### What is Astar?

Astar Network is a blockchain platform designed to be Polkadot's "smart contract hub." It functions as a parachain within the Polkadot ecosystem and supports both Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and WebAssembly (WASM) smart contracts. This dual compatibility facilitates the migration and operation of decentralised applications (dApps) from Ethereum and other blockchains. Astar's primary goal is to provide a multi-chain smart contract hub, promoting interoperability and scalability for developers.

### How does Astar work?

Astar Network operates using the Substrate framework and acts as a parachain on Polkadot, employing the Nominated Proof of Stake (NPoS) consensus mechanism, which is a variant of Proof of Stake (PoS). It supports smart contracts through both EVM and WASM, allowing easy migration of dApps across different blockchains. The platform also utilises the Cross-Consensus Message (XCM) protocol for interaction between blockchain networks. Astar includes features such as dApp staking, which incentivises developers and users to stake native ASTR tokens for the benefit of integrated infrastructure and applications.

### What are the potential use cases for Astar?

Astar Network is versatile, supporting a range of applications across various sectors:

- **Decentralised Finance (DeFi) and dApps:** It's ideal for developing interoperable DeFi applications and complex dApps.
- **Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and Gaming:** Utilised for digital collectibles and gaming projects, such as Rarible and Healthree.
- **Enterprise Adoption:** Collaboration with major companies like Sony and Microsoft, supporting the transition to Web3.
- **Healthcare and Entertainment:** Projects like Healthree and Yoake Entertainment utilise Astar for gaming and healthcare solutions.

### What is the history of Astar?

Astar Network was originally founded in 2019 by Sota Watanabe under the name Plasm Network, focusing on Layer-2 solutions for Polkadot. In 2021, it rebranded to Astar Network, aiming to become a multi-chain dApp hub. The mainnet was launched in 2022, along with significant listings and strategic partnerships. In 2023, a token sale was conducted, followed by a merger with Startale in 2024, introducing the Astar Evolution strategy. Over time, Astar has developed from a Layer-2 solution to a prominent multi-chain platform supporting substantial dApp development.

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