Welcome back to Build On Core, your monthly builder digest covering the most significant updates across the Core ecosystem. This edition highlights record-breaking network milestones, the first Bitcoin staking ETP on the London Stock Exchange, major wallet and dApp integrations, and exciting new yield opportunities. With gaming launches, AI-powered tools, and developer programs accelerating, Core continues to strengthen its position as the home of BTCfi innovation.
Core Network Growth and Highlights
â–º Core Leads Bitcoin Ecosystem Metrics
Core continues to set the pace for Bitcoin-powered blockchains, processing 8.16M transactions in the past 30 days while reaching $317M in total value locked (TVL). These milestones highlight Core’s growing adoption, strong developer activity, and expanding role as the leading hub for Bitcoin DeFi.
â–º Record 98% of Bitcoin Blocks Delegated to Core
Core reached a historic milestone this week, with 98% of Bitcoin’s total mining hashpower delegating to the network in a single day. This achievement underscores the strong confidence miners place in Core’s infrastructure and highlights the deepening alignment between Bitcoin mining and emerging BTCfi opportunities.
â–º CORE Staking Increases 50% YTD
According to Token Relations, the total amount of CORE staked on the network has grown 50% year-to-date, reaching 241.28M tokens. This surge highlights rising confidence in Core’s ecosystem and strengthens the foundation for lstBTC and future institutional adoption. The growth in staking further positions Core as a key pillar of the expanding BTCfi economy.
New Partnerships and Integrations
â–º Core Powers First Bitcoin Staking ETP on the London Stock Exchange
In a landmark move, Core is now powering the first
Bitcoin staking ETP listed on the London Stock Exchange, marking a new era in institutional crypto adoption. This regulated product enables investors to gain Bitcoin exposure while earning staking yield, all within traditional capital markets. The ETP is fully backed by physical Bitcoin held in institutional-grade cold storage, with an annual staking yield of around 1.4% for professional investors. This milestone bridges the worlds of DeFi and TradFi, and showcases Core’s role as infrastructure for mainstream, yield-enabled Bitcoin products.
â–º Core Integrates with Enkrypt Wallet
@enkrypt, the multichain, non-custodial wallet now supports Core. Users can generate accounts, manage tokens and NFTs, and seamlessly interact with dApps on the Core blockchain. By bridging assets from Ethereum to Core via the Core Bridge, users unlock lower fees and trustless Bitcoin staking opportunities. Enkrypt also supports token swaps through platforms like SushiSwap, making it easy to move between assets once bridged. This integration expands accessibility to the Core blockchain and enhances the multichain Web3 experience. For more details, refer here.
New dApps & Yield Opportunities
â–º Gunnies Now Live on Core
@GunniesXP, a fully on-chain third-person shooter, is now available through @EpicGames. Players can earn tokens, NFTs, and tournament prizes, with Season 1 launching a $5,000 leaderboard tournament. All in-game actions, eliminations, loot, and rewards are verifiable on-chain, with seamless onboarding through Epic Games ID, Pentagon Games ID, or wallet. Play the game now!
â–º Garden Finance Brings Seamless Bitcoin Bridging to Core
@garden_finance is now live on Core, enabling users to send BTC and receive WBTC on Core in under 30 seconds, without the need for centralized exchanges or intermediaries. The bridge enables direct deposits from Bitcoin wallets, seamless BTC–EVM connections, or straightforward transfers to a BTC deposit address. By unlocking instant BTC liquidity, Garden lays the foundation for lstBTC and the broader BTCfi economy on Core, cementing its role as the Bitcoin Everything Chain. Check out Garden Finance!
â–º ETH Now Live on Colend
ETH is now available on Colend, enabling users to supply ETH to earn yield or borrow against it in non-custodial, over-collateralized markets. This launch expands Colend’s ecosystem and unlocks new opportunities for the Core community to participate in secure, on-chain lending. Explore the platform to start earning yield.
â–º Limited-Time 50% Yield on Colend
Colend introduced an exclusive 50% APY bonus for 30 days, creating one of the most attractive yield opportunities in the Core ecosystem this month. Participants can mint stCORE, supply it on Colend, and subscribe with 450 $CLND to unlock the reward, with a cap of 2,000 stCORE per subscriber. The program is supported by audits from Halborn, CertiK, Verichains, and Zokyo, and deposits are insurable through OpenCover. This initiative highlights Colend’s focus on security and innovation while expanding opportunities for Core users to maximize on-chain yield. Avail the exclusive yield opportunity.
