurukul, four 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 kicked 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. The registration period ends soon on August 15. 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 July, 5 IRL Meetups were held in Nigeria, Kenya, Argentina, Philippines, and Brazil.
The Momentum Is Real, Build on Core Now
Core is rapidly evolving, with new DeFi vaults, AI tools, and BTCfi applications launching every week. Coming next: more innovative flagship protocols, stablecoin integrations, hardwallet integrations, lstBTC, and protocol-level revenue sharing.
Whether you’re building a DeFi protocol, an on-chain game, or an AI-powered app, Core gives you everything to launch and scale:
Start with the Core CLI Toolkit
Enter the Core Connect Global Buildathon, over $1.2M in rewards
Scale with Core Ventures and a community of builders backing you.
Now’s the time to build on Core and shape the next era of Bitcoin-native innovation. 