# Introduction to Polkadot Hub Presenter: **Tin** Welcome to the future of blockchain development on Polkadot --- ## 📺 Workshop Recording --- ## 🎯 What You'll Learn By the end of this session, you'll understand: - **The Vision**: Why smart contracts on Asset Hub changes everything - **Architecture**: How REVM and PolkaVM enable EVM compatibility - **Features**: XCM, privacy, and native Asset Hub runtime access - **Timeline**: When Polkadot Hub launches and how to get involved - **Resources**: Where to learn, build, and get support **This is your entry point to building the next generation of cross-chain dApps** --- ## The Polkadot Hub Revolution For the first time, **smart contracts are coming to Polkadot Asset Hub** ### What This Means 🚀 **Lower barriers to entry** - No parachain slot needed ⚡ **Full EVM compatibility** - Deploy Solidity contracts unchanged 🌉 **Native cross-chain** - XCM built-in, not bolted-on 🔐 **Asset Hub features** - Access native runtime functions from smart contracts 🎯 **December 2025** - Production launch on Polkadot Hub **Asset Hub is becoming a complete smart contract platform with EVM compatibility** --- ## Why This Matters for Builders ### The Challenge Today Building on Polkadot currently requires: - Winning a parachain slot (expensive) - Understanding Substrate (steep learning curve) - Building validator infrastructure (complex) ### The Polkadot Hub Solution ```mermaid graph LR ETH[Ethereum Developer] -->|Same Tools| HUB[Polkadot Hub] HUB -->|+ XCM| CROSS[Cross-Chain Apps] HUB -->|+ Security| RELAY[Relay Chain] HUB -->|+ Access| PARA[All Parachains] SOL[Solidity]-.->HUB TOOLS[Hardhat/Foundry]-.->HUB style ETH fill:#1a1a1a,stroke:#E6007A style HUB fill:#E6007A,stroke:#fff,color:#fff style CROSS fill:#552BBF,stroke:#fff,color:#fff style RELAY fill:#552BBF,stroke:#fff,color:#fff style PARA fill:#552BBF,stroke:#fff,color:#fff ``` Start building **immediately** with: - **Solidity** you already know - **Tools** you already use (Hardhat, Foundry, Remix) - **Security** of Asset Hub (Polkadot system parachain) - **Access** to all parachains via XCM - **Native Asset Hub runtime** functionality from your contracts **We're bringing Ethereum developers to Polkadot at scale** --- ## What is Polkadot Hub? Polkadot Hub is a **smart contract execution environment** running on Polkadot Asset Hub, a system parachain. ### Three Pillars **1. EVM Compatibility First** 100% compatible with Ethereum via REVM - deploy any Solidity contract **2. Asset Hub Native Features** XCM, native asset management, and direct access to Asset Hub runtime functions **3. System Parachain Security** Inherit the security of Polkadot through Asset Hub (a trusted system parachain) **Think of it as: Ethereum's developer experience + Polkadot's cross-chain superpowers + Asset Hub's native capabilities** --- ## Polkadot Hub in the Ecosystem ### Where It Fits ```mermaid graph TB subgraph RC[POLKADOT RELAY CHAIN] direction TB RELAY[Relay Chain
Security & Consensus] end subgraph AH[ASSET HUB - System Parachain] HUB[Polkadot Hub
Smart Contracts] ASSETS[Native Assets
& Runtime] end RELAY -.->|Secures| AH HUB -->|Deploy| DAPPS[Your dApps] HUB -->|XCM| CROSS[Cross-Chain Apps] HUB -->|Native| DEFI[DeFi Protocols] HUB <-->|Access| ASSETS ASSETS -->|Runtime Functions| HUB style RC fill:#1a1a1a,stroke:#E6007A,stroke-width:3px style AH fill:#262626,stroke:#E6007A,stroke-width:3px style HUB fill:#E6007A,stroke:#fff,color:#fff style RELAY fill:#552BBF,stroke:#fff,color:#fff style ASSETS fill:#552BBF,stroke:#fff,color:#fff style DAPPS fill:#552BBF,stroke:#fff,color:#fff style CROSS fill:#552BBF,stroke:#fff,color:#fff style DEFI fill:#552BBF,stroke:#fff,color:#fff ``` **Hub**: Smart contracts on Asset Hub, Polkadot's system parachain **Asset Hub Runtime**: Access native parachain functions from your smart