What Are Emerging Blockchain Projects?

Emerging blockchain projects are newly launched or still-developing decentralized networks. They aim to solve existing blockchain challenges. Some challenges include scalability, interoperability, and high gas fees. These projects often introduce unique consensus mechanisms, modular designs, or domain-specific functionality.

In this post, we’ve curated a list. It includes the top 10 emerging blockchain projects you should keep on your radar this year.

Top 10 Emerging Blockchain Projects in 2025

Expert Quote

“Modular and interoperable blockchains are reshaping the future of Web3. Projects like Celestia and LayerZero are building the foundation for scalable dApps.”
— Crypto Analyst @ Messari

Celestia: Powering Modular Blockchain Architecture

Celestia is pioneering the modular blockchain movement by decoupling consensus and execution. Its data availability layer is already integrated with over 30 rollups in the Cosmos and Ethereum ecosystems. Developers love its plug-and-play nature. Its integration with tools like Celestia Node and Blobstream turns it into a backbone for scalable dApps in 2025.

Notable Integration: Eclipse, Dymension, and Rollkit-based rollups

Developer Activity: 250+ monthly active contributors on GitHub

Sui Network: Ultra-Fast Layer-1 with Parallel Execution

Sui uses the Move programming language to handle parallel execution, enabling thousands of transactions per second. It has attracted partnerships in gaming (e.g., Mysten Labs, BlueMove) and fintech. Big names like a16z and Coinbase Ventures back it.

TPS Benchmark: Over 297,000 TPS on testnet

Use Cases: NFTs, gaming, and real-world assets (RWAs)

ZetaChain: The Future of Omnichain Interoperability

ZetaChain enables smart contracts to natively operate across Ethereum, BNB Chain, Bitcoin, and more—without bridges. ZetaChain will reduce vulnerabilities and simplifies dApp development. It already supports over 15 mainnets and has launched integrations with SushiSwap and other DeFi platforms.

Key Feature: EVM compatibility on a non-EVM chain

Security: Fully audited and slashing-based validator network

Starknet: ZK-Rollup Scaling for Ethereum’s Future

Backed by StarkWare, Starknet uses STARK proofs for secure, cost-efficient computation. Its Cairo language powers StarkEx (used by dYdX and ImmutableX). With its 2025 upgrade, Starknet will support recursive proofs and improved composability.

Live Apps: Argent X wallet, zkLend, JediSwap

Unique Value: Native account abstraction from day one

Monad: Ethereum Compatibility with Web2-Level Speed

Monad introduces pipelined execution and parallel processing, achieving sub-second block times while maintaining full EVM compatibility. As of Q1 2025, its testnet supports over 10,000 TPS. It’s a promising solution for Web3 dApps needing traditional Web2 performance.

Key Metric: 15x faster execution than Ethereum mainnet

Status: Mainnet launch expected by Q3 2025

Shardeum: Sharded Layer-1 for Mass Adoption

Shardeum employs dynamic state sharding, which scales linearly with network growth. It’s developer-friendly, EVM-compatible, and ideal for onboarding dApps in Asia and Africa, where low fees are critical.

Network Goal: 1 million TPS in the long term

Community Focus: Strong developer base in India and Southeast Asia

LayerZero: Bridging the Cross-Chain Gap

LayerZero’s Ultra Light Nodes provide seamless messaging across chains. Integrations Stargate Finance enables lending, NFTs, and token swaps without bridges.

Integrations: 40+ blockchains, including Ethereum, Avalanche, and Aptos

Funding: Over $170M raised; backed by a16z and Sequoia

Saga: Dedicated Blockchains for Every Game

Saga allows developers to deploy independent “Chainlets” that auto-scale for performance. It’s built with Cosmos SDK and targets Web3 games that need scalable, low-latency infrastructure.

Tech Stack: Cosmos SDK, IBC-enabled

Focus Areas: GameFi, entertainment dApps, metaverse

Movement Labs: MoveVM-Powered Modular Layer-2

Movement Labs brings the Move language to Ethereum via a Layer-2 framework. This unique positioning appeals to developers migrating from Aptos/Sui to Ethereum ecosystems. The security-first project aims to reduce smart contract exploits through Move’s resource-oriented programming.

Early Partners: Pontem Network, MoveDAO

Dev Advantage: Type safety, resource tracking, minimal reentrancy risk

Nibiru Chain: Cosmos-Based Chain for DeFi and Derivatives

Nibiru combines high-speed CosmWasm smart contracts with native oracles and a built-in perpetual exchange. It’s targeting DeFi builders with tools for launching synthetic assets, prediction markets, and more.

Unique Offering: Native leveraged trading

Focus: Speed, security, and simplified DeFi UX

Key Features to Compare

Conclusion:

Protocols such as Celestia (modular data availability), LayerZero (cross-chain messaging), and Starknet (ZK-rollup scalability) showcase technical innovation. These innovations are supported by growing developer activity. They are also backed by third-party audits. Monitoring these platforms offers valuable insight into the future architecture of decentralized applications.

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