cient8 Opens Registration for OP Funding Project Season 1

cient8 has opened registration for the first season of its funding program, distributing a total of 200,000 $OP tokens provided by the Optimism Foundation.

The program provides funding of up to $25,000 in OP tokens per project and aims to drive innovation and growth in the blockchain gaming space. The program provides funding, mentorship, and resources to support established contributors and newcomers with innovative ideas in the Ancient8 ecosystem.

By focusing on existing and future projects, the funding program aims to enhance tools, improve user experience and strengthen the infrastructure critical to a strong blockchain gaming ecosystem.

What is Ancient8?

cient8 is a community-driven, gaming-centric Ethereum layer 2 solution designed to solve the scalability and adoption challenges of web3 games and consumer dApps. Built on the OP Stack and enhanced by Celestia’s modular blockchain technology, cient8 combines speed, cost-effectiveness and advanced tools to provide the infrastructure for on-chain game development.

cient8 has developed from a game guild into a comprehensive game infrastructure chain, and is committed to empowering the future 100 million universe citizens. The platform is dedicated to driving mass adoption, democratizing gaming, and providing a modular blockchain to enhance the on-chain experience for players and developers.

The first quarter grant program is an important step forward, supported by a $500,000 OP grant from the Optimistic Governance Fund. cient8 intends to use the funding to foster a vibrant ecosystem where creators and developers can collaborate, innovate and scale their solutions.

How does the cient8 OP funding program work?

Season 1 of the cient8 Grants Program is powered by 200,000 $OP tokens from the Optimism Foundation, providing grants of up to 25,000 $OP tokens per project. The plan aims to empower projects with the ability to innovate and scale, and contribute to the development of the Ancient8 and Optimism superchain ecosystems.

The program focuses on two categories: existing projects and prospective projects, each with different timelines, eligibility criteria and processes. Funding and milestones are tailored to each project’s architectural complexity, vision and category, and all grants are subject to a one-year token lock-in period under the Ancient8 and Optimism collective grant policies.

Existing projects: This track is available to individuals and teams who have already contributed to the Ancient8 ecosystem. It recognizes their efforts and supports their continued efforts to drive long-term sustainability and impact. This category is designed to reward and amplify high-performing, scalable projects.

• • January 15 to February 28, 2025: Registration stage
  • March 1 to March 15, 2025: screening stage
  • March 16 to April 30, 2025: performance evaluation stage
  • May 1 to May 16, 2025: decision stage

Eligibility criteria:

• • Positive contribution to the Ancient8 ecosystem.
  • Demonstrate long-term commitment and measurable impact.
  • On-chain activities such as wallet interactions and verified contracts.

process:

• • Applicants provide details of their contributions and major achievements when registering.
  • The cient8 Foundation Board of Directors conducted a two-month performance review.
  • Shortlisted projects will advance to a community ranking and voting phase, with $A8 stakeholders determining the final funding recipient.
  • Projects receive milestone-based rewards when they achieve established goals.

Community involvement:

• • $A8 stakers participate in governance by voting on Snapshot during the decision-making phase (May 1 to May 16, 2025).
  • Participating stakers will receive incentives in A8 tokens, and details will be announced as the voting period approaches.

Expected items: This track supports new projects designed to be deployed or expanded within the Ancient8 ecosystem. It emphasizes innovative measures to improve gaming infrastructure, user experience, growth tools, and content creator network. This category is designed to provide funding, guidance, and resources to ensure successful launch and integration.

• • January 15 to February 15, 2025: Registration stage
  • February 15 to February 28, 2025: preliminary review stage
  • March 1 to March 15, 2025: decision stage

Eligibility criteria:

• • Clear project goals and budget allocation.
  • It is highly consistent with Ancient8’s ecosystem growth goals.
  • Demonstrated innovation and technical feasibility.

process:

• • Applicants submit detailed proposals outlining their goals, budget and expected outcomes.
  • Proposals are evaluated by the Ancient8 Grant Committee and require at least 6 out of 10 votes from Board members for approval.
  • Projects receive milestone-based funding related to progress and delivery defined in the Assessment Phase.

The grant evaluation process is overseen by experienced web3 professionals, including members of A8 Governance Partners and the A8 Foundation Council. High-profile names such as Axie Infinity co-founder Trung Nguyen are on the board of directors, ensuring a rigorous and credible selection process.

Interested applicants are welcome to visit the official website to learn more about the Ancient8 funding program.