Deep Dive
1. Allora Integration (16 September 2025)
Overview: NEAR integrated Allora Network’s decentralized intelligence layer to enhance its Shade Agent infrastructure, enabling AI agents to leverage predictive insights for on-chain decision-making.
This upgrade allows developers to build self-optimizing AI agents that adapt to real-time data, improving use cases like DeFi trading and cross-chain arbitrage. The integration uses NEAR’s Chain Signatures for secure, multi-chain interactions.
What this means: This is bullish for NEAR because it strengthens its position as an AI-native blockchain, attracting developers building advanced decentralized AI applications. (Source)
2. Aptos & Shelby Partnerships (3 September 2025)
Overview: NEAR expanded its cross-chain capabilities through Aptos integration for frictionless asset transfers and partnered with Shelby to incorporate decentralized hot storage solutions into its AI ecosystem.
The Aptos collaboration simplifies cross-chain swaps via NEAR Intents, while Shelby’s storage network supports scalable AI data processing and monetization.
What this means: This is neutral-to-bullish for NEAR because it enhances interoperability and data infrastructure, though adoption depends on developer uptake. (Source)
3. Lava Network RPC Support (4 August 2025)
Overview: NEAR decentralized its RPC (Remote Procedure Call) infrastructure via Lava Network, offering developers subsidized, high-performance access to NEAR nodes.
The integration provides 75 million monthly requests and multi-chain RPC support, reducing reliance on centralized providers and improving network resilience.
What this means: This is bullish for NEAR because it ensures reliable, censorship-resistant access for builders, aligning with long-term decentralization goals. (Source)
Conclusion
NEAR’s recent codebase updates emphasize AI-agent infrastructure, cross-chain interoperability, and decentralized tooling—key pillars for its vision of an “AI-native” blockchain. With these upgrades, can NEAR become the default platform for verifiable, chain-abstracted AI applications?