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Sony Group (NASDAQ: SONY) is launching a global initiative to support the growth of Web3 startups, aiming to boost the adoption of blockchain technology. Through its venture, Sony Block Solutions Labs—a collaboration between Sony Network Communications Labs and Startale Labs—Sony plans to help promising blockchain projects succeed.
Sony has introduced the Soneium Minato public testnet, a platform for startups to trial their distributed ledger technology (DLT) solutions. This testnet offers developers the opportunity to experiment with new features and applications before launching them commercially, using test tokens that carry no real-world value.
Additionally, Sony announced its global developer incubator program, Soneium Spark. This initiative will provide Web3 projects with technical and financial support. Alongside tech help, the program is expected to offer guidance on legal and regulatory matters, assisting blockchain startups in navigating complex compliance issues.
According to Sony, the Soneium Spark program will help projects thrive by offering expert mentorship, access to top-tier infrastructure, and strategic partnerships within the industry. While specific criteria for participation have not been disclosed, the program is expected to focus on gaming and entertainment, with subsidiaries like Sony Music and Sony Pictures joining as part of the initial cohort.
To further its goals, Sony is partnering with major blockchain networks such as Astar Network, Circle, Optimism, The Graph, and Alchemy to drive mainstream adoption of blockchain solutions.
Sony acknowledges that Web3 technology still serves a niche audience. The company aims to bring blockchain to the general public by supporting the creation of impactful use cases that can go mainstream. However, challenges remain. Some critics argue that the focus on digital currencies has overshadowed real-world blockchain applications, making widespread adoption difficult.
