Sony Group’s blockchain division has officially launched the “Minato” testnet for its Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain named Soneium. Alongside this launch, Sony has introduced an incubation program designed to attract and onboard developers to the platform.
This rollout comes shortly after Sony announced its new venture in collaboration with Web3 infrastructure provider Startale, under the joint name Sony Block Solutions Labs. The Minato testnet is designed to replicate mainnet conditions, offering a development environment tailored for high-volume applications, which Sony hopes will encourage greater adoption of blockchain technology.
To support the initial phase of the testnet, Astar Network—a blockchain platform renowned for its multi-chain functionality—will contribute by providing initial liquidity and facilitating a variety of fungible and non-fungible digital assets.
Sony Group is set to unveil Soneium, an Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain developed in partnership with Startale, a Web3 infrastructure provider. This development, facilitated through the Sony Block Solutions Labs joint venture, marks Sony’s first foray into creating a fully functional blockchain network. The network, which is expected to go live in the coming weeks, will first operate on a testnet in cooperation with Astar Network. This phase will be critical in determining the network’s scalability and user adoption potential.
While a blockchain initiative from a company as globally recognized as Sony is likely to attract attention from developers and users, its long-term success will depend on how effectively it can build and sustain momentum.
Sony’s global reach, bolstered by the 900 million devices in use worldwide, along with its expansive media assets—including movies, television, music, and the PlayStation Network—positions the company uniquely in the digital entertainment space.
Following the launch of the Minato testnet, Sony plans to kick off “Soneium Spark,” a program focused on developers. This initiative will provide participants with access to blockchain infrastructure, mentorship from industry experts, and potential partnerships within the Web3 ecosystem. Sony aims to use this program to generate interest and drive growth on its new blockchain network.
According to Sota Watanabe, founder of Astar Network and CEO of Startale, preregistration for the Spark program is already open, with applications expected to start soon. “Over 50 projects are already building or have committed to deploying on Soneium,” Watanabe shared. “We are planning to create a large and strong community together with developers.”
The Spark program is designed to encourage potential collaborations and strategic partnerships in the Web3 space. These collaborations could involve co-developing blockchain technologies, sharing new technological advancements, or creating decentralized applications together.
Developers who participate in the program will also have access to networking opportunities with venture capitalists eager to support promising Web3 projects. Qualified developers may receive up to $100,000 in funding to build on the Minato testnet, with additional funding options available through the program’s network of partners.
Moreover, partners such as Circle, Optimism, Alchemy, The Graph, and Chainlink will offer their expertise to support developers participating in the Spark program, providing valuable resources and knowledge to help foster the growth of the Web3 ecosystem.
This revised version maintains the core information and context of the original articles while ensuring it is unique and free from plagiarism concerns.
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