Protocol Village: Nexus, Developer of Zero-Knowledge Virtual Machine, Launches ‘World’s First Open Prover Network’ in Beta

Nexus, developer of a zero-knowledge virtual machine zkVM written in Rust, says it has launched the first beta release of the Nexus network, “the world’s first open prover network.” According to the team: “This is the first distributed zero knowledge VM-based prover network that is accessible to anyone. The network aggregates the collective power of any connected device, from massive GPU farms to your computer or phone. Our goal is to unite the world’s computers into a single supercomputer that will be able to prove all the Internet’s computations, unlocking the Verifiable Internet.”

Nudge.xyz, a crypto project promoting what it describes as a new “Re:allocation primitive,” has launched the Nudge Points App, “a DeFi app that unlocks hidden wallet value by assigning Re:Allocation Points, which serve as proxies for future Nudge incentives,” according to the team: “Using a proprietary algorithm, the app analyzes asset types, on-chain activity and liquidity to calculate points and ranks users from ‘Air’ to ‘Diamond.’ Users can unlock more value by reallocating assets, with points redeemable for rewards. The app aims to reshape on-chain economics.” Nudge.xyz was founded in May 2024 by Markus Maier, who previously co-founded Mauve, a decentralized exchange (DEX) for trading compliant and real world assets, before pivoting to build Nudge.

PiP World, a Web3 gaming and EdTech ecosystem, says it has secured $10 million in seed funding from Exinity, a fintech firm, to build out what it describes as the “Duolingo of crypto.” According to a press release: “PiP World blends engaging gameplay with personalized learning to empower users, globally. PiP World’s games ecosystem includes: PiP Trader, a AAA strategy management simulator game for building trading portfolios; PiP World’s Gold Rush, a Telegram tap-to-earn game, PiP Academy, a gamified app that simplifies financial concepts; and StockRise, Roblox’s top-grossing stock simulator.”

Apex Fusion, a federated multi-chain layer-1 network that aims to provide a seamless experience for future blockchain builders and developers by combining the best of UTXO and EVM transaction execution methods into a single decentralized ecosystem, has completed its first private token sale. According to the team: “The startup raised $6 million for its token ecosystem with a fully diluted valuation of $180 million. The AF team said the funds are for marketing and further developing its network, comprised of Prime, Nexus and Vector chains. It provides native bridges, interoperability protocols, and developer tools.”

Aethir, a distributed cloud compute infrastructure that aggregates enterprise-grade GPU chips into a single global network, launched a new enterprise social media and AI business line, powered by its Aethir Edge network. According to the team: “Starting in November, participants can earn up to 100 ATH tokens daily by connecting eligible devices to Aethir Edge. The decentralized network meets the growing demand for real-time data processing, reducing latency and enhancing security. With AI, cloud phones, and social media convergence, Aethir empowers users to manage their digital presence efficiently while earning rewards.”

Kadena, a proof-of-work blockchain that says it can scale to power global financial systems by braiding together multiple Bitcoin-like chains, has appointed Alana Ackerson, a executive of Thiel Foundation, SoFi and Digital Currency Group, as strategic advisor, “marking a strategic push into asset management and institutional tokenization,” Ackerson previously served as CEO of HQ Digital, a wealth management subsidiary of DCG that catered to crypto millionaires, and she co-founded Figure, a crypto unicorn best known for its blockchain-powered home-equity lines of credit, according to the team. She also led the Thiel Foundation as CEO. According to a press release: “Ackerson’s appointment coincides with Kadena’s renewed focus on institutional tokenization and RWAs, where the firm is in talks with large asset managers to launch a wide range of institutional tokenized products. With her background in asset management, Ackerson is poised to lead Kadena’s efforts in building out this business. The firm has also recently hired 10 business development staff, signaling its intent to make a significant comeback in the blockchain space.”

Livepeer, a decentralized video-streaming project, hosted an AI Demo Day, showcasing eight startups that participated in its AI Startup Program over the past three months. According to the team, “These groundbreaking startups are building the future of generative AI on decentralized infrastructure. They include: Flipguard, Katana Video, Newcoin, Operator, Origin Stories, Refraction, StreamEth and Supermodel. Applications are open for the Q4 cohort of the Livepeer AI Video Startup program, which includes $20K in grant funding. Applicants can apply here: https://livepeer.typeform.com/to/tMAF463P.”

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