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SAESOL Tech to Unveil Next-Generation V2X Security Technology Protecting Vulnerable Road Users at CES 2026

First public showcase of “S2X VRU Client” at Eureka Park, presenting a new vision for mobility security

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SAESOL Tech (CEO Harry Han), a company specializing in security solutions for autonomous and connected vehicles, announced that it will participate in CES 2026, the world’s largest technology exhibition, to be held in Las Vegas in January 2026, where it will unveil its next-generation V2X security technology designed to protect vulnerable road users (VRUs).

CES (Consumer Electronics Show), taking place from January 6 to 9, 2026 is recognized as one of the world’s top three IT and electronics exhibitions alongside Mobile World Congress (MWC) and Internationale Funkausstellung (IFA). As of 2025, CES hosted over 4,500 companies from 158 countries and attracted more than 140,000 visitors. At Eureka Park, CES’s dedicated startup exhibition hall, SAESOL Tech will introduce its next-generation V2X security solution for VRU protection, the “S2X VRU Client,” for the first time.

As traffic accidents involving pedestrians and users of personal mobilities continue to rise globally, protecting VRUs has emerged as a critical challenge in the era of autonomous driving. Unlike vehicle occupants, VRUs lack physical protection, making them significantly more vulnerable to severe injuries in the event of a collision. Consequently, the importance of real-time security authentication and reliable communication systems has become increasingly evident.

The S2X VRU Client is a seamless hybrid V2X security platform developed to address these challenges. It can be deployed across various devices, including vehicles, smartphones, and wearable devices. Key features include privacy protection through anonymous certificates, stable real-time communication enabled by high-speed signing and verification, and interoperability based on international standards. Through these capabilities, the solution enables secure and reliable communication between vehicles and VRUs.

Through its presence at CES 2026, SAESOL Tech aims to present its vision of “building a safe mobility security ecosystem for the protection of human life.”

“CES 2026 will be a pivotal milestone for SAESOL Tech to present a new global vision for road safety and security,” said Harry Han, CEO of SAESOL Tech. “With the S2X VRU Client, we aim to establish a new standard for mobility security that extends to protecting vulnerable road users and to lead the way toward a human-centered, safer mobility environment.”

SAESOL Tech provides the integrated mobility security solution “S2X” which covers all areas of mobility communications, including Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) and Vehicle-to-Network (V2N). The S2X solution consists of the S2X Client for in-vehicle security, the S2X PKI server authentication system, and the S2X CMS, a security credential management system. Together, these components implement a complete trust-based security framework spanning from in-vehicle systems to cloud backends.

Meanwhile, SAESOL Tech recently completed a USD 7.1 million (approximately KRW 11 billion) Series B funding round, accelerating its expansion in the North American market and strengthening global partnerships. The company has finalized a contract to supply its S2X CMS for a V2X deployment project led by the U.S. federal government. In addition, SAESOL Tech is expanding collaborations with global system integrators (SIs), solidifying its position as a key player in the next-generation connected mobility security market.

For more details visit https://www.saesol.tech/

Address: 7th floor, Neon Tech Building, 146 Burim-ro, Dongan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do.

NetDragon to Invest in Utility Tokens of Open-Q Education Ecosystem to Promote Global Education Equity

HONG KONG, Dec. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (“NetDragon” or “the Company”; Hong Kong Stock Code: 777), a global leader in building internet communities, is pleased to announce that it plans to invest in the AI-driven, globally co-created and shared, decentralized educational ecosystem Open Quest Academy (“Open-Q”), in return will receive utility token – Q101.

The Open-Q ecosystem made its debut during the Digital Learning Week, held by UNESCO in early September this year at its headquarters in Paris. It has attracted extensive attention from senior UNESCO officials, education ministers from more than 30 countries, as well as experts, scholars, seasoned educators, and educational content creators. Aligned with the global consensus on reimagining the future of learning, Open-Q is committed to building a next-generation educational ecosystem that promotes equity, technology empowerment, and global collaboration. Open-Q brings together experts, teachers, and practitioners to collaborate on metaverse-based learning and teaching platforms. The ecosystem is anchored in three core principles: technology for equity, co-creation of resources, and incentive-driven participation.

