In the evolution of technology, transformative advancements often occur through deliberate, strategic progress.

On January 24, 2025, Neon EVM Mainnet Upgrade introduced major developments, refining the process of building, deploying, and scaling decentralized applications in the ecosystem. With the introduction of our pivotal features — EIP-1559 support and the Solana Signature SDK — Neon EVM Mainnet lays the foundational step for a new chapter: one where Ethereum-compatible applications go Solana-native.

A Journey that Fast-tracks into a Solana-Native Environment

For too long, Ethereum developers faced a dilemma: leverage the rich tooling and familiar solidity of the EVM or dive into Solana’s blazing fast, high user-base blockchain — often at the cost of rewriting their dApps in Rust and further maintaining Solidity and Rust stacks.

Neon EVM changes that narrative.

We introduced our new whitepaper on December 8, 2024 — the first step toward realizing the Solana-native vision for EVM builders. Here we aim to connect Ethereum’s developer-friendly tooling with Solana’s high-performant environment. A world where Solana wallets interact with Ethereum-compatible smart contracts, and developers can focus on innovation rather than technical roadblocks.

The whitepaper proposes an architect where Solana-native integrations are not merely possible — they’re intuitive and foundational.

With the Mainnet upgrade, this vision translates into a reality.

Key features of Neon EVM Mainnet upgrade inlcude:

1. Solana-native wallet support and Signature SDK
2. EIP-1559 implementation
3. Enhanced block.timestamp fix
4. Save HEAP in the Solana Account

A Closer Look at What’s Coming

Four major features being released are:

1. Solana-Native Wallet Support and SDK

For the first time, users will be able to interact with dApps on Neon EVM using their Solana-native wallets, such as Phantom, Backpack, and Solflare. This feature eliminates the need for EVM-specific wallets, creating a frictionless experience where users can execute Neon EVM transactions with their Solana wallets.

For builders, this means the ability to tap into the highly active Solana user base from their EVM application without having to redeploy it on Solana.

While Neon EVM allowed EVM dApps to access Solana tokens for Ethereum-like users, the previous solution involved the management of multiple wallets. Executing transactions on Neon EVM has required EVM signatures using the secp256k1 elliptic curve, necessitating the use of EVM wallets like MetaMask. This requirement presented a significant obstacle for Solana users accustomed to the ed25519 signatures used in Solana and the inability to use Solana wallets like Phantom, Backpack, and Solflare.

Previously, connecting to Neon EVM required additional steps that added friction to the Solana user experience:

Before Solana Signature Wallet SDK:

1. Add Neon RPC to Wallet: Users needed to configure their wallets by adding the Neon RPC endpoint from ChainList.
2. Transfer liquidity: Transferring assets from Solana or other EVM-based chains to Neon EVM necessitated using services like NeonPass or deBridge.
3. Manage multiple wallets: Executing transactions required EVM-compatible wallets such as MetaMask. Solana users, accustomed to wallets like Phantom or Solflare, had to manage multiple wallets, leading to a fragmented user experience.
4. Interact with Neon dApps: After completing the above steps, users could finally interact with dApps in the Neon EVM ecosystem. However, the complexity of the preceding processes often deterred less tech-savvy users and hindered widespread adoption.

Now, with the new Solana Signature SDK, the process is streamlined for seamless interaction:

After Solana Signature Wallet SDK:

1. Connect your Solana wallet directly to the EVM dApp UI (deployed on Neon EVM).
2. Interact with Neon dApps: execute and sign transactions from your Solana wallet using SOL as the gas token.

This upgrade makes the experience much more intuitive and efficient for Solana users by eliminating unnecessary steps and enabling native functionality.

By abstracting away complexities, Neon EVM is making it easier for Solana’s growing user base to tap into Ethereum dApps without additional onboarding barriers.

Simply put: No wallet switching. No convoluted workflows. Just one smooth, user-first experience.

2. EIP-1559 implementation

Neon EVM’s adoption of EIP-1559 is directed towards enhancing user and developer experience. While this fee model was first introduced in Ethereum’s London Fork, we bring this update today, and you may wonder, why. Well, primarily because prior to the peak of the Solana congestion/workload in early and mid-2024, the priority fee feature was not actively used, and there was little point in applying EIP-1559. However, today’s scenario is different, and priority fee is actively used in the Solana environment.

Neon EVM’s integration is not just about alignment — it’s about optimizing our vision towards Solana-native architecture for EVM dApps.

EIP-1559 introduces a dual-parameter fee system, with maxFeePerGas and maxPriorityFeePerGas. This system simplifies how fees are calculated and improves predictability. Users can set a maximum fee they are willing to pay, along with an optional tip to prioritize their transactions. Eliminating reliance on a single gas price ensures a more transparent and fair approach to handling fees.

In our implementation, the fee dynamics have been tailored to bridge the Ethereum and Solana ecosystems:

• Base fees for fair transactions: The baseFeePerGas serves as a predictable cost covering Solana’s network fees and an operator’s margin.
• Priority fees for speed: The priorityFeePerGas allows users to add a premium for faster transaction processing, giving them control over execution speed.

By incorporating these mechanisms, Neon EVM aligns with Ethereum’s tooling and wallets, such as MetaMask and Web3.js. Developers benefit from easier onboarding, while users gain clarity and control over transaction costs.

3. Enhanced block.timestamp: Removing Earlier Limitations

Previously, block.timestamp in Neon EVM faced a key limitation tied to its synchronization with Solana’s unique infrastructure. Unlike Ethereum, which guarantees consistent timestamping of blocks, Solana’s architecture introduced variability, meaning block.timestamp did not behave consistently on Neon EVM as expected in traditional Ethereum environments. Developers had to rely on workaround solutions or custom implementations, creating additional complexity for time-sensitive applications like DeFi protocols or gaming mechanics.

Following this Mainnet update, Neon EVM has resolved these inconsistencies, offering full functionality for both block.timestamp and block.number. These updates ensure parity with Ethereum’s native behavior, eliminating prior gaps and unlocking new opportunities for developers, including:

• Consistency: The updated block.timestamp now operates in a predictable, Ethereum-compatible manner, aligning Solana’s high throughput with the precision required by Ethereum dApps. This makes the migration of Ethereum dApps seamless, as developers no longer need to rewrite or modify their code to accommodate Solana-specific timestamp behavior.
• Mechanisms: EVM dApps may now implement accurate time-based DeFi mechanisms like interest accrual, staking rewards, or liquidation windows without workaround logic, opening use cases for builders.

4. Save HEAP in Solana Account

This functionality addresses a critical aspect of storage and performance optimization within the Solana network. In the context of Solana, the HEAP refers to dynamic memory used during program execution.

The HEAP is used when executing Solidity contracts on Neon EVM. Previously, the state of this memory was not preserved between iterations of contract execution, which could limit efficiency and functionality for certain dApps. Now, with the “Save HEAP” feature, the HEAP’s state is saved directly within a Solana account, making it accessible across iterations. This enhancement enables:

• State persistence: Solidity contracts can now carry forward their execution context across multiple transactions or iterations.
• Improved resource management: Leveraging Solana accounts for HEAP storage ensures efficient resource use and supports more complex dApp functionality.

This feature improves how Solidity dApps handle memory-intensive operations on Neon EVM.

Why These Updates Matter

Neon EVM’s mission is clear: to provide the fastest and most accessible gateway for EVM developers to tap into Solana’s vibrant ecosystem. With Solana’s continuous innovation, including notable developments like the Firedancer validator client, Neon EVM stands at the forefront of delivering Ethereum-compatible applications to the blockchain (Solana) primed for mass adoption.

This Mainnet upgrade is a step in this direction. With plans to expand the technical roadmap, enhance community engagement, and address the needs of both developers and users, we continue on the path of enabling robust infrastructure.

Are you building?

For those interested in building, read our developer handbook. You may reach out to us on Discord or email our BD Lead at ramiro.gamen@neonfoundation.io. Don’t miss a beat: follow Twitter for the latest updates.

About Neon EVM:
Neon EVM is the first of its kind — a Network Extension on Solana — designed to seamlessly integrate Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility into Solana’s high-performance ecosystem. By operating natively within Solana’s base layer, Neon EVM provides Ethereum developers with a fast, high-throughput pathway to deploy their EVM dApps on Solana, without the need to rewrite their contracts in Rust.

For more information about Neon EVM and future updates, visit neonevm.org and connect with the community on Twitter or Discord.

Disclaimer: Solana is a trademark of the Solana Foundation. The use of the word ‘Solana’ in our materials solely reflects the Neon EVM products’ or services’ compatibility with the Solana network.

Neon EVM is entering a new era. But hop in, one last ride, ’cause we are going to temp check the past!

