Welcome back to Build On Core, your monthly builder digest tracking what’s launching, scaling, and gaining traction across the Core ecosystem. This month, we spotlight a surge in BTCfi adoption, flagship protocol growth, AI-driven dApps, and network milestones, all signaling one thing: the Core builder community is stronger than ever.
Core Network Growth and Highlights
► Core Ranks #1 in Electric Capital Developer Report Among BTCfi Chains
After debuting on the Electric Capital Developer Dashboard in July, Core has rapidly climbed the rankings. As of August, Core is now #1 among BTCfi chains and listed in the top 30 global ecosystems, with 347 active developers and an astounding 2,457% year-over-year growth in full-time contributors. This milestone underscores Core’s momentum in the BTCfi space and highlights the growing strength and innovation within the developer community building on Core.
► Core Leads BTCfi Chains in Transaction Volume
In the past 30 days, Core ranked #1 among all BTCfi chains, recording an impressive 9.8 million transactions. This milestone underscores Core’s rapid adoption and solidifies its position as a leading platform in the Bitcoin-powered ecosystem.
► State of Core Q2 2025 Report Released by Messari
Messari’s latest State of Core Q2 2025 report spotlights Core’s rapid growth and innovation in the BTCfi ecosystem. In Q2 2025, daily transactions increased by 8% and lifetime wallets surged to 59.1 million, reflecting the network’s expanding adoption. BTC + CORE staking reached a combined $706M, driven by a sharp rise in dual staking. While DeFi TVL eased to $367.5M, leading protocols like Colend, Sumer, and Pell Network continued to drive ecosystem activity. The quarter also marked the rollout of the Theseus Hardfork, introducing protocol-level fee sharing and enhanced developer tools. With hardware wallet integration now live, Core is setting the stage for its next phase of innovation, including the upcoming launch of lstBTC and integration of a major stablecoin.
► BitGo Case Study Released
BitGo has released a new case study illustrating how institutions can now earn Bitcoin yield through Core without compromising custody, compliance, or operational control. By integrating Core’s Dual Staking model within BitGo’s qualified custody infrastructure, institutional clients gain access to secure, tiered Bitcoin rewards—leveraging time-locked BTC and staking CORE, all while ensuring institutional-grade security, seamless multi-asset wallet management, and advanced back-office tools for real-time performance tracking, reporting, and tax compliance. Read the case study for more details!
New Partnerships and Integrations
► Ledger Integration Now Live
The new Core app for Ledger devices is live, enabling users to timelock BTC and stake CORE directly from hardware wallets. Users can earn ~5% APY while keeping assets secured on their device. Stake now!
► Core Missions Launch: A New Era of Incentives
Core is evolving beyond the Ignition program with the launch of Core Missions, a smarter and more targeted incentive model. These missions deliver early access to flagship dApps, guided experiences for new users, and exclusive rewards, creating a streamlined path for deeper ecosystem engagement. Meanwhile, Ignition Sparks will soon be redeemable for stCORE, ensuring early supporters share in Core’s next growth phase.
► Hex Trust Expands Institutional Access Across APAC & MENA
The Core Foundation has partnered with Hex Trust to bring Dual Staking to institutional custody platforms across the APAC and MENA regions. This partnership unlocks secure, self-custodial Bitcoin yield opportunities, empowering institutions in these rapidly growing markets to participate in the Core ecosystem like never before.
► P2P.org Strengthens Core’s Validator Network
P2P.org, a leader in blockchain infrastructure, is now live as a Core validator. By delivering enterprise-grade performance and reliability, P2P.org reinforces Core’s Bitcoin-secured consensus, driving greater resilience and scalability for the network as adoption accelerates.
► Expanding Developer Outreach Through Global Partnerships
In Q2 2025, the Core Foundation partnered with 12+ developer communities worldwide to onboard new builders and strengthen the Core developer ecosystem. These partnerships span the globe, including APAC DAO, Crecimiento, NearX Education Platform, Google Developer Groups in Pakistan & India, Central DAO, W3-Zetech, Rise In, Patika.dev, Blockchain Founders Capital, TechSoc, Web3digest, and Geeks of Gurukul, creating new opportunities for collaboration, education, and innovation within the Core ecosystem.
New dApps & Yield Opportunities
► BITS Financial Goes Live on Core
BITS Financial, an institutional-grade Bitcoin yield protocol on Core, is now live. It features a streamlined process: deposit, receive $BITS, choose a strategy, and earn yield, with reported returns in the 2.4–5% APY range. This launch reinforces Core’s reputation as a compliant, secure hub for Bitcoin yield products.
► Molten Finance: Sustainable BTCfi Farming
Molten Finance has introduced a new farming mechanism tailored for sustainable Bitcoin DeFi. Unlike traditional models that lock LP tokens, Molten uses an off-chain farming approach so users retain ownership of LP NFTs while earning yield securely and composably. Built as the flagship Super DEX on Core, it combines Uniswap-style multi-token swapping with Curve-like low-slippage Bitcoin asset trading, offering deep liquidity and institutional-grade efficiency.
