How D3’s Frontier program leverages crypto vaults
D3’s Frontier program kicks off with two crypto vaults. The vault on Solana is supported by Loopscale, while Hyperion DeFi and Upshift back the one on Hyperliquid. D3 has announced plans to introduce additional vaults on different blockchain networks in the near future.
Participants in the program can earn points by depositing assets with the supported providers. These points can then be used to gain priority access to desired names under participating extensions. This innovative approach places a crypto-based points system ahead of the traditional domain registration process, allowing registries to decide when eligible names can be registered instead of the vaults.
Frontier serves as a gateway for asset holders to engage with registries and domain names without the need for pre-existing relationships with brokers. Over 20 applicants and registries have already committed to the program, demonstrating strong industry interest prior to ICANN’s Reveal Day, where approved applications will be disclosed.
The connections to Solana and Hyperliquid are part of D3’s broader domain business strategy that has been in development for years. Doma Protocol, which aims to tokenize conventional internet domains on a blockchain for on-chain applications, received significant funding in a Series A round led by Paradigm in January 2025. Coinbase Ventures also participated in the fundraising.
Hyperion DeFi’s involvement in the program establishes a direct link to the U.S. public markets, with the company trading on Nasdaq under the symbol HYPD. Together with Upshift, Hyperion DeFi supports the Hyperliquid vault in Frontier, providing the Hyperliquid community access to the program as new extensions are considered in ICANN’s application round.
Scott Lee, head of Korea at the Solana Foundation, highlighted the potential utility of domain names on the Solana network in conjunction with the program’s launch. D3 has identified possible extensions such as .agent, .wallet, .sol, and .robot, while Hyperion DeFi’s CEO, Hyunsu Jung, mentioned .hype as a potential extension. ICANN’s Reveal Day publication will serve as the definitive record of applicants and sought-after extensions.
ICANN’s 2026 round sees 1,616 applications progressing
ICANN recently confirmed that 1,616 applications met the payment criteria to advance in the application process. A total of 1,663 applications were submitted before the deadline on August 12. The organization will unveil the public details of the paid applications on Reveal Day, including extensions that have garnered interest from multiple applicants.
Each application pertains to the operation of a top-level domain, such as the portion following the final dot in a web address. Instead of pursuing top-level domains, Frontier members seek individual names under extensions operated by participating registries within D3’s program. The review process, resolution of objections, and competition resolution must be completed before a new extension can enter the standard domain ecosystem.
The previous ICANN application round in 2012 resulted in over 1,200 new extensions being added to the domain space. D3’s CEO, Fred Hsu, views the current round as an opportunity to integrate crypto users into the established domain market:
“Frontier is how crypto breaks into this domain supercycle from the outset.”
Various crypto-oriented naming projects have taken different approaches in the current ICANN round. Unstoppable Domains, for instance, withdrew applications for nine Web3 extensions, including .crypto and .wallet, citing high anticipated costs compared to expected sales. D3’s Frontier program, on the other hand, prioritizes names offered by participating registries as they progress through ICANN’s evaluation process.
Telegram has also submitted an application for .gram in the 2026 round. Founder Pavel Durov envisions users being able to register names under this extension and create Telegram-hosted websites if the application is approved by ICANN.
Registries dictate the registration terms
Accumulating points is just the first step for Frontier members. D3 requires members to allocate these points towards names from participating registries to establish priority, with each registry determining registration timelines and eligibility criteria. The priority period precedes general registration but is linked to ICANN’s approval process.
ICANN’s Reveal Day will showcase the public segments of applications that passed administrative review, highlighting sought-after extensions. Following publication, applications will undergo community feedback, objection handling, evaluation, and resolution of competing requests before successful registries can launch their extensions.