Key Highlights:

• Solana-native repositioning: Neon EVM adopted a unique position as a Solana network extension for Solidity developers, achieving 100k+ views on X and getting covered in media.
• Solana-native frameworks: Focussed on enabling access to the Solana environment (user and liquidity) for EVM builders with the release of a new whitepaper with supporting schemas and architecture.
• Solana Signature SDK: Enabling Solana signature functionality support for Solidity dApps deployed on Neon EVM.
• Easing transaction and fees: Improved UX with NeonPass and adopted EIP-1559 to allow users flexibility in setting priority fees on Solana — a game-changer post-2024’s congestion, for smooth and cost-efficient transactions.
• Points Program: Launched on-chain Points program for explorers, contributors, and community members, garnering up to 11K DAU and 200K daily txns.

Gm Neonauts,

A lot has happened in 2024 for Neon EVM. From Parallel EVM to Solana-native frameworks, this year was all about evolving our value proposition. Neon EVM remains a parallelized EVM, but we have expanded our capabilities to become the ultimate fast-track pathway for EVM builders to tap into the fast-growing Solana ecosystem.

If you’re not already part of the journey, or if you’re here to get reacquainted with the latest developments, we have got you covered.

Before that, for the Naysayer, What is Neon EVM?
Psst: Neon EVM isn’t just an Ethereum Virtual Machine, it’s definitely not an L2, and it sure is NOT a bridge.

Neon EVM is a Solana-native extension, an EVM built on Solana operating natively within Solana’s base layer. It provides Ethereum developers with a fast, high-throughput pathway to deploy their EVM dApps on Solana and integrate natively (including Solana wallet and balance usage) with the Solana ecosystem without the need to rewrite their contracts in Rust. Simply put, it lets your EVM dApp EXTEND into the Solana environment.

Now let’s take a stroll down memory lane and see how Neon EVM evolved.

Here’s a glimpse of the Year 2024 at Neon EVM ↓🌐👇

• Technology & Strategy: Building the Solana-native Road for EVM dApps

From a parallel processing EVM to Neon Stack, RollApps on Solana, Solana Network extension, and Solana-native whitepaper; there have been various announcements this year. A brief reminder: Neon EVM is a parallel processing EVM by virtue of it being built on Solana and inheriting Solana’s Sealevel parallel tech architecture. However, in 2024, we built beyond just that.

We transitioned from a pessimistic execution model to an optimistic processing model, unlocking full parallel execution. This innovation proved crucial during the mid-year Solana network congestion, efficiently distributing computational units among iterative transactions and overcoming Solana ecosystem challenges like transaction failures and delays.

In May 2024, we tested Neon Stack, a technology suite, designed to facilitate EVM compatibility for smart contract developers within SVM-based blockchain networks. Neon Stack was tested by networks like Eclipse (on Ethereum) and exhibited interest by Sonic (on Solana), and Yona (on Bitcoin).

To push the boundaries further, we explored RollApps on Solana, experimenting with demand-driven modularity to enhance SVM scalability. Here, Neon EVM was used to prove RiscZero’s zkVM on Solana, allowing SVM rollup devs to access Ethereum’s ZK libraries with Neon EVM as the verification layer!

With all these efforts leading us toward Solana, we unveiled a comprehensive Solana-native whitepaper that outlined our long-term vision. Key highlights include integrating support for Solana signature functionality for Solidity dApps. For this, we introduced the Solana Signature SDK, allowing builders to add Solana wallet support to their EVM dApps. This in turn, enables their users to sign from wallets like Phantom, Backpack, or Solflare.

We are actively working on enhancing composability between EVM contracts and Solana programs. Composability v1 is live on mainnet — with the interface contract ICallSolana.sol in our Github Repository, Solidity smart contracts deployed on Neon EVM can directly interact with Solana programs. We are working on Composability v2 (for iterative transactions).

Discover our Solana-native approach 🚀
CTA — [Read Solana-native Whitepaper] 📑

• Technical Insights: Infrastructure, Audits, Composability and Debugs

Working on translating the above vision into practice, we leveraged Solana’s native RPC infrastructure, which provides faster transaction processing and improved dApp performance. Another important feature includes an on-chain mempool that ensures efficient transaction scheduling and execution directly on-chain, eliminating reliance on external tools.

Additionally, a controlled tree of Neon transactions introduces a method for atomic and parallel transaction execution, ensuring smooth state management for complex interactions. Intent-based execution offers a way to handle transaction intents, bridging the gap between EVM contracts and Solana programs to enhance interoperability despite Solana’s structural differences.

Neon EVM was also focused on enhancing security, composability, and developer tooling. Neon EVM underwent rigorous security assessments conducted by reputable firms, including Halborn, Neodyme, and Ackee Blockchain. These audits encompassed the Neon EVM Program, Proxy, infrastructure, and Neon DAO, ensuring a secure and reliable environment for developers and users.

Over the year, our GitHub repositories have seen consistent updates, with active contributors working on features like enhanced transaction execution, complex contract testing, and governance frameworks. Docs have been revamped and equipped with detailed step-by-step guides, API references, and tutorials to streamline onboarding and integration.

The Neon Proxy, a critical component that facilitates seamless interaction between Ethereum-based applications and the Solana blockchain, has undergone significant refactoring throughout 2024. These advancements, coupled with updated developer tooling and documentation, mark our focus on continuous enhancement of the Neon Proxy.

Dive into our resources and learn more about Neon EVM tech 📑
CTA — [Check our Developer Handbook] 📑

• Neon EVM Ecosystem: dApps, Tooling and Integrations

2024 saw integrations and deployments across DeFi, gaming, infra, identity, creator platforms, and more. DeFi protocols that deployed this year, include Vibrant Finance, lendOS, Lumen, and IcecreamSwap. Various gaming dApps built on Neon EVM — PixelRealm incubated ‘Kugle’, a virtual pets game, while Battledogs Arena and VersusX introduced battle cards and arcade gaming.

Key infrastructure developments include deBridge as a pivotal partner, simplifying asset transfers, Subsquid offering indexing solutions, and Attarius and Stardust equipping developers with tools to create thriving gaming economies.

Web3 quests hit new levels with Intract, Micro3, Guild, and Nomis repping identity, while Hoodoi and coNFT marketplaces offer opportunities for creators. We also worked actively to bring in UX improvements with re-vamped NeonPass and Onboarding Portal. There are a host of possibilities — devs, gamers, and creators, let’s run it!

Ready to launch your dApp on Neon? Let’s build together 🤝

CTA — [Join Neon EVM Ecosystem]

• Events & Industry Presence: Global participation, Hackathons and Networking

We have stayed closely connected with the EVM ecosystem, attending a series of key Ethereum events and hackathons. From the main stage at ETHDenver to engaging with developers, hosting hackathons, workshops, live demos, and showcasing our latest innovations at ETHSeoul, ETHBelgrade, ETHGlobal Bangkok, DevCon Bangkok, and ETHGlobal San Francisco, it has been a busy year! We connected with over 1k+ developers and showcased 12 live demos and workshops.

At EthCC Brussels, we hosted an exclusive side event featuring a panel (Polygon, Arbitrum, Sonic, Eclipse, and Neon EVM) on SVM and EVM Rollups and RollApps.

Game nights, mixers, meet-ups, and side events have always been active parts of community engagement and will continue well into 2025.

Join us next at Meet-ups and major events 🤝

CTA — [Visit Events Update]

• Growth & Marketing: Socials, Features and Top Mentions

Our social and industry presence resulted in 100+ media features, interviews, and podcasts, reaching a potential average monthly audience of 103.5 M. These include features in Coindesk, Defiant, The Block, Blockworks, Cryptoslate, and top podcasts like The Index Podcast, Exponential DeFi, Solana Weekly, Coindesk TV, Developer DAO, Zipto, and the list continues…

We made noise across X Spaces, featuring alongside teams from Arbitrum, Arcium, Pyth, MagicBlock, and Chainbase. We also hosted various ecosystem Spaces, familiarizing the Web3 audience with the Neon EVM ecosystem and dApp deployments. With initiatives like LearnWeb3 technical lessons, our focus is strong on empowering developers.

In July 2024, we announced a KYCd airdrop for our off-chain Points program. The Neon EVM Points Program was launched in August 2024, reaching up to 11K DAU and 200K daily txns.

Meanwhile, platforms like Questn, Intract, Galxe, Micro3, and Superteams Earn saw an overwhelming 86,000+ cumulative participants engage with our campaigns. Discord town halls, interactive Telegram channels, and an all-exclusive invite-only TG Builder’s chat all helped us stay connected with the web3 and developer community.

Stay tuned for more Neon EVM insights and features 📺

CTA — [Follow on X]

Looking Ahead to 2025: An Optimistic Future

As we embark on a new year, Neon EVM is poised for more innovation and growth. Our focus is on security, scalability, transparency, and decentralization. Neon EVM invites developers and enthusiasts alike to join us in building and deploying dApps that users would truly love.

We express our gratitude to the Neon EVM community and look forward to a wonderful and prosperous New Year in 2025!

Disclaimer: Solana is a trademark of the Solana Foundation. The use of the word ‘Solana’ in our materials solely reflects the Neon EVM products’ or services’ compatibility with the Solana network.

