Former Ethereum Foundation researchers unveil a nonprofit lab to address a projected $30 million annual funding gap for core development teams.
A new nonprofit research lab, Ethlabs, launched Monday to fund Ethereum’s core development amid a projected $30 million annual shortfall. Backed by BitMine, Sharplink, and ConsenSys founder Joseph Lubin, the lab aims to replace expiring support programs as the Ethereum Foundation reduces its role in protocol funding.
Former Ethereum Foundation contributor Trenton Van Epps warned of a funding crisis within three to nine months, citing the end of the Client Incentive Program and other support mechanisms. He estimated that maintaining 10+ client, research, and coordination teams costs $30 million annually, a gap current funding cannot cover.
The launch follows the Ethereum Foundation’s recent 20% workforce reduction and ongoing leadership turnover, signaling a shift toward decentralized funding models as the ecosystem matures.