Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has announced a period of "austerity" within the Ethereum Foundation. The organization will direct its resources toward executing an aggressive roadmap to scale the blockchain, while Buterin plans to fund peripheral technological initiatives personally. To implement this plan, he has withdrawn a significant amount of ETH to allocate for grants over the next few years.
Personal Responsibility for the “Full Stack”
Buterin confirmed the withdrawal of 16,384 ETH. The proceeds will fund projects that previously fell under the Foundation’s "special initiatives" category. This division of responsibilities allows the EF to preserve its budget for the long-term support of the blockchain’s base layer without spreading itself thin across adjacent sectors.
The developer’s priority is creating an open, secure, and verifiable software and hardware stack. This involves protecting both user privacy and the public environment. Buterin’s interests span operating systems, financial applications, biotechnology (including personal and public health), and similar endeavors.
Specific examples set to receive support include Vensa, a project working on commercially viable open silicon, and the U-Critter device, featuring built-in ZK (zero-knowledge proofs), FHE (fully homomorphic encryption), and differential privacy functions. Buterin will also continue donating to secure messaging apps and software operating on a "local-first" principle.
Ethereum Not for Corporations
Buterin emphasized that Ethereum remains an integral part of this vision, but the focus is shifting. The network’s primary task is to serve the people who need it, rather than becoming a tool for corporate consumption. The infrastructure must enable cooperation without domination.
In the future, Buterin plans to use decentralized staking options to finance these goals. This will allow him to direct staking rewards toward developing an ecosystem of autonomy and security.
The technological layer remains the one factor the community can control directly.
Read also:
- Vitalik Buterin Grants Privacy Messengers Session and SimpleX
- Winklevoss Twins Donate $1.16 M to Independent Zcash Development
This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advertising or investment advice. Please do your own research before making any decisions.