Key Takeaways:

• Unified user experience: Use Solana-compatible wallets and transaction signing with Ethereum-compatible dApps.
• Technical innovation: Support Solana-native ed25519 signatures for Ethereum transactions via on-chain signature verification.
• Simplified development: Rapid integration of wallets and transaction management through SDK, enabling setup and functionality within minutes.
• Lifecycle transparency: Detailed overview of transaction flow from wallet to execution on Neon EVM.
• Advanced features: Support for Solana program calls, ERC20-SPL asset management, and transaction scheduling.

With the release of the Solana Signature Wallet SDK, we take an important transformative step toward enabling Solana-native integration and simplifying user interactions on the Solana environment for Ethereum-compatible dApps, as is highlighted in our whitepaper.

Introduction to Neon EVM and Wallet Integration

The Solana Signature Wallet SDK toolkit enables developers to build dApps that allow Solana users to interact with smart contracts deployed on Neon EVM. Ethereum-compatible dApps have historically depended on Ethereum-like signatures (secp256k1) for transaction authentication. This dependency has created obstacles for Solana users, requiring them to use additional tools like MetaMask and engage in complex liquidity transfers. The Solana Signature Wallet SDK together with Neon Proxy, resolves this. By matching Solana’s ed25519 signature scheme and Ethereum’s transaction requirements, this SDK simplifies wallet integration and asset accessibility across ecosystems.

At its core, this SDK simplifies transaction management as follows:

1. Creation of EVM transactions within Solana wallets.
2. Packaging and submitting transactions via Neon EVM’s on-chain mempool
3. Execution and state management through Neon Proxy
4. State updates on both Neon and Solana.

By abstracting the complexity of transaction conversion and enhancing compatibility between the two networks, it allows developers to focus on building and interacting with decentralized applications (dApps) without worrying about underlying infrastructural hurdles.

Let’s dive into the details, technical overview, token management flow, benefits, limitations, and future prospects.

Detailed Overview of Solana Signature Wallet SDK

The Neon EVM Solana Signature Wallet SDK is a modular and flexible solution designed to benefit both developers and users.

Benefits:

For users

• Streamlined experience: Use existing Solana wallets to interact with Ethereum-compatible dApps.
• Reduced complexity: No need for additional wallets or intricate liquidity transfers.

For developers

• Quick integration: Simplify wallet connections and transaction workflows with comprehensive SDK tools.
• Ecosystem compatibility: Build dApps catering to both Solana and Ethereum users without extra development overhead.

Solana Signature Validation: Functionality

A standout feature of the Neon EVM Solana Signature Wallet SDK is its ability to validate Solana transactions using Solana’s ed25519 signature system. This enhancement is crucial for ensuring that transactions initiated via Solana wallets — such as Phantom, Solflare, and Backpack — are processed accurately and securely on the Neon EVM network.

The validation process occurs in real-time within the Neon Proxy, which checks the authenticity of Solana signatures before executing any transaction on the Neon EVM. By validating Solana’s ed25519 signatures natively, the Neon Proxy eliminates the need for manual signature verification or the use of intermediary layers. This means transactions are securely processed with minimal delay, ensuring that every transaction is authenticated and recorded properly.

This real-time validation mechanism is integral to enabling Solana wallet users to interact directly with Ethereum-compatible dApps deployed on Neon EVM without needing separate authentication methods or additional tools like MetaMask.

For the SDK, to ensure a smooth user experience, two key focus areas include:

• Technical functionality via Neon Proxy, and;
• Asset management with ERC20ForSPL management for token transfers between the Ethereum and Solana networks.

Read on to see how Neon Proxy supports this and how the ERC20ForSPL contract manages token balances and transfers between Solana and an Ethereum-compatible environment.

Neon Proxy Changes: Enhancing Infrastructure Capabilities

Neon Proxy is pivotal for facilitating interactions. It packs Ethereum-like transactions into Solana transactions, removing the burden of implementing conversion logic. Recent updates to the proxy architecture introduce new functionalities, optimize transaction handling, and ensure compatibility with existing systems while incorporating Solana-signature infra.

Key Proxy Enhancements for Solana Signature SDK

• Solana Signature Validation:The Neon Proxy now validates Solana’s ed25519 signatures, enabling Solana wallets (Phantom, Backpack, Solflare and others) to sign and submit transactions directly to Neon EVM. This eliminates intermediary layers, streamlining the process and ensuring security.
• On-Chain mempool Integration: With on-chain mempool support, Solana wallet transactions are stored, validated, and executed transparently and efficiently within the Neon EVM ecosystem. This improvement enhances scalability and removes reliance on off-chain operations for transaction scheduling.

To implement an on-chain mempool, Neon introduces the concept of a tree of NeonTxs. This splits a single large transaction into smaller, manageable units (NeonTxs) while maintaining overall logic.

How It Works

1. Tree of Transactions:

• A Neon contract creates a “tree” of transactions, where smaller units (branches) can execute independently.
• Each transaction is atomic, meaning its changes only apply if it completes successfully.

2. Parallel Execution:

• Independent transactions can run in parallel, speeding up the process.

3. Error Handling:

• If one transaction in the tree fails, it doesn’t ruin the whole process. The logic of the Neon contract can decide how to handle failures.

4. Final Aggregation:

• After all transactions in the tree finish, their results are combined (aggregated) into a final transaction.

Proxy Workflow with Solana Signature SDK

Transaction Creation:

• Solana users initiate a transaction by signing it with their native wallets (Phantom, Backpack, Solflare) using the Solana Signature SDK.
• The transaction is packaged into a Neon-compatible format via the SDK and sent to Neon Proxy.

On-Chain Scheduling and Mapping:

• The Neon Proxy maps the user’s Solana wallet address to an Ethereum-compatible address, ensuring proper integration with Ethereum-based smart contracts on Neon EVM.
• The transaction is scheduled on-chain in the Neon EVM mempool, awaiting execution.

Transaction Execution:

• The Neon Proxy scans the mempool for scheduled transactions and validates them using Solana’s ed25519 signatures.
• The transaction is executed on Neon EVM, triggering smart contract interactions and updating the state on both Solana and Neon networks.

Post-Execution Cleanup:

• The Neon Proxy ensures efficient system maintenance by cleaning up temporary resources, thus optimizing future transactions.

While the Neon Proxy works as the enabler for interaction between Solana wallets and the Neon EVM ecosystem, unlocking the full market potential requires eliminating asset management fragmentation. Unified asset management across networks is key to driving adoption and a more integrated user experience.

ERC20ForSPL Updates: Unified Token Management

A primary feature of the SDK is its refined ERC20ForSPL contract logic, addressing interoperability challenges between Ethereum and Solana. The contract bridges the two networks by enabling ERC-20 tokens to function within the Solana environment. The focus is to refine the ERC20ForSPL contract logic for unifying balances, maintaining backward compatibility, and introducing robust tools for developers. Here’s how:

Unified Balance Management

• PDA and ATA Integration: Neon EVM currently utilized Program Derived Addresses (PDAs) to manage balances. With the implementation of Associated Token Accounts (ATAs) usage, the contract will bring together these two key Solana components to manage balances in one unified way.
• Transfer prioritization: When transferring tokens, the contract first uses the PDA balance. If that balance is not enough, it uses the ATA balance.
• Elimination of fragmentation: This unification makes token management simpler and less fragmented, providing users with a unified token management experience.

The transfer logic here is simple as:

• Recipient address verification: Before sending tokens, the contract checks if the recipient’s address is compatible with Ethereum (EVM) and ensures that their ATA (Solana’s version of a wallet) is initialized.
• Conditional transfers: If the ATA is ready, tokens go there. If not, they are sent to the PDA by default.
• Combined balance view: The balanceOfmethod now provides a unified view of both the PDA and ATA balances, ensuring accurate representation of a user’s total holdings.

Backward Compatibility and Safety

While the ERC20ForSPL contract has been updated, it remains paramount to maintain backward compatibility (ensuring existing implementations continue to work without disruption) while adding new features to enhance capabilities.

For this, the contract maintains compatibility with existing implementations by preserving state variables, method signatures, and event parameters. It introduces new precompile methods under 0xFf00000000000000000000000000000000000007, enhancing developer capabilities. isSolanaUser determines if an EVM address corresponds to a Solana account while solanaAddress retrieves the Solana public key associated with an EVM address.

A Builder Preview: Lifecycle of a Neon Transaction Created with the SDK

Step 1: Transaction Creation in the Front-End

1.1 Use ethers.js, web3.js or any other tool to create a Neon EVM transaction.
1.2 Package the transaction into a Solana transaction using the Native Wallet SDK, fetching requisite metadata via Neon Proxy.
1.3 (Optional): Add instructions for Solana asset approval, enabling direct access by Neon EVM smart contracts.

Step 2: Solana Wallet Signs and Submits the Transaction

2.1 dApp front-end sends the packaged transaction to the user’s Solana wallet.
2.2 The user reviews and signs the transaction through their wallet UI.
2.3 The wallet submits the signed transaction to the Solana network, scheduling it in Neon’s on-chain mempool.

