Soneium is a Layer 2 blockchain built on the Ethereum network using the Optimism OP Stack technology. It functions as an optimistic rollup, where transactions are processed off-chain and settled on the Ethereum mainnet, enabling scalability while preserving Ethereum's security standards.

Soneium is designed as a general-purpose, public blockchain aimed at mainstream adoption of Web3 technologies. It offers fast transactions with low fees, making it suitable for decentralised applications (dApps), smart contracts, and NFT platforms. The network focuses on lowering technical barriers and economic constraints associated with blockchain technology, promoting global adoption and creative collaboration.

Key technical features include:

• Ethereum Equivalence: Full compatibility with Ethereum’s EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine).
• Optimistic Rollup Mechanism: Transactions are processed off-chain and assumed valid unless proven otherwise, enhancing speed and efficiency.
• Gas Fee Optimisation: Advanced compression techniques like Brotli batch compression reduce data availability costs.
• Superchain Integration: Soneium is part of the Optimism Superchain ecosystem, enabling shared security and interoperability across chains.

Soneium serves as a blockchain network for the development and deployment of decentralised applications (dApps), smart contracts, and Web3 infrastructure. It offers a scalable and cost-effective environment, making it suitable for developers, creators, and enterprises exploring blockchain-based solutions.

Key use cases include:

• dApp Deployment: Developers can build and launch decentralised applications with reduced gas costs.
• Smart Contract Execution: Full compatibility with Ethereum smart contracts allows seamless migration and deployment.
• NFT Marketplaces: Soneium supports NFT minting, transfer, and trading at lower costs than the Ethereum mainnet.
• Decentralised Finance (DeFi): The network provides a foundation for DeFi protocols, including lending platforms and liquidity pools.
• Cross-Chain Interactions: Soneium's bridge infrastructure enables interoperability between Ethereum and other chains in the Superchain ecosystem.

Recent upgrades include:

• Fjord and Granite Upgrade (October 2024): Introduced fault proofs, reduced gas fees, and enhanced data compression techniques.
• Fault Proof Mechanism: Provides finality verification on the Ethereum mainnet to enhance Layer 2 security.

Soneium was developed by Sony Block Solutions Labs, a joint venture between Sony Group Corporation and Startale Labs.

• Sony Group Corporation: A multinational conglomerate known for its technological innovations in entertainment, gaming, and electronics.
• Startale Labs: A Web3 infrastructure provider specialising in blockchain technology and decentralised infrastructure.

The collaboration leverages Sony’s technological expertise and Startale's blockchain development capabilities to create a scalable, public blockchain network focused on mainstream Web3 adoption.