The Root Network builder ecosystem has reached an important milestone. Cohort 1 of TRN Odyssey, a grants program led by TRN Labs, is backing bold ideas to empower web3 game developers, accelerating the next generation of innovation on The Root Network.

TRN Labs, which launched earlier this year, was created as an independently run initiative to support developer growth and scale the The Root Network ecosystem. Since its launch, TRN Labs has worked behind the scenes to engage with builders, run workshops, and support the foundations of an open and composable metaverse. Now, with the first wave of Odyssey grantees selected, the real work begins.

What is TRN Labs?

TRN Labs was founded to accelerate growth across The Root Network ecosystem by focusing on what matters most: builders. Created by builders for builders, it operates as an innovation hub and launchpad for new projects across gaming, infrastructure, and interoperability.

The mission is simple: identify the brightest ideas, give them the support they need, and unlock their potential with access to strategic guidance, technical mentorship and community-building support.

Initiatives offered by TRN Labs include:

• TRN Odyssey Grants for early-stage and growth-ready projects
• Technical and Infrastructure Support for core development
• Workshops and Community Events to foster collaboration
• Sustainable Growth Models to scale projects long term
• Access to Premium IP and Industry Networks

Whether you're building the next multiplayer world or architecting critical on-chain infrastructure, TRN Labs exists to help you go further and faster.

Inside the Odyssey Program

The flagship initiative of TRN Labs is TRN Odyssey, a grants program designed to support web3 game developers and infrastructure builders ready to shape the future of the open metaverse.

With up to $1 million in funding available, Odyssey is not just about capital, it’s about connection. Teams accepted into the program gain:

• Access to technical experts and mentorship
• Personal pitch sessions and ongoing support
• Introductions to IP partners and The Root Network ecosystem 
• Tailored growth and marketing strategies
• Community and ecosystem integration

Odyssey winners are positioned not just as grantees, but as long-term collaborators in shaping The Root Network’s future.

Cohort 1: A Showcase of Talent

TRN Labs received over 1,000 applications for the Odyssey program. Only 1% of applicants were selected.

This first cohort includes a diverse range of builders, spanning GameFi, NFT, and native TRN infrastructure projects. From solo developers in the Ignite Track to established teams selected through Nexus, Cohort 1 is a showcase of brilliant minds with vivid ideas, built to push the TRN ecosystem beyond the horizon.

Several projects have already been announced, with more on the way. Follow @TRNLabs to stay updated as we shine a spotlight on each grantee in the weeks to come.

Why Builder Programs Matter

Developer ecosystems don’t grow by accident. They thrive when builders are welcomed, supported, and celebrated. As Shen Morincome, CEO and Co-founder of Gen3 Games and a key partner in driving developer relations alongside TRN Labs, puts it:

“DevRel and builder programs are the lifeblood of any blockchain ecosystem. When developers have access to training, funding, and support, they can build faster and bolder. It lowers the risk to jump in and start experimenting, which is exactly what we need for a young ecosystem.”

Shen has worked across both the XRP Ledger and The Root Network ecosystems for years. For a deep dive into the thinking behind builder programs like Odyssey, read his full post here.

Built for Builders

The Root Network’s unique architecture is EVM-compatible, XRPL-integrated, and purpose-built for content-rich, interoperable metaverse applications. It gives developers the tools they need to build without compromise. With innovations like:

• Any-token gas economy
• Identity and Smart Wallet protocol
• Asset Register for cross-world asset linking
• NFI Protocol for AI-powered, intelligent content

…it’s never been easier to build for the next era of immersive, interoperable experiences.

TRN Labs exists to help developers make the most of this stack, and to create a real on-ramp into a thriving builder community.

Want In?

If you’re a builder ready to launch, scale, or explore new possibilities on The Root Network, TRN Labs wants to hear from you. Whether you're early in your journey or looking to take your project to the next level, there is no better time to tap into the growing momentum.

Get in touch via DM on their X, and see their website to learn more about upcoming cohorts, grants, and developer events.

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