Sony SBL Unveils Public Minato Testnet For Ethereum Layer-2 Blockchain Soneium

• Sony Block Solutions Labs (Sony SBL) has unveiled a public Minato testnet and ‘Spark’ developer incubation program for its Soneium Blockchain.
• The Soneium blockchain, launched last week, is an Ethereum L2 network based on the Optimism tech stack.
• This dual initiative marks a significant milestone in Sony’s entry in the Web3 industry.

On Wednesday, 28 August 2024, Sony Block Solutions Labs (Sony SBL), Sony’s blockchain division, unveiled a public ‘Minato’ testnet and  ‘Spark’ developer incubation program for its recently launched ‘Soneium’ Blockchain. 

Soneium Minato Testnet and #Soneium Spark Incubation details are here!#Sony Block Solutions Labs launches this Ethereum layer-2 solution to empower builders and drive Web3 adoption. pic.twitter.com/UYRgzXJPxn

— Soneium (@soneium) August 28, 2024

This move follows Sony’s announcement last week, where the Japanese electronics and gaming giant, revealed that Sony SBL is currently developing Soneium, an Ethereum L2 Blockchain, together with Singapore-based Startale Labs.

According to the company’s press release,

“This dual initiative marks a significant milestone in Sony Group Corporation’s entry in Web3, poised to catalyze ecosystem growth and accelerate adoption by leveraging its vast global reach and technological expertise across entertainment, gaming, and consumer electronics sectors.”

The Minato Testnet Aims to Bring Web3 to the Mainstream

According to Sony, Soneium Blockchain will leverage the company’s expertise in gaming and entertainment to create practical applications in the Web3 industry.

The company added that Soneium aims to improve gaming experiences through blockchain by using NFTs for in-game assets. Also, Soneium looks to develop new financial services and models for the entertainment industry.

Jun Watanabe, chairman at Sony Block Solution Labs, said,

“We have opened our testnet as a first step to foster a fan community centered on creators that can connect diverse values through Soneium.”

The Soneium Minato testnet will be supported by Astar Network due to its multi-chain capabilities. Astar Network will give the initial liquidity as well as some fungible and non-fungible digital assets.

Soneium’s ‘Spark’ Developer Incubation Program To Build An Ecosystem For Developers

Apart from the public “Soneium Minato” testnet, Sony SBL is also launching the “Soneium Spark” initiative, an incubation program specially designed for attracting and integrating developers.

Both Spark and the Minato testnet will work together to build a developer ecosystem. While the Minato testnet will offer a robust platform for developing and testing DApps, Spark will support project development by offering infrastructure, guidance, and necessary strategic partnerships.

The Incubation Program Offers $100,000 in Funding For Qualified Developers

Sony’s Incubation Program will offer up to $100k in funding for qualified developers and projects to build on the Minato testnet.

As stated in the press release, the incubation program will not only offer participants personalized mentorship from industry leaders, early access to advanced features on Soneium,  and technical workshops but also provide them with funding.

Qualified participants are further exposed to investment opportunities through a partnership network.

Watanabe said,

“We look forward to working with partners who share our vision and are willing to participate in collaboration with Sony Group. Let’s work together to create new value in Web3 toward a world where Web3 services are used in people’s daily lives.”