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Mina Protocol Completes Major Upgrade Bringing Enhanced ZK Programmability to Mainnet

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The upgrade establishes Mina as the first zero knowledge (ZK) blockchain with native ZK programmability, enabling developers to build with a powerful framework for leveraging ZK features for scalability, privacy, and verification in their applications

GENEVA, June 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Mina Protocol, the zero knowledge (ZK) blockchain for proving anything, has completed a major network upgrade process bringing enhanced ZK programmability to its mainnet. The upgrade enables zkApps to be built and deployed on the Mina mainnet, setting the stage for the development of new zero knowledge-powered use cases and equipping builders with a powerful and easy-to-use ZK developer toolkit.

In development since 2021, the long-anticipated upgrade moves smart contract execution off-chain, and leaves verification on-chain, solving many of the most common blockchain infrastructure challenges, such as data constraints, scalability issues, and high gas costs. This paradigm shift makes it easier for developers to build with zero knowledge and create zkApps, granting new levels of control and ownership for users over their data.

zkApps can enable and scale new use cases for voting, healthcare, digital identity, gaming, and much more. Examples of projects already building in the Mina ecosystem include PunkPoll, a censorship-resistant survey and voting platform, bioSNARKs, a stack for biotech data, Hakata, a solution offering “compliant privacy” for Web2 and Web3 companies, and Paima Studios, an engine for on-chain gaming. Unlike many other dApp platforms that use new programming languages, zkApps use o1js, a TypeScript-based library already understood by a wide pool of TypeScript developers who are now empowered to build with ZK.

Kurt Hemecker, CEO of Mina Foundation, an organization serving the Mina Protocol and its ecosystem, said, “This upgrade not only marks a major milestone for the Mina community but is a significant breakthrough for the industry as a whole. The killer use cases for blockchain – DeFi, on-chain gaming, digital identity, blockchain interoperability, voting, secure supply chains, and compliance – all require zero knowledge proofs as a foundation to innovate and scale. Unlocking ZK programmability will give developers the building blocks to plug and play with ZK. By enabling the creation of more powerful applications built on top of Mina’s optimized proof layer, this upgrade pushes us closer to a truly verifiable, trustless internet.”

Designed to be the most succinct blockchain that gets more decentralized as it scales, Mina’s entire state history is represented by a recursive zero knowledge proof (ZKP), making it accessible and verifiable by anyone from any device. This single ‘proof of everything’ acts as an open database of true statements, where developers have access to all previous computation to extend or reuse, setting a strong foundation for tomorrow’s innovators to build the ‘Internet of (True) Things.’

Brandon Kase, CEO of o1Labs, the software development company that incubated Mina Protocol, elaborated, “The real magic happens when you look beyond just privacy or scalability. Attesting to individual statements of facts is useful within specific applications, but the true potential of Mina will be realized by those who harness the power of massive collaborative computation. Mina is on the precipice of opening up a vast new design space, and today, we take another step forward together with the community. This upgrade would not have been possible without the active participation of 400+ node operators, who played a key role in ensuring the smooth transition of the network, and hundreds of developers in the community who have been experimenting and sharing valuable feedback with early versions of o1js and other Mina platform tooling.” 

For developers seeking more information about this upgrade, please visit https://minaprotocol.com/.

About Mina Protocol

Mina Protocol is a next-gen zero knowledge (ZK) blockchain for proving anything. Rather than apply brute computing force, Mina uses advanced cryptography and recursive zk-SNARKs to design an entire blockchain that is fixed at 22KB, the size of a couple tweets. Lightweight and accessible, Mina enables efficient implementation and easy programmability of zero knowledge applications (zkApps). With Mina’s enhanced privacy features and off-chain execution model, developers can build novel applications that bridge the real world and crypto— bringing us closer to the secure, democratic future we all deserve.

About Mina Foundation

Mina Foundation aims to advance the goal of creating a secure web3 with zero knowledge proofs powered by Mina Protocol — ushering in a new era of private and scalable applications — by issuing grants, fostering community growth, and championing Mina Protocol in the wider world. Mina Foundation is domiciled in Geneva, Switzerland.

About o1Labs

o1Labs is a blockchain technology company building tooling and software that leverages zero knowledge cryptography. Their global team of engineers successfully incubated the Mina Protocol, the first succinct ZK blockchain, as well as o1js, the simple yet powerful framework for zk-based applications. Learn more: o1labs.org.

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NAVEE Launches ST3 Pro and GT3 Pro at CES 2025, Receives UL and TÜV Rheinland Certifications

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LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NAVEE, a global leader in intelligent short-distance mobility, today announced the North American launch of its flagship electric scooters, ST3 Pro and GT3 Pro, at CES 2025. The event, running from January 7 to January 10, also marks the company’s achievement of two prestigious awards that validate its leadership in smart mobility.

UL verification: Micromobility Performance Range, Energy Consumption and Acceleration

During CES, UL awarded the ST3 Pro-U and GT3 Pro-U with the “Micromobility Performance Range/Energy Consumption/Acceleration” verification. This recognition validates NAVEE’s engineering excellence, with both scooters exceeding rigorous standards for range, energy efficiency, and acceleration. Bryan Bai, NAVEE’s Vice President and Head of North American Sales, and Sherry He, vice president and general manager of Consumer, Medical and Information Technologies at UL Solutions, presided over the award ceremony.

TÜV Rheinland Certification: Range at Max. Speed

Simultaneously, TÜV Rheinland granted the ST3 Pro its “Range at Max. Speed” certification, verifying that the scooter delivers on its promised maximum speed range capabilities. Jay Yang, Vice President of Greater China Electrical at TÜV Rheinland, presented the certification to NAVEE, underscoring the scooter’s exceptional performance standards.

