NEAR to Support 1,000 Virtual Chains Through Aurora Blocks

• Aurora Labs has launched Aurora Blocks to support teams building EVM-compatible Virtual Chains on NEAR. 
• Five selected teams will receive funding, mentorship, and infrastructure support, with Demo Day set for July 23, 2025.

Aurora Labs has officially launched Aurora Blocks, an incubator program aimed at accelerating the development of EVM-compatible Virtual Chains on the NEAR Protocol. Over a six-week period, five promising teams will receive financial support, hands-on mentorship, and the technical foundation needed to launch scalable blockchain ecosystems.

The Virtual Chains offer developers a faster, more efficient and secure, cost-effective networks without the overhead of traditional Layer 2 infrastructure.

Also Read: NEAR Expands Chain Signatures With EdDSA for More Chains

There is a $250,000 funding pool expected to support five early-stage and draws on a network of top-tier Web3 partners—including Lemniscap, CV VC, Hacken, NEAR, and AuditOne. This will deliver infrastructure, security, and go-to-market expertise. Aurora Blocks is tailored to support builders in fast-growing sectors such as AI-integrated DeFi, Bitcoin Layer 2s, Real-World Assets (RWAs), and DePIN.

Speaking about the launch Alex Shevchenko, CEO of Aurora Labs said: 

“Our goal is to empower founders to turn ambitious ideas into functioning Virtual Chains that users can adopt and investors can trust. We’re not just accelerating projects—we’re laying the groundwork for a thousand-chain future.”

Building the First 1,000 Chains

Aurora Blocks is part of a broader plan by Aurora Labs to launch 1,000 Virtual Chains in 2025.

Applications for the incubator are open until May 28, 2025. Chosen teams will gain access to premium developer tools, security audits, legal and business advisory, and exclusive 1:1 mentoring from experts in blockchain infrastructure, growth, and fundraising.

The program will culminate with a Demo Day on July 23, where founders will pitch their chains to a curated audience of investors, ecosystem leaders, and fellow builders in the NEAR community.

For more information, visit: https://www.aurorablocks.dev