1. Objectives and Scope of the infraBUIDL() Program
2. Funding Structure and Grant Tiers
3. Application Process

The Avalanche Foundation has unveiled the infraBUIDL() Program to support and accelerate the development of tooling and infrastructure for Avalanche Layer 1 chains. This initiative aims to fortify the Avalanche ecosystem by providing targeted support to developers focused on building essential infrastructure components.

Objectives and Scope of the infraBUIDL() Program

The initiative will provide funding to attract top-tier talent and build a robust community of developers. The program is set to target several critical areas within the Avalanche ecosystem, including: - **On & Offramps**: Tools to facilitate seamless entry and exit points for users. - **Validator Marketplaces**: Platforms to support and optimize validator operations. - **Virtual Machines**: Enhancements to support custom blockchain functionalities. - **Wallets**: Development of secure and user-friendly wallet solutions. - **Oracles**: Systems for integrating external data into the blockchain. - **Interoperability Tools**: Solutions to enable communication between different blockchains. - **Cryptography**: Advances in securing blockchain transactions and data. - **Bridges**: Mechanisms for transferring assets across different blockchain networks. - **Explorers**: Tools for monitoring and analyzing blockchain activity. - **RPCs (Remote Procedure Calls)**: Enhancements for interacting with the blockchain network. - **Data Storage**: Solutions for efficient and secure data management. - **Indexers**: Tools to organize and retrieve blockchain data efficiently. - **Token Engineering**: Innovations related to the creation and management of digital tokens.

Funding Structure and Grant Tiers

The infraBUIDL() Program will employ a hybrid funding model that includes both direct and milestone-based grants. This approach ensures that developers receive essential support while also being incentivized to meet specific project milestones. - **Direct Grants**: These are awarded upfront to help developers achieve initial project milestones. - **Milestone-Based Funding**: Additional funds are provided based on the successful completion of the milestones set during the direct grant phase. Funding amounts are determined based on the complexity, strategic importance, and level of innovation of each project. The general structure for grant tiers includes: - **Small-Scale Projects**: Up to $100,000. - **Medium-Scale Projects**: $100,000 - $250,000. - **Large-Scale Projects**: Higher amounts are available upon application and review.

Application Process

To apply for the infraBUIDL() Program, projects must align with the Avalanche ecosystem’s goals and demonstrate how they will enhance the infrastructure landscape. Key criteria include: - **Alignment with AF’s Mission**: Projects should support the Foundation’s objectives and the needs of Avalanche users and developers. - **Technical Expertise**: Teams must show their capability to deliver the project successfully within the proposed timeline and budget. - **Innovative Contributions**: Projects should present innovative solutions that address current or future needs within the Avalanche ecosystem.

The timing of the infraBUIDL() Program's announcement aligns with several notable developments in the Avalanche ecosystem. On August 22, 2024, Franklin Templeton launched its Nasdaq-listed FOBXX fund on the Avalanche network, and Grayscale Investments introduced the Grayscale Avalanche Trust. In Hong Kong, the recent approval for listing Avalanche and Chainlink coins on Hashkey has also expanded retail investment options in the region.