Sony Launches Testnet for Its Layer-2 Blockchain Soneium

The blockchain division of the Japanese corporation Sony has initiated the test network Minato for its layer-two solution Soneium, alongside an incubator program for application developers.

Soneium Minato Testnet and #Soneium Spark Incubation details are here!#Sony Block Solutions Labs launches this Ethereum layer-2 solution to empower builders and drive Web3 adoption. pic.twitter.com/UYRgzXJPxn

— Soneium ? (@soneium) August 28, 2024

Soneium is being developed by Sony Block Solutions Labs, a joint venture between Singapore’s Startale Labs and Sony Group.

The EVM-compatible blockchain leverages Ethereum’s base layer infrastructure and is built using Optimism Foundation’s OP Stack and Superchain tools.

“We will work to create diverse companies and new use cases [for blockchain] to provide consumers with values that can only be achieved through Web3 technology […]”, stated the chairman of Sony Block Solutions Labs, Yun Watanabe.

The director of the joint venture, Sota Watanabe, added that the corporation has “strong distribution channels” across several industries and a broad user base.

“Through Soneium, we will implement something that people want in line with mainstream trends beyond Web3,” he said.

The Astar Network protocol acted as the general partner in launching the Minato testnet. Technological support was provided by Optimism Foundation, Circle, Alchemy, The Graph, and Chainlink.

The Soneium Spark incubation program will include participation from subsidiaries of the Japanese conglomerate, including Sony Music, Sony Pictures, and Sony Innovation Fund.

Participants in the initiative will gain access to resources from industry security auditors such as SlowMist, OpenZeppelin, Zellic, among others, as well as venture capital.

Back in July, Sony’s Quetta Web division announced the rebranding of the previously acquired cryptocurrency exchange WhaleFin and the launch of the platform in Japan.