Ethereum is making big moves behind the scenes, and if all goes according to plan, gas fees as we know them might soon be a thing of the past. In Q1 2025, the Ethereum Foundation quietly invested $32.65 million into over 30 projects through its Ecosystem Support Program—funding that could reshape the network’s future in more ways than one.
A Global Effort to Empower Developers
A key portion of this funding is going toward expanding Ethereum’s developer base, especially in underrepresented regions. From events like ETHPrague to new gatherings such as ETHiopia, and localized bootcamps including the Arabic Blockchain Developer Bootcamp, the Foundation is working to decentralize knowledge—not just technology. It’s part of Ethereum’s long-term vision to ensure that the next wave of blockchain talent isn’t limited to Silicon Valley or Western Europe.
These educational pushes aren’t just about building resumes. They’re strategic, helping Ethereum lay a global foundation of contributors who understand the network’s infrastructure from the ground up.
Scaling Smarter with ZKPs and Layer 2
On the technical front, Ethereum isn’t sitting still. Sixteen of the funded projects focus on cryptographic advancements, especially zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs)—a key weapon in the fight against bloated transaction fees and slow confirmation times. These solutions are being developed to make Layer 2 networks more efficient, private, and secure.
More than just trimming fees, these ZKP-focused upgrades could also future-proof Ethereum against quantum computing threats. Coupled with grants targeting improvements to Ethereum’s core consensus and execution layers, the result could be a far leaner and faster blockchain.
Developers, Meet Better Tools
The grants also take aim at usability. With funds set aside for gas metering tools and core software upgrades, building on Ethereum could soon get a lot easier. That means smoother dApp development, fewer headaches for builders, and more user-friendly applications for everyone else.
Ethereum’s strategy here is clear: make the network more appealing for developers and accessible for end users, especially in a market where rival chains are constantly vying for attention.
More Than Just Hype: The Numbers Tell the Story
The timing of this investment couldn’t be better. Ethereum is riding a major wave of momentum. As of today, ETH is trading at $2,309.40, up 4.57% on the day and 56.82% over the past month. It’s a significant rebound from earlier lows near $1,400, driven in part by the buzz surrounding the recent Pectra upgrade.
That upgrade introduced much-needed scalability improvements and unlocked new wallet functionality—including the soon-to-launch EIP-7702, which will allow smart contract features in standard Ethereum wallets. Think multi-token payments and even gas fee sponsorship—potentially changing how people interact with the network entirely.
What’s Next? A Push Toward $3,000
Technically speaking, Ethereum has broken out of an ascending triangle pattern, with analysts eyeing $2,500 as the next critical resistance. If it clears that, there’s room to push toward $2,770—or even $3,000—in the short to mid term. Current support sits around $2,150 to $2,180, with trading volume holding strong at $54 billion. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) suggests the rally still has steam.
Final Thoughts
Ethereum’s Q1 grants don’t just fund a few hopeful projects—they represent a coordinated effort to fix long-standing pain points and strengthen the network from the inside out. From reducing gas fees to growing its developer base and embracing game-changing technologies like ZKPs, Ethereum is investing not just in itself, but in the community that sustains it.
And for ETH holders, builders, and everyday users alike, that might be the most bullish signal yet.
