In Brief:
- The Avalanche Foundation launched Round 2 of its Retro9000 C-Chain grant program with a new ranking system.
- Applications opened March 30 and close April 16, incentivizing projects based on AVAX burned.
- The program aims to reward active development and real usage rather than speculative projects.
Avalanche activates Round 2 of Retro9000 grant program
The Avalanche Foundation has rolled out Round 2 of its Retro9000 C-Chain grant program, implementing a revamped scoring system designed to reward developers for actual usage in the ecosystem. This round prioritizes AVAX burned through smart contracts, with applications accepting submissions until April 16, and activity tracking concluding on April 30
This latest iteration moves away from community voting for rankings, now relying on a public leaderboard that ranks projects by the AVAX they burn through transaction fees. The top 40 projects will qualify for a share of the program’s $40 million grant pool, encouraging developers to focus on shipping and user engagement.
Incentives for builders and community members
The C-Chain round introduces a referral program where participants can earn up to $3,000 in AVAX per project referred. This initiative acknowledges both builders and community members who support high-quality projects, thereby extending the program’s reach.
To ensure fair distribution of funds, the Foundation has set specific limits: no project can receive a grant exceeding 90% of the AVAX they burned in a month, and a single project is capped at 25% of the monthly prize pool, with a lifetime maximum of $200,000. Projects need to burn at least $500 in AVAX to qualify for a reward.
New multipliers enhance competition
Round 2 introduces two multipliers that may alter project rankings. Teams achieving Stage 2 MVP status in the Build Games program will receive a 10x boost, while new projects entering the C-Chain for the first time get a 5x multiplier. This structure lowers barriers for newcomers while maintaining a competitive environment.
Projects participating in Round 1 are automatically entered into Round 2; additional multipliers may be introduced to highlight specific categories such as gaming or SocialFi, making the leaderboard more dynamic.
Background on the Build Games program
Build Games, a six-week online competition launched to spur innovation in the Avalanche ecosystem, underpins the 10x boost for its graduates. The initiative provides mentorship and visibility, supporting builders in launching new products. Its $1 million prize pool offers tiered rewards based on development milestones, allowing early-stage projects to gain a foothold in the ecosystem.
The program has seen significant participation, coinciding with record network activity on Avalanche. The C-Chain currently handles over 2.5 million daily transactions, fueled by the increasing adoption of real-world assets.
“Builders who execute and generate real usage from day one will drive growth on Avalanche,” said Mehmet Dogan, Program Manager at the Avalanche Foundation. The Foundation’s approach is clear: prioritize projects that deliver results.
