skyward program
What is Skyward?
Skyward is a free service that helps anyone create and submit proposals to improve the Aave protocol. Launched in May 2023 by the Aave-Chan Initiative (ACI), it's designed to make Aave governance more accessible by providing expert guidance throughout the entire proposal process.
Think of Skyward as your proposal co-pilot - it helps navigate the technical complexities while you focus on your ideas for improving Aave.
What Can Skyward Help With?
Skyward specializes in helping with several common types of proposals:
- Adding new assets to Aave
- Changing risk parameters
- Adjusting interest rate strategies
- Modifying supply and borrow caps
- Setting up E-Mode for asset groups
- Removing assets from the protocol
They can also help with other types of proposals on a case-by-case basis. If you have an idea that doesn't fit these categories, it's still worth asking!
How Does It Work?
The process is straightforward:
- Start with a Temperature Check: Share your idea with the community through a standard TEMP CHECK post. If the community supports it in the initial vote, you're ready for the next step.
- Request Help: Simply tag @MarcZeller in your successful TEMP CHECK post to request Skyward's assistance.
- Get Expert Support: The ACI team will help:
- Write the technical proposal (ARFC)
- Put it up for a community vote on Snapshot
- If approved, write the code for the final proposal (AIP)
- Submit everything for the final on-chain vote
Important Things to Know
- It's Completely Free: There's no cost to use Skyward's services.
- Open to Everyone: Whether you're a long-time contributor or new to Aave governance, Skyward is here to help.
- No Strings Attached: Using Skyward doesn't mean ACI will automatically vote for your proposal. They maintain their independence in voting decisions.
- Support Varies: While Skyward tries to help with all eligible proposals, they might not be able to support every request, especially for more complex or unusual proposals.
Tips for Success
When working with Skyward:
- Do your research before submitting a temperature check
- Engage with community feedback
- Be clear about what you're trying to achieve
- Stay responsive during the process
- Follow the standard templates for your initial post
Getting Started
Ready to submit a proposal? Here's what to do:
- Review existing proposals to understand the format
- Draft your temperature check
- Submit it to the community
- If it passes, tag @MarcZeller for Skyward support
Need More Information?
Keep an eye on:
- The Aave governance forum for program updates
- Skyward-related announcements
- Community discussions about the program
You can also reach out directly through the governance forum if you have questions about whether Skyward might be able to help with your proposal.
Why This Matters
Skyward makes it easier for anyone to contribute to Aave's development, even if they don't have technical expertise in smart contract development or deep knowledge of the protocol's architecture. This broader participation helps Aave grow and improve through diverse community input while maintaining high technical standards