► Colend Boost: High-Yield on stCORE
Colend’s “Boost” subscription model drastically enhances yield returns, transforming a modest 0.19% base APY into 44.73% APY. Additional opportunities: stCORE at 600% APY, USDT at 30% APY, SolvBtc.b offering 17% APY on Bitcoin. Colend remains a leading lending and borrowing platform on Core, with a notable ecosystem footprint, over $126M in TVL, and substantial generated fees and revenue.
► Vault Layer AI Agents + Molten Integration
Vault Layer published their Vaulter Agents whitepaper, detailing AI-powered automation for DeFi workflows. Vault Layer has also now integrated these agents with Molten DEX, the super DEX on Core, to enable smart, automated swaps across Core’s infrastructure. This next-gen integration enhances efficiency and precision for users navigating Bitcoin staking and swaps.
► Volta OG Quest: Chapter 1 is Live
Chapter 1 of the Volta OG Quest launched on August 14, giving the community an exciting opportunity to take the first step toward OG status, unlock eligibility for future airdrops, and access exclusive community perks. This first chapter ran until August 19, marking the start of an exciting journey for early participants.
► ASX Capital Brings Real Estate Yield to Core
ASX Capital has launched the Franklin Jefferson Candlelight Apartments NFT, bringing real-world real estate yield on-chain. Each NFT is backed by actual property, offering holders ~8.5% APR at mint, monthly dividends in $ASX, and exposure to property appreciation — all while making U.S. real estate accessible to a global Web3 audience. Designed by 9FStudioArt, these NFTs combine financial utility with unique artistic value.
► World of Dypians Brings back Core Treasure Hunt
The Core Treasure Hunt is back in the World of Dypians, bringing 120 days of adventure and $20,000 in rewards. Participants can hunt for hidden chests, log in daily to claim rewards, and take on challenges designed to test their skill and determination. Only the most dedicated explorers will rise to the top. Will you claim your place in Core history? Join the Hunt.
Latest From Core Ventures
► BTC-FI Accelerator: Igniting the Next Wave of Bitcoin DeFi Innovation
Core Ventures has launched the BTC-FI Accelerator, a 14-week program aimed at empowering early-stage teams building yield-generating protocols, trading platforms, and liquidity solutions on Core. Participants will gain up to $100K in funding, expert mentorship from industry leaders, and comprehensive support across technical, strategic, and business development tracks. Applications are closing soon, don’t miss the chance to help shape the future of Bitcoin-powered DeFi. Register now!
Developer Tools for Seamless Onboarding
► Technical Documentation for Core’s Rev+ Program: Now Live
The Core Rev+ technical documentation is now available, offering a comprehensive overview of the program’s mechanics and reward structure. Developers can dive into detailed insights on how Rev+ works, follow step-by-step application guidance, and explore integration best practices. Start reading today to unlock new opportunities within the Core ecosystem.
Dev Events & Sessions
► Core DevRel Office Hours for Real-Time Tech Support
In August, Core’s DevRel team hosted two DevRel Office Hours sessions, offering developers real-time technical support and hands-on guidance for building on Core. These sessions continue to serve as a valuable resource, providing both technical troubleshooting and mentorship to help builders bring their projects to life. Register now for the upcoming session.
► Core Connect Campus Edition: Empowering Future Web3 Builders
Five interactive workshops were conducted at top universities across India and Africa, offering students an introduction to Web3 fundamentals, the Core ecosystem, smart contract development, and dApp deployment. Each session included live mentorship from seasoned Web3 developers, equipping participants with practical skills and real-world knowledge. This initiative reinforces Core Foundation’s commitment to grassroots developer education and onboarding in emerging markets. Register now for an exciting workshop!
► Core Connect Global Buildathon: Submissions Closed
Submissions are now officially closed for the Core Connect Global Buildathon, which offers up to $1.2M in prizes, $100,000 in AWS Activate credits, funding opportunities from Core Ventures, and travel scholarships for finalists to attend the global finale at TOKEN2049 Singapore. With 200+ submissions from over 700 hackers worldwide, anticipation is building as the announcement of the semi-finalists draws near! Let’s see who make it to the top 5 finalists.
► Core Connect Global Meetups: 12 Cities, 1 Vision
As part of its mission to grow a global builder community, Core Foundation hosted IRL meetups across 12 cities in Asia, Africa, Europe, LATAM, and Southeast Asia. These events provided direct mentorship, hands-on project feedback, and a launchpad for developers ready to build and deploy on Core. The series wrapped up with an inspiring final stop in Nairobi, marking a milestone in the commitment to empowering developers worldwide.
The Momentum Is Real, Build on Core Now
The momentum is undeniable. Core continues to evolve with new DeFi vaults, AI-powered tools, and BTCfi applications launching every week. With hardware wallet integration and protocol-level revenue sharing now live, the next wave will introduce lstBTC, major stablecoin integrations, and local fee markets, unlocking even greater opportunities for builders.
Whether you’re developing a DeFi protocol, an on-chain game, or an AI-driven application, Core provides the infrastructure, support, and global community to help you scale and succeed.
Start with the Core CLI Toolkit
Apply for the upcoming developer support programs
Scale with Core Ventures and a community of builders backing you.
Now’s the time to build for Bitcoin, build on Core.