Rooch Network, a blockchain project building a native application layer for the Bitcoin ecosystem, has launched its pre-mainnet phase following a successful three-month testnet period.

Bitcoin ( BTC ) was invented as a peer-to-peer electronic money, but that doesn’t stop developers from trying to build a vast array of different use cases on its network.

The introduction of an application layer for Bitcoin could unlock a multitude of functionalities, allowing users to engage in decentralized finance (DeFi) , execute smart contracts and participate in various blockchain-based applications directly on the Bitcoin network.

By facilitating native, non-custodial interactions, an application layer could enhance scalability and improve the overall user experience. Eventually, this would make BTC a more versatile asset and reshape how individuals and businesses interact with Bitcoin.

Rooch Network , a layer-2 solution aimed at enhancing the functionality of Bitcoin, has introduced its pre-mainnet as a means to build native, non-custodial Bitcoin applications and unlock yield opportunities for BTC holders.

Since its launch three months ago, Rooch’s testnet has operated smoothly, processing over 130 million transactions with participation from more than 7,500 unique addresses. Users engaged with features like HODLcoin minting, testing Rooch’s self-staking mining mechanism to earn yields directly from their tBTC stored in their wallets. Additionally, the Rooch Clicker Game showcased the network’s session key functionality, allowing users to complete multiple transactions with a single click.

Pre-mainnet objectives

The pre-mainnet serves as a pre-release mainnet of Rooch Network, synchronizing all historical transactions from Bitcoin’s genesis block. During this phase, Rooch aims to:

  • Gradually iterate and improve the network
  • Enhance security measures
  • Implement decentralization
  • Explore application scenarios within the Bitcoin ecosystem
  • Transition smoothly to the official mainnet

Through these efforts, Rooch — a Cointelegraph Accelerator participant — intends to lay a solid foundation for its official mainnet, ensuring security, stability and scalability.

Non-custodial Bitcoin applications

As an application layer for Bitcoin, Rooch facilitates both utility and yield generation for BTC and other Bitcoin assets, including Ordinals and BRC-20 tokens .

A distinguishing feature of Rooch is its non-custodial approach. Users can interact with Rooch-powered Bitcoin applications directly through their own BTC wallets without transferring their assets to third-party custodial wallets or bridges. The pre-mainnet will demonstrate Rooch’s ability to enable native Bitcoin applications and unlock yields for BTC in a fully non-custodial manner.

‘DeFi on Bitcoin’ network launches pre-mainnet, enabling non-custodial apps image 0

Source: Rooch Network

Rooch is offering incentivized campaigns during the pre-mainnet phase tied to an upcoming mainnet airdrop. The network operates a dual-token economy, utilizing a gas token called RGas and a governance token for distinct functions. Users can check the related page to claim their RGas tokens.

Grow Bitcoin platform

Rooch has also introduced Grow Bitcoin , a platform designed to bootstrap the Rooch ecosystem and accelerate the growth of the overall Bitcoin ecosystem. The platform allows users to vote for their favorite Bitcoin projects and get rewards by proving their BTC holdings. Users can lock different versions of BTC  —like native BTC, BTC staked in the Babylon protocol or wrapped versions of BTC— to participate.

Move programming language integration

Rooch is also integrating the Move programming language, enabling developers to build Bitcoin applications using this language on Rooch. The pre-mainnet provides all necessary tools to develop mainnet-ready applications, except for the official Rooch protocol utility token, which will launch at a later date.

‘DeFi on Bitcoin’ network launches pre-mainnet, enabling non-custodial apps image 1

Source: Rooch Network

As Rooch moves toward its official mainnet launch, the network invites the community to participate in this transformative phase. By introducing a native, non-custodial approach to Bitcoin applications, Rooch seeks to turn a new page in the “DeFi on Bitcoin” narrative.

Find out more about Rooch Network

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