Astar Foundation Forward: Progress Report One
I. Introduction
This is the first progress report under the Astar Foundation Forward initiative. As committed in our original post, we publish updates when meaningful actions have been completed, not before.
This report covers optimization efforts across two key areas:
- Token Emissions: Actions to reduce inflationary pressure from network mechanisms
- Operational Expenses: Cost optimization across Foundation operations
II. Governance Optimization
2.1. Astar Community Council (ACC) Restructuring
Status: Executed
The ACC is currently operating with 4 members, enabling efficient expense optimization while maintaining adequate representation for community oversight. This streamlined structure allows the council to remain agile and focused on high-priority governance activities without compromising the quality of community representation.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Members reduced | 2 |
| Quarterly treasury expense reduction | ~420,000 ASTR |
| Annual emission reduction | ~1,680,000 ASTR |
2.2. dApp Staking Registry Optimization
Status: In Progress (ACC-Managed)
The ACC is actively reviewing and delisting inactive projects from the dApp Staking registry on a rolling basis. This systematic review process ensures that only projects actively contributing to the ecosystem remain eligible for staking rewards, improving capital efficiency across the network.
Current progress:
- Registry size: 70 projects under review.
- Monthly delistings: Approximately 5-7 inactive projects.
- Benefit: Fewer registered dApps means fewer ASTR distributed as dApp rewards, reducing treasury outflows and improving the efficiency of the rewards system.
This ongoing cleanup reduces unnecessary reward distribution tied to inactive or abandoned projects. The ACC will continue this process throughout Q1 2026, prioritizing projects with minimal activity or abandoned development.
III. Astar Foundation Operational Expense Optimization
Status: Executed
The Astar Foundation has completed significant cost optimizations across multiple operational areas. These actions reflect our commitment to efficient resource allocation, every ASTR spent should contribute meaningfully to Astar’s growth and sustainability.
The following represents work completed to ensure alignment with ecosystem priorities and clear return on investment.
3.1. Protocol Engineering & Infrastructure:
- Consolidated and terminated redundant infrastructure services
- Optimized bootnode services, oracle hosting, and explorer hosting
- Security services scheduled for review in early 2026
3.2. Marketing & Communications:
- Discontinued PR and Marketing agency contracts not delivering measurable value
- Reduced tooling expenses by terminating underutilized services
- Advertising platforms reallocated based on performance metrics
3.3. Business Development & Partnerships:
- Concluded partnerships, toolings and infrastructure providers no longer aligned with current ecosystem priorities
- Discontinued educational platforms with limited engagement
- Optimized community support service allocations
These optimizations were implemented without impacting core ecosystem operations. The Foundation continues to evaluate additional opportunities for efficiency improvements while ensuring essential services remain fully operational.
IV. Looking Ahead
Optimization is only one side of the equation. In parallel with these efforts, the Astar Foundation is actively working on initiatives to increase revenue for the protocol and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.
In addition, we are working on the next iteration of Astar’s tokenomics, building on and refining the principles introduced in Tokenomics 3.0 at a higher, more holistic level. The goal is to further improve incentive alignment, capital efficiency, and the long-term resilience of the ecosystem.
We are exploring strategic opportunities that can generate sustainable income streams for the protocol, reducing reliance on token-based spending over time. More details will be shared as these initiatives mature and concrete actions are executed.