Open-Q’s mission of global education equity highly aligns with UNESCO’s policy goals, as it offers open, high-quality digital learning resources that can be localized and adapted to the curriculum needs of specific regions. This approach helps promote global education equity and quality improvement, positioning Open-Q as a transformative open platform for teaching and learning in the digital era. Open-Q also aims to achieve shared governance among global users by building a decentralized and vibrant “Learn-and-Earn” community to incentivize and reward learners worldwide. By combining economic incentives with competency-based learning, it creates a virtuous cycle in which learners acquire market-relevant skills, educators receive recognition and compensation for creating high-quality content, and the entire community benefits from a continuously expanding shared knowledge base.

NetDragon has been deeply engaged in the online education business since the early 2010s, accumulating extensive technology know-how, resources, and experiences across areas such as digital textbooks, AI-powered courseware, virtual experiments, classroom SaaS solutions, interactive educational games, and more importantly, the development and operation of national-level AI education platforms that integrate the above-mentioned resources. Since 2025, NetDragon has further upgraded its strategy into “AI + Education”, enabling highly efficient production of high-quality AIGC educational content through its self-developed AI Content Factory. In the future, there is significant potential for strategic synergies between Open-Q and NetDragon, and the proposed investment of Q101 token will further diversify the Company’s digital asset portfolio, with the potential to create significant value for shareholders.

 

WSPN and TradeGo Partner to Bring Global Commodity Trade and Stablecoin Settlements On-Chain Across Australia, Asia, and LATAM

TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, Dec. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Worldwide Stablecoin Payment Network (WSPN), a leading provider of next-generation stablecoin infrastructure, today announced a strategic partnership with TradeGo, a digital service platform specializing in global commodity trade documentation. The collaboration aims to digitize commodity documentation and cross-border settlements, modernizing supply chains and reshaping trade finance across Australia, Asia, and Latin America. The partnership integrates WSPN’s stablecoin settlement technology with TradeGo’s blockchain-based electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) infrastructure, enabling businesses to access faster, more transparent, and cost-effective global trade operations.

Closing the Digital Loop with Stablecoin Settlements

As global trade increasingly demands greater speed and transparency, stablecoins are emerging as critical infrastructure for cross-border settlements. WSPN’s stablecoin technology addresses the fundamental challenge of traditional banking rails: slow, geographically constrained, and dependent on multiple intermediaries. When combined with TradeGo’s blockchain-based eBL, which provides cryptographic security and real-time verification, the solution eliminates both documentation fraud and settlement delays.

WSPN’s USD-based stablecoin completes the digital loop by enabling instant settlement once documents and title transfers are validated on-chain. The technology removes time-zone delays, correspondent banking friction, and multi-day clearing cycles that constrain traditional payment systems.

The joint solution synchronizes cargo title transfers with stablecoin payments. When a shipment is verified and title is transferred on TradeGo’s platform, payment is released instantly via WSPN’s infrastructure. This turns a multi-day process into an immediate transaction, reducing credit risks, minimizing trade fraud, and accelerating liquidity for all parties involved.

Reshaping Trade Finance for the Digital Economy

The integration of WSPN’s stablecoin settlements reshapes how trade finance operates. Lenders gain real-time visibility into supply chain data and reduce fraud risks. Borrowers, particularly SMEs and mid-market exporters, access faster liquidity and more inclusive financing options outside traditional banking channels.

This is especially impactful for high-growth trade corridors including Australia-Southeast Asia (agriculture, minerals, metals), China-LATAM (energy products, industrial commodities), and ASEAN-Australia-LATAM (diversified commodities and manufacturing inputs).

This partnership marks a significant step in bringing global commodity trade on-chain, enabling businesses to settle transactions at blockchain speed with full transparency and regulatory compliance.

