The Starknet Foundation came to EthCC Cannes with the singular goal of bringing builders together. Across four sun-soaked days, we hosted a range of experiences for developers, founders, and anyone curious about the future of on-chain coordination.
From early-morning yoga and beachfront co-working to packed panels and casual sunset hangouts, the Starknet ecosystem showed up with calm energy and sharp ideas. Whether you were deep in a rollup debate or just grabbing espresso between talks, the vibe was unshakeable.
Now we’re recapping it all. From early-morning calm to sunset game nights, this is your full look at Starknet Foundation’s presence in Cannes. By the end, you’ll understand why it left such a mark on builders, founders, and the entire Starknet community.
Day 1: Building begins + EthCC warm-up
While EthCC buzzed into gear in Cannes, just 30 minutes down the coast in Antibes, 20+ early-stage Starknet teams kicked off Startup House. The beachfront retreat opened with onboarding sessions, founder introductions, and a welcome talk that set the tone for the days ahead.
Things started off calm, collaborative, and community-first. Mentors and builders got aligned, trading roadmaps and refining goals as the Mediterranean breeze rolled in. By sunset, teams were gathered around pizza and beach games, laying the foundation for projects, partnerships, and beyond. It was a day of soft landings, sharp intentions, and sunny vistas.
Day 2: Momentum builds and Bitcoin takes to the rooftop
The second day brought even sharper focus and deeper feedback. Gnana led a practical session on go-to-market strategy, helping teams refine their messaging and better define product–market fit. Afterward, founders met one-on-one with mentors for structured check-ins, getting clear, personalized feedback to move their ideas forward.
Throughout the day, pitch prep continued organically over lunch tables, casual walks, and into the evening. By dinner, conversations were crisp and directional. Teams weren’t just building; they were building with intention.
Sovereign EVM Day @ EthCC
Back in Cannes, the Starknet Foundation joined a standout event on the rooftop of Hôtel Belle Plage. At Sovereign EVM Day, Ecosystem Lead Dylan Kugler joined the “Extending Bitcoin” panel to explore the possibilities of rollup settlement, Bitcoin modularity, and where Starknet fits within a multichain future.
The venue was packed, and the conversation was one of the most technically engaging of the week. Starknet’s role in the broader rollup landscape came into sharp view thanks to Dylan’s insights and a stunning view.
Le Café Stark
Starknet’s most chic social venue was in full swing, welcoming guests for espresso, catch-ups, and the occasional swim. The beach lounge continued to serve as a calm retreat from the buzz of Palais panels and startup pitches.
Beach Hangout at Plage du Midi
As the sun set, the community came together again for sunset pizza, games, and sea air. It was equal parts wind-down and ideation, with ideas flowing between bites and laughter.
Day 3: Big talks and bigger questions
Wednesday brought fresh momentum and deeper inquiry into Starknet, Bitcoin, and beyond. With keynotes, panels, and ongoing community meetups, Day 3 put Starknet’s long-term vision in the spotlight.
Henri’s Talk at EthCC: “Settling a Rollup on Two Chains”
On the Hepburn Stage, Starknet Foundation’s Henri Lieutaud took on one of the most ambitious questions in crypto today. Can a rollup settle on both Ethereum and Bitcoin? He walked the audience through the underlying theory, trade-offs, and how Starknet is exploring dual-settlement mechanics.
The crowd leaned in while builders and researchers fired off questions about feasibility, security, and the implications for Starknet’s scalability roadmap.
Hack Seasons Infra Panel
Later that afternoon, Henri joined the Infra Panel at Hack Seasons Conference. The conversation touched on dev tooling, shared standards, and how infrastructure teams can balance performance with decentralization. It was a smart, grounded dialogue that brought out the best from a well-rounded group of panelists.
Starknet Foundation Booth @ EthCC
Back at the Palais, the Starknet Foundation booth stayed busy. Visitors came with cappuccinos in one hand and questions about rollups in the other. Some wanted to understand how Bitcoin fits into Starknet’s roadmap. Others asked how to join the accelerator or apply for a grant. And yes, plenty were just hunting for the swag bags everyone was talking about.
The booth served as a crossroads of sorts, where devs, founders, and the curious came to talk shop, speculate about airdrops, and get face time with the Starknet Foundation team.
Le Café Stark
Still shaded, still buzzing. Whether they were deep in product talk or grabbing a quick espresso, guests returned to the beach lounge to recharge and reconnect.
Evening Beach Hangout
As with every day this week, the evening ended by the sea. Pizza in hand, the community wrapped the day with breezy conversation and casual networking.
Day 4: Closing conversations and continued curiosity
By Thursday, the energy at EthCC and interest in Starknet were at a fever pitch. The Starknet Foundation booth remained a hub for meaningful conversations, with founders, developers, and curious newcomers dropping by throughout the day.
Visitors asked about everything from upcoming ecosystem milestones to the long-term plan for Bitcoin settlement. Many came to learn how to get involved, whether through a grant, the Upright Accelerator, or a technical deep dive into our stack. And yes, the merch still held strong appeal.
For anyone who wanted to meet the Foundation team face-to-face, the final day offered a chance to connect, ask smart questions, and get a clear view of what Starknet is building next.
Not your final Starknet sunset
From Antibes to Cannes, beaches to booths, the Starknet community made its mark on EthCC.
The week brought new connections, deep technical dialogue, and plenty of momentum for what’s next.
Whether you joined us for a morning espresso, an evening game of pétanque, or a panel on Bitcoin settlement, thank you for being part of it. The builder journey doesn’t end here.
Stay in the loop:
- Apply for a Seed Grant
- Join the Upright Accelerator
- Explore the Starknet Tech Stack
- Follow @StarknetFndn on X for upcoming programs, updates, and events
See you soon online or at the next stop on the Starknet world tour.
