Aurora Labs, a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform, has announced it is integrating the Bitcoin (BTC) network with the NEAR Protocol, as per the most recent updates shared with Finbold on August 13.
The move follows the launch of a Bitcoin Light Client and Relayer, itself expected to boost Web3 interoperability and drive DeFi innovation.
Aurora Labs’ Bitcoin Light Client
Aurora Labs’ Bitcoin Light Client functions as a smart contract, enabling NEAR-based decentralized applications (dApps) to verify Bitcoin transactions and access the most current Bitcoin chain state.
This is the foundation of the forthcoming Bitcoin bridge, which will allow the NEAR ecosystem to utilize BTC assets.
In addition, Aurora Labs has introduced a Relayer Service, which ensures the Bitcoin Light Client is syncronized with the Bitcoin network by updating the NEAR smart contract with the latest Bitcoin transactions.
For additional security, Proximity Labs has launched a chain signature service for NEAR, which supports the creation of native Bitcoin bridges and facilitates seamless BTC transfers to and from the NEAR network.
Move towards a unified Web3 experience
The Bitcoin Light Client marks significant progress toward a unified Web3 experience, setting the stage for new innovations on NEAR.
Next on the agenda is the deployment of the Satoshi Bridge, which will enable direct BTC deposits into NEAR and interactions with its dApps.
This bridge will bring BTC to NEAR as well as integrate Rune and Ordinals to pave the way for new DeFi applications that leverage the strengths of both Bitcoin and NEAR.
Aurora Labs’ CEO, Alex Shevchenko, commented:
“There’s a lot of untapped value in the Bitcoin ecosystem. NEAR Chain Signatures are a solid step forward, but to really unlock Bitcoin’s potential, we need the ability to read and act on its state. That’s why we created a trustless Bitcoin Light Client that works as a smart contract. With this and Chain Signatures together, we’re opening the door for Bitcoin to finally enter the DeFi world.”
Kendall Cole, founder of Proximity Labs, added:
“The BTC light client is a critical part of the Bitcoin stack that NEAR now enables. When combined with chain signatures, developers will be able to create an entirely new set of applications for Bitcoin users, including money markets, DEXs, launchpads, stablecoins, and more, all with seamless user experiences.”
Having set the project into mention, Aurora Labs is passing the torch to NEAR One.