Soneium, the Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain developed by Sony Block Solutions Labs, has launched a new incubator initiative titled “Soneium For All.” This program is designed to support the development of consumer and gaming applications within the Soneium ecosystem. Developed in partnership with Astar Network and Startale Cloud Services, the initiative reflects Soneium’s broader objective to expand its presence in the web3 space through strategic support for developers.

Soneium Announces Web3 Incubator Program

Soneium Web3 Incubator

The incubator aims to help high-potential web3 projects overcome common go-to-market challenges, including gaining user traction, achieving technical scalability, and improving project visibility. With deployments expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025, accepted projects will be integrated into a production-ready blockchain ecosystem with established traffic and infrastructure. Soneium currently serves over 7 million users, processes more than 1.5 million daily transactions, and has over $215 million in total value locked. It also hosts notable intellectual properties such as Solo Leveling, Seven Deadly Sins, Ghost in the Shell, and Sony’s own aibo.

Program Timeline

• Application opens: June 9, 2025
• Application deadline: June 30, 2025
• Winners announced: Late July - Early August 2025
• Projects launch: August 2025 onward

Soneium Announces Web3 Incubator Program

Strategic Partnerships and Technical Resources

“Soneium For All” is supported by a strategic collaboration with Astar Network and Startale Cloud Services. These partnerships provide technical infrastructure and a dedicated grant pool for projects incorporating the ASTR token as a utility or payment mechanism. A total of $60,000 in grant funding is available to qualifying projects. By combining these resources with Soneium’s existing blockchain infrastructure, the program provides developers with an efficient and well-supported pathway to market.

Access to Sony Innovation Fund and Promotional Support

Participants in the incubator will gain direct access to the Sony Innovation Fund through dedicated mentoring and advisory sessions. This engagement also opens the door for potential follow-on investment, allowing selected startups to grow within the Sony ecosystem. In addition to financial and strategic support, the program offers promotional benefits. Projects will be featured on Soneium’s official platform, blog, livestreams, and marketing campaigns to boost visibility and attract users.

Soneium Announces Web3 Incubator Program

Industry Perspectives and Program Vision

According to Ryohei Suzuki, Director of Sony Block Solutions Labs, the incubator reflects Sony’s commitment to using blockchain technology to empower global creators. Suzuki stated that lowering entry barriers and enabling faster user engagement is central to the program’s goals. Maarten Henskens, Head of Astar Foundation, noted that the incubator is a natural progression of Astar’s involvement with Soneium. He emphasized that more than 40 projects already integrate ASTR within the ecosystem and affirmed Astar’s continued support for web3 developers in gaming and consumer applications.

"As part of our efforts under Astar Evolution, and following the success of the Astar Contribution Score Campaign on Soneium, joining the 'Soneium For All' incubator is a natural next step," said Maarten Henskens, Head of Astar Foundation. "With over 40 projects already integrating ASTR on Soneium, we're committed to support developers building innovative gaming and consumer dApps that expand ASTR’s utility and solidify its role as a core asset in the Soneium ecosystem."

Soneium Announces Web3 Incubator Program

Application Timeline and Ecosystem Growth

Applications for “Soneium For All” opened on June 9, with project selections expected by late July. Selected teams will begin integration and deployment shortly after. The incubator serves as a key component of Soneium’s broader strategy to establish itself as a foundational platform for web3 entertainment and consumer experiences.

Soneium was launched by Sony Block Solutions Labs as a joint venture with Sony Group Corporation and Startale Labs Pte. Ltd. to develop new network infrastructure using blockchain technology. Following its initial announcement in September 2023, the company rebranded in August 2024 from Sony Network Communications Labs Pte. Ltd. to its current form. For more information on the incubator and how to apply, interested developers can visit https://soneium.org.