Interchain Foundation Funds Tharsis Labs to Open-Source evmOS, Boosting Ethereum-Cosmos Interoperability

Interchain Foundation Funds Tharsis Labs to Open-Source evmOS

The Interchain Foundation (ICF) has taken a bold step towards enhancing the interoperability between Ethereum and Cosmos ecosystems by funding Tharsis Labs to open-source evmOS. This Ethereum-compatible layer 1 solution could be a game-changer for developers looking to build and scale decentralized applications across these platforms.

• Funding Tharsis Labs to open-source evmOS
• Promoting permissionless innovation under Apache 2.0
• Forking evmOS to create Cosmos EVM
• Enhancing blockchain interoperability and DeFi scaling

On March 18, the ICF announced its decision to finance Tharsis Labs’ efforts to make evmOS accessible to the broader community under the Apache 2.0 license. This move is not just about open-sourcing; it’s about fostering an environment of permissionless innovation. For the uninitiated, evmOS is an Ethereum-compatible layer 1 solution, meaning it’s a foundational blockchain that can run Ethereum applications directly. This is a big deal for scaling DeFi applications, where seamless cross-chain communication is crucial.

The ICF’s vision extends beyond just open-sourcing. They plan to fork evmOS’s technology, giving it a new name: Cosmos EVM. This new development will be spearheaded by the Interchain Labs team as part of the Interchain Stack. Forking here means taking the existing code and creating a new version, in this case, renaming it to Cosmos EVM. Federico Kunze Küllmer, co-founder of evmOS and a representative of Tharsis Labs, shared his enthusiasm about the move:

We feel this is the right thing for the community for the longevity of the code we’ve developed, and are excited about the ICF’s support of this. I look forward to contributing to this next phase in a strategic advisory role.

Josh Cincinnati, president of the ICF’s Foundation Council, also emphasized the importance of this project:

evmOS has been a critical piece in bridging the Ethereum and Cosmos ecosystems, and we are excited to support its continued evolution under the Interchain Foundation umbrella.

This initiative aligns with the broader trend of enhancing blockchain interoperability. Notably, in July 2023, LayerZero Labs and Initia Labs collaborated on an interoperability standard for Cosmos, further highlighting the ecosystem’s commitment to seamless integration across chains. The open-sourcing of evmOS under the Apache 2.0 license is a testament to the ethos of decentralization and the power of open-source in pushing the boundaries of blockchain technology. By doing so, the ICF is not only supporting evmOS’s roadmap but also setting a precedent for how blockchain ecosystems can evolve to meet future needs.

While the optimism surrounding this development is palpable, it’s crucial to recognize the complexities involved. Maintaining compatibility across rapidly evolving blockchains is no small feat, and the journey towards widespread DeFi adoption is still littered with technical and regulatory hurdles. However, the commitment to this cause by the ICF and Tharsis Labs is a beacon of hope for those who believe in the transformative power of blockchain technology.

Here’s how evmOS bridges the gap between Ethereum and Cosmos: evmOS integrates the Cosmos SDK with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), allowing developers to build EVM-powered blockchains within the Cosmos ecosystem. This integration is vital for enabling seamless user experiences with Ethereum wallets on Cosmos chains, making it easier for developers to create interoperable solutions.

Looking ahead, the potential impact of Cosmos EVM on the broader blockchain ecosystem is immense. It could empower developers to contribute and customize the technology, fostering a rich environment of innovation. Yet, we must remain vigilant about the challenges ahead. Technical complexities in maintaining compatibility and navigating regulatory landscapes are real hurdles that need to be addressed.

Here are key takeaways and questions to consider:

• What is the Interchain Foundation funding Tharsis Labs to do?

  The Interchain Foundation is funding Tharsis Labs to open-source evmOS, an Ethereum-compatible layer 1 solution.

• What is the significance of open-sourcing evmOS?

  Open-sourcing evmOS under the Apache 2.0 license promotes permissionless innovation and enhances interoperability between Ethereum and Cosmos ecosystems, allowing for the scaling of DeFi applications.

• How will the technology of evmOS be used by the Interchain Foundation?

  The Interchain Foundation will fork evmOS’s technology and rename it Cosmos EVM, continuing its development under the Interchain Labs team as part of the Interchain Stack.

• What are the broader goals of the Interchain Foundation regarding evmOS?

  The Interchain Foundation aims to make evmOS the main EVM solution for Cosmos and a resource for all proof-of-stake networks to enhance web3 adoption.

• Who are the key figures mentioned in this development?

  Federico Kunze Küllmer, co-founder of evmOS and representative of Tharsis Labs, and Josh Cincinnati, president of the ICF’s Foundation Council.

• How does this development relate to other interoperability efforts within the Cosmos ecosystem?

  This development follows other initiatives like the July 2023 collaboration between LayerZero Labs and Initia Labs to develop an interoperability standard for Cosmos, highlighting a trend towards enhancing cross-chain communication within the ecosystem.

As the lines between blockchain networks continue to blur, are we on the cusp of a truly interconnected blockchain ecosystem? The future looks bright, but as always, the devil is in the details.