Step 3: Neon Proxy Executes the Scheduled Transaction

3.1 Neon Proxy scans the on-chain mempool and identifies ready-to-execute transactions.
3.2 Executes the transaction on Neon EVM, resulting in state updates on both Neon and Solana.
3.3 Removes the transaction from the mempool after execution.

Get Started with the SDK

• Access the Repository: Dive into the Neon Solana Signature SDK on GitHub.
• Developer Documentation: Explore comprehensive docs.
• Community Developer Support: Join our Discord. Look up the Discord dev channel for real-time help and seek our invite-only access to Telegram Builder’s chat.

For those interested in building, we are happy to discuss it. You may reach out to us on Discord or email our BD Lead at ramiro.gamen@neonfoundation.io. Don’t miss a beat: follow Twitter for the latest updates.

Disclaimer: Solana is a trademark of the Solana Foundation. The use of the word ‘Solana’ in our materials solely reflects the Neon EVM products’ or services’ compatibility with the Solana network.

Gm Neonauts,

November has been a thrilling month of progress and innovation at Neon EVM! From the launch of our Solana-native whitepaper to dynamic engagements at Devcon and ETHGlobal in Thailand, we are accelerating our mission to fast-track EVM dApps into the heart of the Solana ecosystem. Our journey as a Solana Network Extension continues to evolve, delivering a more robust and accessible Neon EVM experience for developers and users alike.

Here’s a glimpse into what’s been happening at Neon EVM ↓🌐👇

Solana-Native Whitepaper: Enabling Solana Users to Access EVM dApps on Neon EVM

The release of our Solana-native whitepaper marks a significant step in enabling EVM dApps to fast-track to Solana’s ecosystem. This comprehensive whitepaper outlines key innovations, including Solana signature functionality for signing Neon transactions with native Solana wallets, an enhanced transaction validation process to support Solana’s ed25519 signatures, and the mapping of Solana wallet addresses to EVM-compatible accounts, ensuring unified asset management.

These advancements empower Solana users to interact with Neon EVM dApps directly from their existing wallets, such as Phantom, Backpack, or Solflare, without needing to migrate funds or switch wallets. The integration keeps SOL as the gas token, leverages Solana’s native RPC, and offers a frictionless user experience by maintaining assets within the familiar Solana wallet environment.

The whitepaper also introduces an on-chain mempool, a decentralized solution for scheduling and controlling Neon transactions on Solana, enabling advanced functionalities like deferred execution and larger transaction handling. We detail a controlled tree of Neon transactions that allows atomic and parallel execution of complex interactions between EVM dApps and Solana programs, seamlessly managing state changes and aggregation. It also speaks to intent-based execution, designed to enhance interoperability between EVM contracts and Solana programs.

Discover our Solana-native approach! 🚀
Read Whitepaper

Technical Advancements: Building Solana-Native Infrastructure

Our technical team made significant strides this month, bringing us closer to realizing the Solana-native vision. The Solana signature functionality is complete on the EVM side and partially implemented on the Proxy side — currently in testing and audits. To complement this, we are building the Solana Signature SDK, that translates the whitepaper into practical dApp infrastructure.

We have enabled dynamic priority fees on the Operator’s side to optimize transaction execution and the block.timestamp fix has been deployed to devnet, enhancing dApp reliability. Additionally, Solana’s recent increase of the transaction account lock limit from 64 to 128 has resolved a critical constraint for Neon EVM. In parallel, the account lock limit on Neon EVM devnet has also been extended to 128 accounts, allowing the ability to handle state-intensive operations. Developers can now test more robust use cases, unlocking new possibilities for dApp functionality.

In a bid for a more adaptive gas fee structure, allowing the network to better manage gas fees by adjusting fees dynamically, and preventing unnecessary gas consumption, especially in cases of transaction failure, we are rigorously working on implementing EIP-1559. The feature is already live on our devnet and is undergoing a security audit before deployment on the mainnet. Once live on mainnet, EIP-1559 will not just reduce costs but also improve transaction reliability by allowing users to set priority fees.

Explore infrastructural and technical innovations 🤝
See our Docs

Major Events: Devcon, ETHGlobal, and Solana Ignition Week

November was an action-packed month for Neon EVM with participation at industry-leading events. Our Head of Product, Florian Munoz, presented at the DeFi World Panel 2024 on Neon EVM, discussing the Solana Network Extensions vertical. He made a compelling case for why it is the right time to join the Solana ecosystem and how Neon EVM can help EVM dApps achieve this via their Solidity codebase.

At ETHGlobal, Neon EVM DevRel Daria Agadzhanova presented a workshop in which she highlighted how Ethereum-like transactions are processed on Solana through Neon EVM and how to build and perform Solana instructions inside Solidity! Exciting, ain’t it? We also organized a hackathon that attracted developers eager to explore new possibilities, alongside a bounty pool of $10,000 for building “Memecoin & Degen toolbox” and “Neon EVM-Optimized Protocols and dApps”.

The winners included a multichain meme coin launchpad offering secure ERC-20 creation (EVMeme), a decentralized platform for on-chain P2P predictions on crypto prices utilizing the power of multiple oracles (NeonDotFun) and an SDK bridging Solana SPL balance data with EVM-based blockchains, enabling token gating and access control (GateSync). Neon EVM Growth Lead, Ken Bassig, was at the forefront of Solana Ignition Week in Singapore and interacted with Superteam members from across the globe.

Locate us next in your local dev meetups🤝
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Research Advancements: Enhancing Product Market Fit

As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the Neon EVM experience and carve beyond the boundaries of innovation, the product team is exploring the hypothesis on Chain abstraction, ERC — 4626, and AI agents. Additionally, exploratory discussions have been initiated around meme coins, launchpad infra, and toolkits.

A significant area of exploration has been the testing and optimization of a functionality enabling the execution of a series of actions within the same transaction on Neon EVM. Initial implementations demonstrate the ability to perform flash loans using ERC20 tokens on Neon EVM devnet. While current functionality excludes composability calls, iterative composability — once live — will potentially open doors for testing complex operations, such as simultaneous flash loan repayment and composability requests and advance DeFi use cases.

Another prime focus has been our new onboarding portal, which simplifies and streamlines user access. The portal is test-ready and will soon provide developers and users with a gateway to Neon EVM. Changes are being implemented to the website to make it more user-friendly and ensure easier information accessibility.

Stay updated with our latest research and tech advancements. ⚙️
Explore Neon EVM Docs

Podcasts and Mentions: Featuring the Neon EVM Brand

Sonke Busch, Neon EVM Senior Product Manager, was on an X Spaces alongside MagicBlock and Arcium, speaking on “Pioneers of Solana Network Extensions and New Infra.” Sonke shared insights on how Neon EVM is leading and paving the way for EVM dApps to extend into the Solana environment technologically, infrastructurally, and with a focus on enhanced user experience.

Neon EVM Senior Integrations Lead, Simeon Kotashki, was on Genzio Media X Spaces where he discussed the challenges and opportunities of building cross-chain solutions. In another X Spaces hosted by Zypto, Daria Agadzhanova, DevRel, did a deep dive into Neon EVM and spoke of the various developer tooling available for EVM builders. We hosted an exciting X Space on “Building a Thriving Developer Community: Best Practices,” inviting the devrel teams from Arbitrum and Chainbase alongside our devrel, Daria. The Space was well-received on X. Take a listen!

In our latest initiative for deeper and more meaningful community connect, we have started regular Discord Town Halls. This month, we hosted two town halls with our Marketing Manager, Shailey Singh, Growth Lead, Ken Bassig, and Head of Community, Ivan Ponyuk, answering various questions in an open live stream about partnerships, events, new technological developments, and more.

As we build, we are happy for the love we receive from supporters across continents and will continue to deliver best-in-class technology.

Stay tuned and keep those community vibes strong! ❤️
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In the meantime…. The Neon EVM Points Program is running strong. Join our super fun community initiatives — a Holiday Meme contest, Galxe Telegram Mini App quest, and an Earn bounty with Superteams — for a chance to win exciting prizes!

Discover the latest at Neon EVM — Your Fast-Track to Solana Ecosystem!
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With the release of latest whitepaper, Neon EVM introduces several features that unify user experience between Solana and EVM dApps deployed on Neon. This release follows the vision described in the Solana Network Extension approach and describes how Neon EVM infrastructure evolves.

The concepts described in the paper, which will be implemented into an SDK, are:

• Solana Signature Support: Enables Solana users to sign Neon EVM transactions with their existing Solana wallets, eliminating the need for EVM signatures and wallets.
• On-Chain Mempool: Introduces an on-chain system to schedule and execute Neon EVM transactions efficiently without relying on external tools.
• Associated Neon Accounts: Creates Neon accounts that abstract Solana addresses, and enables seamless interaction between Solana users and Neon EVM.
• Controlled Tree of Neon Transactions: Implements a method for atomic and parallel execution of transactions, managing state changes and aggregating results for complex interactions.
• Intent-Based Execution: Provides a mechanism to handle transaction intents, improving interoperability between EVM contracts and Solana programs despite Solana’s limitations.

