Astar Network Group and KDDI sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a partnership in the Web3 domain.

On October 24, 2023, Stake Technologies Pte. Ltd. (Headquartered in Singapore, Representative: Shun Ishikawa, hereinafter referred to as "Astar Network") and Startale Labs Pte. Ltd. (Headquartered in Singapore, CEO: Sota Watanabe, hereinafter referred to as "Startale Labs") entered into a basic agreement with KDDI Corporation (Headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, CEO: Makoto Takahashi, hereinafter referred to as "KDDI") to initiate discussions for a collaboration in the Web3 domain.

Our collaboration will see discussions covering details and roles of the partnership advance, aiming to accelerate the societal implementation of blockchain technology and create new customer experiences in the Web3 era.

・Overview of the MoU

The following are the main topics that will be discussed for collaboration:

- Exploring NFTs and Web3 products to create new customer experiences.

- Potential applications of "Astar zkEVM powered by Polygon (hereinafter referred to as 'Astar zkEVM')" in the "αU market" and "αU wallet" provided by KDDI.

- Consideration of the uses and services compatible with "αU wallet".

- Outlining the potential of a new business that utilizes token technology.

・Comments from each company:

From Shun Ishikawa, Director of Stake Technologies (Astar Network):

We believe that the recognition of our newly introduced "Astar zkEVM powered by Polygon", an Ethereum layer 2 solution by Astar Network, by KDDI Corporation, a major domestic telecommunications operator with significant influence in the content field, and αU, is a testament to the high expectations for Astar zkEVM and the strong reputation Astar Network has built both domestically and internationally. With world-class tools in the Astar zkEVM ecosystem, businesses can develop services that benefit from Ethereum while offering high UX, low fees, and fast transactions. We feel that we are very compatible with KDDI Corporation and αU, both of which focus on creating platforms and content with a user-first approach.

Moving forward, we will create new customer experiences through joint development with αU and collaborative exploration of Web3 content.

From Sota Watanabe, CEO of Startale Labs:

Startale Labs is genuinely pleased to deepen our collaboration using the Astar Network ecosystem with αU provided by KDDI Corporation, leveraging Astar zkEVM. Taking advantage of what KDDI Corporation, a company that has provided tremendous trust and reassurance in Japan's telecommunications business, has cultivated over the years. We look forward to new Web3 initiatives, contributions to the creator economy, and the combination of various Web3-centric services including the infrastructure services offered by Startale Labs. This collaboration will lead to the creation of new businesses utilizing Web3 and the development of content with greater speed and scalability.

Startale Labs will continue to promote the enhancement of customer experiences through the new Web3 in collaboration with KDDI Corporation.

・About Astar zkEVM

In the global Web3 industry, Ethereum Layer 2 and ZK technologies are currently attracting significant attention. Astar zkEVM is a blockchain network developed and provided by Astar Network in partnership with Polygon Labs, a global player in the Web3 space, as an Ethereum Layer 2 incorporating ZK technology

Startale Labs provides infrastructure for companies to develop Web3 services and also supports Astar zkEVM.

Combining KDDI's expertise in 5G communication and advanced technology content service operations with Astar Network's and Startale Labs' global network, Web3 business know-how, and technology, they aim to expand the αU service and create a creator economy and new customer experiences using Web3 technology.

・About αU

αU is a metaverse/Web3 service provided by KDDI including the metaverse, live streaming, and virtual shopping. This service eliminates the boundary between the real and virtual worlds, allowing it to cater to a new generation, aiming at a world where anyone can be a creator. We provide αU metaverse where users can enjoy entertainment and conversations with friends in the metaverse, αU live that features high-definition, 360-degree free view live music performances using cloud rendering, αU market offering digital artworks for sale, αU wallet that allows users to manage their crypto assets and NFTs, and αU place that lets users shop at virtual stores which replicate physical stores.

・About αU market

An electronic trading marketplace where users can purchase digital artworks (NFTs) and other items. Works by famous fashion designers and renowned NFT artists will be available exclusively at αU market.

Note: Downloading αU wallet is required for purchases.

- Information on αU wallet: ​​https://web.wallet.kddi.com/intro.html

- αU market: https://market.alpha-u.io/

・About αU wallet

αU wallet is a crypto asset wallet for managing digital artwork (NFTs) along with cryptocurrency.

Users can manage NFTs on the "Polygon blockchain", "Palette Chain", and "Oasys blockchain", as well as transfer and deposit the cryptocurrency "Polygon (MATIC)", "Palette Token (PLT)", and "Oasis (OAS)". With backup and filtering features, even those who are new to NFTs and cryptocurrencies can safely use it.

・Company Overview of KDDI

Company Name: KDDI Corporation

Location: 3-10-10 Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Garden Air Tower

Representative: CEO Makoto Takahashi

Established: June 1, 1984

Business Overview: Telecommunications business

URL: https://www.kddi.com/

・Company Overview of Stake Technologies

Company Name: Stake Technologies Pte. Ltd.

Location: 105 Cecil Street #24-02 The Octagon, Singapore

Representative: Director Shun Ishikawa

Business Overview: Development of Astar Network, a public block chain with the highest market capitalization in Japan and a global presence, which incorporates cutting-edge Web3 technologies such as Ethereum Layer 2 'Astar zkEVM Powered by Polygon’, EVM, and WASM.

Product Site: https://astar.network/

Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/AstarNetwork

- Contact: [email protected]

・Company Overview of Startale Labs

Company Name: Startale Labs Pte. Ltd.

Location: 105 Cecil Street #24-02 The Octagon, Singapore

Representative: CEO Sota Watanabe

Business Overview: Development of multi-chain compatible applications, infrastructure development, Web3 business consulting, etc.

Corporate Site: https://startale.org/ja/

Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/StartaleHQ

Contact: [email protected]