Aurora Labs Unveils Incubator Initiative for EVM Developers on Near Protocol

Aurora Labs, the organization developing the Aurora protocol, which comprises customizable, Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible chains operating as smart contracts on the Near blockchain, has introduced a new incubator program aimed at developers.

As detailed in a recent announcement, the six-week initiative is called Aurora Blocks. Its purpose is to assist in establishing and accelerating early-stage teams working on AVM-compatible Virtual Chains within the Near ecosystem.

Announcement of Incubator Program

Aurora Blocks is designed to support five selected teams with a total of $250,000 in funding, along with technical guidance, market launch assistance, and business consulting. The program collaborates with various Web3 companies that specialize in infrastructure, security, scaling, and funding opportunities.

Collaborating firms include blockchain venture capital entities such as CV VC and Lemniscap, as well as Web3 decentralized cloud service providers Aleph Cloud and Cere Network. The initiative is also partnering with blockchain PR and media marketing firm MarketAcross, security auditing companies Hacken and AuditOne, and the crypto market maker Peanut Trade.

Moreover, the program involves the on-chain crypto data aggregator Mobula, the decentralized identity verification service Billions Network, and Cookie DAO, a decentralized autonomous organization focused on AI agent indexing.

These organizations, including Near, will provide one-on-one mentorship, workshops, advisory sessions, and infrastructural assistance throughout the program. Aurora Blocks will concentrate on sectors such as Decentralized Finance (DeFi), artificial intelligence, and the intersection of DeFi and AI. Additional areas of interest include Bitcoin layer-2 solutions, real-world assets, and decentralized physical infrastructure networks.

Aiming for 1,000 Chains on Near Protocol

The initiative aims to roll out 1,000 Virtual Chains by 2025, with the incubator facilitating the transition of founders from initial ideas to fully functional networks. The focus will be on promoting adoption and demonstrating tangible utility.

Alex Shevchenko, the CEO of Aurora Labs, remarked, “We are creating the future of on-chain ecosystems—one Virtual Chain at a time. This incubator goes beyond funding; we provide teams with the infrastructure, direction, and acceleration they need to launch viable products, attract users, and expand. Aurora Blocks is essential for making ambitious concepts a reality.”

Applications for the program are open until May 28. Those interested can apply for a chance to receive advanced developer tools, mentorship, seed funding, and legal assistance.

Importantly, Aurora Blocks will host a Demo Day on July 23, where the selected teams will present their products to investors and stakeholders within the Near protocol community.