Read full whitepaper here.

The Challenge: Unlocking Ethereum dApps for Solana Users

Solana and Ethereum are among the leading L1 blockchains, each with a vibrant dApp ecosystem and performance strengths. Yet, these two environments have not interacted with each other, primarily due to differences in programming languages, development tools, and infrastructure.

While Neon EVM allowed EVM dApps to access Solana tokens for Ethereum-like users, the previous solution involved the management of multiple wallets. Executing transactions on Neon EVM has required EVM signatures using the secp256k1 elliptic curve, necessitating the use of EVM wallets like MetaMask. This requirement presents a significant obstacle for Solana users accustomed to the ed25519 signatures used in Solana and the inability to use Solana wallets like Phantom, Backpack, and Solflare.

With the solution presented below, EVM developers can natively tap into the Solana user base by reducing fragmentation and simplifying onboarding.

Exploring “Solana-Native” features

The whitepaper sheds light on various Solana-native features. Five key features to focus on include the following:

Solana Signature Support within Neon EVM

To eliminate the need for Solana users to manage additional EVM wallets, Neon EVM modifies its transaction validation process to accept Solana’s ed25519 signatures. This adaptation involves:

• Signature Validation Adaptation: Adjusting Neon EVM to recognize and validate ed25519 signatures.
• Custom Transaction Types: Utilizing the transaction type property to define custom transaction types compatible with Solana signatures, adhering to EIP-2718 for typed transaction envelopes.

Technically, the EVM address (ethAddress) for a Solana user is derived using the Keccak-256 hash function applied to the Solana public key (solanaPublicKey). The address derivation formula is:

This method takes the last 20 bytes of the hash to form the EVM-compatible address, ensuring a unique and collision-resistant mapping. Solana signatures are then verified using Solana native cryptographic libraries within Neon EVM, ensuring secure validation.

Benefits

• Solana users can sign Neon transactions using their existing Solana wallets, such as Phantom/Backpack/Solflare. This integration reduces the steps required for users to interact with EVM dApps on Solana and keeps assets within the familiar Solana wallet environment.
• The use of a Solana wallet removes the need to migrate funds, maintaining SOL as a gas token and Solana network RPC. From the user’s perspective, an asset swap is executed by sending SPL tokens and receiving back the SPL tokens for the selected asset.

Create Associated Neon Accounts to Unify Asset Management

Neon EVM addresses liquidity fragmentation by integrating the Solana and Neon EVM ecosystems, enabling users to interact with EVM-compatible dApps without unnecessary asset transfers. Previously, users relied on NeonPass to move SPL Tokens from Solana wallets to Neon EVM accounts, which complicated asset management and fragmented liquidity. This has now been simplified with the introduction of the ERC20forSPL contract, which connects the two ecosystems seamlessly.

Users with Solana wallets manage their SPL Tokens through Associated Token Accounts (ATAs). Neon EVM maps their Solana public keys to EVM-compatible addresses using Keccak-256 hashing, creating an Associated Neon Account that includes fields for the EVM-compatible address, Solana public key, transaction counter, chain identifiers, and internal balance.

When users interact with dApps on Neon EVM, the ERC20forSPL contract first checks their internal balance. If insufficient, it queries the user’s ATA on Solana to retrieve the necessary SPL Tokens. This process eliminates the need for NeonPass transfers and allows users to operate in Neon EVM while keeping their assets on Solana.

Benefits

• Simplified Asset Management: Users retain control over their assets in their Solana wallets without requiring intermediate transfers (e.g., via NeonPass).
• Reduced Transaction Costs: By leveraging on-chain balance queries and avoiding redundant transfers, users experience lower costs when interacting with EVM dApps.

Efficient Transaction Management with On-Chain Mempool

Efficient transaction scheduling and execution management are crucial for a smooth user experience. Neon EVM implements an On-Chain Mempool to store and manage scheduled Neon transactions. This allows Solana users to schedule Neon EVM transactions directly from their Solana wallets, with Neon proxies detecting and executing these transactions on their behalf.

The TreeAccount is a specialized account with scheduled Neon transactions, balances, and execution states. It includes the following:

• Payer’s EVM Address: The EVM address associated with the Solana user.
• Last Slot: The last Solana slot in which the account was modified.
• Chain ID: Identifier for the chain namespace.
• Gas Limits: Maximum gas allowed for execution.
• Balance: Funds reserved for transaction execution.
• Transaction List: Scheduled Neon transactions with execution details.

The transaction scheduling protocol involves the user submitting a Neon EVM transaction to the Neon EVM program, which validates and adds it to the on-chain mempool. Neon proxies then monitor the mempool and execute transactions accordingly.

For larger transactions exceeding Solana’s size limits, only the transaction hash is stored on-chain, and the full transaction is sent off-chain to Neon proxies. This approach allows for scalability and efficient handling of larger transactions without compromising network performance.

Benefits

• The on-chain mempool enhances scalability, ensures transaction integrity, and maintains the atomicity of state changes. Users benefit from efficient transaction management, and developers can leverage this system to create more complex and responsive dApps

Controlled Transaction Trees for Complex Interactions

To overcome Solana’s immediate state application and lack of support for transaction reverts — which hinder complex interactions between EVM contracts and Solana programs — Neon EVM introduces a Controlled Tree of Neon Transactions. This mechanism manages complex interaction scenarios by organizing transactions in a tree structure, where each node represents a Neon transaction, and parent-child relationships define execution dependencies.

Key features include:

• Atomic Transactions: Each Neon transaction is atomic, storing state changes upon finalization.
• Parallel Execution: Transactions without dependencies can be executed in parallel, optimizing performance.
• Result Aggregation: Contracts can generate multiple transactions and aggregate results in subsequent transactions.

Benefits

• This innovation enables developers to build more complex and integrated applications, overcoming limitations by enabling atomic and parallel execution with controlled state changes.
• It enhances the robustness of interactions and improves user experience by preventing entire transaction failures due to a single error.

Intent-Based Execution for Conditional Transactions

Neon EVM incorporates Intent-Driven Execution, providing users and developers with the flexibility to execute transactions based on specific conditions or market states. Intents are defined as simple EVM code specifying execution conditions, adhering to static call rules (cannot modify state). Neon proxies evaluate these intents before executing transactions. If the conditions are not satisfied, the transaction is skipped without cost to the user.

This feature enables:

• Automated Trading Strategies: Execute trades only when market conditions meet certain criteria.
• Conditional Operations: Perform actions like token swaps when specific events occur on-chain.

Benefits

Intent-based execution provides greater control over transaction execution, improves resource efficiency, and reduces unnecessary costs for users. It enhances the flexibility and responsiveness of dApps to real-time conditions.

Conclusion

A call for feedback and collaboration: This whitepaper starts the Solana-native evolution of Neon EVM, seeking input from different perspectives and fostering developer participation among the Ethereum and Solana communities.
Here, we release our first draft and invite the builder community to contribute actively and start assessing the implementation on your dApps. The whitepaper can be accessed here.

The whitepaper translates into practice with the first feature — the upcoming release of our Solana Signature Wallet SDK. The Solana signature functionality is complete on the EVM side and partially implemented on the Proxy side — currently in testing and audits. Also, watch out for use cases and demo releases soon!

Join us in building the future of dApps on Solana. Explore Neon EVM today!

About Neon EVM
Neon EVM is the first of its kind — a Network Extension on Solana — designed to seamlessly integrate Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility into Solana’s high-performance ecosystem. By operating natively within Solana’s base layer, Neon EVM provides Ethereum developers with a fast, high-throughput pathway to deploy their EVM dApps on Solana, without the need to rewrite their contracts in Rust.

For more information about Neon EVM and future updates, visit neonevm.org and connect with the community on Twitter or Discord.

Gm Neonauts,

We are stoked to announce some major updates in this newsletter. The last two months were a strategic game-changer at Neon EVM! With the launch of our Solana-native vision and network extension, we are charting a bold new course that will fast-track EVM developers straight to the heart of the Solana ecosystem. This opens up fresh paths for growth and innovation, and we can’t wait to share more with you!

Here’s a glimpse into what’s been happening at Neon EVM ↓🌐👇

• Pioneering Solana Network Extension: Expanding Capabilities

We hit a major positioning milestone by pioneering Network Extension — a new vertical in the crypto industry. Within the rapidly growing Solana ecosystem, it was noticed that several innovative projects don’t fit into any clear category, creating challenges for market understanding and accurate classification. This led to the introduction of Network Extensions: specialized modules or “legos” that add specific functions or broaden the Solana core capabilities (Execution, Settlement, Consensus, or Data Availability layers) without fragmenting liquidity and user experience.

As the pioneer Network Extension, Neon EVM will provide EVM builders with access to Solana L1 capabilities by directly integrating with its base layer, without any user or liquidity fragmentation. Other Network Extensions include MagicBlock, Arcium, Squads, MarginFi, Jito, Light Protocol, and more.

