Avalanche Grants

Avalanche Grants support developers building on the Avalanche blockchain through multiple funding programs including Retro9000 (up to $40M retroactive grants), Build Games ($1M builder competition), and various specialized initiatives. Avalanche offers a comprehensive ecosystem of financial support, technical resources, and partnership opportunities for projects building DeFi, gaming, infrastructure, and enterprise applications on its high-performance blockchain.

For ZHC builders, Avalanche provides fast, low-cost infrastructure ideal for automation, DeFi protocols, and high-throughput applications. The Retro9000 C-Chain Round specifically rewards projects generating real on-chain activity measured by AVAX burned through gas fees, creating transparent, merit-based funding. Additional support includes the Blizzard Fund ($200M+ institutional investment), partner programs with Helika (gaming), and security partnerships.

Grant Programs

Retro9000 - Retroactive Grants

• Funding: Up to $40M across all rounds
• Model: Merit-based rewards for on-chain activity
• Measurement: AVAX burned through gas fees
• Top 40 projects: Eligible for rewards each round
• Multipliers: Bonus points for new projects and specific verticals
• Referral program: Up to $3,000 per successful referral

Build Games - $1M Builder Competition

• Duration: 6-week sprint (launched Jan 20, 2026)
• Prizes: $100K (1st), $75K (2nd), $50K (3rd), plus additional awards
• Open-ended: No predefined tracks or themes
• Milestone payments: Funding tied to progress
• Support: Mentorship, office hours, workshops throughout

Team1 Mini Grants

• Stage: Early-stage projects
• Support: Capital, mentorship, guidance
• Focus: Avalanche ecosystem building

infraBUILD Programs

• Standard: Infrastructure and developer tools
• AI Focus: Combining AI with blockchain infrastructure

Codebase by Avalanche

• Focus: Innovative blockchain solutions
• Support: From vision to reality

Priority Areas

• DeFi protocols and infrastructure
• Gaming and entertainment
• Real-world asset tokenization
• Developer tooling and SDKs
• Cross-chain infrastructure
• Enterprise blockchain solutions
• NFT platforms and marketplaces
• DAO and governance tools

Partner Programs

• Game Accelerator - Partnership with Helika for gaming studios
• Developer Credits - Space & Time credits for data infrastructure
• Hexagate Security - Real-time threat detection
• Security Audits - 20+ trusted audit providers

ZHC-Specific Fit

✅ Excellent for:

• High-throughput DeFi automation
• Gaming and entertainment applications
• Cross-chain infrastructure and bridges
• Developer tooling and infrastructure
• Real-world asset tokenization
• Enterprise blockchain solutions
• On-chain activity driving measurable usage

❌ Poor fit if:

• Not building on Avalanche
• No demonstrable on-chain activity
• Purely theoretical without implementation

Retro9000 Application Process

Build Games Timeline (2026)

Evaluation Criteria

Retro9000: AVAX burned through on-chain transactions, with multipliers for new projects and specific verticals

Build Games: Execution quality, usability, innovation, impact potential, long-term sustainability

Other Grants: Project potential (60%), technical skills (20%), community engagement (20%)

Getting Started

1. Choose program - Select best fit for your stage and goals
2. Review requirements - Check technical and eligibility criteria
3. Build or apply - Start building (Retro9000) or submit application
4. Engage community - Join Discord, attend events, network
5. Ship and iterate - Focus on real usage and user feedback

• Avalanche Grants Hub
• Retro9000 Portal
• Build Games
• Developer Documentation
• Discord Community
• Avalanche Foundation
• Builder Hub
• NEAR Horizon - Founder-backer matching