2026-05-09 –, Sladkovský Stage
The Ethereum Kernel maps the critical infrastructure that keeps Ethereum running — what needs neutral funding, what it costs, and how to sustain it.
The Ethereum Kernel defines the minimal set of infrastructure components critical to the World Computer's uptime, programmability, and accessibility. This talk presents the findings of a mapping exercise conducted by EF Funding Coordination — what's inside the Kernel, what's not, and why the boundary matters. It covers the critical functions that require recurring neutral funding, the estimated annual cost of sustaining them, and how the Kernel's size and scope evolve alongside the protocol. The talk will also touch on early thinking around making Kernel funding more self-sufficient and sustainable.
Martin is a project manager at the Ethereum Foundation Funding Coordination team, where he works on mapping Ethereum critical infrastructure and securing neutral funding for core development.