Kraken has launched its Ink Public Testnet ahead of schedule, inviting developers to start building on this new Layer 2 blockchain, powered by Ethereum and the Superchain framework. Ink’s launch marks a significant step in Kraken’s mission to bring financial freedom through decentralized finance (DeFi).
Early Access for Developers to Build on Ink
The Ink Testnet allows developers to explore, deploy, and contribute key infrastructure. Kraken’s Ink aims to move at an accelerated pace, fostering tight feedback loops with users, builders, and partners for rapid iteration and improvement.
Key Features:
- Early Testnet Access: Developers can begin deploying applications on Ink, creating a foundation for decentralized finance.
- Focus on Freedom and Decentralization: Ink emphasizes freedom, privacy, and user sovereignty, aligning with Kraken’s core values.
- Powered by Ethereum: Ink integrates with Ethereum’s scaling roadmap, ensuring seamless EVM compatibility.
Why Kraken Created Ink as an Ethereum Layer 2
After years of community demand for an in-house blockchain, Kraken believes that now is the right time. With Ethereum’s scaling and account abstraction capabilities evolving, Ink offers a new environment for mainstream DeFi adoption. Kraken, one of the first major exchanges to list Ethereum, views the EVM as essential to delivering scalable DeFi solutions. By building on Ethereum, Ink taps into a familiar developer ecosystem, making it accessible to both crypto newcomers and experienced builders.
Designed for Speed and Decentralization
Ink combines the speed of centralized exchanges with the decentralization of blockchain. The chain targets one-second block times, with future plans to further optimize for sub-second transactions. Ink’s roadmap includes decentralizing the sequencer using fault proofs, bringing efficiency and resilience to its Layer 2 operations. Kraken’s expertise in security will also play a central role, ensuring that Ink upholds the same level of defense-grade security that Kraken is known for.
Bringing Together Builders and Innovators
To build a vibrant developer community, Ink plans to host hackathons and developer events, inviting cypherpunks, OGs, and innovators to contribute. Kraken envisions Ink as a community-driven chain where feedback loops are short, and execution is fast. This developer-first approach seeks to bridge the gap between on-chain and off-chain finance, making DeFi more accessible and intuitive for the next wave of users.
The Vision for an Open, Decentralized Financial Future
Ink’s long-term vision centers on enabling a seamless experience between traditional and decentralized finance. Kraken sees a world where on-chain finance rivals and eventually surpasses traditional finance, allowing users to fully participate in an open financial system. By leveraging Kraken’s expertise in crypto UX and security, Ink aims to make decentralized finance a part of everyday life for millions of users.
According to Kraken, Ink is not just another blockchain; it represents a commitment to freedom, transparency, and the future of finance. As Ink continues to develop, Kraken invites developers and users to join in transforming DeFi and realizing a truly decentralized financial ecosystem.