With this, we solidify our position as the go-to enabler for EVM developers looking to dive into Solana L1’s high-speed, scalable environment. Ready to build faster, bigger, and better? This is your cue.

Get the full scoop on how Neon EVM as Solana Network Extension! 🚀
Read More

• A Solana-native Vision: Creating a Fast-track to Solana Environment

As part of this continued evolution, we unveiled our Solana-native vision. For EVM dApps, this implies unlocking access to Solana L1’s liquidity, user base, integrations, and features, such as token extensions and Solana Pay.

This vision aims to abstract complexity for both users and developers. By enabling Solana users to interact with Neon EVM dApps from familiar wallets like Phantom, Neon EVM offers a seamless and unified experience. Enhanced composability will make it easier for Solidity smart contracts deployed on Neon EVM to call Solana programs and leverage liquidity in the ecosystem.

There has never been a better time for EVM developers to extend onto the Solana environment via Neon EVM. So if you are looking to build on Neon EVM and haven’t contacted us yet, now is the perfect time to do so.

Connect with our team to explore new opportunities. 🤝
Join Neon EVM Ecosystem

• Token2049 & BreakPoint: Side Events, Panels & Networking

In other news, our team was active at Token 2049 and BreakPoint in Singapore, and the energy was electric! The events were packed with cutting-edge discussions about the future of blockchain, and Solana’s growing presence was a trending topic. From panel talks to networking sessions, the excitement around was undeniable.

Our CPO, Yuri Yurchenko, was at the Multichain Day panel on “Modular Infra: Scaling and Unifying Web3” alongside teams from Lava Network, Avail Project, Saga, and Movement Labs. The panel addressed key topics, including how modular infrastructure enhances scalability and interoperability, the security benefits of decentralized networks, and the advantages it brings to developers building cross-chain dApps.

At Breakpoint 2024, our team connected with the Solana team, engaging in discussions around our product and sharing some fun merch with the community over two days of lively interaction.

Locate us next at ETHGlobal and Devcon🤝
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• Technical Advancements: Enhancing Our Infrastructure

As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the Neon EVM experience, we are developing a new onboarding portal to simplify and streamline user access. This portal will serve as a gateway for developers and users alike, offering a more intuitive and seamless entry point into the Neon EVM ecosystem. Additionally, our Tracer API is being upgraded with improved tracing methods, ensuring more precise tracking for developers working on the platform.

We have also completed our research on Composability V2, yielding promising insights for future developments that will enhance the functionality of Neon EVM. In addition, we are addressing some long-standing challenges, including resolving the “block.timestamp” issue in Solidity, which will help optimize performance.

These technical advancements underscore our dedication to providing a reliable and efficient infrastructure, ensuring a seamless experience for our users.

Stay updated with our latest research and tech advancements. ⚙️
Explore Neon EVM Docs

• Podcasts and Mentions: Featuring the Neon EVM Brand

Yuri Yurchenko, Neon EVM CPO, was a featured guest on the Exponential DeFi podcast. Yury discussed in detail why Neon EVM is a fast track to Solana, our position in the Network Extensions category, and upcoming features like full composability. The podcast is available across Spotify, and Apple podcast, do tune in.

In another podcast, Daria Agadzhanova, DevRel, did a deep dive into Neon EVM with host Thomas Bahamas of the Solana Weekly podcast. The feature discussed how developers can build on Neon EVM and the various developer tooling available for EVM builders. Take a listen or read on Substack, or better still, go mint this collectible on DRiP.

As we build, we are happy for the love we receive from supporters across continents and will continue to deliver best-in-class technology.

Stay tuned and keep those community vibes strong! ❤️
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Stay tuned for all the latest on Neon EVM — the Fast-Track to Solana!

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TLDR: Neon EVM is the definition of what a Solana Network Extension is. Neon EVM was built to create new use cases and broaden the core capabilities of the Solana blockchain maintaining unified liquidity and user experience. SVM networks using different consensus layers than Solana are not a Solana Network Extension, nor those fragmenting liquidity or user base. Solana L1s modular approach differs from the Ethereum one, as it is mainly focused on enhancing the functionalities of the base layer rather than its performance. Neon EVM achieves this mission by allowing EVM builders to become Solana-native and leverage composability between the EVM layer and Solana.

Within the rapidly growing Solana ecosystem, several innovative projects don’t fit into any clear product category, creating challenges for market understanding and accurate classification. This ambiguity leads to confusion, as these projects fall into a gray area, sparking debate within the community and leaving their true value underappreciated.

Beyond the Modular vs. Monolithic debate

One of the most significant discussions in the blockchain space today revolves around modular versus monolithic blockchain design. In a monolithic blockchain, all core functions — execution, settlement, consensus, and data availability — are managed on a single layer. This approach prioritizes speed, efficiency, and scalability within a unified system. On the other hand, modular blockchains separate these core components across multiple layers, allowing for more flexibility but often at the cost of additional complexity and slower finality.

This debate, when applied to Solana, misses an important nuance: not all projects aiming to enhance Solana capabilities fit neatly into this framework. For example, some projects introduce new functionality or tools and solely rely on Solana L1s underlying structure without altering UX or fragmenting the markets.

Moreover, as L1 ecosystem grows, more projects emerge that blend product categories. They serve a critical function in expanding Solana capabilities but struggle to position themself due to their categorization challenges.

Neon EVM: An Illustrative Example

Take Neon EVM as a case in point. Neon isn’t a typical L2 — it runs as an EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) on Solana, extending the network’s deeper compatibility with Ethereum-based applications while remaining fully integrated with Solana L1. Unlike Optimistic or ZK Rollups, Neon doesn’t process transactions off-chain. Instead, it allows developers to deploy Ethereum dApps on Solana, leveraging the base layer’s core capabilities.

Source: Toly’s tweet

Neon doesn’t fit into the standard L1 classification either. It doesn’t have its own consensus mechanism or independent blockchain architecture, features that define a true L1 protocol.

Neon also goes beyond being a simple dApp on Solana. It integrates several key modules, such as Neon Proxy, which translates Ethereum-like transactions into Solana transactions, and the Neon EVM contract, which unpacks and executes these transactions on Solana’s validators. Additionally, Neon offers a Tracing API that supports Ethereum client compatibility. Neon EVM represents a compatibility layer rather than fitting into the rigid L1 or L2 framework.

A Broader Challenge Across the Solana Ecosystem

Neon EVM isn’t an isolated case. Across the Solana ecosystem, numerous projects like Magicblock, Metaplex, Jito, Light Protocol, Marginfi, Squads and more… are creating tools, services, and infrastructure that don’t always fit into well-defined single categories. Without clear product categories, these projects might face difficulties in market positioning, community engagement, and developer adoption. As the ecosystem continues to evolve, more projects that play an essential role in extending Solana capabilities will inevitably fall into this gray area.

Enter Network Extensions: A New Product Category In the Solana Ecosystem

In response to these challenges, Austin Federa, Head of Strategy at the Solana Foundation, recently tweeted about a new product category: Network Extensions. Although the concept is still being debated, we at Neon, believe the following definition captures its essence perfectly:

Solana Network Extensions are specialized modules or “legos” that add specific functions or broaden the Solana core capabilities (Execution, Settlement, Consensus, or Data Availability layers) without fragmenting liquidity and user experience.

We believe that Network Extensions can therefore be defined by a set of simple criteria:

The following map is the result of the application of this rationale to the Solana ecosystem.

The Strategic Importance of Network Extensions

Network Extensions fill a critical gap in the Solana ecosystem. By offering a formal category for projects that natively extend Solana L1s core, we provide clarity to developers, investors, and users alike. These extensions act as building blocks, empowering dApp developers to create innovative solutions that harness the base layer’s unique advantages and Network Extension functionalities.

Composability: The Key to Realizing the Solana-native Transition

The success of our Network Extensions strategy translates into a technological reality based on critical factors of composability and Solana-native integration. While Network Extensions is the strategy, the engine under the hood will be the two essentials: Solana-native vision and full composability.

As we move towards full composability, we will make it easier for Solidity smart contracts deployed on Neon EVM to call Solana programs and thereby leverage the growing liquidity and set of solutions built on Solana. Expanding the use cases associated with composability is the first step in this direction and has been demonstrated by examples like the EVM interaction with Orca).

Similarly, the goal is to enable users to interact with applications built on Neon EVM and execute transactions directly in Solana. This is where our Solana-native vision takes over: making L1 liquidity, user base, and integrations (SPL tokens, Metaplex, Solana Pay, Sealevel Parallel tech) accessible without Rust coding.

Read more here on how we are enabling both these

Why Network Extensions, and Why Now for Neon EVM?

The rapid expansion of Solana ecosystem makes this the ideal time to introduce Network Extensions, and Neon EVM is ready to be the key pioneer and leader in this vertical.

