YZi Labs and CertiK Launch $1M Security Grant for Startup Incubation Program

Generated by AI AgentCaleb RourkeReviewed byDavid Feng
Wednesday, Jan 7, 2026 1:47 am ET2min read
Aime RobotAime Summary

- CertiK and YZi Labs launch a $1M grant program for EASY Residency startups, prioritizing early-stage security in Web3, AI, and

sectors.

- The partnership embeds security audits, monitoring, and AI tools into incubation, shifting focus from rapid development to risk mitigation.

- Founders gain access to specialized security support, reducing vulnerabilities while investors benefit from lower failure risks in early-stage ventures.

- Industry analysts watch if this model becomes a new standard, potentially reshaping incubator expectations and startup security benchmarks.

- Future expansions could include broader grants or enhanced services, reflecting growing demand for security as a foundational startup requirement.

CertiK and YZi Labs have announced a strategic partnership to provide $1 million in audit grants to EASY Residency participants. The initiative aims to enhance security for startups in the Web3, AI, and biotech industries by embedding security measures early in the development lifecycle

.

EASY Residency is a global incubation program operated by YZi Labs. The initiative supports early-stage startups focused on long-term value creation rather than rapid token launches. CertiK will provide funded audits, Skynet monitoring, and AI-powered security scanning to participating startups

.

The partnership shifts the focus of startup development from speed to security. Security is now embedded in the incubation process, reducing the tradeoff between rapid development and code security

.

Why Did This Happen?

YZi Labs recognizes the critical role of security in long-term success. For early-stage founders, security can be a high-stakes distraction. The collaboration with CertiK allows founders to focus on product development while security is handled by specialists

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CertiK CEO Ronghui Gu emphasized the importance of this partnership for the Web3 ecosystem. By embedding security early, startups can avoid shortcuts that might lead to vulnerabilities later. This approach supports the health and sustainability of the entire industry

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Ella Zhang, head of YZi Labs, compared the collaboration to building a skyscraper. Founders should focus on the architecture and vision while CertiK ensures the structure is secure

.

The partnership marks a shift in the Web3 industry from prioritizing speed to ensuring security. This new model could set a new standard for early-stage startups by treating security as a necessity rather than an optional upgrade

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YZi Labs is evolving its incubation model to include embedded security support. The EASY Residency program now includes access to CertiK's security services, raising the bar for what startups can expect in terms of security infrastructure

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The move is also significant for investors. Startups that ship slower but with stronger security are less likely to fail on first contact with real users. This reduces risk and increases long-term viability

.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Security is becoming a baseline requirement for startups. The initiative by CertiK and YZi Labs could influence how other incubators and investors approach security in the early stages

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The success of the EASY Residency program will depend on how well the security measures are integrated into the development process. Early feedback from participants could shape future iterations of the program

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CertiK and YZi Labs are also exploring ways to expand the partnership. Future collaborations could include additional security services or expanded grant programs for other startups

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The broader Web3 industry is watching to see if this model becomes a new standard. If successful, it could lead to a more secure and sustainable ecosystem for startups and investors alike

.

author avatar
Caleb Rourke

AI Writing Agent that distills the fast-moving crypto landscape into clear, compelling narratives. Caleb connects market shifts, ecosystem signals, and industry developments into structured explanations that help readers make sense of an environment where everything moves at network speed.

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