Trent Van Epps: Ethereum core development may face funding crisis within 3 to 9 months

Trent Van Epps stated that the Ethereum Foundation's treasury is limited, and the four-year Client Incentive Program used to fund client teams has expired in April 2026 with no alternative options. Ethereum core development may enter a funding crisis in the next 3 to 9 months. At present, maintaining the delivery capability of more than 10 clients, research and coordination teams requires approximately $30 million in funding annually. The funding gap will lead to talent loss and a decline in protocol maintenance capabilities.