Solana Labs, a leading developer of technology for the high-performance and environmentally friendly Solana blockchain, has unveiled a new office space in Lower Manhattan. The office, spanning 25,000 square feet and consisting of four floors, is designed to serve as a collaborative hub for projects within the Solana blockchain ecosystem and to host various events.
The inauguration event was initiated by prominent figures including Andrew Kimball, President & CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Matt Fraser, Chief Technology Officer of New York City, and Mark Levine, Manhattan Borough President. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and was co-hosted by Solana Labs, Solana Foundation, and Tech:NYC.
Notable attendees included executives such as Dan Albert, Executive Director of Solana Foundation, Scott Sigel, COO of Helium Foundation, Julie Samuels, President & Executive Director of Tech:NYC, Jukay Hsu, CEO & Co-Founder of Pursuit, Bin Chen, Co-Founder of Boba Guys, as well as several New York City Council Members and state legislators.
The state-of-the-art office space boasts a modern design with high-tech glass enclosures and occupies a prime location at the intersection of Soho, the East Village, and the Lower East Side. Three floors have been specifically allocated to web3 companies within the Solana ecosystem, offering them a collaborative environment, shared workspaces, and the opportunity to host events. Selected teams from the Solana ecosystem can apply for desk space at no cost.
As part of the inauguration event, several New York-based companies within the Solana ecosystem showcased their projects. Civic leaders had the opportunity to engage with Solana-based experiences such as Solana Pay, receiving NFTs, playing blockchain-based games, and exploring consumer protection technology and measures against illicit activities.
Representatives from organizations including 6th Man Ventures, Empire State Development Corporation, Phantom, Floor, Blockchain Association, and Exchange Art were also present. Furthermore, the event featured artwork displayed by NFT artists Hanaknight, JT Liss, and Adam Ape.
Andrew Kimball, President & CEO of NYCEDC, expressed excitement about Solana Labs choosing New York City as a hub for web3 development, highlighting the city’s vibrant arts, culture, innovation, technology, and talent. Matthew Fraser, Chief Technology Officer of New York City, emphasized the city’s commitment to fostering an immersive environment for web3 companies to innovate and the potential benefits this technology offers to New Yorkers.
Raj Gokal, co-founder of Solana Labs, emphasized the company’s dedication to supporting the crypto ecosystem in New York City and providing early-stage entrepreneurs with a space for building and collaboration. Julie Samuels, President & Executive Director of Tech:NYC, praised Solana Labs for their investment in New York City and commended their community-oriented office space, reflecting the collaborative spirit that distinguishes the city’s tech scene.
Jason Desimone, founder of the Rove World app, an NFT-based ticketing and loyalty rewards program, expressed pride in showcasing their technology to civic leaders and highlighting the economic and creative potential of their work. Scott Sigel, COO of the Helium Foundation, was excited to share the progress of the Helium community’s wireless coverage initiatives and explore opportunities for smart city projects and bridging the digital divide with cellular technology.