contracts --- ## Why Polkadot Hub? ### The Ultimate Smart Contract Platform | Feature | Polkadot Hub Advantage | | ------------------ | ---------------------------------------------- | | **Location** | Asset Hub - Polkadot's system parachain | | **Entry Cost** | Zero - just deploy your contract | | **XCM Access** | Built-in native cross-chain messaging | | **Security** | Polkadot security through system parachain | | **Runtime Access** | Call native Asset Hub functions from contracts | | **Launch Effort** | Deploy & go - no infrastructure needed | | **Best For** | dApps, DeFi, NFTs, and cross-chain apps | **Polkadot Hub**: The fastest way to build production-ready dApps on Polkadot --- ## Architecture: Dual VM Strategy Polkadot Hub supports **two virtual machines** through a unified interface ### The Strategy **REVM (Primary - Production)** - 100% EVM-compatible Rust implementation - Launch: December 2025 - Status: Production-ready **PolkaVM (Future - Preview)** - Register-based RISC-V architecture - Launch: Preview alongside REVM - Status: Experimental **Why both?** Immediate EVM compatibility + future innovation --- ## Understanding REVM **REVM** = Rust Ethereum Virtual Machine ### What Makes REVM Special ✅ **Battle-Tested** Powers Foundry and Reth - proven in production ✅ **100% Compatible** Every EVM opcode supported - deploy Ethereum contracts unchanged ✅ **High Performance** Rust-optimized execution for faster, cheaper transactions ✅ **Actively Maintained** Regular updates and security audits **Bottom line**: If it runs on Ethereum, it runs on Polkadot Hub --- ## Understanding PolkaVM **PolkaVM** = Polkadot's next-generation VM ### Why PolkaVM Exists 🚀 **Modern Architecture** Register-based (like ARM/x86) vs stack-based (like EVM) 🔧 **Multi-Language** Any language that compiles to RISC-V (not just Solidity) ⚡ **Optimized for Polkadot** Native cross-chain operations and better weight mapping ### Current Status (2025) - **Preview** release in December 2025 - Available for **testing** alongside REVM - **Production** readiness timeline TBD **For hackathons**: Focus on REVM; explore PolkaVM for fun --- ## Dual VM: Shared Infrastructure Both VMs run through **pallet-revive** - a unified smart contract framework ### Architecture Stack ```mermaid graph TB APP[Application Layer] subgraph DC[Developer Choice] REVM[REVM
EVM Compatible] POLKAVM[PolkaVM
RISC-V] end PALLET[pallet-revive
Shared Stack] RELAY[Polkadot Relay Chain] APP --> REVM APP --> POLKAVM REVM --> PALLET POLKAVM --> PALLET PALLET --> RELAY style APP fill:#1a1a1a,stroke:#E6007A style DC fill:#262626,stroke:#552BBF,stroke-width:2px style REVM fill:#E6007A,stroke:#fff,color:#fff style POLKAVM fill:#552BBF,stroke:#fff,color:#fff style PALLET fill:#1a1a1a,stroke:#E6007A,stroke-width:2px style RELAY fill:#262626,stroke:#E6007A,stroke-width:3px ``` **Shared**: Storage, gas metering, precompiles, events **Separate**: Execution environment --- ## Gas & Weights: The Economics ### Understanding the Model **Ethereum Gas** - Fixed units per operation - Price fluctuates with demand **Polkadot Weight** - Based on actual execution time - Measured in picoseconds **Polkadot Hub Approach** ``` Solidity Contract ↓ REVM Execution (measured in gas) ↓ Converted to Polkadot Weights ↓ Fee in DOT ``` **Result**: Familiar gas model for developers, optimized execution on Polkadot --- ## Three Killer Features Polkadot Hub launches with features **impossible** on Ethereum alone ### 1. XCM Precompiles Call other parachains from Solidity contracts ### 2. Native Asset Hub Runtime Access Call Asset Hub's native functions directly from smart contracts ### 3. Advanced Precompiles Privacy via homomorphic encryption and account abstraction primitives **These aren't add-ons - they're built into the platform** --- ## Feature 1: XCM Precompiles **XCM** = Cross-Consensus