Kraken has released Ink, a layer 2 scaling solution, ahead of schedule as part of Optimism’s broader “Superchain” project. Ink is built on Optimism's OP stack and has received 25 million OP tokens from Optimism to power Ethereum efficiency and interoperability. Initial features include a developer toolkit, an ETH token bridge, and access to several dApps.
Have you ever heard of a cryptocurrency project being released ahead of schedule?
If not, may I introduce you to Ink, Kraken's L2 scaling solution?
The global cryptocurrency exchange announced the launch of the Ethereum Layer 2 network last night. This comes several months earlier than its proposed 2025 debut.
The move comes as part of a broader “superchain” project in which multiple platforms that increase Ethereum's efficiency are built on the same framework to ensure interoperability.
Related: Bitwise predicts 2025 Ethereum boom due to wave of RWA tokenization
Ink forms part of Optimism's 'superchain'
Ink is built on the OP stack, which leverages the popular technology created by Optimism.
As part of the integration, Optimism agreed to send 25 million OP tokens (worth approximately $58 million) to Kraken.
Coinbase, Uniswap, and Sony Blockchain Labs have all reached deals with Optimism to build using the technology stack, helping create an intertwined DeFi ecosystem.
We are excited to announce that Ink is now live on mainnet.
Months ahead of schedule, we are officially launching as part of the Optimism Superchain. This is just the beginning of our journey to bridge the gap between users and builders in DeFi.
Let's draw the future together ✍️ pic.twitter.com/WmOKNiMO06
— Ink (@inkonchain) December 18, 2024
Ultimately, Ink aims to “bridge the gap between users and the builders designing the future of DeFi by creating a seamless, connected ecosystem.”
Initial features rolled out for “builders” and DeFi users
Although not all features are fully unlocked, Ink already supports some features for developers and DeFi users.
Primarily, “builders” can start by accessing a developer toolkit with templates and themes, and can participate in the protocol's first Hacker House event.
Related: Solana blockchain hits new record after PENGU token launch
On the investor side, users can connect their wallet to the Ink network (which supports popular dApps such as MetaMask and Wallet Connect) and start bridging funds from ETH to the L2 protocol.
Other popular dApps that have already been published include Curve Finance, Dune, and Polymer.
