Colosseum Codex: Poseidon, Pudgy Penguins $PENGU, Solana Temple, mtnDAO v7

🔱 Poseidon

Poseidon is a new framework developed by Turbin3 that enables developers to write and deploy on-chain Solana programs using TypeScript, a language familiar to millions worldwide. 

At its core, Poseidon bridges the gap between TypeScript and Rust, the primary language for Solana development. 

Developers can write their programs in TS, leveraging its robust type system and familiar syntax. Poseidon's transpilation engine then converts this TypeScript code into equivalent Anchor code. 

This translation allows developers to deploy their applications on the Solana blockchain without the need to master Rust, accelerating the development process and reducing the learning curve associated with Solana's complex account models.

Poseidon is great for getting started fast, but if you're aiming to build complex on-chain protocols, you might still need to get familiar with Rust and other Solana-native tools.

Poseidon could be a game-changer for developers curious about Solana but intimidated by its steep learning curve. 

Ultimately, Poseidon is here to bring more developers into the Solana community by making development more accessible. This means you can achieve those first big wins, like deploying your first on-chain program, much quicker.

Introducing Poseidon Framework from Turbin3: Write Solana Programs in Typescript

🐧 Pudgy Penguins launch $PENGU on Solana

Pudgy Penguins, one of the top NFT collections on Ethereum, is set to launch its native token $PENGU on Solana.

I had the opportunity to interview Pudgy Penguins CEO Luca Netz just prior to the announcement and he shared details on why Solana was the obvious choice for the launch. 

The decision to launch PENGU on Solana stems from Solana's superior consumer experience and technical capabilities.

“When you're looking at what we're trying to optimize for, which is bringing our millions of fans into the space, it's hard to refute that Solana is the best consumer experience today.”  ~ Luca Netz

The scalability and performance of Solana also align perfectly with Pudgy Penguins’ vision of supporting extensive integrations and future growth without compromising on speed or reliability.

The introduction of the PENGU token opens up opportunities for Solana developers too. 

“Anything and everything consumer is really what we're trying to position. If you’re leveraging the IP or using the token to integrate with NFT marketplaces or other consumer applications, we’d be excited.” ~ Luca Netz

Developers can integrate the PENGU token into various (dApps, including NFT marketplaces, DeFi platforms, gaming environments, and consumer-focused apps such as wallets, payment gateways, and loyalty programs that can leverage the token’s functionalities.

Solana’s vibrant and active developer community provides a platform for Pudgy Penguins to expand its already dynamic community. 

“This isn’t about one chain over the other. It’s about building bridges and enabling everyone to participate.” ~ Luca Netz

In addition to technical advantages, Solana’s strong ecosystem provides Pudgy Penguins the tools and infrastructure to bridge the gap between digital and physical with major retailers and expand their physical product lines.

Top NFT Brand Pudgy Penguins to Release PENGU Token on Solana

📜 Solana Web3.js 2.0

Solana’s Web3.js 2.0 is a game-changer for developers, making the development process smoother and more efficient. 

The modular architecture of Web3.js 2.0 is a significant upgrade. Instead of having one massive library, functionalities are broken down into independent packages.

Whether you need RPC communication, transaction handling, account decoding, or error identification, you can pick and choose the exact modules you need. 

Web3.js 2.0 introduces leak-resistant keys, ensuring that if you accidentally log or store your private keys, only metadata is exposed, not the actual key bytes. 

It also taps into native WebCrypto for signing operations, reducing reliance on third-party dependencies and boosting overall security.

Customization is also easier with the new SDK. You can add custom RPC methods and transport strategies tailored to your specific needs. 

Whether you want to implement a fallback to a secondary RPC server, throttle API calls to manage rate limits, or employ a round-robin approach for load balancing, Web3.js 2.0 provides the flexibility to do so.

To get yourself familiar with all the changes and updates in v2.0, check out these in-depth guides from Helius and Triton One for everything you need to know to get started:

How to Start Building with the Solana Web3.js 2.0 SDK

Intro to the new @solana/web3.js 2.x

🧘‍♀️ Solana Temple

Solana Temple is a wellness-first program specifically designed for developers and teams building on Solana .

Hosted by Flow, Solana Temple combines wellness practices with essential business strategies to foster peak performance.

The program is dedicated to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, preventing burnout, and enhancing productivity through a variety of wellness activities tailored to the unique challenges faced by blockchain developers.

Scheduled to take place in Bali from January 12th to February 9th, Solana Temple will be held at The Temple, a state-of-the-art facility equipped with co-working spaces, pools, a gym, and other premium amenities.

In addition to wellness activities, Solana Temple offers business workshops focused on fundraising strategies, pitch development, and other essential entrepreneurial skills.

The combination of wellness and business strategies provides a comprehensive foundation for sustainable growth, allowing Solana developers to excel in all areas of their lives.

The program also fosters a community where developers can connect, share experiences, and support one another.

Solana Temple aims to be a transformative experience designed to elevate your development journey with clarity and balance.