Messaging (Polkadot's cross-chain protocol) ### What It Enables 🌉 **Parachain Communication** Send messages and assets to any parachain from your contract 💱 **Cross-Chain DeFi** Query prices, execute trades, move liquidity across chains 🎯 **Intent Execution** Implement EIP-7683 cross-chain intents natively ### How It Works Special precompile contracts at fixed addresses expose XCM functionality ``` Your Solidity Contract ↓ XCM Precompile (0x0...0800) ↓ Polkadot XCM Protocol ↓ Destination Parachain ``` **No bridges, no third parties, no additional trust assumptions** --- ## XCM Use Cases ### What Builders Are Creating **Cross-Chain DEX Aggregator** Find best prices across all parachain DEXes in one transaction **Multi-Chain Yield Optimizer** Deploy capital to highest APY automatically via XCM **Unified DAO Treasury** Govern assets across multiple parachains from one contract **Cross-Chain NFT Marketplace** List and trade NFTs from any parachain **Payment Gateway** Accept payments in any parachain's native token **The possibilities are endless when chains can truly talk to each other** --- ## Feature 2: Native Asset Hub Runtime Access **Direct access** to Asset Hub's native functions from your smart contracts ### Why This Matters 🎯 **Native Asset Management** Create and manage assets using Asset Hub's battle-tested runtime 🔧 **Runtime Functions** Call any Asset Hub pallet directly from Solidity ⚡ **Optimized Performance** Native runtime calls are more efficient than smart contract logic ### How It Works Runtime precompiles provide: - **Direct pallet calls** from your contracts - **Native asset creation** and management - **Seamless integration** with existing Asset Hub features **Access the full power of Asset Hub from EVM smart contracts** --- ## Runtime Access Use Cases ### Real-World Applications **Native Asset Creation** Create assets using Asset Hub's native functionality from your contract **NFT Collections** Leverage Asset Hub's NFT pallet directly from Solidity **Cross-Contract Asset Management** Manage complex asset operations through runtime calls **Governance Integration** Integrate with Asset Hub governance from your dApp **Advanced Token Logic** Combine EVM flexibility with native runtime efficiency **Runtime access gives you the best of both worlds: EVM compatibility and native performance** --- ## Feature 3: Advanced Precompiles **Enhanced functionality** through specialized precompile contracts ### What It Enables 🔐 **Privacy Precompiles** Homomorphic encryption for confidential transfers (when available) 🔑 **Account Abstraction** Smart accounts and gas sponsorship primitives ⚡ **Asset Hub Integration** Direct access to native parachain functionality ### How It Works Precompile contracts provide: - Runtime function access at fixed addresses - Optimized native operations - Seamless EVM integration **Bridge the gap between EVM and Substrate runtimes** --- ## Precompile Use Cases ### Powerful Integration Patterns **Hybrid Contracts** Combine EVM logic with native Asset Hub functions **Efficient Asset Management** Use native pallets for heavy operations, EVM for custom logic **Cross-Chain Coordination** XCM precompiles for seamless parachain communication **Advanced User Accounts** Account abstraction for better UX (when available) **Optimized Performance** Route expensive operations through native runtime **Precompiles unlock capabilities impossible in pure EVM environments** --- ## Roadmap: The Journey to Launch ### Key Milestones 📅 **Q3 2025: Final Development** - REVM integration complete - Precompile implementations - Security audits 📅 **Late October 2025: Kusama Hub** - 100% EVM-compatible REVM on Kusama - Public testnet for builders - Real-world testing with KSM 📅 **Mid-December 2025: Polkadot Hub** - **Production launch** on Polkadot Asset Hub - REVM ready for mainnet dApps - PolkaVM preview release **Your hackathon projects can launch on production in December** --- ## What's Shipping December 2025 ### Launch Features ✅ **REVM Production** Full EVM compatibility, all Solidity contracts supported ✅ **XCM Precompiles** Cross-chain messaging from smart contracts ✅ **Runtime Access Precompiles** Direct access to Asset Hub native functions ✅ **Advanced Features** Privacy and account abstraction primitives (roadmap) ✅ **Developer Tools** Full Hardhat, Foundry, Remix support ✅ **Block Explorers** Contract verification and debugging tools **This is a complete platform, not a beta** --- ## Developer Resources ### Essential Starting Points 📖 **Official Documentation** - [Polkadot Hub Docs](https://docs.polkadot.com/develop/smart-contracts/) - [REVM Integration Details](https://forum.polkadot.network/t/smart-contracts-on-polkadot-hub-progress-update/14596) - [XCM Precompiles Reference](https://docs.polkadot.com/develop/smart-contracts/precompiles/) 🛠️ **Development Tools** - Hardhat / Foundry / Remix (standard Ethereum stack) - Polkadot.js Apps for chain interaction - Chopsticks for testing and forking 🤝 **OpenZeppelin Partnership** - Verified contract libraries for Polkadot Hub - [Forum Update](https://forum.polkadot.network/t/update-openzeppelin-support-for-polkadot-hub-refocusing-on-evm-first-deliverables/15780) - Custom templates for XCM and privacy features --- ## Getting Started: Quick Setup ### Your Development Environment **Option 1: Foundry (Recommended)** ```bash curl -L https://foundry.paradigm.xyz | bash foundryup forge install OpenZeppelin/openzeppelin-contracts ``` **Option 2: Hardhat** ```bash npm install --save-dev hardhat npm install @openzeppelin/contracts npx hardhat init ``` **Option 3: Remix IDE** Browser-based, zero installation: https://remix.ethereum.org/ **All three work exactly as they do on Ethereum** --- ## Connecting to Polkadot Hub ### Network Configuration **Local Development Node** ```bash # Coming soon docker run -p 9944:9944 parity/polkadot-hub --dev ``` **Westend Testnet (Available Now)** - RPC: `https://westend-hub.polkadot.io` - Chain ID: TBD - Faucet: Discord bot or https://faucet.polkadot.io **Polkadot Hub Mainnet (December 2025)** - RPC: TBD - Chain ID: TBD - Gas Token: DOT **Add to MetaMask like any EVM chain** --- ## First Steps for Builders ### Week 1 Checklist ✅ **Learn the Vision** - Read [Polkadot Hub overview](https://polkadot.com/platform/hub/) - Understand XCM basics - Review OpenZeppelin updates ✅ **Set Up Tools** - Install Foundry or Hardhat - Connect to Westend testnet - Get testnet tokens ✅ **Explore Examples** - Deploy a simple ERC20 - Test OpenZeppelin contracts - Join developer Discord **Start building, start experimenting, start shipping** --- ## Learning Path for Hackathon ### Recommended Journey ```mermaid graph LR W1[Week 1:
Foundations] --> W2[Week 2:
Advanced Features] W2 --> W3[Week 3:
Build] W3 --> W4[Week 4:
Ship] W1 -.-> W1A[Workshops
Setup Dev Env
Documentation] W2 -.-> W2A[XCM Deep Dive
Narratives
OpenZeppelin] W3 -.-> W3A[Implement
Office Hours
Mentor Feedback] W4 -.-> W4A[Deploy Testnet
Demo Video
Submit] style W1 fill:#E6007A,stroke:#fff,color:#fff style W2 fill:#552BBF,stroke:#fff,color:#fff style W3 fill:#E6007A,stroke:#fff,color:#fff style W4 fill:#552BBF,stroke:#fff,color:#fff ``` **Week 1: Foundations** - This workshop ✅ - "EVM Tooling and Development Setup" - Polkadot Hub documentation **Week 2: Advanced Features** - "Cross-chain DeFi Primitives" (XCM deep dive) - "Build on Polkadot: Narratives & Resources" - OpenZeppelin integration guides **Week 3: Build** - Implement your project - Attend office hours - Get mentor feedback **Week 4: Ship** - Deploy to testnet - Create demo video - Submit to hackathon --- ## Project Ideas for Hackathon ### Cross-Chain