Chainlink Joins General TAO’s Project Rubicon and NEXPACE’s Ecosystem Fund as a Strategic Advisor

Chainlink has joined both General Tao Ventures’ Project Rubicon and NEXPACE’s Ecosystem Fund, strengthening its role across AI networks, cross-chain interoperability, gaming ecosystems, and onchain infrastructure. 

These initiatives place Chainlink at the center of two major developments: bridging Bittensor subnet tokens to Base through Project Rubicon and supporting long-term Web3 gaming expansion through NEXPACE’s new fund.

Chainlink’s Role in Project Rubicon

Project Rubicon is a protocol developed by General TAO Ventures (GTV) to move Bittensor’s subnet alpha tokens to the Base L2 chain. The main goal of the project is to convert these tokens into ERC-20 compatible liquid staked assets called xAlpha. This allows subnet holders to use their assets in DeFi while keeping ownership of their original subnet positions.

Project Rubicon uses Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) as its secure infrastructure for transfers across chains. CCIP provides verified cross-chain messaging, rate-limited channels, and routing checks that match the needs of high-value asset transfers.

Aerodrome, the leading Base DEX, has launched the first xAlpha/USDC liquidity pools. This gives xAlpha holders direct liquidity and introduces subnet tokens into broader markets.

Bittensor’s architecture is powerful but difficult for new users, due to custom wallets, specialized tooling, and limited exchange access. Project Rubicon aims to solve this distribution problem.

Key Features of Project Rubicon

• Non-custodial liquid staking of Bittensor subnet alpha tokens
• Automatic conversion into ERC-20 xAlpha assets on Base
• Trading and liquidity availability on Aerodrome
• Support from Chainlink, Base, Aerodrome, and 17 subnets
• Secure bridge built using SubTensorEVM and certified by Hashlock auditors

Rubicon begins with 17 Bittensor subnets, each seeded with about $300,000 in initial liquidity across Alpha–USDC pairs:

This rollout brings subnet teams directly into the Base liquidity environment without requiring them to sell their original assets.

Why the Integration Matters

GTV cites Bittensor’s decentralized AI network as a strong foundation but one that struggles with adoption. By becoming ERC-20 compatible, subnet tokens gain:

• Access to global liquidity
• Support from existing DeFi tools
• Ability to generate yield through LP fees
• Simplified user onboarding

Victor Teixeira, CIO of GTV, described Rubicon as the point where Bittensor can “capitalize on its unparalleled intelligence network,” praising Chainlink’s role in securing the bridge.

Chainlink Labs CBO Johann Eid highlighted that CCIP forms the “canonical cross-chain infrastructure” for Rubicon, helping move Bittensor’s AI-driven subnets into the wider onchain economy.

NEXPACE Ecosystem Fund: Chainlink Named as a Strategic Collaborator

NEXPACE, the Web3 IP-expansion group behind MapleStory Universe (MSU), has launched an Ecosystem Fund with plans to invest up to US$50 million. The fund supports the long-term development of MSU and the broader NEXPACE environment, which blends gaming, digital finance, AI, and asset ownership.

Chainlink Labs is among the selected strategic advisory partners. Others include Altos Ventures, GSR, and Hashed Ventures. These partners will provide advisory input rather than direct capital contribution.

Ecosystem Fund Objectives

The fund focuses on building a Web3 framework that is sustainable and economically sound. Its goals include:

• Expanding financial infrastructure that supports onchain economies
• Investing in AI-driven systems that align with IP-rich environments
• Supporting tokenized RWAs
• Strengthening the builder economy across Web3 gaming
• Reducing operational constraints found in older, siloed blockchain games

NEXPACE aims to develop a player-driven economy anchored by the NXPC token and MapleStory N. Through Synergy Apps, users will interact with marketplaces, asset trading, and expansion environments under the “Infinite IP Playground” vision.

The Role of Chainlink in the Ecosystem Fund

Chainlink Labs contributes by offering secure data infrastructure, cross-chain tools, and research support. These features help strengthen MSU’s framework for:

• Verifiable asset ownership
• Automated systems
• Cross-chain interoperability
• Trusted data channels

As MSU expands to include cross-IP experimentation, user-generated content, and onchain participation, Chainlink’s infrastructure plays a stabilizing role across marketplaces and interactive systems.

NEXPACE CEO Sunyoung Hwang says the mission is to build interconnected digital environments where gaming, finance, and AI operate together under one structure.

Chainlink Rewards Season 1

These collaborations come only weeks after Chainlink announced Rewards Season 1, which expands Chainlink’s staker benefit program. Season 1 includes nine Build projects distributing their native tokens to eligible LINK stakers, with claims opening on November 11, 2025, and unlocks starting December 16, 2025 for a 90-day period.

Projects Participating in Season 1

• Dolomite
• Space and Time
• XSwap
• Brickken
• Folks Finance
• Mind Network
• Suku
• Truf Network by Truflation
• bitsCrunch

Season 1 builds on the pilot known as Season Genesis, where Space and Time allocated 100 million SXT tokens to LINK stakers.

The Cube-Based Allocation System

Season 1 introduces a Cube-based allocation model. Chainlink has not disclosed complete technical details, but the system assigns token rewards based on factors such as:

• Staking duration and tier
• Verified engagement with Build projects
• Past participation history

Rewards ties together Chainlink’s oracle network, Build projects, and staking system through a circular incentive model. Builders access Chainlink’s services, and in return, they commit part of their tokenomics to the Chainlink community.

Conclusion

Chainlink’s involvement in Project Rubicon and the NEXPACE Ecosystem Fund reflects its continued focus on secure interoperability, verified data, and practical infrastructure for Web3 systems. With CCIP supporting Bittensor subnet tokens on Base and advisory participation shaping the MapleStory Universe ecosystem, Chainlink strengthens its position as a core technical layer across AI networks, gaming economies, and decentralized finance. 

Resources:

1. Press release - General TAO Ventures Launches Project Rubicon to Bridge Bittensor Subnets to Global Web3 Markets: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/general-tao-ventures-launches-project-rubicon-to-bridge-bittensor-subnets-to-global-web3-markets-302619285.html

2. Announcement - NEXPACE Announces Ecosystem Fund, Deploying Up To $50 Million for MSU Ecosystem Growth and Expansion: https://medium.com/maplestory-universe/press-release-nexpace-announces-ecosystem-fund-deploying-up-to-50-million-for-msu-ecosystem-659626a73516

3. Press release - Introducing Chainlink Rewards Season 1: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/introducing-chainlink-rewards-season-1-302602000.html