Research Labs
Choose your path. Each lab focuses on cutting-edge Ethereum research with hands-on projects.
Agentic Economy
AI + Crypto
ERC-8004, x402, and AI agents that can pay for things autonomously.
Privacy & Data
ZK Proofs
Zero-knowledge circuits, private payroll, and on-chain data oracles.
Decentralized Luma
Core Build
Building our own event platform with SIWE, NFT tickets, and ZK-Email.
Open Source
Public Goods
Drips Protocol, sustainable funding, and contributing to core repos.
Financial Inclusion
Stablecoins & BTCfi
MiniApps, Telegram wallets, and Bitcoin DeFi for emerging markets.
Deep Dive Research Tracks
Five specialized labs designed to push the boundaries of Ethereum research with hands-on projects and real-world applications for Africa.
The Agentic Economy Lab
This is the most cutting-edge track. We are moving from 'Chatbots' to 'Economic Agents' that can pay for things. Exploring AI Agents, x402, and ERC-8004.
scienceResearch Topics & Activities
ERC-8004 (Agent Discovery & Reputation)
The Concept
A standard that allows AI agents to 'register' themselves on-chain, prove who they are, and build a reputation so other agents trust them.
rocket_launchEngagement Activity
"The Agent Registry Sprint"
Participants will deploy a smart contract that implements ERC-8004.
psychologyResearch Question
How can an African merchant's AI agent trust a buyer's AI agent without a bank?
Tooling & Stack
x402 (Agentic Commerce & HTTP 402)
The Concept
Reviving the 'HTTP 402 Payment Required' status code using crypto. It allows an AI agent to hit a website, see a price (e.g., 1 USDC), and pay it instantly via HTTP headers to get access.
rocket_launchEngagement Activity
"Pay-Per-Prompt API"
Build a simple API (e.g., a weather data service for farmers) that creates a 402 Payment Required error. Then, build an AI Agent that automatically signs a transaction to pay and unlock the data.
publicWhy Africa?
Eliminate subscription fatigue. Allow 'Pay-as-you-go' for solar energy or educational content using micropayments.
Ready to Join a Lab?
Each participant will be assigned to a primary lab based on their skills and interests. Cross-lab collaboration is encouraged!
Apply for a Labarrow_forwardFrequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the ETH Research Village.
Yes, participation is free. However, residency spots (accommodation) may have a small fee or be merit-based depending on sponsorship availability.
We have limited travel support for high-impact researchers. Mention your need in the residency interest section of the form.
We welcome all levels, but this is a research-focused event. A basic understanding of Ethereum and smart contracts is recommended.
The core research sprints happen in Lagos, but workshops and keynotes will be streamed, and virtual participants can join Discord labs.
It's a metaphor for Ethereum as a decentralized, nurturing ecosystem. We aim to scale this vision with an African lens.