We launched the Casper Developer Portal in 2023, which has been serving as a bridge that connects developers from various backgrounds to the potential of the Casper Network. The portal is positioned as a central hub that simplifies the journey of building dApps on Casper.

With comprehensive resources like detailed documentation, tutorials, and code samples, the portal offers a robust toolkit for both novice and experienced developers alongside node operators and contributors. By lowering the barriers to entry, the portal not only enhances the Casper ecosystem but also contributes to the democratization of blockchain development. The Casper Developer Portal will continue to spark inspiration and assist developers in achieving their goals on Casper.

For a more detailed look, visit our dedicated blog post.

Initiated as a collaborative effort, the DevRewards program targets potential gaps within the Casper ecosystem. It encourages participants to submit innovative ideas and tackle specific challenges, rewarding successful contributions. Incentives, varying from $100 to $1000, are paid in cspr. Covering a wide range of topics like NFTs, DeFi, SDKs, dApps, and documentation tasks, the program continues to acknowledge and reward the community's contributions.

2023 was a year filled with engaging journeys, allowing us to connect with our community and key industry players across different regions. Here's a glimpse of the events we were honored to be a part of, among others:

• Paris Blockchain Week: At the heart of Paris, the Casper team immersed themselves in Paris Blockchain Week, a gathering that showcased the growing enthusiasm for blockchain technology. With over 10,000 attendees, the event marked a significant increase in interest compared to previous years. Casper's involvement was notably marked by insightful speeches from Medha Parlikar and Ralf Kubli. Check out the recap for the insights.
• NFT NYC 2023: Casper's engagement at NFT NYC, the world's largest NFT-focused event, was filled with discussions on the future of NFTs. With over 16,000 attendees, the event reinforced confidence in the NFT ecosystem. Joe Benso's talk on the potential of NFTs and Casper's role in this ecosystem was a standout moment. Learn more in our recap.
• Consensus 2023: Participating in Consensus 2023 in Austin, Texas, we had the opportunity to share insights on enterprise blockchain. Medha Parlikar's panel discussion offered valuable perspectives on blockchain's integration into tech solutions. Key takeaways from this discussion are available in our recap.
• Blockchain Economy Istanbul Summit: At the summit in Istanbul, Alizee Carli delved into the impact of royalties in Casper NFTs on the creator economy, showcasing the network's potential in revolutionizing music rights management. The event was a great opportunity for Casper to connect with Turkey's thriving blockchain ecosystem. Find out about the groundbreaking potential of Casper NFTs in the recap.
• Token2049: Casper's involvement in Token2049 in Singapore went beyond sponsorship. We had the opportunity to build connections and discuss the future of web3 and blockchain technology. The "Killer Whales" Gala Party, co-hosted by Casper, provided a unique networking opportunity. Learn about the Killer Whales and our experience in Singapore in the recap.
• ACTUS Standard Conference: Aligned with Casper's commitment to algorithmic financial standards, the ACTUS Conference 2023, hosted in Washington D.C., served as a meeting point for prominent figures in finance. The event centered on the integration of traditional finance and DeFi. Discussions focused on the standardization of financial contracts and the tokenization of assets, bringing together financial institutions, regulators, and educators. The conference played a crucial role in showcasing the ACTUS Algorithmic Financial Contract Standard's capacity to transform the future financial landscape.

The Casper Accelerate Grant Program, a dedicated $25 million fund for projects and creators on the Casper Public Mainnet, has put the growth of the Casper ecosystem into high gear.

The program contributed to the strengthening of Casper's ecosystem infrastructure. It is dedicated to identifying and supporting initiatives aimed at elevating interoperability and enhancing the competitiveness of the Casper blockchain. Prioritizing decentralized applications (dApps) that utilize Casper’s unique features, the program extended funding opportunities to DeFi, Gaming, NFTs projects, and Casper-specific crypto research.

In 2023, the grant committee has received more than 600 grant applications and 45 grants have been rewarded.  You can see the list of grant-winning projects at casperecosystem.io.

With the launch of the Casper Blockpchain Podcast, we've created an engaging new platform that acts as a gateway to blockchain, web3, and the decentralized web.

Each episode delves into the transformative power of blockchain and related technologies. Listeners enjoyed insightful and in-depth analysis from leading industry experts, making this podcast series a must-listen for anyone looking to stay informed in the world of blockchain.

In our continued effort to better connect with our diverse community, we've revamped the format of the Casper blockchain community calls. Recognizing the unique interests and needs of different groups within our community, we have introduced a dual approach to our calls.

For developers, we hosted technical calls on Discord every four weeks. These sessions are tailored to delve into technical updates and facilitate in-depth discussions, ensuring that our developer community stays at the forefront of Casper's technological advancements.

Simultaneously, to cater to the broader Casper and blockchain enthusiasts, we launched separate community calls on X Spaces. This new format opened more doors for participation and engagement across our entire community and has seen great interest. Be sure to tune in to our podcast and join the community calls in the new year!

As we step into 2024, our technical progress is rooted in the improvements made with version 1.5.3 of Casper Network, the first step in our protocol roadmap. The update has been crucial in boosting both performance and reliability, laying a strong foundation for our future endeavors.

With an eye on mid-2024, we are gearing up for three major upgrades, each aiming to further refine the Casper blockchain.

The roadmap is defined by major improvements to technology that will help us enhance network efficiency and user experience as we move forward into 2024 and beyond. We are actively developing a smarter, user-centered, and secure blockchain ecosystem, all thanks to Casper’s adaptable nature and our community’s support.

As another remarkable year comes to an end, we extend our gratitude to each member of the Casper community. Your support, engagement, and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind every milestone we've achieved in 2023. As we stand at the threshold of 2024, we're filled with excitement for the journey ahead.

We are committed to building a future-proof blockchain that's not just ready for tomorrow but for the years to come. Take a minute to dive into the best of 2023 with Casper. Enjoy a quick video snapshot through a year of milestones! Thank you for being an integral part of the Casper community! Happy New Year!