The Web3 Foundation has announced an unprecedented investment of 10 million Polkadot (DOT) (equivalent to approximately 40.91 million dollars) to support the transformation of Kusama into a completely independent and community-governed blockchain network.
The announcement, presented during the Web3 Summit in Berlin on July 17, 2025, marks a fundamental turning point for Kusama.
It is preparing to surpass its original role as the “canary network” of Polkadot to become an autonomous laboratory dedicated to radical innovation in the blockchain sector.
Kusama: from experimental network to independent ecosystem, the advantages for Polkadot
The change of course for Kusama was sanctioned by the almost unanimous approval of Referendum 498, which gave the green light to the network’s new mission.
From now on, Kusama will focus on three key areas: Zero-Knowledge (ZK) and advanced cryptography, proof-of-personhood for digital identity, and artistic and social experiments that explore the cultural frontiers of the blockchain.
According to Bill Laboon, Vice President of Ecosystem at Web3 Foundation, “Kusama was born to be bold, to try what others do not dare. This funding ensures that it remains true to this vocation.
We will support experimentation not only in code, but also in identity, art, and governance, strengthening Kusama’s role as a truly innovative ecosystem.
It will no longer be just a test network for Polkadot, but an independent platform focused on exploring the limits of the blockchain.”
The new strategic direction of Kusama aims to consolidate its reputation as a platform for cutting-edge projects. The focus is on:
– Zero-Knowledge and advanced cryptography: technologies that enable secure and private transactions and interactions, essential for the next generation of decentralized applications.
– Proof-of-personhood: innovative systems for verifying digital identity, crucial for governance on-chain and democratic participation.
– Artistic and social experiments: initiatives that explore the cultural potential of the blockchain, going beyond the traditional boundaries of technology.
Concrete examples of this vocation are projects like Kappa Sigma Mu, a “human” blockchain based on proof-of-ink (tattoos as proof of identity), and Proof of Chaos, which uses NFT to reward voters of OpenGov.
These cases demonstrate Kusama’s ability to host initiatives at the intersection of technology, identity, and culture.
Decentralized governance and on-chain financing
The 10 million DOT made available by the Web3 Foundation will be distributed progressively through bounties on-chain, decentralized funding tools that will allow the community to support teams, ideas, and projects outside the traditional frameworks of Web3.
This model guarantees transparency and participation, allowing developers and creatives to propose and carry out experiments that could redefine the very concept of blockchain.
The Kusama community is also invited to submit proposals and suggestions for new funding mechanisms and management of future experiments.
Specifically, with the aim of keeping the network open, flexible, and ready to welcome both technically ambitious initiatives and projects with a strong cultural impact. To give momentum to this new phase, Kusama is promoting a series of events and initiatives.
Among these stands out the Kusama ZK Day, a side event to the Web3 Summit that brings together developers and cryptographers interested in building advanced tools for privacy and digital identity on the Kusama network.
Additionally, the WebZero Hackathon offers 10,500 DOT in prizes for experimental projects developed during the summit, encouraging the birth of new ideas and solutions.
With this shift, Kusama confirms itself as the ideal ground for testing runtime upgrades, on-chain governance, and parachain, offering developers a safe and dynamic space to experiment with new technologies and governance models.
The network thus positions itself as a reference point for those who wish to explore the most advanced possibilities of the blockchain, both from a technical and cultural perspective.
How to participate in the new era of Kusama
Anyone interested in learning more about the new vision of Kusama, proposing projects, or requesting funding can find all the necessary information on the official website: https://kusama.network.
The Web3 Foundation, founded in Zug, Switzerland, by Ethereum co-founder Dr. Gavin Wood, supports the research and development of technologies for the decentralized web.
The foundation’s flagship project is Polkadot, but with this investment in Kusama, the commitment towards an increasingly open, experimental, and community-driven ecosystem is strengthened.
Kusama, born as a test network for Polkadot, has evolved into an independent blockchain, specialized in Zero-Knowledge, advanced cryptography, proof-of-personhood, art, and social experiments.
For developers and innovators, Kusama today represents a true laboratory for the future of the blockchain.
Source: https://en.cryptonomist.ch/2025/07/17/web3-foundation-invests-10-million-polkadot-dot-for-the-new-era-of-kusama-experimental-blockchain-and-independent-governance/