Announcing the Cronos zkEVM Pioneer Program
The Cronos zKEVM Pioneer Program enables users to earn points by completing quests.
TL;DR
The Cronos ecosystem is developing a next generation blockchain network, Cronos zkEVM, in a partnership between Cronos Labs and engineering teams from Matter Labs (the team behind zkSync), Crypto.com, VVS Finance, Fulcrom Finance and Veno Finance.
Since early June 2024, users have had the opportunity to complete quests on the network's testnet.
The Cronos zKEVM Pioneer Program enables users to earn points by completing quests. In the future, users will be able to claim these points from participating dapps to earn extra yield when they use the Cronos zkEVM network and participating dapps.
More quests, as well as a point tracking web page, will be announced in the coming days and weeks. Please follow the Cronos Twitter account and blog to be among the first to know.
What is Cronos zkEVM?
Cronos zkEVM is a next generation blockchain network. Integrated within the ZK Chain ecosystem powered by ZKsync's technology, Cronos zkEVM connects to the Ethereum Mainnet via a shared bridge, tapping into Ethereum's user base and security while incorporating zkSync's features for secure and efficient cross-chain interactions.
As part of the wider Cronos ecosystem, Cronos zkEVM works in tandem with the Cronos EVM blockchain and the Cronos POS Chain. The introduction of Cronos zkEVM does not render the existing Cronos chains obsolete. Instead, the new chain is specifically designed to address high-performance and high-throughput DeFi use cases.
Cronos zkEVM will host yield-bearing tokens powered by Veno Finance, such as zkCRO, vETH and vUSD. This innovative approach sets Cronos zkEVM apart from most other platforms, where holding tokens in dapps often means forgoing staking rewards.
By holding yield-bearing tokens, users can access the staking yields and stablecoin savings yields while at the same time participating in DeFi protocols and by being an active community member, creating an opportunity for "Triple Yield": Triple yield means that users may accumulate rewards in three ways:
Staking rewards: Earn yields simply by holding yield-bearing tokens such as zkCRO, vETH, or vUSD, powered by Veno Finance.
DeFi yields: Put crypto-assets to work by deploying them into various DeFi protocols hosted on the Cronos zkEVM blockchain.
Pioneer Program rewards: Additional rewards from participating dapps (to be announced at a later stage) for users who completed certain types of actions that benefited the whole ecosystem.
Cronos zkEVM Pioneer Program: the Vision
As we are getting closer to the much-awaited Cronos zkEVM Mainnet launch, we are thrilled to share the high-level design principles of the Cronos zkEVM Pioneer Program, an initiative designed to reward dedicated and valued Cronos community members.
The program aims to give back to the community by rewarding you for your involvement on the Cronos zkEVM chain and your active participation in participating dapps.
The program's goal is to provide a rewarding experience for you while fostering the growth and success of the Cronos zkEVM ecosystem.
The Pioneer Program underscores a commitment to involve you in the vision. A thriving community is built on the active participation of each and every one of you. Together we can create a more robust, dynamic, and inclusive Cronos zkEVM ecosystem.
Guiding Principles
Four main principles underpin the design of the Pioneer Program.
Cronos-aligned: The program should recognize and appreciate your substantial contributions to the Cronos zkEVM network. Over time, the program may also recognize contributions to the broader Cronos, Ethereum, and ZK ecosystems, but to a smaller extent.
Early support: The program rewards early supporters, particularly at the testnet and early mainnet stage . The participation in testnet activities and the date of adoption will be considered, ensuring that your early support is recognized and rewarded accordingly.
Broad distribution: The Pioneer program will offer a diverse range of activities on Cronos zkEVM and across various dapps, ensuring that many users can access and benefit from the program.
Transparency: Eligible tasks will be listed on a dedicated web page (yet to be launched). Let's create a level playing field for all participants, fostering an environment of trust and fairness.
Types of Point-Earning Activities
There are three main ways to accumulate points:
Amplify the community's reach on social media: As an early member of the vibrant Cronos community, your support is invaluable. A number of community and social quests will be launched in the coming weeks and months. Further details regarding social campaign participation will be provided in future posts.
Use the Cronos zkEVM testnet: If you were an active participant in the Tethys Testnet quests on Galxe, and did not create multiple wallets to game the system, your points will be taken into account in this reward program.
Use Cronos zkEVM Mainnet and dapps: Interacting with dapps on Cronos zkEVM mainnet will also earn you points. More details regarding dapp interactions and rewards will be revealed later.
In the future, the program aims for users to be able to claim their points in order to be eligible for extra yield in participating dapps (for example, extra Liquidity Provider rewards and staking yields). The extra yield is expected to be distributed in a combination of zkCRO and respective dapp tokens. Of course, this is subject to the rewards programs to be offered by participating dapps.
More details regarding dapp interactions and rewards will be announced later.
Triple the types of yield, triple the fun!
What’s next?
Point-earning activities are not live yet, but stay tuned for upcoming updates. We hear that the next quest is coming very soon, and it's called Cronos zkEVM Passage. Ready your CRO on Ethereum Mainnet, the more you bridge the better it gets!
The whole crypto community is going to be watching your contributions and achievements. Join #CROFam in shaping the future of the Cronos ecosystem!