About WSPN

WSPN is a leading provider of next-generation stablecoin infrastructure, dedicated to building a more secure, efficient, and transparent global payment ecosystem. Our flagship stablecoin, WUSD, is fully backed and pegged 1:1 to the U.S. Dollar, serving as the foundation for a suite of integrated financial solutions. These solutions support a range of financial applications from institutional treasury management to programmable payments and decentralized finance. With a strong focus on transparency, regulatory compliance, and user accessibility, WSPN bridges the gap between Web3 innovation and traditional financial systems, driving the global adoption of stablecoins at scale.

Learn more: www.wspn.ioX | LinkedIn

About TradeGo

Founded in Singapore in November 2021, TradeGo is backed by major industry players including Sinochem, PetroChina, Macquarie, COSCO Shipping Energy, China Merchants Energy Shipping, Saudi Aramco, Mitsui, Bank of China, China Construction Bank, and Wanxiang Blockchain. TradeGo leverages blockchain technology to ensure transaction security, efficiency, and privacy in the transmission of trade documents. For more information, visit: https://www.tradego.com/

Kärcher Malaysia Powers Zoo Negara with Advanced Cleaning Technology Worth RM40,592

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Dec. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In celebration of its 90th anniversary, Kärcher Cleaning Systems Sdn. Bhd reaffirmed its global commitment to community and environmental care by sponsoring professional cleaning equipment to Zoo Negara. The handover event held last Friday, 19 December, marked a significant partnership aimed at upgrading the zoo’s cleaning standards through sustainable, high-performance solutions.

Karcher CSR team group photo with YBhg. Dato’ Sr. Zaharin Md. Arif and YBhg. Datuk Rosly Lana
Karcher CSR team group photo with YBhg. Dato’ Sr. Zaharin Md. Arif and YBhg. Datuk Rosly Lana

The sponsored equipment — including the HD6/15 G Classic Pressure Washer, LB 930/36 BP Leaf Blower together with high-performance batteries, and the Hose Trolley HT 3.420 Kit 5/8 — is valued at a total of RM40,592. These tools are designed to support the day-to-day maintenance efforts with efficient, eco-conscious technology.

The HD 6/15 G Classic Pressure Washer is built for heavy-duty outdoor cleaning, ideal for washing animal enclosures, walkways, and service areas. It delivers powerful high-pressure water flow and operates independently of a power supply, making it highly versatile for large outdoor spaces. The LB 930/36 BP Leaf Blower offers quiet yet powerful performance, perfect for clearing dry leaves and debris across landscaped areas without disturbing the animals. Meanwhile, the Hose Trolley HT 3.420 Kit 5/8 ensures organized and efficient water hose management for frequent cleaning tasks throughout the zoo grounds.

The day began with a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, where Kärcher’s team actively cleaned several sections of the zoo using the sponsored machines. This initiative aimed to enhance the cleanliness of the zoo’s environment and improve the overall living conditions for the animals. The hands-on effort also demonstrated Kärcher’s commitment to empowering cleaning teams by equipping them with advanced tools that elevate their productivity and effectiveness.

Following the CSR activity, a formal handover ceremony was held, attended by distinguished guests including YBhg. Dato’ Sr. Zaharin Md. Arif, President of the Malaysian Zoological Society, and YBhg. Datuk Rosly Lana, Deputy President of the Malaysian Zoological Society. The ceremony also featured the signing of the guestbook by Ms. Lydia Ng, Head of Marketing at Kärcher Cleaning Systems Sdn. Bhd., symbolizing the collaborative spirit and mutual appreciation between both organizations.

The occasion served as a dual celebration — honoring Kärcher’s nine decades of innovation and marking a new chapter in its social impact initiatives in Malaysia. The contribution is expected to significantly enhance the zoo’s ability to maintain clean, healthy spaces for its animals and provide a more pleasant environment for visitors. Kärcher also extended its appreciation to Zoo Negara for its continued trust in the brand and its products.