Solana Temple

⛰️ mtnDAO v7

mtnDAO, the leading startup summit within the Solana ecosystem, is set to host its 7th iteration from February 1-28, 2025 in downtown Salt Lake City. 

Building on four successful years, mtnDAO V7 promises to deliver an unparalleled, action-packed experience for Solana developers, founders, marketers, business developers, and investors.

Since its inception, mtnDAO has become a cornerstone for the Solana community, attracting thousands of ambitious builders each year. 

The summit has been instrumental in launching numerous award-winning startups and nurturing nearly 20 global hackathon champions, solidifying its reputation as a premier launchpad for blockchain innovation.

mtnDAO v7 maintains its exclusive, invite-only format, ensuring a curated environment where top-tier talent can collaborate and thrive. 

In 2025, the summit elevates this experience further by providing an exclusive, private office in downtown Salt Lake City, reserved for the mtnDAO community throughout the year. 

In a move that underscores its commitment to decentralized governance, mtnDAO is launching $MTN, a token designed to steer the DAO towards a futarchy-powered future. 

Why Attend mtnDAO V7?

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with Solana’s most ambitious builders, including founders, developers, marketers, business developers, and investors.
• Collaborative Environment: Engage in a dynamic setting that fosters creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
• Resource-Rich Workspace: Utilize top-tier facilities designed to support continuous development and project advancement.
• Community-Driven Governance: Participate in shaping the future of mtnDAO through the $MTN token and futarchy governance model.

Solana devs are encouraged to stay informed and follow @mtndao on Twitter for updates on how to secure an invite.

mtnDAO v7 Application

⚡ Quick Hits

Announcing the first-ever Solana AI Hackathon - @yashhsm

Workshop: The Web3 Game Development Framework on Solana (Video) - Superteam Vietnam

Recap of the first cohort of the Metaplex Startup Program - @metaplex

ZK Resources on Solana - @rexstjohn

Trusted Setups in ZK Cryptography - @blockiosaurus

When is a Solana block truly "finalized"? - @lakestakeio

Third cohort of the USDC Grant Program includes several Solana projects - @BuildOnCircle

Rome Protocol: Blockchain Interoperability with Modularized Solana - Vivek Nakrani

Plena "Super App" is now LIVE on Solana - @PlenaFinance

⚙️ Tools & Resources

Poseidon Examples are vote, vault, escrow, and favorites programs in both TypeScript and the corresponding Rust programs transpiled by Poseidon.

Carbon Pipeline Example demonstrates how to use a Helius geyser-enhanced websocket that processes Solana transactions using the Pumpfun decoder.

Plasma is a reference implementation of a sandwich-resistant AMM for Solana

PumpfunTradingApp is a sample Solana MAUI app built with C# and Solnet that searches for a pumpfun token and lets you buy & sell it instantly.

👩‍🔧 Get Hired

• MetaDAO is hiring a Founding Engineer and Frontend Engineer to help build MetaDAO’s products.
• Trojan is hiring a Backend Developer to build scalable and efficient backend systems using NodeJS & TypeScript.
• Blackwing is hiring a Senior Backend Engineer to develop core products in a 0 to 1 environment.
• Rome Protocol is hiring a Customer Integrations Engineer to deliver customized technical solutions for customers.
• ABC Labs is hiring a Staff Rust Protocol Engineer to bring a new DeFi Reserve protocol to Solana.
• Zotto is hiring a Solana Backend Engineer to develop scalable backend services for dApps.

🎧 Listen to This

Validated

In this episode, Austin chats with Anna Yuan about the founding of Perena, a new company designed to support the liquidity, interoperability, and capital efficiency of stablecoins. 

The conversation covers the comprehensive value chain of stablecoins, the existing inefficiencies in current stablecoin ecosystems, and the potential transformative impact of "PayFi" on global finance. 

The discussion also touches on the regulatory landscape, the evolving role of stablecoins in traditional versus decentralized finance, and the future of payment systems and financial services in a more interconnected digital economy.

Will Stablecoins and PayFi Replace Traditional Banking? w/ Anna Yuan (Perena)

Bonus Episodes

Launching Sky On Solana With Rune Christensen - Lightspeed

Rune Christensen joins Lightspeed to discuss the launch of Sky on Solana, why Rune chose to launch on Solana, the future of DeFi, decentralization in crypto, and the growth of stablecoins on Ethereum vs Solana.

The Future of Music Streaming is Built on Solana With HIO - Solana Weekly

Ryder Havdale, CEO/Founder of HIO Music, shares how they're transforming music streaming on Solana with a platform that prioritizes artist compensation and community engagement.

@0xMert_ : The Most Feared and Loved Reply Guy in the Crypto Industry - When Shift Happens

In this episode, Mert shares his unfiltered insights on why Solana is set for explosive growth, despite market doubts, how Helius is helping developers build faster and more efficiently on Solana, the $1 Trillion opportunity within the ecosystem, and why Mert believes Solana will hit over $1,000.

Follow @mikehale on X or Warpcast!

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