Building the Future of Polkadot dApps: Addressing a Growing Need
The Polkadot Relayers Incubator 2023 was designed to address a crucial need in the rapidly expanding Polkadot ecosystem: the development of high-quality dApps and parachain teams. As Polkadot matures and its community grows, there is a pressing need to provide dedicated teams with the mentorship, technical guidance, and supportive environment necessary to build successfully on the platform.
Empowering Startups through the Polkadot Relayers Incubator
The Polkadot Relayers Incubator 2023 is a 10-week program designed to support early-stage Web3 startups by providing them with tailored mentorship, technical resources, and access to a vibrant community. By focusing on four core themes—Cross-Consensus Messaging (XCM), DeFi, NFT & Gaming, and Smart Contracts—the incubator enables teams to refine their Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and prepare for scale.
The program brings together top parachain teams and Web3 experts to ensure that participants not only enhance the functionality and security of their solutions but also gain the business acumen needed to succeed in the competitive blockchain space.
Building on 4 Core Tracks
1. Cross-Consensus Messaging (XCM)
In this theme, OAK Network provided mentorship, guiding startups focused on cross-chain interoperability. Teams like Blockcoders and Cyborg Network developed solutions that enable seamless communication across different blockchain ecosystems. Blockcoders worked on a secure wallet for managing digital assets, while Cyborg Network built a decentralized cloud computing marketplace. OAK’s expertise in cross-chain automation helped these teams enhance the security and efficiency of their solutions.
2. Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
Interlay and HydraDX supported startups in the DeFi space, helping them innovate new financial systems. Xcavate and Acurast focused on bridging real estate finance with decentralized technology, while PlutoWallet and Cubo.land worked on improving liquidity and user experiences. Interlay’s expertise in decentralized Bitcoin bridging and HydraDX’s liquidity solutions played a key role in guiding these startups toward creating impactful financial platforms.
3. NFT & Gaming
Unique Network and Zeitgeist led the NFT and gaming sectors, supporting startups like Forever Has Fallen and Fractal RED. These teams leveraged blockchain technology to create immersive digital experiences, such as storytelling metaverses and interactive gaming environments. Other startups, like Feooh, focused on predictive market gaming. The parachains provided essential tools and mentorship to help these startups integrate innovative features into their platforms.
4. Smart Contracts
Astar Network and Moonbeam focused on smart contract development, mentoring teams like DeStore Network and Evolute. These startups developed decentralized applications (dApps) for Web3 commerce and interconnected gaming. With the support of Astar and Moonbeam, these teams built scalable, secure, and user-friendly applications, laying the groundwork for their future growth within the Polkadot ecosystem.
Supporting Project Development
- Improved MVPs: Startups gained access to a variety of tools and resources from Parity Technologies and parachain teams, helping them significantly enhance the functionality, performance, and security of their MVPs
- Direct Connections to Experts: Participants benefited from dedicated mentorship by Web3 experts and parachain teams, who regularly checked in to ensure each startup was on the right path toward scalability and funding
- Learning and Collaboration: The incubator fostered a collaborative learning environment where startups could connect with other developers and potential partners through in-person events like Builder Hangouts
- In-Person Investor Engagement: Teams participated in a 3-day Investor Engagement Program during TOKEN2049 in Singapore, giving them direct access to investors and opportunities for funding
- Access to Funding: Through Showcase Day, startups had the platform to present their solutions directly to investors within the Polkadot ecosystem, increasing their chances of securing partnerships and financial support
Unlocking Transformative Growth
The incubator culminated in a successful Showcase Day, with startups presenting their projects to over 70 attendees. With enhanced MVPs, strong mentorship, and valuable connections, these teams continue to pioneer future growth within Polkadot.
Want to get a glimpse of the Relayers experience? Learn more about DeStore’s experience below.
