For years, Bitcoin holders have watched from the sidelines as staking, a practice common in proof-of-stake blockchains, rewarded users with yields. However, Core Chain, a layer-one blockchain powered by Bitcoin, is changing the game by enabling BTC staking—a feat previously unattainable for BTC holders.

Traditionally, staking involves earning a percentage yield on tokens over time, a privilege enjoyed by proof-of-stake networks. Bitcoin, operating on a proof-of-work mechanism, has left its holders unable to participate in staking. Yet, with Core Chain's innovative approach, BTC holders can now earn yields by engaging in the platform's consensus mechanism, known as Satoshi Plus, which amalgamates Delegated Proof of Work (DPoW) and Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS).

The introduction of BTC staking on Core Chain represents a significant milestone in the platform's evolution, aiming to fortify its Ethereum Virtual Machine-compatible blockchain. Unlike previous methods that required token wrapping or relinquishing asset custody, Core Chain's solution is non-custodial, marking it as a pioneering initiative in BTC staking.

Accompanying this groundbreaking announcement is the revelation from DeFi Technologies Inc.'s subsidiary, Valour, regarding the launch of a yield-bearing BTC Exchange Traded Product (ETP) and a unique Core ETP in collaboration with the Core Foundation. The BTC ETP will offer yields directly from Core Chain's block rewards, while the Core ETP aims to broaden investor access to Core's staking opportunities through indirect exposure.

Olivier Roussy Newton, CEO of DeFi Technologies, lauds the development as a pivotal moment in the convergence of traditional finance and decentralized finance. By introducing yield-bearing opportunities to Bitcoin through these ETPs, Newton emphasizes the enhancement of Bitcoin's utility and the provision of novel engagement avenues for investors.

Moreover, Valour plans to manage a validator node on the Core Blockchain, intending to stake $100 million in BTC through the new non-custodial BTC staking product. This initiative reflects Valour's commitment to supporting Core's ecosystem and fostering greater participation in BTC staking activities.

For Core Chain, these developments come on the heels of several positive milestones. In March, the Core Foundation unveiled the Core Venture Network, earmarking $15 million in funding for innovators across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Subsequently, Core introduced a native NFT marketplace and launched CoreBTC as a conduit between BTC and the Core Chain. These initiatives, coupled with a 218% surge in the CORE token's value within a week, underscore Core Chain's growing prominence and commitment to advancing blockchain innovation.