CertiK and YZi Labs Launch $1 Million Security Grant for Web3 and AI Startups

Published on: January 7, 2026

CertiK and YZi Labs have teamed up to enhance startup security in Web3, artificial intelligence, and biotech through a strategic partnership and a new $1 million auditing grant.

Quick Summary – TLDR:

CertiK and YZi Labs launch a $1 million audit grant for early-stage startups in Web3, AI, and biotech.
Grant supports participants in the EASY Residency Global Startup Incubation Program.
CertiK will provide Formal Verification, Skynet Boosting, and AI scanning services.
Partnership sets a new standard for integrating security early in the startup lifecycle.

What Happened?

CertiK, a leader in blockchain security, and YZi Labs, a prominent global tech investment firm, have formed a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening security for startups in the EASY Residency program. Through this alliance, CertiK will deliver advanced security services and a $1 million audit grant to support innovation with safety at its core.

CertiK and @yzilabs have established a $1M audit grant program for all participants in the EASY Residency incubation initiative.

This partnership supports the next generation of Web3, AI, and biotech startups by embedding security from day one. pic.twitter.com/ZdRsBoeLt8
— CertiK (@CertiK) January 6, 2026

A Strategic Move to Secure Emerging Technologies

The EASY Residency Global Startup Incubation Program, led by YZi Labs, is designed to nurture startups building in Web3, AI, and biotechnology. These are sectors where innovation moves fast, and early security missteps can become costly vulnerabilities.

CertiK will offer a full suite of security services, including:

Formal Verification to ensure mathematical accuracy in smart contracts.
Skynet Boosting for real-time security insights and threat detection.
AI-powered scanning to catch vulnerabilities that traditional tools may miss.

The $1 million auditing grant will fund these services for participating startups, helping them focus on building their core products without worrying about infrastructure-level threats.

YZi Labs, formerly Binance Labs, will act as the bridge between its portfolio companies and CertiK, ensuring that each startup understands and utilizes these tools effectively. With over 300 projects across 25 countries, and $10 billion in assets under management, YZi Labs brings serious scale and reach to the partnership.

Why Security Cannot Be an Afterthought

Ella Zhang, Head of YZi Labs said:

“

Security is the foundation of long-term success, but for early-stage founders, it’s often a high-stakes distraction while they are still chasing Product-Market Fit. Think of it like building a skyscraper: founders should focus on the architecture and the vision, while CertiK acts as the structural engineers ensuring the frame is earthquake-proof.

Professor Ronghui Gu, Co-Founder and CEO of CertiK echoed this sentiment:

“

We believe that our collaboration with YZi Labs will significantly improve the security level of projects, providing necessary guarantees for their long-term development. This is not only related to the growth of projects but also to the health and sustainability of the entire Web3 ecosystem.

Their shared goal is to embed security into the DNA of next-gen startups rather than treating it as a patchwork fix post-launch.

Setting a New Benchmark for Incubation Models

The new security-first incubation model could mark a turning point for how early-stage companies are supported. Traditionally, incubators focus on mentorship, product development, and fundraising. This partnership suggests that robust security architecture should be considered just as critical from day one.

This collaboration also reflects YZi Labs’ evolving approach to incubation. Its interest in advanced security frameworks signals a shift in industry priorities and could influence how other investment firms and incubators approach startup support.

SQ Magazine’s Takeaway

I love seeing security finally get its rightful place at the startup table. For too long, founders have been told to build fast and worry about security later. But when billions are at stake and hackers are getting smarter, that just doesn’t fly anymore. This move by CertiK and YZi Labs is a big deal. It sends a clear message that innovation without protection is not a smart bet. I think it’s going to raise the bar for how incubation programs operate in Web3 and beyond.