Input Output Global (IOG), the research and engineering firm helping build Cardano, has announced a public proof-of-concept testnet for its new toolkit for developing custom sidechains is now live.
As a proof-of-concept, the EVM sidechain testnet will explore the ability to extend Cardano to other communities, while retaining the enhanced security features inherent to the network. Leveraging key components of the new toolkit, the EVM proof of concept sidechain is currently connected to a dedicated Cardano testnet, allowing the community to move test tokens between the two networks and deploy DApps or smart contracts written in Solidity.
Designed to empower developers, the toolkit will give users the freedom to build in their native language without being restricted to specific networks. While the EVM testnet only enables developers to write in Solidity, IOG will evaluate the potential for broader technical explorations with other networks for wider adoption.
Since inception, the Cardano roadmap has looked towards an interoperable future, and the rollout of the new sidechain toolkit is the next step in creating an ecosystem of ecosystems, where assets, applications, and other tools can freely communicate between different chains.
As a proof-of-concept, IOG will be working with the Cardano community to collate feedback for improvement and encourage contribution as the solution continues to evolve. The testnet is ephemeral and will be regularly respun during its pilot phase. While IOG will notify developers in advance, by its nature, it can’t guarantee any continued state or uptime. Ultimately, it is intended to be a community resource and IOG encourages developers and SPOs to get involved and collaborate (and experiment!).
You can find out more about the testnet in the introductory video here, and read more about the new toolkit on IOG’s blog page.