Kicking off the new year, Neo continued development work on  Neo X, the new EVM-compatible and MEV-resistant sidechain now in its Alpha Version. We also established a new office in Hong Kong as our strategic base for regional operations. Several new collaborations also are underway, aiming to create a more inclusive and diverse environment that accommodates both Neo-originated and EVM-based projects. Read on for details.

🗒️ Neo General Updates

🚀 Neo X Alpha TestNet Launch

On January 31, Neo launched the Alpha Version of the Neo X TestNet. The Alpha Version features additional functionalities such as a multi-nodes enhanced consensus module and a bridge from Neo N3 TestNet to Neo X TestNet. 

Experienced developers are invited to apply to join the “Early Access Group” to test Neo X’s performance.

🇭🇰 Hong Kong Expansion

Neo has officially expanded into Hong Kong. At the end of January, Neo announced the opening of our Hong Kong office. The new office is located within Cyberport, Hong Kong’s leading digital tech and Web3 hub. As part of this expansion, Neo also joined the Cyberport Incubation Programme, which provides financial support as well as key networking opportunities and support. This expansion solidifies our presence within Asia’s booming Web3 ecosystem, promoting community growth and innovation.

🤝 Partnerships and Collaborations

🎊 Participation in the Web3 KYC Alliance to, Pioneer Innovation and Regulatory Compliance

On January 22, Neo announced our participation in the Web3 KYC Alliance, spearheaded by the Bifrost Foundation. The alliance is powered by KICA and CODE, dedicated to advancing regulatory technology (RegTech) solutions with a primary focus on Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures and preparing Web3 users for potential regulatory changes. Neo's decision to join the Alliance underscores its commitment to complying with regulatory frameworks and improving user experiences through innovative KYC solutions.

🏥 HashPalette Global Partnership for Japan Earthquake Relief Efforts

Neo has collaborated with HashPalette Global to launch the "Web3PrayforJapan'' Campaign, alongside six other Web3 projects (TRON, Cardano, Polygon, Qtum, Mask Network, and IOST). The initiative involves opening a donation window for NEO and GAS tokens, inviting the Neo community to contribute. All donated assets will be converted into Japanese yen, excluding gas and taxes, and then donated to the Red Feather Community Chest's "Donation to the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake Relief Fund (tentative)."

🤖 Fame AI Partnership to Explore AI Marketing Solutions

In another new collaboration, Neo also partnered in January with Fame AI to explore innovative AI marketing solutions within the Web3 industry. @0xNaeomi, our new AI-driven brand ambassador, has since launched, demonstrating Fame AI’s AI generation ability and showcasing Neo’s brand features.

🏙️ New metaverse partnership with Bitland City

Neo has joined the metaverse of Bitland City. Here, we will bring new scenes to enrich Bitland City’s Bitcoin metaverse, enhancing the experience for Bitland residents and seamlessly integrating the metaverse ecosystem into Neo.

💻 CKS Crypto Bootcamp Sponsorship

In Japan, Neo joined Bifrost, Sui, and KanaLabs to sponsor the CKS Crypto Bootcamp hosted by the Waseda University Student Blockchain Association. The three-day Web3 extravaganza took place in Tokyo from January 26th to 28th. Dozens of industry experts from BNB Chain, Solana, Mask Network, and other leading players in the Web3 industry spoke at the event, attracting more than 100 registered participants.

🙌 Community Engagement

🎙️ Neo X Updates on Twitter Spaces

Steven Liu, Head of Development at Neo Global Development, recently hosted a Twitter Space session with the Neo community to discuss the latest updates on Neo's EVM-compatible and MEV-resistant sidechain, Neo X. You can find the recording of the Twitter Space session here.

🎙️ AMA with GameFi Project Pixudi in Neo’s Community

Pixudi, a GameFi project in the Neo ecosystem, hosted an AMA in Neo’s Telegram group to introduce its intricate combination of traditional board games with blockchain and discuss its strategy to onboard Web2 users.

🌳 Ecosystem News

📈 Ecosystem Project Updates

Neo News Today compiles weekly reports on the progress of various projects within the Neo ecosystem. The reports cover a wide range of topics including but not limited to product updates, NFT/token releases, airdrops, and other market or community activities. Please see below for the updates on projects within the Neo ecosystem for the month of January.

January 1 - January 7: Neo Global Development, GhostMarket, Meme2Earn, TOTHEMOON, Flamingo Finance, nDapp, NeoResearch, Neo News Today, Battle Hard, NOWNodes.

January 8 - January 14: Neo Global Development, MELK DAO, Neo, COZ, Meme2Earn, Flamingo Finance, AxLabs, Neo News Today, NeoSPCC. 

January 15 - January 21: Neo Global Development, Neo, Flamingo Finance, GrantShares, Nash, TOTHEMOON, COZ, Neo News Today.

January 22 - January 28: Neo, Quirky Soul College, Meme2Earn, Mega Oasis, Flamingo Finance, AxLabs, Neo News Today.

January 29 - February 4 : Neo, Pixudi, Mega Oasis, Flamingo Finance, Neo News Today, COZ.  

As 2024 moves ahead, the Neo team sees strong opportunities to realize the potential of the many exciting efforts now in motion. We are committed to working with the Neo ecosystem and Web3 industry to aim for new heights as we cultivate growth and innovation together.