Focus **🌉 Cross-Chain DEX Aggregator** Query liquidity across parachains, execute best-price trades **💰 Multi-Chain Yield Optimizer** Deploy capital to highest APY, auto-compound via XCM **🏛️ DAO Treasury Manager** Unified governance for multi-chain treasuries **🎮 Cross-Chain Gaming Economy** NFTs and tokens that work across multiple parachains **💸 Payment Gateway** Accept any parachain's token, settle in your preferred currency **Focus on what's only possible with XCM** --- ## Project Ideas: Asset Hub Integration & UX ### Asset Hub Integration **🎯 Native Asset Manager** Leverage Asset Hub's asset creation with custom EVM logic **🏦 Hybrid DeFi Protocol** Use native runtime for efficiency, EVM for flexibility **🏢 Advanced NFT Platform** Combine Asset Hub NFT pallet with custom marketplace logic ### User Experience **👛 Smart Contract Wallet** Social recovery, gas sponsorship, session keys **🎯 Onboarding Flow** Email login + sponsored first 10 transactions **🎮 Gaming Wallet** Session keys for seamless gameplay **Think: What can you build that leverages both EVM and Asset Hub native features?** --- ## Hackathon Success Tips ### What Judges Look For **1. Innovation** (25 points) Use Polkadot Hub features in novel ways **2. Technical Quality** (25 points) Clean code, good architecture, security-conscious **3. Polkadot Integration** (20 points) XCM, Asset Hub runtime access, or advanced precompiles (bonus for multiple!) **4. Completeness** (15 points) Working demo, documentation, polish **5. Impact** (10 points) Solves real problems, has market potential **6. Presentation** (5 points) Clear communication, good demo **Don't just build on Polkadot Hub - build something that showcases why it's different** --- ## Community & Support ### Where to Get Help 💬 **Discord Community** - #polkadot-hub-general - #polkadot-hub-dev-support - #hackathon (when events are live) - Daily office hours during hackathons 📖 **Forum & Documentation** - Polkadot Forum: https://forum.polkadot.network/ - Technical discussions and proposals - Search "Polkadot Hub" for latest updates 🎓 **Educational Resources** - Polkadot Wiki: https://wiki.polkadot.network/ - Polkadot Education Hub: https://learn.openguild.wtf/ - Polkadot Blockchain Academy content **The community wants you to succeed - ask questions!** --- ## OpenZeppelin Partnership ### What It Means for Builders **Verified Libraries** All OpenZeppelin contracts tested and validated for Polkadot Hub **Custom Templates** Ready-made contracts for: - XCM-enabled tokens - Privacy-preserving contracts - Smart account implementations **Continuous Testing** Automated CI/CD ensures compatibility stays perfect **Contracts Wizard** Generate Polkadot Hub contracts at https://wizard.openzeppelin.com **You're building on a battle-tested foundation** --- ## Next Workshops in This Series ### Continue Your Learning **🛠️ "EVM Tooling and Development Setup"** Deep dive into Hardhat, Foundry, and deployment workflows **🌉 "Cross-chain DeFi Primitives"** Master XCM, build cross-chain applications **💰 "Build on Polkadot: Narratives & Resources"** Understand ecosystem, find funding, grow your project **📝 "Polkadot Grant Ecosystem"** How to get funded by Web3 Foundation and Treasury **Check hackathon schedule for times** --- ## Submission Requirements ### What You Need to Submit **1. Code Repository** - Public GitHub repo - Clear README with setup instructions - Contract addresses on testnet - MIT or Apache 2.0 license **2. Demo Video (2-3 minutes)** - Problem and solution - Live demo of key features - Technical highlights - Polkadot Hub features used **3. Presentation** - Architecture overview - Why Polkadot Hub specifically - Future roadmap **Ship it, even if it's not perfect - judges value learning and effort** --- ## Key Dates for Hackathon ### Timeline **Week 1: Learn & Plan** - Attend workshops - Form teams - Submit project proposal **Week 2-3: Build** - Core development - Mid-point check-ins - Mentor sessions **Week 4: Polish & Ship** - Deploy to Westend testnet - Create demo video - Final submission **Post-Hackathon** - December 2025: Deploy to Polkadot Hub mainnet - Apply for grants to continue building - Join the ecosystem! --- ## Why Build on Polkadot Hub? ### The Strategic Advantage **🎯 First-Mover Advantage** Be early in a major new platform **🌐 Access to Polkadot Ecosystem** Tap into billions in TVL across parachains **🔒 Best-in-Class Security** Polkadot security through Asset Hub system parachain **🚀 Future-Proof Stack** EVM today, PolkaVM tomorrow, both supported **💰 Funding Opportunities** Web3 Foundation grants, Treasury proposals, VC interest **🤝 Growing Community** Join a movement, not just a platform --- ## Common Questions ### Quick Answers **Q: Do I need to know Rust?** No - use Solidity, Hardhat/Foundry, just like Ethereum **Q: Can I deploy existing contracts?** Yes - 100% EVM compatibility means copy-paste works **Q: What about gas costs?** DOT for gas, prices TBD but designed to be competitive **Q: Is it production-ready?** December 2025 - yes! Until then, build on testnet **Q: Can I use MetaMask?** Yes - Polkadot Hub works with all EVM wallets --- ## Three Key Takeaways ### Remember This **1. Polkadot Hub = EVM + Asset Hub + Superpowers** Everything from Ethereum, plus XCM and native Asset Hub runtime access **2. Build Now, Ship December** Start developing today on testnet, launch on mainnet Q4 2025 **3. Cross-Chain is the Killer Feature** Focus on what's only possible with XCM **The question isn't "why Polkadot Hub?" - it's "why wouldn't you build here?"** --- ## Your Action Items ### This Week **Today:** - Set up Foundry or Hardhat - Connect to Westend testnet - Deploy a test contract **This Week:** - Join Discord community - Attend next workshop in series - Form or join a team - Brainstorm project ideas **This Month:** - Build MVP of your project - Get mentor feedback - Submit to hackathon **This Year:** - Launch on Polkadot Hub mainnet in December - Apply for grants - Become part of the ecosystem --- ## Additional Resources ### Deep Dive Materials **📖 Technical Docs** - [Smart Contracts Overview](https://docs.polkadot.com/develop/smart-contracts/) - [REVM Progress Update](https://forum.polkadot.network/t/smart-contracts-on-polkadot-hub-progress-update/14596) - [EVM-First Strategy](https://forum.polkadot.network/t/update-openzeppelin-support-for-polkadot-hub-refocusing-on-evm-first-deliverables/15780) **🎥 Video Content** - Polkadot Blockchain Academy lectures - Substrate seminars on YouTube - Workshop recordings (coming soon) **💻 Code Examples** - OpenZeppelin Polkadot templates (coming soon) - Community examples on GitHub - Polkadot Hub documentation --- ## Join the Movement ### We're Building the Future Together **Polkadot Hub isn't just a platform - it's a paradigm shift** ✨ Smart contracts on Asset Hub with native runtime access ✨ True cross-chain composability via XCM ✨ EVM compatibility meets Substrate power ✨ Ethereum developer experience + Polkadot innovation **The tools are ready** **The community is waiting** **The opportunity is now** ### Let's Build Together **See you in Discord, see you at the next workshop, see you on mainnet** --- ## Thank You! 🙏 ### Stay Connected **🔗 Links** - Discord: https://polkadot.network/ - Forum: https://forum.polkadot.network/ - Twitter: @Polkadot - Education Hub: https://learn.openguild.wtf/ **📧 Contact** - Workshop questions: Discord #general - Technical support: #dev-support - Mentorship: Office hours (check schedule) **🚀 Next Steps** 1. Install tools 2. Join Discord 3. Attend next workshop 4. Start building **Happy hacking! 🛠️**

Introduction to Polkadot Hub

Workshop Slides