To achieve this, Neon EVM will allow EVM builders to integrate with Solana fully, abstracting any representations of the EVM layer, thus enabling new use cases for EVM builders/developers. The Solana community will be able to connect with dApps on Neon EVM using their preferred Solana wallets (such as Phantom, Backpack, or Solflare) and pay gas fees in SOL, maintaining a unified user experience. Users won’t even realize that these dApps are built on an Ethereum-like codebase.

Additionally, the enhancement of existing composability features eliminates liquidity fragmentation and unifies markets, enabling an EVM dApp on Neon EVM to access Solana liquidity and vice versa. Both builders and users have access to Solana and EVM ecosystem without any barriers.

After Breakpoint, the unmatched superiority of Solana technology has been reinforced, and EVM developers are now clearly shifting their attention to this.

Start developing on Neon EVM today and experience seamless integration with Solana!

Reflecting on Our Past

When Neon EVM launched, our primary focus was on bringing EVM functionality to Solana, aiming to enable developers to deploy their Ethereum-compatible applications to unlock Solana’s benefits. This approach made it easy for Ethereum-based projects to leverage Solana’s fast and low-cost transactions without needing to rewrite their Solidity smart contracts.

However, the experience remained more EVM-centric, limiting access to Solana’s growing native user base, liquidity, and capabilities. While the protocol operated on Solana, the user experience felt like an isolated layer accessible only to the EVM user base, and Neon EVM didn’t fully capitalize on the advantages of being part of the Solana ecosystem.

As the market’s needs evolve, so does Neon EVM.

Going forward, we are releasing our vision to serve Solana users and match EVM developers’ expectations: tap into Solana native opportunities.

Neon EVM’s Transition to a Solana-Native Experience

1. Bringing EVM developers closer to Solana

• A fast track for EVM developers: Neon EVM will make it easier for EVM developers to connect to the Solana ecosystem, users, and liquidity. Instead of being perceived as an isolated layer, Neon EVM will focus on simplifying the onboarding process so that EVM projects can become accessible on Solana.
• Interact natively with Solana programs: By expanding the use cases associated with composability (here, an example of EVM interaction with Orca), we make it easier for EVM smart contracts deployed on Neon to call Solana programs and thereby leverage the growing liquidity and set of solutions built on Solana.
• Access Solana SPL tokens and leverage Solana top features and integrations: Transitioning to a Solana-native experience aims to grant EVM developers native access to Solana SPL tokens and allow them to leverage Solana’s top features and integrations, such as Metaplex, Solana Pay, and token extensions.

2. Tapping into the Solana user base thanks to a unified experience

• Execution of Neon EVM transactions on the Solana network: Neon EVM transactions are currently executed on the Neon protocol through MetaMask and other EVM-centric wallets. While we stay committed to serving the EVM user’s needs and maintaining the current EVM experience, we will enable Solana users to interact with applications built on Neon EVM and execute transactions directly in Solana.
• Abstracting Neon EVM for a frictionless user experience: This approach will improve the user journey by providing a Solana-like environment. It will allow them to interact with dApps on Neon EVM directly through their preferred Solana wallet (e.g., Phantom, Backpack, Solflare), without needing to transfer funds to Neon, use an EVM wallet, connect to a separate RPC endpoint, or use a gas token different from SOL. Users will interact with Solidity dApps, assuming they are written in Rust.

Why This Transition Matters

Neon EVM is redefining how dApps can thrive in a multi-chain future. Here’s how:

• Neon as the fastest way for EVM applications to access Solana: One of the key challenges for EVM protocols looking to enter the Solana ecosystem is the need for Rust developers. Since Solana is primarily built using Rust, protocols must either find developers skilled in Rust or retrain existing teams, which is a process that can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. This difficulty is compounded by the discrepancy in Solidity and Rust developer communities and applications (13000 Solidity-based dApps vs 340 Solana applications in Rust). This disparity highlights the steep learning curve and the challenges in bridging the gap between EVM and Solana development, confirming Neon EVM’s value proposition.
• Leverage Solana’s explosive growth and attractiveness: Solana has seen exponential growth, both in terms of users and builders. Its throughput, high scalability, and low transaction costs have drawn attention from a wide range of developers looking for a blockchain that can handle real-world applications. As the ecosystem has matured, it also has proven to be driven by a highly innovative mindset, with builders and use cases focused on mass adoption. With a thriving ecosystem and a strong user base, Solana is positioned to attract millions of users and key applications.
• Solana’s future opportunities: With ground-breaking developments like Firedancer, a validator client capable of reaching up to 1 million transactions per second (TPS), Solana’s performance and scalability are about to reach new heights. Neon EVM will leverage these advancements, allowing EVM dApps to tap into a blockchain that matches their ambitions.

Looking Ahead: What is Neon EVM’s vision for the coming months?

Our plan involves a series of steps to translate this approach into the most valuable impact for Neon EVM ecosystem and EVM builders. Here are some key highlights of what’s to come over the coming months:

• Execution of Neon transactions with a Solana signature: We are actively researching and developing a technical solution that allows EVM transactions on Neon to be signed and executed on the Solana network. In order to unlock this key feature, our team is focused on developing technical enhancements:
  - Introducing an Onchain Mempool to enable complex interactions between EVM contracts and Solana programs: Neon’s core team has introduced a “tree of scheduled Neon transactions,” that allows for breaking down larger, more complex Ethereum-like transactions into smaller, independent Neon transactions that can be executed in parallel without compromising the overall transaction logic. This approach improves transaction reliability, and maintains composability between both EVM and Solana ecosystems.
  - Intent-based execution model: The intent-based execution model allows transactions to execute only when specific conditions are met, optimizing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the transaction process. Instead of executing blindly, each scheduled transaction is monitored for its intent, meaning that it only proceeds if the required criteria are satisfied. If the conditions aren’t met, the transaction is not executed, preventing unnecessary gas fees and failures. This approach ensures that users pay only for successful executions, enhances the reliability of complex interactions, and allows for more intelligent and efficient transaction handling within the Neon EVM and Solana ecosystem.
• Extended composability: While Neon already offers a possibility to EVM developers to call Solana programs, the current solution is only allowing Composability with “simple transactions”. However, as use cases across the ecosystem demand transactions with more advanced logic and higher Compute Unit requirements, our team is researching and developing a new version of the Composability feature. This enhancement will enable complex EVM iterative transactions to interact with Solana programs.

Are you an EVM developer interested in building on Solana? Our product team is partnering up with teams to leverage new use cases for Solana mass adoption. Get in touch and contact Florian Munoz, Head of Product, at florian.munoz@neonfoundation.io for an insightful conversation. Don’t miss a beat: follow Neon EVM latest updates on Discord and Twitter.

Today, we announce the deployment of BattleDogs Arena on Neon EVM, adding to the gaming dApps on the ecosystem with its virtual card game. BattleDogs Arena allows players to collect cards by minting them or purchasing them from other players to win PvP (player versus player) matchups. It combines competitive, skill-based gameplay with NFT collectibles. BattleDogs Arena is now available on the Neon EVM network.

A New Breed of Game on Neon EVM

BattleDogs Arena offers a unique blend of PvP action, card-game strategy, and NFT ownership, inviting players to join intense battles with customizable NFT-based battle cards — Neondogs. Players can mint these Neondog NFTs, each with distinct traits and abilities, and use them in virtual card combat to earn in-game rewards, climb the leaderboards, and engage with a growing community of crypto players.

Deploying on Neon EVM was a strategic decision by the BattleDogs Arena team. Neon EVM is the first parallel processing EVM live on Solana mainnet and has the capability of harnessing Solana’s Selevel parallel technology benefits while maintaining an EVM-compatible environment. By leveraging Solana’s parallel processing capabilities, Neon EVM delivers Solana’s seamless, high-throughput, and low-latency gaming experience and allows this via popular programming languages like Solidity, Vyper and popular tools like HardHat, Remix, MetaMask etc.

This makes Neon EVM positioned to support Web3 games like BattleDogs Arena by enabling access to the Solana environment without any Rust programming. For game developers, this translates into building a smooth gaming experience where blockchain complexities are handled under the hood, leaving them to focus on the player’s action.

Battle for Supremacy in the Arena

In BattleDogs Arena, players can choose from a range of Neondog NFTs, each bringing its own strengths and abilities to the battlefield. These NFTs are not just collectibles — they are integral to gameplay, evolving and leveling up as players compete in PvP battles. As players engage in fast-paced combat, they earn in-game rewards, rank up their Neondogs, and rise through the ranks to prove their dominance in the arena. Players can also customize their Neondogs, adding strategic layers to how they approach each battle.

How to Get Started

Getting into the action is simple:

1. Mint Neondog NFT: Head over to the BattleDogs Arena marketplace to mint your own Neondog NFT. Each Neondog comes with distinct traits that influence its performance in battle.
2. Join the Arena: Enter the arena to engage in fast-paced combat. The game mechanics are easy to learn but challenging to master, offering a good experience for both casual and competitive players.
3. Earn In-Game Rewards:As you participate in battles, you may earn in-game currency, which can be used to upgrade Neondogs to earn a distinct advantage over other players.
4. Connect Wallet:The Neon EVM network allows BattleDogs Arena players to easily connect their wallets, enabling smooth gameplay.

