On September 28, D3 introduced the Frontier program, which allows users to earn priority access to new domain names by depositing eligible assets into Solana and Hyperliquid vaults. Participants can earn Frontier Points, which can then be used to gain priority on domain names offered by partner registrars. The Frontier program features two vaults: one supported by Loopscale on the Solana platform, and the other by Hyperion DeFi and Upshift on Hyperliquid. D3 plans to add vaults on other blockchains in the coming months. Priority does not grant ownership of the domain, however, D3 claims that access is applied until the domain names become publicly available.
Currently, ICANN has confirmed that 1,616 applications have been selected for the 2026 round of new domain extensions, with a total of 1,663 applications submitted before the window closed on August 12. Each registrar is provided with its own terms and conditions for registration. D3 CEO Fred Hsu noted: “Frontier is a way for cryptocurrency users to enter the established domain market.” He also emphasized that more than 20 applicants and registrars have already expressed interest in the program. For example, Telegram has applied for the .gram domain, which will be available after ICANN approval.
Registrars will determine the registration conditions, and it will be important for Frontier participants to commit earned points to domain names with partner registrars to ensure priority. Each registrar will be given the right to set its own schedule and requirements for participants. Hyperion DeFi adds significance to this launch due to its direct connection with the US public markets, as the company is traded on Nasdaq under the ticker HYPD. Hyperion head Hyunsu Chong noted that such collaboration will provide the Hyperliquid community with access to the program when considering new extensions in the ICANN round.
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