The Ethereum Foundation is emerging from a phase of austerity in 2026 and is relaunching its EPF7 program to attract new talents. A bold strategy to strengthen its ecosystem against Bitcoin. Find out how this initiative could redefine the future of blockchain.
In brief
- The Ethereum Foundation is relaunching the EPF7 program to recruit developers after a phase of austerity.
- 18 grants awarded in Q1 2026 for core projects (security, cryptography, protocol).
- Objective: Strengthen the Ethereum ecosystem to compete with Bitcoin through innovation.
After austerity, the Ethereum Foundation is banking on new developers
In 2026, after a period of budgetary restraint, the Ethereum Foundation is relaunching its Ethereum Protocol Fellowship (EPF7) program. The objective? Recruit talented developers to strengthen the protocol. Indeed, with 18 grants awarded in Q1 2026, the Foundation shows its desire to maintain its technological leadership.
To this end, candidates selected by the Ethereum Foundation will benefit from mentoring and a monthly scholarship. A unique opportunity to contribute to projects like the Fusaka transition or security tools. Applications are open until May 13, 2026, with a smaller but more engaged cohort.
ETH destined to remain the second largest crypto?
Ethereum remains firmly anchored in second place among cryptos, but can it overtake Bitcoin? The new developers of the EPF7 program might just be the key. Indeed, their work on innovations such as zero-knowledge proofs or scalability solutions (L2) could strengthen mass adoption. Will these technical improvements be enough to reverse the trend? With a rapidly expanding ecosystem, Ethereum is therefore banking on innovation to differentiate itself.
Although Bitcoin still dominates in capitalization, analysts believe that flippening (overtaking Ethereum) could occur by 2028-2030, if the mass adoption of decentralized applications accelerates and scalability solutions (such as rollups) reduce costs. However, Bitcoin remains the undisputed store of value. Everything will therefore depend on regulatory developments, institutional adoption and technological advances in Ethereum.
The Ethereum Foundation is betting on talent to consolidate its position. Could the EPF7 program make ETH a serious competitor to Bitcoin? The debate remains open, but one thing is certain: innovation will be at the heart of this battle to follow.
Maximize your Tremplin.io experience with our 'Read to Earn' program! For every article you read, earn points and access exclusive rewards. Sign up now and start earning benefits.