â–º Introducing the WBTC Vault by b14g
@b14g_network launched the WBTC Vault, designed to deliver sustainable Bitcoin yield without liquidity pool risk or lockups. Targeting 7–10%+ APR, the vault generates real yield by lending WBTC on Colend, borrowing CORE, and staking it via b14g to secure the Core blockchain. Rewards are auto-compounded, providing depositors with a straightforward way to grow their Bitcoin holdings. This initiative addresses the limitations of low-yield WBTC options in DeFi and showcases new yield opportunities powered by Core. Start earning yield on WBTC!
â–º Akka: Your AI Copilot for DeFi
Akka Finance introduced Taicho, an AI agent that delivers clear buy/sell zones and real trend insights to simplify trading decisions. Users can simply describe what they want, and Taicho translates it into precise DeFi actions, whether it’s swapping, lending, staking, or earning. The agent not only executes tasks but also predicts, plans, and optimizes strategies before execution, helping users trade and manage positions with confidence. This makes complex DeFi activity as easy as giving a single command. Try the AI Copilot by Akka now!
Latest From Core Ventures
â–º BTC-FI Accelerator: Igniting the Next Wave of Bitcoin DeFi Innovation
Core Ventures has launched the BTC-FI Accelerator, a 14-week program supporting teams building yield protocols, trading platforms, and liquidity solutions on Core. Participants receive up to $100K, expert mentorship, and strategic support. Applications are closed. Stay tuned for the announcement of the first cohort participants.
Developer Tools for Seamless Onboarding
â–º Smart Contract Verifier AI Agent Is Live!
We’re excited to announce that the Smart Contract Verifier AI Chatbot is now live, making contract verification on Core faster and easier than ever. Developers can use it to get quick guidance, verify contracts seamlessly, and instantly look up ABI and smart contract code for any deployed contract on Core. This new tool is built to streamline the developer experience—share it with your network and help more builders get started smoothly on Core. Check out the AI Smart Contract Verifier Bot!
Upgrades & Hardforks
â–º Hermes Hardfork Ready to Activate on the Core Testnet
The Core blockchain is geared up for the activation of the Hermes Hardfork. This hardfork introduces faster transaction finality, enhanced validator operations, and advanced developer tools. The hardfork will be activated on Core Testnet2 on September 24, 2025, at 08:00:00 AM UTC. The activation on Mainnet will be announced later after rigorous testing has been completed. Get the latest Release v1.0.20, follow the detailed guidelines, and upgrade your nodes!
Dev Events & Sessions
â–º 1:1 Tech Support through Core DevRel Office Hours
In September, Core’s DevRel team held two Office Hours sessions, giving developers direct access to real-time support and hands-on guidance for building on Core. These sessions remain a key resource for troubleshooting and mentorship, helping builders bring their projects to life. Register now for the upcoming session.
â–º Core Connect Campus Edition: Empowering Future Web3 Builders
Core hosted six interactive workshops with 270+ attendees at leading universities across India, introducing students to Web3 fundamentals, the Core ecosystem, smart contract development, and dApp deployment. Each session featured live mentorship from experienced Web3 developers, giving participants hands-on skills and real-world insights. This initiative underscores Core Foundation’s commitment to grassroots education and onboarding in emerging markets. Register now for an exciting workshop!
â–º Core Connect Global Buildathon: Build What Matters, Build on Core
The grand finale of the Core Connect Global Buildathon took place at TOKEN2049 Singapore, celebrating innovation with $1.2 million in prizes, $ 100,000 in AWS Activate credits, and funding opportunities from Core Ventures. From 200+ submissions by 700+ hackers worldwide, the top five projects advanced to the finale, along with wild-card entries. Stay tuned for the winner announcement.
â–º Core Commit Program Cohort #2
Applications officially opened for Cohort #2 of the Core Commit Program on 16th August. This initiative empowers developers to contribute directly to the Core ecosystem, gain mentorship, and earn rewards for high-impact work. Don’t miss your chance to join the next wave of builders shaping Core’s future. Apply now!
â–º Core Builder Sprint: Code. Contribute. Climb the Ranks
Core Foundation launched the Core Builder Sprint, a 3-month challenge designed to reward consistent, high-quality contributions to the Core ecosystem. Developers who commit code, maintain streaks, and build real projects can earn CORE tokens, gain mentorship, and unlock spotlight opportunities within the global Core community. Start building today and climb the ranks!
â–º Unlocking Insights with Core Builder Sessions
In September, Core hosted 3 Builder Sessions on @corechain_devs, featuring deep dives into the Rev+ Revenue-Sharing Model, the Core Commit Program, and insights for developers building institutional yield solutions on Bitcoin. Participate to build and earn on Core.
The Momentum Is Real, Build on Core Now
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 Core Builder Sprint
Scale with Core and a community of builders backing you.
Now’s the time to build for Bitcoin, build on Core.