# **Summary** This proposal seeks community approval to reimburse the Overclock Labs core team for efforts related to the Akash Network from **Cosmos SDK v45** to **Cosmos SDK v53**, representing a major modernization of the chain’s architecture. Over the last 3 months, the core team has been focused on a massive code rebase and optimization for Akash Mainnet 14. This effort took a great deal of code improvements and testing, along with a great deal of coordination leading up to, during, and following the network upgrade to Akash Mainnet 14. The following AEPs (Akash Enhancement Proposals) were delivered on as a result of the Mainnet 14 upgrade: * [AEP-30](https://akash.network/roadmap/aep-30/): The core team successfully upgraded beyond the original anticipated v47 upgrade that was forecasted for August 30, 2025 and delivered a comprehensive advancement from v45 to v53 on October 28, 2025. * [AEP-75](https://akash.network/roadmap/aep-75/): Enhances the escrow module by supporting multiple depositors and combining funds from different sources (balances, grants) for a single deployment, replacing the current single-depositor model. For further insights into the Mainnet 14 upgrade, see the blog post [here](https://akash.network/blog/akash-mainnet-14-the-core-overhaul-that-changes-everything/). For further details of technical upgrades throughout the update timeline see the GH roadmap [here](https://github.com/orgs/akash-network/projects/5/views/1). Prior to the mainnet 14 upgrade, the core team issued JWT Support for the Akash Provider API. The JWT Support was discussed in [AEP-64](https://akash.network/roadmap/aep-64/). JWT authentication offered several advantages to the legacy counterpart: * Widely adopted and well-understood authentication mechanism * Enables granular access control * Allows for more flexible token management * Reduces dependency on blockchain availability The JWT Support upgrade was successfully completed prior to the launch of Mainnet 14. --- # **Motivation** The Cosmos SDK v45 release marked a stable foundation for Akash, but its lifecycle is approaching end-of-support. Cosmos SDK v53 delivers substantial advancements across performance, state management, modularity, storage, and security—allowing the Akash Network to have a codebase that is easier to maintain, and a host of features that can be unlocked with greater speed. Key drivers include: * **Long-term maintainability** * **Performance improvements** * **Ecosystem compatibility** * **Reduced technical debt** --- # **Background** The Mainnet 14 release delivered: * A redesigned store abstraction * Modernized internal / external APIs * Expedited Network Upgrades * Compatibility adjustments for future SDK upgrades * Reduced legacy complexity This network upgrade has made it possible to develop and build the network significantly faster. Throughout the network upgrade event the Core Team was responsible for a wealth of intensive responsibilities including: * Consistent communication with validators and customers * Pre-Upgrade dry runs and extensive testing to ensure the functionality of the upgrade * Pushing the network upgrade and ensuring a successful transition to the new framework * Analyzing the push and troubleshooting bugs and issues in real time to provide the best user experience out of the box * Updating other critical parties and assisting with updating validator nodes * Performing damage control after the upgrade went live --- **Total Costs** For Q3 Core Support Proposal, Overclock Labs will request $742,158.42 from the Community Pool covering labor and operating costs directly attributable to the efforts around the Mainnet 14 upgrade.

Core Plus - Q3 (SDK 53)
	Request from CP
Engineering hours	2,987.71
Engineering rate per hour	$164.14
Engineering total cost	$490,392.71

Support hours	118.00
Support rate per hour	$160.98
Support total cost	$18,995.19

Labor Subtotal	$509,387.90

Additional Operating Support Costs*	$19,169.55

AKT Volatility Buffer (40.412%)**	$213,600.97

Grand Total	$742,158.42

*Additional Operating Support Costs *Represent recurring or semi-recurring expenditures that support the administration, coordination, and continuity of Akash Network operations across fiscal periods. They include infrastructure costs and client-facing function*s. **AKT volatility buffer *This buffer accounts for the historical daily volatility of AKT measured over a period of 28 days. By providing a more substantial buffer against potential downswings in AKT, we mitigate the need to request any budget shortfalls through subsequent proposals. In the event of excess funds above the US dollar amount for labor, taxes, and overage, all remaining AKT will be promptly returned to the community. *

	Hours	Cost
SDK53	1,551.43	$ 284,873.19
As a percentage of total labor budget	49.95%	55.92%

JWT Support - Client	276.86	$ 43,138.57
As a percentage of total labor budget	8.91%	8.47%

Offline mode - Client	276.86	$ 40,264.44
As a percentage of total labor budget	8.91%	7.90%

SDK53 Support - Client	830.57	$ 115,993.83
As a percentage of total labor budget	26.74%	22.77%

Post Upgrade - Core Support, Bugs & Fixes	82.57	$ 12,167.76
As a percentage of total labor budget	2.66%	2.39%

Post Upgrade - Client Support, Bugs & Fixes	87.43	$ 12,950.11
As a percentage of total labor budget	2.82%	2.54%

--- # **Limited Market Impact & Transparent Reporting** The Overclock Labs will custody the requested funds in a new, distinct wallet so that funds from any other source are not commingled. All funds will be liquidated and managed in a manner that ensures minimal impact on the market. These funds will be handled with the same care and attention as all previous Community Funding Proposals, with liquidations done in a fashion that will not adversely affect the market. In practice, the effort of this liquidation will add depth to the AKT market for buyers looking to enter. --- # **Conclusion** Migrating Akash from **Cosmos SDK v45 to v53** is a crucial step in enhancing the network’s performance, maintainability, and ecosystem compatibility. With the architectural overhaul to Mainnet 14 complete, Akash is well-positioned to benefit from the improvements introduced in SDK v53. This discussion invites community feedback and serves as the foundation for a formal governance proposal. ---

Akash Core Engineering - Q3 [SDK53] - Funding Proposal