JAM Upgrade: The Next Generation Protocol Architecture of the Polkadot Ecosystem

The Polkadot ecosystem is undergoing a significant transformation - the JAM (Join-Accumulate Machine) upgrade. This new generation protocol architecture proposed by Gavin Wood in April 2024 aims to replace the existing framework with a modular and universal system structure, allowing different types of services to run natively and independently at the protocol layer.

JAM is not only a technical iteration but also a deep architectural innovation. To promote the implementation of this change, many developers are working tirelessly day and night, with many of them motivated by the "JAM Implementer Bonus."

Daniel Cukier is one of the core developers in this upgrade. He not only has a strong technical background but also possesses a unique artistic sensibility. While promoting a new chapter for Polkadot, Daniel has also infused this technology with inspiration and warmth.

In an interview, Daniel shared his thoughts on how JAM is reshaping blockchain infrastructure and pointed out that the key to driving adoption may lie in touching the hearts of developers.

From Fintech to the Cutting Edge of Innovation

Daniel is a member of the JAM core development team, Jamixir. Currently, 39 teams are competing for the implementation of the JAM upgrade along three different technical paths, each with its own independent prize pool.

Although each team must develop independently and cannot share code during the competition, their results inherently possess interoperability because they are all built based on the same formal specification of JAM. This also reflects Polkadot's modular design philosophy.

Before entering the Web3 space, Daniel was the CTO of a fintech company in Brazil. He is deeply attracted to the cutting-edge technology and social ideals of Web3. "I have always been eager to explore the latest technologies, and I hope these technologies can truly solve real-world problems," he said.

What truly moved him was the potential of Web3 to address social inequalities. With this belief, Daniel founded a local crypto community in Brazil, which grew from zero to 7,000 members in just a few months.

Encounter Polkadot, Awaken Creativity

"Community" has always played an important role in Daniel's career trajectory, and Polkadot happens to be a fertile ground full of community vitality. From blockchain academies to organizations like Women of Polkadot and WebZero, there are many projects centered around education, inclusivity, and being beginner-friendly.

Daniel participated in the blockchain academy course in January 2024, and since then, he has started to deeply engage in the Polkadot ecosystem. What truly attracts him is not just the community itself, but the underlying philosophy, especially Gavin Wood's approach to infrastructure design.

"Gavin is an artist. I used to study jazz, and the things he writes resonate strongly with me." Daniel said.

In Daniel's view, the JAM gray paper is not just a technical document, but more like a work of art. He believes that this artistic expression can subtly attract developers, rather than through straightforward preaching.

Daniel once tried to express himself using more explicit forms of art in his doctoral thesis, but was ultimately rejected by the reviewers. This made him realize that to impress developers, art must be subtle.

"You can't force art upon developers. They appreciate art, but this appreciation must happen unintentionally."

The Significance of Implementing JAM

For Daniel and many JAM builders, JAM is not just an upgrade project, but also a space for unleashing creativity and artistic expression.

In this industry competing for developers' attention, communicating with developers in unexpected and even artistic ways has become a necessary strategy.

Although the specific applications of JAM will gradually emerge as the protocol is implemented, it has already shown the potential to reshape the landscape of blockchain innovation. Daniel even believes that the significance of JAM to Polkadot may be as profound as that of Ethereum to Bitcoin.

It is still difficult to conclude what kind of changes JAM will bring. However, it is certain that it has ignited the passion of a new generation of builders, thinkers, and artists. Developers like Daniel Cukier are turning this vision into reality.