“Reaching our 90th anniversary is a proud milestone for Kärcher globally, and we wanted to commemorate it by making a meaningful contribution locally,” said a Kärcher Malaysia representative. “Supporting Zoo Negara reflects our mission to create cleaner, safer spaces through technology that respects both people and the planet.”

This sponsorship is part of Kärcher’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community partnerships — values that have defined the brand’s success for 90 years.

Wondershare Filmora Introduces AI Mate, Marking a New Phase of Intelligent Editing

VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Wondershare today announced that its flagship video creativity product, Wondershare Filmora, has introduced a new intelligent editing assistant called AI Mate. Designed to simplify complex editing workflows and enhance creative productivity, AI Mate marks a further step in the company’s efforts to bring AI-driven efficiency and intuitive guidance into video editing workflows.

Wondershare Filmora has introduced a new intelligent editing assistant called AI Mate.
Wondershare Filmora has introduced a new intelligent editing assistant called AI Mate.

Built directly into Filmora V15, AI Mate supports four operational modes that help creators generate content, learn editing workflows, execute complex actions, and interpret user intent—all within one unified interface. AIGC Mode generates assets such as scripts, concept ideas, and short videos to accelerate early ideation. Guide Mode provides real-time explanations of editing features and practical workflow instructions, helping users understand how to achieve specific results. Action Mode breaks down multi-step editing operations and executes them automatically in a single click, reducing manual effort. Auto Mode interprets user intent and selects the most suitable mode to complete the task, offering a simplified interaction experience. Creators can switch between modes at any time, making the system adaptable to both beginners and experienced editors.

The introduction of AI Mate follows a series of recent enhancements to Filmora V15’s intelligent creation and editing capabilities. Filmora V15 now strengthens its AI-integrated workflow, bringing intelligent capabilities directly into the creative and editing pipeline. Rather than functioning as isolated tools, Filmora’s AI features now operate as part of a continuous, end-to-end production flow—from content generation and clip extension to refinement and final output. This approach reflects Filmora’s vision of enabling every creator to “edit as an expert with Filmora AI.”

This evolving AI workflow is further supported by the integration of leading generative and enhancement models, including Nano Banana Pro, Sora 2, and Veo 3.1. These models enhance Filmora’s ability to interpret motion, generate high-quality visuals, and produce more accurate scene-to-scene transitions, strengthening both creative generation and technical refinement. By embedding these advanced models directly into the editing pipeline, Filmora ensures that creators benefit from faster processing, improved visual consistency, and more reliable AI-driven results across both creation and post-production tasks.

“AI Mate arrives at a moment when creators everywhere are navigating rapid changes in how content is produced,” said Christy Wu, Vice President of Wondershare. “By integrating intelligence directly into the editing workflow, we aim to reduce friction and open up new creative possibilities. This initiative is part of Wondershare’s broader mission to make professional-grade creativity accessible to everyone.”

AI Mate is now available in Wondershare Filmora V15 for Windows and macOS. More features will continue to roll out in upcoming updates.

About Filmora

Launched in 2010, Wondershare Filmora is designed with its users in mind, featuring smoother performance and an intuitive user interface. With advanced features boosting content generation and editing, over 2.9 million creative assets, commercially available music, 3D LUTs, effects, and pre-set templates, Filmora stands out as a leader in video editing software and has served more than 400 million active users worldwide. Consistently introducing innovative tools, it enhances video creation and makes the process more efficient and accessible for all skill levels.

About Wondershare

Wondershare is a globally recognized software company founded in 2003, known for its innovative solutions in creativity and productivity. Driven by the mission “Creativity Simplified”, Wondershare offers a range of tools, including Filmora and SelfyzAI for video editing; PDFelement for document management; and EdrawMax, EdrawMind for diagramming. With over 2 billion cumulative active users across all products and a presence in over 200 countries and regions, Wondershare empowers the next generation of creators with intuitive software and trendy creative resources, continually expanding the possibilities of creativity worldwide.

