Welcome back to Build On Core, your monthly digest of the major updates, launches, and milestones across the Core ecosystem. October was a landmark month, with surging developer activity, new BTCfi integrations, fresh RWA innovations, and ecosystem partnerships driving liquidity, yield, and cross-chain automation. From institutional adoption by BTCS to upgraded tools like Taicho, Vaulter Agents, and Houdini Swap, builders continue to push Bitcoin DeFi forward.
Core Network Growth and Highlights
â–º Core Developer Ecosystem on the Rise!
October marked a major milestone for the Core ecosystem, a +2,800% surge in full-time developers, now counting 350+ active builders and 100+ live dApps on the Electric Capital Developer Dashboard. The Bitcoin DeFi ecosystem on Core is thriving, fueled by a growing community of innovative builders pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on Bitcoin.
â–º BTCS Expands Active Treasury Strategy with CORE Exposure
Europe’s largest Digital Asset Treasury Company, BTCS, has announced a new $100M Series G fundraise to accelerate its innovative Active Treasury model, combining BTC exposure with CORE token exposure. With 10% of its treasury allocated to $CORE, BTCS is directly participating in validator and staking operations across the Core network, generating sustainable on-chain yield while contributing to network security. This marks a significant endorsement of Core’s ecosystem by one of Europe’s leading institutional blockchain players, reflecting the growing institutional confidence in Bitcoin-aligned DeFi.
New dApps & Yield Opportunities
â–º b14g Expands BTCfi Opportunities on Core
The b14g Network continues to advance BTCfi on Core with the launch of high-yield vaults offering 17.2% APY on dualCORE and 8.8% APY on WBTC. These non-custodial vaults allow users to unlock passive income through secure Bitcoin-backed strategies, bridging BTC liquidity directly into Core’s DeFi ecosystem. As BTCfi adoption accelerates, b14g’s latest update underscores the growing momentum of yield-bearing Bitcoin assets built on Core.
► Molten Finance’s Airdrop and $1M Tournament
Molten Finance officially launched the $MLTN token, marking a major milestone for Core’s growing ecosystem. The airdrop checker, TGE, governance, and liquidity activation are now live—bringing users, liquidity, and rewards together under one token. Molten Finance also launched the $1M Molten Tournament, offering $50,000 in guaranteed prizes for the top five teams and the chance to boost rewards by up to 1.8x through the Social Multiplier by engaging with Molten, Solv, and Core, and forging the first 10 Ingots. Running until October 26, all rewards will be distributed on-chain, as builders and traders unite to power the next chapter of Bitcoin DeFi on Core. Check out the Molten Leaderboard!
â–º Taicho by @AKKA_Finance Unlocks Smarter Market Insights
Taicho, developed by AKKA Finance, now delivers AI-driven market zones for key assets like BTC and CORE across multiple timeframes (4H, 1D, 1W). Traders can access clear, data-backed insights to identify directional trends before they’re visible to the wider market, trading with less guessing and more confidence. Taicho routes trades across chains with near-zero slippage, real-time AI execution, and minimal gas. Explore Taicho’s upgraded capabilities at agent.akka.finance.
â–º Vaulter Agents Unlock Multi-Chain Yield Automation Across Core, Base & Arbitrum
Vaulter Agents, powered by Vault Layer, have rolled out one of their biggest upgrades yet, introducing full cross-chain bridge support that automates yield strategies seamlessly across Core ↔ Base ↔ Arbitrum. This upgrade enables agents to move assets autonomously between chains, combining BTC staking and stablecoin farming into one unified, on-chain strategy. With Across Protocol handling fast USDC/ETH transfers between Base and Arbitrum, and LayerZero connecting Core with EVM chains for BTC staking and liquidity rebalancing, Vaulter Agents now deliver DeFi on autopilot, everywhere. Explore the Vaulter Agents and unlock cross-chain yield!
â–º ASX Capital Unveils RWA NFT Vaults on Core
ASX Capital introduced NFT Vault Contracts to provide instant liquidity for real-world asset (RWA) NFTs. Holders can lock NFTs and receive ASX tokens instantly, while buyers purchase them later at fixed prices. The first NFT Swap Vaults, featuring Mountain View Apartments and FJC Apartments, are set to launch on the Core Blockchain by the end of 2025, unlocking liquidity and strengthening Core’s growing RWA ecosystem. Learn more at asx.capital.
â–º ASX Capital Completes October Yield Airdrops to RWA NFT Holders
ASX Capital has successfully distributed its October monthly yield airdrops to holders of the Mountain View Apartments and FJC Apartments NFTs on Core. These distributions reflect the ongoing real yield generated from ASX’s RWA-backed ecosystem and reinforce the project’s commitment to consistent on-chain returns for NFT holders. View FJC transaction and Mountain View transaction.
â–º $10,000 $CORE Trading Competition Now Live on Houdini Swap
Houdini Swap has launched its $10,000 $CORE Trading Competition, inviting traders to buy $CORE on Core using any standard or private route available on the platform. Running from October 22 at 4 PM UTC to November 5 at 9 PM UTC, the campaign has already surpassed $1.18M in total CORE trading volume. Participants can sign up via https://pointless.houdiniswap.com/pointless, trade $CORE, and climb the leaderboard to earn a share of the $10,000 USDC prize pool, distributed based on trading volume share. Join the competition and power the next wave of private trading on Core!
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 in funding, 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 Get Your Smart Contract Verified in Seconds!
Through the Core Smart Contract Verifier AI Chatbot, smart contract verification on Core is faster and easier than ever. Developers can use this tool 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. Check out the AI Smart Contract Verifier Bot!
Upgrades & Hardforks
â–º Hermes Hardfork Ready to Activate on the Core Testnet
The Hermes Hardfork was activated on Core Testnet on Oct 15th 2025, at 08:00:00 AM UTC. This hardfork introduces faster transaction finality, enhanced validator operations, commission support for both CORE and BTC staking, and advanced developer tools. The activation on Mainnet will be announced after rigorous testing is complete. Get the latest Release v1.0.21, follow the detailed guidelines, and upgrade your nodes!
Dev Events & Sessions
â–º 1:1 Tech Support through Core DevRel Office Hours
In October, Core’s DevRel team held two Office Hours sessions, giving developers real-time support and hands-on guidance for building on Core. These sessions act as a key source 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 blockchain fundamentals, the Core ecosystem, smart contracts, and dApp development. 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 upcoming 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. From 200+ submissions by 700+ hackers worldwide, the top five projects advanced to the finale, along with wild-card entries. The winning teams, OrangeTerminal, BITMAX, LiquidSat, and CorePilot, will receive $1.2 million in prizes and dev resources, $100,000 in AWS Activate credits, and potential funding from Core Ventures.
► Core Commit Program Cohort #2 — Applications Closed!
Applications are now closed for Cohort #2 of the Core Commit Program. 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. Stay tuned for the announcement of the selected teams for cohort #2.
â–º Core Builder Sprint: Code. Contribute. Climb the Ranks.
Core Foundation launched the Core Builder Sprint, a 3-month challenge that rewards 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 Core Developer Series: Video Tutorials to Jumpstart Building on Core
Jumpstart your Web3 development journey on Core through the beginner-focused video tutorials on building dApps on Core using HardHat, Foundry, and Remix IDE. Also, explore how to use the Core AI Smart Contract Verifier to make contract verification super easy and simple on the Core blockchain. Watch the tutorials and jumpstart your journey to building and scaling 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.