“These launches at CES 2025 represent a significant milestone in our mission to advance smart mobility technology for consumers worldwide,” said Lu Jian, Brand Representative of NAVEE. “The UL verification and TÜV Rheinland certification demonstrate our unwavering commitment to excellence and validate the real-world performance our customers can expect.”

ST3 Pro and GT3 Pro: Redefining Smart Mobility

The ST3 Pro and GT3 Pro represent the next evolution in urban transportation. Engineered for the demands of modern city commuting, these premium electric scooters combine exceptional range and acceleration with sophisticated smart features. The prestigious UL verification and TÜV Rheinland certification affirm NAVEE’s position as an industry pioneer in electric mobility innovation.

About NAVEE

Founded in 2021, NAVEE has quickly emerged as a leader in the global electric mobility market. With a presence in over 30 countries and more than 200,000 users, NAVEE is revolutionizing urban commuting with stylish, reliable electric scooters. The company continues to invest heavily in research and development, ensuring it remains at the forefront of innovation in the electric mobility sector.

For more information, visit: NAVEE Official Website https://www.naveetech.com/

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SOURCE NAVEE

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Fintech nsave launches investment platform, offering people from distressed economies protection from inflation with compliant and safe investments abroad

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nsave offers trusted dollar, sterling or euro accounts abroad to people from high inflation countries.Customers can now access a range of US equities, ETFs and funds.TQ Ventures leads $18mn financing, with participation from Sequoia Capital, Y Combinator, ACE Ventures, and Proton.

LONDON and GENEVA, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — nsave, the provider of trusted, compliant accounts abroad to people from countries with high inflation, has today announced the launch of an investment product, enabling people at risk of financial exclusion to protect and grow their wealth.

The company also confirmed an $18mn Series A investment led by TQ Ventures with participation from Sequoia Capital, Y Combinator, ACE Ventures, and Proton Foundation, to accelerate their growth.

Today’s means customers can access US equities, ETFs and soon funds managed by some of the world’s largest asset managlaunchers via the nsave app, subject to onboarding and compliance checks.

By working with regulated financial institutions and banking partners in the UK and Switzerland, nsave offers safe and compliant accounts abroad, democratising offshore services to millions of people affected by high inflation or economic uncertainty in their home countries.

nsave’s customers include young professionals who move abroad and face exclusionary and outdated compliance processes due to their country of birth, alongside people from high inflation economies, who fear their life savings will be wiped out.

Based in London and Geneva, nsave is led by former Rhodes Scholars Amer Baroudi and Abdallah AbuHashem.

nsave CEO Amer Baroudi said: “Our vision is to go beyond just protecting everyday people’s wealth by enabling safe and compliant accounts abroad, but to enable them to grow it, too.”

“For some of our customers, this is the first time they can access trusted investment services securely. We believe your passport shouldn’t determine your path to prosperity. Our compliance-by-design approach enables us to offer services safely to many more people.” 

TQ Ventures co-founder and co-managing partner, Schuster Tanger, said: “nsave is tapping into a massive market of individuals underserved by existing financial services who need secure, stable financial solutions.”

“From the outset, I was impressed by nsave’s unique approach and the strength of their team, no doubt a function of Amer and Abdallah’s own lived experience of these challenges. We’re thrilled to roll up our sleeves with nsave to create a more inclusive financial system.”

Contact:
press@nsave.com

 

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Vietnam’s Youth Rally Behind Blockchain: KuCoin Reveals Groundbreaking Insights at VTIS 2024

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HANOI, Vietnam, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is excited to share the findings from its second edition of the KuCoin Campus Survey, conducted during the Vietnam Technology & Investment Summit (VTIS) 2024. With 926 participants surveyed from December 3rd to December 4th, 2024, the results underscore the vibrant interest in blockchain technologies among Vietnam’s youth, reinforcing KuCoin’s commitment to nurturing this vital market.

The survey, a key initiative under KuCoin Campus, highlights a strong, positive sentiment towards cryptocurrencies, with 92% of participants optimistic about the future of digital assets. Remarkably, 82% of respondents are considering blockchain-related careers, signaling a burgeoning talent pool eager for development and opportunities within the industry.

Vietnam’s strategic importance to both KuCoin and the broader crypto community is evident as 68% of participants expressed a “very high interest” in blockchain, making it a critical hub for crypto innovations and community engagement. Additionally, 73% of respondents currently hold cryptocurrencies, demonstrating a mature market ready for further expansion and adoption.

The survey also uncovered a significant inclination towards diverse blockchain roles, with data analysis (24%), marketing (22%), and business development (21%) being the most coveted. These insights are invaluable as they highlight the areas of highest potential and interest among the future workforce.

Vietnam has been and will continue to be a key market for us,” said Alicia Kao, the Managing Director of KuCoin. “As the People’s Exchange, we are committed to empowering and equipping this new generation with the tools they need to succeed in the evolving digital landscape.”

View the full report here (EN version, VN Version), or visit KuCoin’s official website for further information.

About KuCoin

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is one of the pioneering and most globally recognized technology platforms supporting digital economies, built on a robust foundation of cutting-edge blockchain infrastructure, liquidity solutions, and an exceptional user experience. With a connected user base exceeding 37 million worldwide, KuCoin offers comprehensive digital asset solutions across wallets, trading, wealth management, payments, research, ventures, and AI-powered bots. KuCoin has garnered accolades such as “Best Crypto Apps & Exchanges” by Forbes and has been recognized among the “Top 50 Global Unicorns” by Hurun in 2024. These recognitions reflect its commitment to user-centric principles and core values, which include integrity, accountability, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

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