What is Soneium Blockchain? Sony's Entry into Web3 and How to build on the Minato Testnet

Cathal Berragan

Aug 30, 2024 • 2 min read

Introduction to Sony's Blockchain Venture: Soneium

Sony has entered the Web3 space with the Soneium blockchain, marking a big step in using blockchain technology.

Created by Sony Block Solutions Labs (Sony BSL) and Startale Labs, Soneium aims to connect blockchain with everyday applications. The Soneium Minato public testnet and the Soneium Spark incubator are key parts of this plan, helping to drive innovation and Web3 adoption.

Understanding the Soneium Blockchain

Soneium is a layer-2 blockchain on Ethereum, offering a fast and cost-effective environment for developers. It is 100% compatible with EVM, is scalable, and efficient, making it suitable for entertainment, gaming, finance, and more. Unlike older blockchains, Soneium solves slow speeds and high fees, making it more user-friendly. It can be used in many areas, like improving Web3 games and NFT markets or supporting decentralized finance (DeFi). By leveraging the Op Stack and Superchain from the Optimism Foundation, Soneium provides a strong and scalable setup for developers to innovate.

Exploring the Soneium Minato Public Testnet

The Soneium Minato public testnet is a testing space for developers to build and test apps without risking real assets. Developers can use this space to improve their apps before the mainnet launch, ensuring a smooth transition.

To start building on Soneium Minato, visit thirdweb's Soneium page, connect your wallet and start building using their full-stack web3 development kit.

Build on Soneium

Soneium Spark Incubator: Fostering Innovation

The Soneium Spark incubator program is key to Sony's plan to support creative builders. It offers mentorship, infrastructure, partnerships, and up to $100,000 USD per team. The incubator supports projects that match Soneium's goal of promoting Web3. Participants gain from a creative environment that helps growth, adding to the Soneium ecosystem. By offering resources and guidance, the incubator helps developers bring their ideas to life, leading to new advancements in blockchain.

Getting Started with Building on Soneium Minato Testnet

To start building on the Soneium Minato testnet, developers can already access thirdweb's full-stack web3 development kit, including:

✦ Frontend: Client-side SDKs to connect users to web3
✦ Backend: Scalable contract APIs backed by secure wallets
✦ Onchain: Pre-built & extendable contracts
✦ Gaming SDKs: Unity, Unreal Engine, and Mobile (React Native)

Build on Soneium

Potential Use Cases and Applications for Soneium

Soneium's blockchain platform offers many possibilities in different industries.

In entertainment and media, it can improve content distribution and rights management, creating new revenue for creators.
The gaming industry can benefit from NFT integrations and decentralized game mechanics, offering true ownership for players.
Supply chain management can use Soneium's transparency to improve operations.
In finance, Soneium supports DeFi apps, enabling secure transactions.

Conclusion: Embracing the Web3 Future with Sony and Soneium

In conclusion, Soneium is a major step in Sony's effort to shape blockchain's future. With Soneium, Sony is not just embracing Web3 but actively shaping it, leading to a new era of technology.