Google Hands Out $200K in Cloud Credits to Tezos Builders! Free Money, Who’s In?

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In a move that will make you question your life choices, Tezos is cozying up to Google, hoping that a sprinkle of cloud magic will help their Etherlink ecosystem grow like a viral TikTok dance. The offer? A hefty chunk of Google Cloud credits, some technical hand-holding, and a pile of funding opportunities-because who doesn’t love free stuff, right? đŸ€‘

For those of you who have been living under a rock, Tezos is this eco-friendly blockchain that loves to help people be energy-efficient while still looking like they belong in the cool crowd. And now, developers working on Etherlink (think of it as Tezos’ answer to Polygon) can get access to Google Cloud’s Web3 Startup Program. Which, let’s face it, sounds like something we should all probably be a part of.

Etherlink is the cool kid in town: an EVM-compatible Layer-2 network built on Tezos Smart Rollups. It’s been driving Tezos’ popularity like a kid on a scooter going downhill, offering faster transactions and low gas fees (because we all know how much we love cheap gas, both digital and the actual kind). But unlike other Layer-2s that send their data off to some distant land, Etherlink delivers the goods straight to Tezos, ensuring everything happens like that-no waiting around for the weekend to arrive.

So, What’s the Deal?

If you’re one of the lucky developers who qualify for this sweet deal, prepare to be treated like royalty. You’ll get up to $200,000 in Google Cloud credits over the next two years. That’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet of cloud services! And it’s not just about the money-Google is offering you access to their fancy tools, including AI and data platforms that even your grandma would be impressed by. If you’re really feeling fancy, you can snag 12 months of free access to Google Workspace Business Plus. That’s a lot of emails to ignore. 📧

But wait, there’s more! You’ll also get the VIP treatment with 12 months of Enhanced Support credits (because nothing says “we love you” like a hotline to Google engineers). Plus, Google is offering you an exclusive invite to their gated Discord channel (because every Web3 developer needs a Discord channel, right?) and access to a network of investors who will probably look at your pitch with the same enthusiasm they reserve for avocado toast. đŸ„‘

And if all that wasn’t enough, Google is promising to introduce the most promising teams to its network of venture capitalists, angel investors, and more. So, if you’re looking to rub elbows with Silicon Valley types who probably wear $2,000 shoes, this is your chance.

Why is Google doing this, you ask? Well, turns out they have big dreams of being the cloud provider for all things Web3. They’ve already been helping Tezos for years, running validators and keeping things smooth like a freshly waxed surfboard on six continents (yes, six-Google is everywhere). So, you could say they’ve got a vested interest in seeing this whole “blockchain thing” work out.

Rich Widmann, Google Cloud’s head of Web3 strategy (a title that probably comes with its own secret lair), explained that this program is basically their way of giving back to the blockchain gods. His words? “Remove the friction, and innovation follows.” So, in other words, they’re basically giving you a free pass to mess around with cool tech and hope something amazing happens. 🎉

Time to Build, Baby!

Etherlink is already gaining some serious traction, with its total value locked soaring to over $70 million in October (even though crypto is kind of in a slump right now). And let’s not forget, Curve launched on Etherlink, making stablecoins as stable as my morning coffee routine.

If you’re thinking about jumping on this bandwagon, there are a few rules. First, you need to have already received some kind of funding-whether it’s from an equity investment, token sale, NFT sale, or a generous grandma who believes in your dApp. If you’ve gotten Series A funding in the last 12 months, you’re good to go. But don’t even think about it if you’ve already claimed more than $4,000 in Google Cloud credits. That would be like taking all the snacks at a party and calling dibs on the punch bowl. đŸč

And if you’re still wondering if this program is really that great, consider this: it’s not just about the free cloud credits. It’s about having the freedom to experiment, create, and innovate without having to worry about your cloud bill turning into your worst nightmare. As Yann RĂ©gis-Gianas from Nomadic Labs puts it: “Having $200,000 in Google Cloud credits means builders can actually experiment and build, without worrying about infrastructure costs eating into their runway.” And honestly, if that doesn’t sound like a dream come true, I don’t know what does.

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2025-10-21 16:19