2026-01-14 18:23:54

As Polkadot gradually matures, how should the role of Kusama be defined?

For a long time, every step forward of Kusama has been seen as a signal that Polkadot is getting closer to success. But in fact, Kusama itself fully deserves to have its own ecological value.

Recently, the Web3 Foundation proposed an interesting direction—investing 10 million DOT to transform Kusama from a canary network into a peer-to-peer network centered on experimental innovation and zero-knowledge technology. This is not just a rebranding, but a clearer mission and a more specific development path for Kusama—with the foundation’s funding support behind it.

This move feels like injecting new vitality into the entire ecosystem’s development and research. A more independent and focused Kusama might actually inspire more innovative possibilities.

What do you all think about this strategic layout?

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MEVEye

· 17h ago

Finally, someone is taking Kusama seriously. It was really just used as a canary before. Now with an independent identity plus 10 million DOT support, this is the way it should be. --- Honestly, if Kusama can really focus on zero-knowledge technology, it might be easier to create a hit than Polkadot's broad approach. --- 10 million DOT is not a small amount. It all depends on whether the foundation truly wants to support this time or if it's just another prelude to cutting the leeks. Let's wait and see. --- This approach is quite interesting—turning Kusama from an experimental field into an independent stronghold. However, while there's a lot of hype about innovation, actual results are few. We still need to see it come to fruition. --- Wait, isn't this just a way to extend Kusama's life? Pouring money into an ecosystem that hasn't shown much progress—I'm a bit skeptical. --- Zero-knowledge technology is promising, but can Kusama's developer ecosystem really hold up? That's the question.

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BakedCatFanboy

· 17h ago

10 million DOT poured in, this time the Foundation is really serious. Kusama is finally going to turn things around. ZK testnet sounds promising, but can it produce results? Or is it just another round of hype? If Kusama can truly stand alone, that would be interesting... so far, it's just been a backdrop for Polkadot. If this money can be genuinely used for innovation and not eaten up by some project parasites, that would be a success. It seems the Web3 Foundation is also getting anxious and needs to find a new identity for Kusama.

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MetaverseHermit

· 17h ago

Investing 10 million DOTs, this really treats Kusama as a beloved child, not just a supporting role. --- I'm optimistic about zero-knowledge technology, but the problem is how many teams will actually come to Kusama to experiment. --- Honestly, compared to being a canary, an independent development path is clearer, at least not always being compared. --- The most critical factor is funding support; without money, everything is pointless. This time, the foundation is serious. --- Kusama is finally shedding the label of "Polkadot's little brother." The timing is a bit late, but it's better than nothing. --- Experimental innovation sounds good, but I'm worried it will once again become a PPT project with more concept than substance.

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WhaleSurfer

· 17h ago

10 million DOT invested, finally no longer just a backdrop for Polkadot. This feels pretty good. To be honest, Kusama has always been underestimated. Now giving it an independent positioning is actually more interesting. What kind of tricks can zero-knowledge technology play? Has anyone already been exploring this? I just want to see if this move can truly activate the ecosystem, rather than just hype and applause. Kusama's independent development seems to be the right approach; the previous labels were too limiting.

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GateUser-74b10196

· 17h ago

10 million DOTs poured in, now that's sincerity, finally turning Kusama from a "supporting role" into the "main character." The zero-knowledge technology track is so competitive; if Kusama focuses on this area, it might be able to overtake on a curve. Basically, the foundation has finally remembered that Kusama is still alive. It did seem like an orphan before. But will turning the testnet into an independent network really attract developers? Let's wait and see. Polkadot has matured, which in turn gives Kusama a chance to breathe. I buy this logic.

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ProofOfNothing

· 17h ago

To be honest, I think the foundation has figured it out this time. Instead of letting Kusama follow the trend, it's better to give it a clear task. Investing 10 million DOT into a zero-knowledge experimental network is the right way to go.

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FUDwatcher

· 17h ago

With 10 million DOT invested, this move is indeed quite aggressive, but honestly, I can't quite understand the Foundation's logic. At the end of the day, it still seems like they want to extend Kusama's life. The canary has been talking for so many years, but it still hasn't taken off. The zero-knowledge part is a highlight, but I'm worried it might just end up as a PPT project. The experimental network sounds promising; the key is whether there are really people in the ecosystem willing to tinker. If you have DOT, it's better to directly buy Polkadot's parachains. Kusama still feels like a supporting role. Will this funding for ecosystem project incubation produce results? We'll see in 6 months. How many active projects are there now in the Kusama ecosystem? It feels like they've all cooled down.

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