Hey there, crypto enthusiasts! If you're a Chinese-speaking founder looking to make waves in the Solana ecosystem, you've got to check out the latest buzz from the HackQuest Twitter thread. The Solaris Accelerator is back with Cohort 2, and applications are officially open. This program, run by Solana_zh, HackQuest, and SonicSVM, with solid backing from the Solana Foundation, is all about empowering builders like you to go global.
What Makes Solaris Stand Out?
Solaris isn't just another accelerator—it's tailored specifically for Chinese crypto founders who want to build on Solana, one of the fastest-growing blockchains out there. Solana is known for its high-speed transactions and low fees, making it a hotspot for everything from DeFi to meme tokens. The program fosters a tight-knit community where you can connect with peers, launch products, and secure funding. Think of it as your launchpad to turning ideas into real-world impact.
From the thread, it's clear that Cohort 1 set a high bar: six teams rolled out minimum viable products (MVPs)—that's the basic version of your app or tool to test the waters—and four snagged funding. It's not just about the money; it's about building lasting networks that stick around long after the program ends.
Success Stories from Cohort 1
Let's talk real results. The first cohort produced some standout projects:
TypeXKeyboard: Nabbed third place at the Solana Colosseum hackathon and now boasts over 5,000 daily active users (DAU). That's a metric showing how many people are actually using the product every day.
Bolarityxyz: Teamed up with Wormhole for cross-chain magic and launched a mobile app that's live and kicking.
UnitasLabs: Closed a seed round for their JLP stablecoin protocol, which helps stabilize value in volatile crypto markets.
These aren't pie-in-the-sky dreams; they're proof that Solaris delivers. If you're into capital markets, payments, or AI on blockchain, this could be your ticket.
The 12-Week Program Breakdown
Spanning from September to December 2025, the program is packed with hands-on support to accelerate your startup:
Weeks 1–2: Kick off with onboarding and co-living at the Solana Startup Village. It's like a crypto bootcamp where you live and breathe your project alongside other founders.
Weeks 3–4: Head to Singapore for "Mentor Madness"—intense sessions with top experts to refine your ideas.
Weeks 5–10: Dive into weekly lectures and check-ins, covering key topics like building on Solana's tech stack.
Weeks 11–12: Culminate in Demo Day and graduation, where you pitch to investors and celebrate your progress.
The focus areas—capital markets (think trading and finance on chain), payments (seamless crypto transactions), and AI (integrating smart algorithms with blockchain)—align perfectly with Solana's strengths. Plus, there's a video in the thread showcasing the community vibe; check it out for a feel of the energy.
World-Class Mentors at Your Fingertips
One of the biggest perks? Access to mentors who are shaping the Solana world:
Lily Liu, President of the Solana Foundation.
Siong, Co-founder of Jupiter Exchange (a popular DEX aggregator on Solana).
Cansun, Co-founder of Backpack (a wallet and exchange platform).
Mark, Founder of Kamino Finance (DeFi lending and borrowing).
Partners from heavy hitters like OKX Ventures and Sky9 Capital.
These folks aren't just names—they're active builders sharing insider knowledge on everything from tech to fundraising.
Why This Matters for Meme Token Creators
While Solaris targets broader crypto innovation, Solana's ecosystem is meme token heaven. If your project has a fun, viral twist—like a community-driven token with AI elements or payment utilities—this accelerator could supercharge it. Meme tokens thrive on speed and community, and Solana delivers both. Imagine pitching your next big meme idea to these mentors and walking away with funding and connections.
Ready to Apply?
Don't wait—early applications are encouraged. Head over to the official Solaris site to submit yours. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, this could be the boost your project needs in the competitive world of Web3.
Stay tuned to Meme Insider for more updates on Solana's meme scene and beyond. If you're building something cool, drop us a line—we love spotlighting innovative founders!