Bitmine, SharpLink, and Joe Lubin Back Ethlabs Nonprofit to Boost Ethereum’s Next Growth Phase
Former Ethereum Foundation researchers have launched Ethlabs, a new nonprofit organization aimed at advancing Ethereum’s next stage of development and institutional adoption.
The initiative is backed by Ethereum co-founder Joe Lubin, along with the two largest ETH treasury firms — Bitmine Immersion Technologies and SharpLink.
Ethlabs Mission and Goals
Ethlabs focuses on preparing Ethereum for rising demand from stablecoins, tokenized real-world assets, funds, and AI commerce. The nonprofit aims to deliver faster transaction speeds, better interoperability, and strong security, privacy, and neutrality for institutions.
“As stablecoins, tokenized assets, and AI commerce move onchain, they are converging on Ethereum,” according to the official statement.
Strong Industry Backing
Joe Lubin, Bitmine, and SharpLink are providing funding and support for Ethlabs. Bitmine and SharpLink are the largest publicly traded Ethereum treasuries, holding roughly 5.7 million and 876,000 ETH respectively.
“Ethereum is entering its next stage of evolution,” said Joe Lubin. “We need multiple steward organizations to grow and protect the network.”
Former Ethereum Foundation Researchers Lead the Way
Five senior researchers who helped guide major Ethereum upgrades over the past decade have co-founded Ethlabs. Their departure comes amid growing criticism of the Ethereum Foundation and several high-profile exits in recent months.
The Ethereum Foundation recently shifted focus to censorship resistance, privacy, and security, while other groups like Ethlabs will target scalability, usability, and institutional growth.
Positive Outlook from Backers
Bitmine Chairman Tom Lee expressed strong confidence in Ethereum’s future.
“Ethereum is positioned to grow significantly in adoption by institutions and AI agents,” said Lee. “The ecosystem needs to expand investment in talent and research.”
