Zeus Network Launches btcSOL for Bitcoin Staking on Solana

Zeus Network has launched btcSOL, a groundbreaking solution that enables Solana users to increase their Bitcoin holdings through staking, eliminating the need for bridging or trading. This innovative product transforms staked SOL into a passive Bitcoin minting machine, removing the necessity for intermediaries or complex procedures. The launch of btcSOL is set for July 17, as announced in a press release shared on July 15. This development signifies a notable shift in how Bitcoin integrates with high-speed blockchains like Solana, transitioning from centralized solutions like wrapped BTC (WBTC) to a more decentralized approach.

btcSOL allows Solana stakers to earn Bitcoin rewards in the form of zBTC, a Solana-native, non-custodial version of BTC that is pegged 1:1 to the original. Users can generate yield by locking up SOL or liquid staking tokens. The mechanism behind btcSOL is simple: when users stake SOL via btcSOL, Zeus Network deploys the capital into automated yield strategies and converts the earnings into zBTC, which users receive daily. Unlike wrapped BTC solutions that depend on centralized custodians, zBTC maintains its 1:1 peg through decentralized mechanisms, allowing for redemption to native Bitcoin without the need for Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures.

For the first two weeks, whitelisted participants will earn double zBTC rewards, a strategic move designed to bootstrap liquidity and test demand. This initiative is part of Zeus Network's broader vision to create a native Bitcoin economy on Solana, where BTC is easy to earn, use, and move across applications. Justin Wang, Founder and CEO of Zeus Network, emphasized that btcSOL provides a seamless way for SOL holders to build a Bitcoin position without the need for bridges, trading, or extra steps.

The push for native Bitcoin rewards on Solana is not just about convenience; it is a strategic effort to reduce reliance on custodial bridges like WBTC. While WBTC dominates Ethereum’s Bitcoin ecosystem, its centralized minting process has been a point of contention in the decentralized finance (DeFi) community. zBTC, on the other hand, operates permissionlessly, aligning with Solana’s ethos of speed and self-custody. To further incentivize early adoption, Zeus has capped btcSOL at 75,000 slots and tied the launch to a basketball-themed campaign, complete with a 200% rewards multiplier and a Lakers ticket raffle. This campaign aims to attract users and build a strong community around the new product.