Astar Network is a Japan-based Polkadot parachain and multi-chain smart contract hub that pioneered dApp Staking — a funding mechanism that allocates block rewards directly to developers based on community staking support. In 2024, Astar expanded to an Ethereum-based zkEVM Layer 2 to capture broader EVM ecosystem activity.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Ticker | ASTR |
| Price | $0.01 |
| Market Cap | $70.83M |
| 24h Change | +1.9% |
| Circulating Supply | 8.58B ASTR |
| All-Time High | $0.42 |
| Contract (Ethereum) | 0xf274...9689 |
dApp Staking
Astar’s most distinctive feature is dApp Staking, a native developer funding mechanism:
- Token holders stake ASTR on their favorite dApps
- dApp developers receive a portion of block rewards proportional to their staking support
- Stakers also earn ASTR rewards for supporting apps
This creates an “App Store”-like funding model where community endorsement translates to developer income — no VCs or grants required.
Technical Architecture
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Polkadot parachain | Secured by Polkadot relay chain |
| EVM support | Full Ethereum Virtual Machine compatibility |
| Wasm support | WebAssembly smart contracts (ink!) |
| XCM | Cross-chain messaging with Polkadot ecosystem |
Astar zkEVM
In 2024, Astar launched a Polygon CDK-based zkEVM Layer 2 on Ethereum to complement the Polkadot parachain. This allows Astar to serve Ethereum users while maintaining the Polkadot ecosystem position.
Japan Focus
Astar has strong institutional relationships in Japan and has partnered with:
- Sony Network Communications (SONEIUM network collaboration)
- Toyota, NTT, and other Japanese corporations for Web3 pilots
- The Japanese government’s Web3 policy initiatives
Sources
- Astar documentation: docs.astar.network
- CoinGecko: ASTR price and market data
- Astar portal: portal.astar.network