Aptos and Google Cloud Expand Partnership with Accelerator Program

Aptos is teaming up with Google Cloud as the tech giant deepens its foray into the Web3 space.

Partnership Details

Hot new Layer-1 blockchain Aptos has announced a partnership with Google Cloud. At the Token2049 London event, Aptos co-founder and CEO Mo Shaikh revealed the collaboration details with Simon Baksys, Google’s Head of Web3 Business Development.

Shaikh expressed, “I think this is the first time a Web2 and Web3 company have connected in such a meaningful way.”

As part of the partnership, Google Cloud will serve as a validator node and join Aptos' mainnet. Additionally, Aptos will be integrated with Google Cloud’s BigQuery service.

The goal of this collaboration is to foster new talent through an accelerator program and co-host a hackathon next year.

What is Aptos?

Aptos is a new blockchain that recently launched its mainnet and stirred controversy with its airdrop event. It was co-founded by Mo Shaikh and Avery Ching, both of whom previously worked on Meta’s (formerly Facebook) Diem project.

The blockchain utilizes Move, a programming language developed by Meta for Diem, built on Rust, similar to Solana.

To date, Aptos has successfully raised $350 million from investors including FTX Ventures, a16z, and Multicoin Capital.

However, Aptos’ major backer, FTX Ventures, is now facing bankruptcy risks following the severe liquidity crisis of its parent company, the cryptocurrency exchange FTX, earlier this week. For more details on this unfolding situation, check out our follow-up articles.

Google’s Growing Ambitions in Web3

Earlier this year, Google Cloud became Aptos’ first cloud solutions partner, allowing anyone to set up a node on Aptos in under 15 minutes. Today’s announcement is seen as an extension of that partnership.

In July 2022, Google Cloud established a Web3 development unit and has since partnered with several industry giants, including Coinbase, NEAR Protocol, BNB Chain, and Solana.