The Interchain Foundation – a non-profit from Switzerland functioning as a steward of the Cosmos (ATOM) ecosystem – reportedly disclosed specifics related to the introduction of the Althea-built Gravity Bridge. 

Particularly, Gravity Bridge reportedly offers supporting features for the transfer of ERC-20 tokens between the Ethereum (ETH) and Cosmos blockchains.

During the first sequences, Gravity Bridge will reportedly function as a standalone chain prior to executing its migration to Cosmos Hub in early 2022. 

The system’s primary technical functionalities reportedly include interchangeable token issuance throughout both chains and the support of Ethereum to Cosmos oracles.

Head of Althea – Deborah Simpier – reportedly offered further explanation into the release, claiming that “in this interoperable ecosystem, Gravity Bridge’s place is a foundational piece of infrastructure, available to all Cosmos chains openly, purpose-built to update and iterate quickly, and facilitate the bridge needs of the chains that interact with it.”

Open markets and frictionless trading will consequently bring forth liquidity for every individual, and “This is the future that uplifts all in the Cosmos network and supports the ATOM value and ecosystem for the Internet of Blockchains”, per Simpier. 

In March, the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol was reportedly introduced across the Cosmos network, making it possible for different blockchains to establish communications and transfer virtual assets among one another. 

There are now more than 20 blockchains offering facilitating features for IBC. 

Peng Zhong, current Head of Tendermint, the core developer of the Cosmos network, reportedly shared his expectation of witnessing “about 200 chains connected through Cosmos’ IBC next year.”

“The Stargate upgrade and release of IBC was the dawn of interoperability, now the Gravity Bridge and our collaboration to ensure bridge safety with Interchain Security cement Cosmos Hub as the bedrock for the Internet of Blockchains” Billy Rennekamp, Cosmos Hub lead at the Interchain Foundation, additionally remarked.