Sony Group has announced the launch of its own blockchain. Dubbed ‘Soneium’, the blockchain was launched in collaboration with Singapore-based Startale Labs.
Soneium is built on Optimism’s Superchain and the infrastructure was provided by industry households including Circle, Chainlink, Alchemy, Astar Network and The Graph.
Soneium to address common blockchain adoption barriers
The new Ethereum layer-2 network is designed to fix the common issues that hinder blockchain adoption, like scalability and efficiency. CEO of Startale Labs, Sota Watanabe, has disclosed a three-phase plan for the new blockchain.
The primary focus will be to attract web3 developers and enthusiasts. This will be followed by integration with various Sony products, like Sony Bank, Sony Music and Sony Pictures. Watanabe stated that the long-term goal is to onboard enterprises and dApps onto the platform.
“We will work to create diverse businesses and new use cases with the aim of reaching as many users as possible,” said Watanabe.
Sony launching Soneium testnet in partnership with Astar Network
As noted in its press release, Sony is planning a Soneium testnet in partnership with Astar Network. Following the testnet, Astar zkEVM will integrate its assets and infrastructure with Soneium.
The testnet will offer a diverse ecosystem, including a fully-featured testnet framework. Additionally, they will offer built-in tools for developers.
Watanabe highlighted Sony Group’s strong distribution channels in multiple industries. He also stated that, using Soneium, they will make something that the people want and go mainstream beyond web3.
Chainlink’s chief business officer Johan Eid also commented on the blockchain launch stating that the launch of Solenium is a strong indication of ongoing developments in the blockchain industry.
However, this is not Sony’s primary entry into the crypto industry. Sony had purchased a crypto exchange called Whalefin in August 2023 from Amber Group. The exchange put out a notice in July that it had been renamed to S.BLOX. The exact date for the launch of the exchange is unclear at the moment.
Watanabe posted on X about the Soneium blockchain launch in July, stating that the plan was made almost 1.5 years ago, and it is now in the execution phase.
