Weekly recap (18 May – 25 May)
Starknet launched strkBTC, while various protocols and partnerships advanced Bitcoin's utility and security in DeFi.
Product Launches and Integrations
1️⃣ Starknet's strkBTC Launch
@Starknet has introduced strkBTC, a ZK-powered shielded Bitcoin, on their Layer 2 network. This marks a significant advancement for Bitcoin's privacy and utility in the DeFi space.
2️⃣ Zest Protocol's TGE
$ZEST is now live on Tenero and trading globally on exchanges such as @binance and @kucoin. Zest Protocol aims to address BTC liquidity challenges by enabling self-custodial borrowing against Bitcoin.
3️⃣ BOB Gateway Swap Functionality
@build_on_bob Gateway now allows users to swap native BTC directly from their CEX accounts without needing a Bitcoin wallet.
4️⃣ RiverdotInc's satUSD Payment Integration
@satUSD is now integrated with @yodlpay, enabling stablecoin transactions in Vietnam, Brazil, Argentina, and the Philippines.
5️⃣ Hemi's hBitVM Launch
@hemi_xyz has launched hBitVM, offering ZK-secured settlement for Bitcoin with application-specific use cases.
6️⃣ BitSafe Finance Trading Launch
Bitcoin trading is now available on @Kora_Protocol using CBTC, expanding BTC trading opportunities.
7️⃣ Spice Flow Integration with ZentraFinance
@spicenetio's Spice Flow is now integrated with @ZentraFinance, facilitating asset usage from any EVM chain.
8️⃣ 0DFinance's 0dAMM Launch
@0DFinance has launched 0dAMM exclusively on @avnu_fi, introducing the first PropAMM on Starknet.
Protocol Changes and Upgrades
1️⃣ Lombard Finance's Migration to Chainlink CCIP
@LombardFinance has migrated to Chainlink CCIP to enhance the security of over $1B in Bitcoin assets.
2️⃣ Stacks' Bitcoin Staking Proposal
@Stacks has introduced a new Bitcoin Staking model aimed at providing a more grounded approach to earning yield on Bitcoin.
3️⃣ SolvProtocol's Cross-Chain Operations Update
@SolvProtocol is closing burn-mint permissions for selected assets, urging users to withdraw underlying assets by the end of June.
4️⃣ TheTNetwork's tBTC Minting Update
@TheTNetwork has temporarily paused Optimistic Minting due to security concerns, with mints now routing through a sweeping mechanism.
Partnerships and Collaborations
1️⃣ Hemi and AccountableData Partnership
@hemi_xyz has partnered with AccountableData to implement continuous Proof of Solvency for hemiBTC.
2️⃣ Arkade and HodlHodl Collaboration
@arkade_os has teamed up with @hodlhodl to reintroduce escrow services to the Lightning Network.
3️⃣ utexocom and SolvProtocol Partnership
@utexocom has partnered with @SolvProtocol to simplify and secure the usage of sats, driving demand for BTC/USDT liquidity on Lightning.
4️⃣ CredShields as Canton Network's Audit Partner
@CredShields is now the official Audit Partner for Canton Network, which processes $8 trillion in monthly tokenized transaction volume.
Metrics and Reports
1️⃣ Rootstock's Merged Mining Insights Report
@Rootstock has released its Q1 2026 Merged Mining Insights Report, providing valuable data on network performance.
2️⃣ Liquid BTC's Transaction Metrics
@Liquid_BTC processed 1,163,119 transactions in Q1 2026, a 72% increase from Q4 2025.
3️⃣ Canton Network's Transaction Volume
@CantonNetwork processes $8 trillion in tokenized transaction volume monthly and settles $350 billion daily in on-chain U.S. Treasuries.
Events and Competitions
1️⃣ GOAT Network's OpenClaw Hack Toronto Registration
@GOATNetwork has seen nearly 400 registrations for the OpenClaw Hack Toronto, focusing on building autonomous AI agents.
2️⃣ BSquared Network's B² 2048 Competition Results
@BSquared Network has concluded its B² 2048 competition, announcing the winners and distributing rewards.