Ring in 2026 in Shaanxi: A New Year Journey Through Time, Taste, and Tradition

XI’AN, China, Dec. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This is a news release from the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism: 2026 is just around the corner. If you are still wondering how to make the most of China’s 240-hour transit visa-free policy, Shaanxi is calling.

This is a province where history breathes, flavors linger, and traditions shaped over generations continue to glow through the New Year season.

When culture is the theme, Famen Temple in Baoji stands as a natural starting point. Here, Shaanxi’s past is not locked behind glass but alive in ritual, architecture, and quiet reverence. On New Year’s Eve, 108 bell tolls ring out at midnight, a ritual believed to wash away worries and welcome renewal.

Because honestly, you can’t talk about Shaanxi without talking about eating.

In Tongchuan, the flavors are straightforward and deeply comforting. Yaozhou Noodles are hand-rolled, honeycomb-shaped, chewy in the best way, soaked in meat sauce or a clean vegetarian broth. Ganmianpi shows up sour, spicy, and springy, the kind of dish you keep picking at even when you’re full. Around Yaowang Mountain, Sun Simiao medicinal cuisine leans into local herbs, nourishing rather than flashy. Simple food. Honest food.

Around Spring Festival, the old streets of Yulin, Shaanxi, are packed. Shoulder to shoulder. Folk songs echo through the air, northern Shaanxi Yangko dances burst into motion, Yulin ballads follow one after another. These aren’t staged performances behind velvet ropes. They spill into the street, raw and joyful, carrying the rhythm of the Loess Plateau. It’s loud. It’s energetic. It’s exactly how folk culture is supposed to feel.

And then there’s Xi’an, Shaanxi. Of course Xi’an.
But instead of walls and warriors this time, imagine slipping into warm water at Huaqing Palace. The same springs once used by Concubine Yang. Steam rising, skin warming, history suddenly less distant than textbooks make it seem. It’s strange, actually, how intimate it feels.

So yes, you could rush through another mega-city. Or you could slow down in Shaanxi. Temples at dawn. Street food at noon. Folk songs at night. History not behind glass, but right there, brushing past you.

Take advantage of China’s 240-hour transit visa-free policy and begin your journey through Shaanxi, where every city tells a different story, and the New Year arrives wrapped in history and warmth.

Lotusia Group Highlights the Leadership of Co-CEO Jacob Tao as the Company Enters a New Phase of Cross-Border Expansion and Community Impact

SINGAPORE, Dec. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lotusia Group (“Lotusia”) today announced the continued appointment and expanded leadership portfolio of Co-CEO Jacob Tao who has served in the role since 2024. As the Group accelerates its cross-border advisory, digital compliance, and China-ASEAN business connectivity initiatives, Jacob’s leadership will remain central to strengthening Lotusia’s regional footprint and community programmes.

Jacob Tao, Co-CEO of Lotusia Group
Jacob Tao, Co-CEO of Lotusia Group

“Jacob has played a pivotal role in shaping Lotusia’s identity as a trusted connector between Singapore, China and Southeast Asia,” says Huo Jincheng, CEO of Lotusia Group. “His deep expertise in cross-border structuring, government-to-business engagement and ecosystem-building has enabled us to support fast-growing companies while contributing meaningfully to society. We look forward to continuing this momentum under his joint leadership.”

A Track Record in cross-Border Advisory and Regional Ecosystem

Jacob Tao speaking at an industry forum
Jacob Tao speaking at an industry forum

Before joining Lotusia, Jacob built a strong foundation in corporate advisory and international market entry. He previously supported Chinese technology firms in establishing their Singapore presence, co-organised two SME Exchange Summits (2018–2019), and contributed to regulatory and corporate structuring for blockchain and fintech clients.

In 2022, he facilitated his firm’s onboarding into the Singapore Economic Development Board’s Connections Concierge, further strengthening Singapore’s position as a global headquarters hub.

At Lotusia, Jacob has been a key figure in advancing business cooperation under the China–Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity (CCI). He actively leads delegations, facilitates two-way business exchanges, and supports high-growth founders entering the ASEAN market. These efforts form the foundation for Lotusia’s next phase of development, which will centre on the firm’s digital compliance and incorporation platform, Bizzkey.

