Ethereum has a new independent research organization, Ethlabs, backed by Joe Lubin, Bitmine, and Sharplink, among others. The nonprofit brings together five former Ethereum Foundation researchers to focus on core protocol development. Ethlabs announced its launch on March 26, 2025, without disclosing the total funding amount.
Ethlabs assembles veteran researchers
Founded by former senior Ethereum Foundation researchers Ansgar Dietrichs, Barnabé Monnot, Caspar Schwarz Schilling, Josh Rudolf, and Julian Ma, Ethlabs is structured as an independent institution dedicated to technical research for the Ethereum network. The group's work will cover settlement speed, network capacity, native asset issuance, cross-chain interoperability, and Ethereum's monetary design. Executive director Ansgar Dietrichs said the organization aims to advance Ethereum's core technology and support infrastructure used by institutions, developers, and autonomous AI systems.
Institutional support and independence
Supporters include Bitmine, Sharplink, Anchorage, Octant, and SNZ. Bitmine recently acquired 52,203 ETH worth about $90 million, raising its holdings to roughly 4.7% of Ethereum's total supply. Bitmine Chairman Tom Lee cited potential adoption by institutions and AI agents as driving demand for protocol research. Sharplink CEO Joseph Chalom described the funding as part of "the beginning of an institutional supercycle on Ethereum." Despite corporate backing, Ethlabs emphasized that research decisions will remain independent. Contributions will be managed by an external grants administrator, and contributors receive quarterly reports and annual audits but have no authority over research priorities or technical roadmaps.
Focus on institutional-grade infrastructure
Ethlabs said its research priorities are tied to growing blockchain activity involving stablecoins, tokenized assets, investment products, and AI-driven commerce. The organization believes improvements in settlement speed, interoperability, and infrastructure are needed as more financial activity moves onto public blockchains. Ethereum co-founder Joe Lubin noted that Ethlabs will operate as another stewardship organization alongside the Ethereum Foundation and other independent groups working on Ethereum's development.