The blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi) communities witnessed a major milestone at Consensus 2023 in Austin, Texas, as IOV Labs unveiled strategic advancements for the Rootstock Infrastructure Framework (RIF) and the Rootstock sidechain. These developments signal a bold step forward in building an open, secure, and inclusive financial ecosystem powered by Bitcoin’s unparalleled security and smart contract functionality.
Rootstock (RSK) is more than just a sidechain—it's a transformative layer that extends Bitcoin’s utility beyond a digital store of value. By enabling EVM-compatible smart contracts on Bitcoin, Rootstock unlocks new possibilities for decentralized applications (dApps), DeFi platforms, and financial innovation—all while inheriting Bitcoin’s robust security model. At the heart of this expansion lies the Rootstock Infrastructure Framework (RIF), a suite of open-source tools designed to simplify and accelerate blockchain development.
👉 Discover how developers are building the future of finance on secure, scalable platforms.
Empowering Innovation: RIF Product Development Workshops
One of the most impactful announcements from IOV Labs was the launch of five complimentary Product Development Workshops aimed at helping businesses leverage RIF protocols and blockchain technology to build next-generation fintech solutions.
These workshops are tailored for startups, entrepreneurs, and established enterprises looking to integrate cryptocurrency and decentralized systems into their product offerings. Participants will gain direct access to:
- Expert guidance from RIF product leads
- Technical support from Rootstock core developers
- Funding opportunities for promising projects
- Marketing and go-to-market strategy assistance
This initiative removes common barriers to entry—technical complexity, resource limitations, and lack of industry connections—making it easier than ever for innovators to bring blockchain-based financial tools to life.
The workshops focus on practical implementation, guiding teams through ideation, prototyping, and deployment using RIF’s modular architecture. Whether building peer-to-peer payment systems, decentralized lending platforms, or cross-border remittance tools, participants will be equipped with the resources needed to scale sustainably.
A Fresh Identity: RIF’s New Visual Branding
Alongside the workshop launch, IOV Labs introduced a renewed visual identity for RIF, aligning its brand image with its mission: to enable affordable, scalable, and user-centric fintech services on the blockchain.
The rebrand reflects RIF’s evolution from a technical framework into a dynamic ecosystem builder. With clearer messaging and modern design elements, the updated branding emphasizes accessibility and real-world utility—key pillars in driving mainstream adoption of decentralized technologies.
This shift isn’t merely aesthetic; it underscores RIF’s growing role in bridging traditional finance with blockchain innovation. By presenting itself as both technically robust and user-focused, RIF positions itself as a go-to platform for developers aiming to create impactful financial solutions.
Fueling the Future: $2.5 Million Grant Program for Rootstock Builders
In one of the most ambitious moves yet, IOV Labs announced plans for a $2.5 million strategic grant program dedicated to supporting startups and developers building DeFi applications on Rootstock.
With a goal of distributing 100 grants in 2023 alone, the program aims to empower founders who are shaping the future of decentralized finance. Grants will support a wide range of initiatives, including:
- Decentralized exchanges (DEXs)
- Lending and borrowing protocols
- Stablecoin integrations
- Identity and privacy solutions
- Cross-chain interoperability tools
Tim Paymans, VP of Product at IOV Labs, emphasized that the grants are not just about funding—they’re about fostering collaboration, mentorship, and long-term growth within the ecosystem.
“Our vision is to lay the foundation for financial inclusion,” said Paymans. “The best way to achieve this is by putting powerful tools and resources directly into the hands of builders—those on the front lines of redefining what finance can be.”
By lowering financial and technical barriers, IOV Labs is cultivating a diverse community of innovators who can build resilient, transparent, and inclusive financial products accessible to anyone, anywhere.
👉 See how blockchain pioneers are turning ideas into real-world impact.
Why Rootstock Stands Out in the Blockchain Landscape
While many blockchains offer smart contract capabilities, Rootstock stands apart by being secured by Bitcoin, the most secure and decentralized network in existence. This unique advantage provides unmatched resistance to censorship and attack, making it an ideal foundation for mission-critical financial infrastructure.
Additionally, Rootstock’s EVM compatibility ensures that developers familiar with Ethereum or other EVM chains can seamlessly deploy their applications—without sacrificing security or decentralization.
When combined with RIF’s modular toolset—which includes solutions for storage, communication, identity, and payments—developers have everything they need to build full-stack decentralized applications optimized for performance and cost-efficiency.
Building Toward Financial Inclusion
At its core, IOV Labs’ mission is about democratizing access to financial services. Over 1.4 billion people worldwide remain unbanked, lacking access to basic tools like savings accounts, credit, or secure payment methods. Blockchain technology, particularly when built on secure and open platforms like Rootstock, has the potential to change that.
By investing in education (via workshops), visibility (through rebranding), and direct financial support (via grants), IOV Labs is creating a self-sustaining ecosystem where innovation thrives and real-world problems are solved.
Entrepreneurs interested in co-creating solutions with RIF can submit their proposals through the official portal—a gateway to funding, mentorship, and technical collaboration.
👉 Explore opportunities to build scalable DeFi solutions on a Bitcoin-secured network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the Rootstock Infrastructure Framework (RIF)?
A: RIF is an open-source platform that provides developers with modular tools and protocols to build scalable, user-friendly financial applications on the Rootstock blockchain. It simplifies development in areas like payments, identity, storage, and communication.
Q: How does Rootstock differ from other smart contract platforms?
A: Rootstock is a sidechain secured by Bitcoin’s hash power, giving it superior security compared to standalone blockchains. It supports EVM-compatible smart contracts, allowing developers to build DeFi apps while leveraging Bitcoin’s decentralization and trustlessness.
Q: Who can apply for the $2.5 million grant program?
A: Startups, developers, and entrepreneurs building DeFi or fintech solutions on Rootstock are encouraged to apply. The program prioritizes innovative projects that advance financial inclusion and ecosystem growth.
Q: Are the RIF Product Development Workshops free?
A: Yes, all five workshops are offered free of charge to selected participants. They include expert mentorship, developer support, funding pathways, and marketing resources.
Q: How is RIF contributing to financial inclusion?
A: By providing open-source tools and lowering barriers to entry, RIF enables developers worldwide to create affordable, accessible financial services—especially for underserved populations who lack access to traditional banking.
Q: Where can I learn more about partnering with RIF?
A: Interested parties can submit their project details through the official RIF partnership portal to explore collaboration opportunities in product co-creation and ecosystem development.
Core Keywords: Rootstock, RIF, decentralized finance (DeFi), blockchain development, financial inclusion, smart contracts, Bitcoin sidechain, open-source tools