The Starknet Foundation launched the Starknet VIP Program on October 16, 2026, targeting holders of the STRK token and the strkBTC asset. Participants gain access to priority support, direct interaction with the Foundation team, and event access.
STRK is used for governance, staking, and transaction fees on the network. The strkBTC asset, which launched in May 2026, serves as a wrapped version of Bitcoin for DeFi applications and includes optional transaction shielding.
The initiative aligns with Starknet's focus on BTCFi. Previous efforts include the distribution of 100 million STRK in late 2025 and a fee-coverage program for the first 100 BTC bridged to the network.
The program coincides with the deployment of the v0.14.4 mainnet upgrade. Following the announcement, the value of the STRK token increased by 47 percent.
The Foundation has not yet disclosed specific eligibility thresholds or the duration of the program. The security of strkBTC relies on a federation of institutions managing the underlying Bitcoin.
