What challenges did the Andromeda team overcome to build the first decentralised onchain operating system?
Building something new comes with both advantages and challenges. The challenge is not just building the product but also explaining it simply, showing people how to use it, making their lives better, and ensuring industry-level adoption.
The hardest part is balancing centralisation and decentralisation. The success of our ANDR token, which represents the value of Andromeda Digital Objects (ADOs) powering the Andromeda operating system (aOS), is key. The ANDR token’s success hinges on community trust and acceptance, representing governance, usage, utility, and belief in a web3 operating system that energizes multiple layer 1 (L1) chains and other blockchain ecosystems.
Does Andromeda plan to offer Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) capabilities for the aOS?
Yes, eventually. While we welcome the opportunity to elevate all ecosystems to our capabilities, we are currently focused on the smart contract capabilities of the CosmosSDK/CosmWasm/Rust software stack. We have limited capabilities with EVM-based chains, but fully integrating our smart contract technology with the older EVM system is not in our short-term plans.
However, we are collaborating with projects like Landslide and Axelar that bridge to other ecosystems.
Can you provide a brief overview of Andromeda Digital Objects (ADOs) and explain the core vision behind their development?
Andromeda ADOs offer enhanced flexibility, interoperability, and ease of use compared to traditional smart contracts. They are the foundational elements for building decentralised applications within the Andromeda Protocol ecosystem. Think of them as “smart Lego blocks.” Our Andromeda Logic Library (ALL) is a toolbox of modular smart contract logic, pre-made, audited, and available for developers to use on any chain in the Andromeda ecosystem. This unencumbered composability is crucial for mainstream adoption.
Our open-source business model allows developers anywhere to build ADOs and be economically rewarded each time an ADO is used. This approach encourages developers to solve problems quickly and be rewarded repeatedly for their contributions.
How does Andromeda’s dApp facilitate low technical entry levels, and what impact has this had on developer adoption?
Initially, ADOs will be simpler and useful to many projects. As the industry adopts ADOs as a standard, more capable and complex ADOs will emerge to solve sophisticated problems. Developers, like all technologists, excel when solving problems. As more capabilities become available, the potential for web3 apps will expand, driving innovation and adoption.
What strategies are being implemented under the andrEXPANSION and andrADOPTION workstreams to expand the Andromeda ecosystem?
For start-ups, gaining traction is crucial. Our strategy is to capture early developer and creator product-to-market-fit (PMF) and expand our ecosystem by integrating with several L1 chains. Their developers are our customers. This multi-dimensional strategy helps us find PMF and reinforce success while rewarding builders across various chains and projects.
We also focus on educating Fortune 500 companies about our technology’s capabilities and engaging universities to educate future Andromeda engineers.
What is the ‘Web3 University Pilot Program,’ and who is it tailored for?
Students and faculties are eager for an easier web3 solution. We believe we have that solution and will begin teaching the Andromeda aOS this school year. Early Andromeda Engineer certifications could be awarded by the end of the year, helping enterprises keep up with technological advancements.
Can you recount your transition from TopGun instructor pilot to crypto entrepreneur, and any advice you received along the way?
I was one of the few pilots chosen for the FA-18A Hornet, a leap ahead in technology. After a 25-year flying career, especially as a TopGun Instructor, I saw thousands of PMF problems. Later, I worked with a network of successful business people, which taught me that the Marine Corps operates similarly to entrepreneurship, requiring rapid execution under pressure.
After leaving the service, I became a business partner and CEO, applying my military experience to the business world. Business school helped me understand how executives think about risk and reward. I knew corporate life wasn’t for me; I enjoy doing hard things and leading people in a common cause, making entrepreneurship a good fit.
What’s next for Andromeda? What is your long-term vision for the project?
Our long-term vision is to simplify web3. Digitising and automating various aspects can redefine ownership, value creation, trading, healthcare, finance, connectivity, and communication. By listening to market needs and rapidly adapting, we can offer something special before the market even knows it needs it. This journey with Andromeda is about finding and sharing that special product-to-market fit feeling with the “A-Team.”