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Ethereum has launched a $1 million contract security audit subsidy to lower costs for developers. The Ethereum Foundation partnered with Areta to cover up to 30% of EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) smart contract audit fees. Projects must apply monthly, with prioritization given to those supporting open-source, privacy, and censorship resistance. Over 20 firms, including Blocksec, Hacken, and Immunefi, will handle audits.

• Ethereum launches $1M program to reduce blockchain audit costs significantly
• Developers gain funding support as security audits become more accessible
• Industry shifts toward stronger security as audit programs expand rapidly

Developers building on Ethereum Foundation will soon gain financial support to strengthen project security. The foundation has introduced a new initiative aimed at reducing the high costs associated with smart contract audits. This move comes as security concerns continue to shape development priorities across the blockchain sector.

According to the foundation’s announcement on X, the Ethereum Security Subsidy Program seeks to make professional audits more accessible. The program will operate in collaboration with Areta, which manages a specialized audit marketplace. This platform connects blockchain teams with around 20 established audit providers.

Moreover, the foundation has committed $1 million to support the initiative. Selected projects will receive funding that covers up to 30% of audit expenses. In addition, new applicants will be reviewed and selected on a monthly basis. This structure ensures continuous onboarding of developers seeking security validation.

Alongside Areta, key ecosystem contributors such as Chainlink and Nethermind will help assess applications. Their role includes evaluating technical merit and overall feasibility. Consequently, the selection process aims to prioritize high-quality projects with strong development track records.

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Focus on Core Ethereum Values and Developer Commitment

The program will primarily support projects aligned with Ethereum’s core principles. These include censorship resistance, open-source development, privacy, and robust security practices. The foundation recently emphasized these values under its CROPs framework. As a result, applicants must demonstrate clear alignment with these priorities.

Furthermore, eligibility extends to teams showing genuine commitment to building within the Ethereum ecosystem. Projects must also present innovative ideas with practical use cases. This approach ensures that funding supports meaningful contributions rather than experimental or incomplete concepts.

Areta’s CEO, Fin Boothroyd, highlighted the collaborative structure of the initiative. According to his statement on X, the program involves leading audit firms and an expert committee. This group consists of individuals with deep technical understanding of Ethereum infrastructure.

Growing Industry Emphasis on Smart Contract Security

Notably, this is not Areta’s first involvement in such initiatives. The firm previously supported a similar audit subsidy program for another blockchain network. That experience appears to have influenced the structure of the current Ethereum-focused effort.

Meanwhile, broader industry trends reflect growing attention to security. For instance, Aave Labs recently introduced its own $1.5 million audit support program. This parallel development indicates increasing competition to strengthen protocol safety.

Over 20 audit firms will participate in the Ethereum program. These include established names such as Blocksec, Hacken, Quantstamp, and Immunefi. Their involvement adds credibility and technical depth to the initiative. The Ethereum Security Subsidy Program signals a structured effort to improve developer access to critical security resources. By reducing audit costs and tightening evaluation standards, the initiative aims to reinforce trust across the ecosystem while encouraging responsible innovation.

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