Future Outlook

With multiple new game formats and dApps onboarding on the network and an engaged community, this is an exciting time to dive into the next generation of Web3 gaming on Neon EVM. That said, come see the buzz within Neon EVM community on Discord and stay tuned for all the EVM alpha on our Twitter.

Are you building?

Read more on Neon EVM architecture on our docs. If you plan to build your gaming dApp, contact Steven Leaton, Neon EVM Gaming Partnership Lead, at steven.leaton@neonfoundation.io for an insightful conversation. Don’t miss a beat: follow Neon EVM latest updates on Discord and Twitter.

About Neon EVM:
Neon EVM is an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) that empowers developers to build and deploy dApps seamlessly from EVM chains to Solana, all from their existing codebase. It operates as a program on Solana that accepts transaction requests via public RPC endpoints. It gives developers the power to directly deploy Ethereum dApps with minimal reconfiguration to the code while benefiting from Solana’s technical advantages, such as parallel processing. For more information about Neon EVM and future updates, visit NeonEVM.org and connect with the community on Twitter or Discord.

About BattleDogs Arena:
BattleDogs Arena is a blockchain game. Battledogs Arena is a sole venture launched on Arbitrum, Base, BNB Chain, Blast, Core, Manta, Mantle, Linea, Polygon, Okxchain, opBNB, Pulsechain, Scroll and now Solana ecosystem via Neon EVM. Visit their website and have fun. Know a bit more reading the Docs and about on how to get started here.

*Disclaimer: The information contained on this webpage is not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained in this constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by Neon EVM or any third-party service provider to buy or sell any crypto-assets or other financial instruments. We recommend users do their own research, fully understand the nature of their purchase/actions and the risks involved and always seek independent financial advice if in doubt.

The year is 2024, and the world is full of untapped gravity-defying magic. Deep in the vibrant galaxy of KugleWorld, an egg begins to crack. From it, eager wide, glowing eyes stare back at you — a Kugle pet ready to hatch into an adventure of its own. Now, you stand at the crossroads of explorations, missions, and game rewards as you nurture, breed, and grow your companion.

Ready to dive into this adventure? The journey begins today, open up to the magical world of Kugle, officially live on Neon EVM, bringing the power of blockchain to the palm of your hand.

Allow us to introduce KUGLE: A gravity-defying platformer mobile blockchain game with virtual pets, available on the Epic Games Store, Google PlayStore, and coming soon on Steam and Apple Store! Players hatch, nurture, and embark on missions with their unique companions, Kugles. Built on Neon EVM, it combines fun gameplay with blockchain technology.

Kugle on Neon EVM combines the best of both worlds — a web2-like mobile game interface and accessibility with the power of blockchain, NFTs, and ownership of game assets. Players can own in-game assets in the form of NFTs, so they can have a true stake in the virtual KugleWorld.

And yes, built with Unity’s Game Engine, have no doubts, your Kugle pet will be living in the most immersive game environment and allow you to perform some gravity-defying stunts in various player modes like guest mode, fun mode, tamagotchi mode and other such modes. 🎮💥

Why Build on Neon EVM?

For Kugle, the decision to build on Neon EVM was strategic. The team wanted to launch a game in the Solana environment and access Solana’s tech benefits, and they needed a familiar developer-friendly coding environment that would allow them to build a game incorporating the best of all things web2 (mobile interface, UX, graphics, playstores access) and web3 (ownership, in-game assets, NFTs). Neon EVM offered the perfect balance: Solana technology and throughput, combined with the familiarity of Ethereum Virtual Machine and programming.

Neon EVM is the first parallel processing EVM live on Solana mainnet and has the capability of harnessing Solana’s Selevel parallel technology benefits while maintaining an EVM-compatible environment. By leveraging Solana’s parallel processing capabilities, Neon EVM delivers Solana’s seamless, high-throughput, and low-latency gaming experience and allows this via popular programming languages like Solidity, Vyper and using popular tools like HardHat, Remix, MetaMask etc.

In the words of Kugle’s CEO, Ugo Belfiore, on why Neon EVM was an important decision and a game-changer for them: We chose Neon EVM because it offers speed, low fees, and scalability within a familiar EVM environment. While Rust is a powerful language, the challenges we faced were not just about the difficulty of developing a game in Rust (even though we have strong expertise in C within our team), but also the lack of community support and the absence of key features needed to support our challenges to build a robust P2E game that meets modern mobile gaming standards. With Neon EVM, we could access the same robust environment through EVM and Solidity, along with the advantage of community and extensive tutorials. Neon EVM’s exceptional support and shared values made it the ideal partner for KugleCorp to natively build and launch here.

Beyond this, Ugo Belfiore, CEO of Kugle, indeed enjoys storytelling (the hallmarks of web3 gaming, ain’t it? 👀). He shares a lot more details about the game, team, vision, some Kugle stories and what to expect in the game. We bring to you some of these detailments.

How It All Began?: A spark of an Idea

Source: Kugle Official X

A Stellar Beta Run

Before today’s launch, per Kugle docs, the Kugle free-to-play beta saw over 30,000 downloads, with 14,000 missions completed and 145 days of cumulative gameplay. The numbers show palpable excitement and enthusiasm for the public version of the game, which speaks of delivering a full-scale and more immersive experience.

An Alpha Team Vision

KugleCorp is a Paris-based indie game studio comprised of a passionate team of 8 people with diverse expertise. Formed from the merger of a talented crypto-trader and a seasoned programmer with extensive experience in game development, Ugo Belfiore, CEO/CTO of KugleCorp, is leading this team of professionals in the game industry. Christophe Franco-Rogelio, the award-winning composer and sound designer who worked with Christophe Héral at Ubisoft; Ugo, who worked for LEGO; Drake, API programmer who worked for Odoo, are among other skilled team members. The full team’s profiles and accomplishments can be found in the Kugle whitepaper.

The KugleCorp team isn’t just about creating an incredible game — they do so for the love of the play. Between them, the team has 50K+ game-hours under their belt with top-tier status in Guild Wars 2 and Apex Legends, combining MMORPG mastery with FPS prowess and sports achievements that make them a force to be reckoned with. And not limited to that, the team enjoys a competitive edge and strategic brilliance, ranking in the top 1% across multiple poker tournaments, coveting the world’s top player in World of Tanks, and dominating in TrackMania United Forever — all highlighting their exceptional gaming skills. Meanwhile, they also stress a deep appreciation for narrative-driven games, adding a unique flair to the team’s unparalleled expertise and experience.

How It’s Going?: We’re now blazing trails!

Source: Kugle Official X

Pioneering Gaming on Neon EVM

As one of the first major Play-to-Earn (P2E) games on Neon EVM, players will soon be able to participate in the P2E in-game economy, making every mission, interaction, and adventure an exciting and rewarding in-game experience. Whether collecting rare pets, completing missions, or just exploring the magical world, Kugle offers something for everyone. And with the power of Neon EVM behind it, the possibilities are endless. The future of gaming on-chain is interactive, decentralized, and financially empowering, and Kugle is leading the charge on Neon EVM network.

Powered by PixelRealm

Behind this launch is PixelRealm, the gaming ecosystem, incubator, and accelerator supported by Binance Labs and Polygon. With 120,000 players in its strong community, PixelRealm is pushing the boundaries of blockchain gaming. With PixelRealm’s backing, and Neon EVM’s technical capabilities, Kugle is set to defy gravity (play to know what anti-gravity really is, we challenge you!!)

This is next-level gaming! This is KUGLE.

Are you building?

Read more on Neon EVM architecture on our docs. If you plan to build your gaming dApp, contact Steven Leaton, Neon EVM Gaming Partnership Lead, at steven.leaton@neonfoundation.io for an insightful conversation. Don’t miss a beat: follow Neon EVM latest updates on Discord and Twitter.

About Neon EVM:

Neon EVM is an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) that empowers developers to build and deploy dApps seamlessly from EVM chains to Solana, all from their existing codebase. It operates as a program on Solana that accepts transaction requests via public RPC endpoints. It gives developers the power to directly deploy Ethereum dApps with minimal reconfiguration to the code while benefiting from Solana’s technical advantages, such as parallel processing. For more information about Neon EVM and future updates, visit NeonEVM.org and connect with the community on Twitter or Discord.

About Kugle:

Kugle is more than just a game, it’s a vibrant ecosystem where players can enjoy diverse gameplay modes through strategic engagement with the in-game economy. Collect, care, play, breed, and trade colorful little virtual creatures known as Kugles. Whether you’re a seasoned crypto enthusiast or a casual gamer, you’re sure to find something you’ll like. Join us in the Kugle universe and start your adventure today! For more information visit https://kugle.app/

*Disclaimer: The information contained on this webpage is not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained in this constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by Neon EVM or any third-party service provider to buy or sell any crypto-assets or other financial instruments. We recommend users do their own research, fully understand the nature of their purchase/actions and the risks involved and always seek independent financial advice if in doubt.

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