“Our goal is to turn policy intent into operational reality,” Jacob says. “Lotusia’s strength lies in giving founders clarity and confidence as they scale across borders.”

Strengthening Bilateral Relations Through Education and Cultural Exchange

Alongside business leadership, Jacob has contributed significantly to education and cultural development. Since 2022, he has donated annual sets of a Chinese prose anthology to the National Institute of Education (NIE), supporting literary appreciation among students under Assoc. Prof Tan Chee Lay. In 2023, he collaborated with the Goh Loo Club to sponsor its cultural seminar series, promoting dialogue and heritage exchange between Singapore and China.

In recent years, Jacob has also supported talk shows and cultural programmes aimed at deepening bilateral understanding.

Beginning in 2026, Lotusia plans to deepen its engagement with education institutions through school talks and industry-sharing initiatives. These efforts aim to provide students with practical insights, mentorship and exposure to real market-entry and digital compliance work. This reflects the firm’s commitment to nurturing globally aware graduates who are equipped to navigate Southeast Asia’s fast-evolving business landscape with confidence.

Driving Social Impact Through the Lions Club of Singapore Lotusia

Jacob currently serves as President of the Lions Club of Singapore Lotusia, where he has expanded the club’s outreach and community involvement. During Singapore’s 60th National Day celebrations, he led members in the “Keep Singapore Clean” movement as Environmental Ambassadors. He also introduced “Inclunema,” a sensory-friendly cinema experience designed for children with intellectual disabilities, where lighting, sound and seating were adapted for comfort.

In December 2025, he spearheaded “Little Hands, Big Joy,” a festive collaboration with MINDS Raintree SSCC that brought student’s handmade Christmas socks to public display at Fernvale Community Club. These efforts were supported by youth volunteers and corporate partners, reflecting his belief that CSR must be meaningful, accessible and community-led.

In 2026, the club will extend its initiatives with new youth-led volunteering programmes, cross-organisation collaborations, and support networks designed to strengthen community participation and inclusion.

Jacob believes community work must be continuous and grounded. “CSR should be part of how we operate, not an afterthought. It must be meaningful, accessible and community-led,” he says.

Lotusia Group’s Next Phase of Development

Looking ahead, Lotusia’s next phase of growth reflects a broader and more integrated approach to supporting clients across different stages of their journey.

One key area of focus is Bizzkey, Lotusia’s digital incorporation and compliance platform. The firm will continue to advance Bizzkey as a core pillar of its digital transformation, leveraging AI-driven solutions to digitalise business operations, enhance compliance management and streamline cross-border workflows. Through Bizzkey, Lotusia aims to redefine industry standards by offering clients a more transparent, efficient and scalable way to start, manage and grow their businesses across Southeast Asia.

Alongside this, Lotusia is expanding into wealth management, broadening its service capabilities beyond corporate advisory. The Group has already obtained the relevant SFC licence in Hong Kong and is in the process of establishing a dedicated wealth management team in Singapore. This expansion will enable Lotusia to provide more integrated solutions that align corporate structuring, cross-border expansion and long-term wealth planning for entrepreneurs, business owners and families.

Together, these developments strengthen Lotusia’s positioning as a holistic cross-border platform, supporting clients across both business growth and wealth preservation.

About Lotusia Group

Headquartered in Singapore, Lotusia Group supports high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs and businesses across Asia in navigating international growth. With a regional footprint spanning major Asian business hubs including Singapore, Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Tokyo, and Bangkok. The group specialises in global expansion, investment migration and cross-border business structuring.

By integrating tailored overseas landing services with end-to-end execution, Lotusia Group ensures clients experience a seamless journey across company setup, relocation, and operational compliance.

