Testnet Debut for Avalanche9000, Offering $40 Million in Incentives for Developers Constructing on the Platform
In a significant leap forward for the Avalanche blockchain network, the company has announced the launch of its largest upgrade since the mainnet launch in September 2020 - the Avalanche9000 testnet. This update is designed to make the network faster, more scalable, cheaper, and more flexible for developers and users.
The Avalanche9000 upgrade brings about several key improvements and features. One of the most notable is the modular design, which allows each Layer-1 (L1) blockchain on Avalanche to operate independently, reducing network slowdowns under heavy use.
Another significant change is the dramatic reduction in costs. Previously, deploying a new blockchain required staking 2,000 AVAX, approximately $66,000. However, with Avalanche9000, this cost has been lowered to as little as $50 - a 99.9% reduction.
Developers now have the freedom to use their own tokens for gas fees instead of AVAX and can customize staking rules and rewards, thanks to the introduction of custom tokens for gas and rewards. Moreover, open validator access allows anyone to become a validator, improving decentralization and network security.
Interchain Messaging (ICM) is another exciting addition. This secure, native protocol enables blockchains on Avalanche to communicate directly with each other, removing the need for risky third-party bridges.
Improved developer tools, including updated SDKs, better APIs, real-time analytics, and simpler instructions, make building on Avalanche faster and less error-prone. Furthermore, increased validator rewards encourage staking participation and network security.
Technical improvements such as the Etna Upgrade and support for dynamic gas limits through Avalanche Octane help keep transaction fees stable during high network demand.
In addition to the Avalanche9000 upgrade, the company has introduced the Retro9000 grant program, a retroactive grant initiative with up to $40 million in rewards for developers building Layer-1 blockchains and critical tooling on the Avalanche9000 testnet. This includes $2 million allocated for referral bonuses.
The Retro9000 program supports and incentivizes infrastructure projects such as virtual machines, wallets, oracles, interoperability tools, bridges, validators, explorers, and more, helping to grow the ecosystem and accelerate innovation.
With over 500 L1s currently being developed on the Avalanche network, both on the testnet and mainnet, the Avalanche9000 testnet is designed for developers building layer-1 blockchains and other tools on the Avalanche network.
The Avalanche9000 upgrade, detailed in a press release on Monday, significantly boosts the ecosystem by lowering barriers for new blockchains, enhancing performance and interoperability, and providing financial incentives to developers and validators, making Avalanche a more scalable, open, and developer-friendly platform.
For more information about the Avalanche9000 upgrade, visit the Avalanche website.
The Avalanche9000 upgrade, decreasing hurdles for new blockchains, plays a pivotal role in the community by making the platform more affordable for developers, as the cost of deploying a new blockchain has been reduced drastically. The upgrade also advances performance and interoperability through technical advancements like the Etna Upgrade and Interchain Messaging (ICM), positioning Avalanche as a competitive player in the realm of technology and finance.