For more information, visit www.lotusiagroup.com or follow Lotusia Group on LinkedIn.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Shermin Chen
Head of Marketing, Lotusia group
shermin@lotusia.com.sg
+65 9762 7783

HTX Ventures Explores x402 and ERC-8004 in New Report, Signaling Web3’s Next Technical Inflection Point

PANAMA CITY, Dec. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HTX Ventures, the global investment arm of HTX, has released a new research report titled Pulse in the Cold: How x402 and ERC-8004 Signal Web3’s Next Technical Inflection Point. The report examines two emerging but often overlooked infrastructure upgrades—x402 and ERC-8004—and analyzes how they could reshape Web3’s payment, identity, and coordination layers as machines increasingly become primary network users.


HTX Ventures points out that periods of cooling market sentiment have historically coincided with the quiet formation of technologies that later define the industry’s next growth phase. In the current cycle, as price-driven narratives lose momentum, x402 and ERC-8004 stand out as structurally significant signals pointing to a deeper transformation underway.

It’s worth noting that the technical developments of machine economy have caught the attention of the industry leaders. HTX has actively tracked advances in AI agent–driven and machine-economy–oriented infrastructure this year, and has already listed projects associated with the x402 sector, including PING and PAYAI. These listings provide users with early exposure to technologies that may underpin future machine-native markets.

Machines Are Becoming the Internet’s New Primary Users

The report places today’s market environment in a broader historical context. From NFTs and DeFi to rollups, many of Web3’s most consequential infrastructure developments took shape during downturns, when attention shifted away from price action and toward underlying capabilities.

HTX Ventures observes that a similar pattern is emerging today, driven by a fundamental change in who—or what—uses the internet. Automation scripts, API-based services, AI agents, and model inference systems are rapidly increasing their share of global network activity. Unlike human users, these machine users do not rely on interfaces or subjective decision-making. Instead, they operate at high frequency, require fully automated execution, and depend on programmable, verifiable settlement.

This shift places new demands on infrastructure. Traditional Web2 systems, built around human workflows, account-based access, and centralized trust, struggle to support large-scale, machine-to-machine interaction. By contrast, Web3’s native properties—programmable payments, on-chain identity, and verifiable execution—are structurally aligned with the needs of machine-driven activity.

x402 and ERC-8004: A Minimal Infrastructure Stack for the Machine Economy

HTX Ventures argues that x402 and ERC-8004 should not be viewed as isolated proposals, but as complementary responses to a single question: how machines can participate in economic activity.

x402 redefines how payment functions on the internet. By reviving the long-dormant HTTP 402 (“Payment Required”) status code, x402 turns payment into a protocol-level semantic rather than a user-interface flow. A server can directly specify payment conditions, while a calling machine can autonomously complete the payment—typically via stablecoins—and proceed with execution. In this model, payment becomes machine-readable, machine-executable, and scalable, positioning stablecoins as a natural form of “machine money.”

ERC-8004 addresses the problem of trust and cooperation between machines. In a world where software agents can be copied or replaced at will, the default state is not weak trust, but zero trust. ERC-8004 introduces a standardized framework for task description and execution proofs, allowing agent behavior to be recorded, verified, and tracked on-chain. Over time, these records form a data-driven reputation, enabling collaboration based on verifiable history rather than implicit trust.

At a higher level, the report frames x402 and ERC-8004 as forming a minimal closed loop for the machine economy: payment, execution, verification, reputation, and cooperation. Within this loop, machines evolve from passive tools into active economic participants capable of initiating requests, bearing responsibility, and accumulating track records.

Conclusion

HTX Ventures concludes that major technical inflection points rarely coincide with immediate market feedback. Instead, they emerge gradually at the structural level. As machines increasingly become the internet’s dominant users, Web3’s role is likely to shift—from a human-facing interaction layer to a foundational system for machine payment, execution, and trust.

In this transition, x402 and ERC-8004 may not immediately dominate headlines, but they could become enduring components of future automated systems, forming a critical foundation for Web3’s next phase of technical evolution.

About HTX Ventures

HTX Ventures is the global investment arm of HTX, integrating investment, incubation, and research to identify and discover the best and most innovative projects in the market. Visit us here.