Bitlayer
Bitlayer is a “BitVM”-based protocol intended to unlock more of Bitcoin’s full potential by enabling smart, multichain functionality layered on top of Bitcoin. It claims to have over $3 million in deposited BTC, more than $360 million in daily trading volume, and a multichain environment with thousands of users. It offers or plans features such as a Bridge to move assets, a DApp Center, and support for developers via documentation, a multisig wallet, and testnet tools. Bitlayer also presents itself as trusted by multiple partners and investors, has a roadmap, and supports community participation (leaderboards, job opportunities). Key components include protocol tools, security documentation, and explorations into integrating with other chains. The site emphasizes that Bitlayer is designed to facilitate multichain DeFi/DApp deployment on Bitcoin, with infrastructure for token scanning, testnets, and developer resources as central features.
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Acala
Scale your DApp to Polkadot with Acala, an Ethereum-compatible smart contract platform optimized for DeFi. Acala is the decentralized finance network and liquidity hub of Polkadot. It’s a layer-1 smart contract platform that’s scalable, Ethereum-compatible, and optimized for DeFi with built-in liquidity and ready-made financial applications. With its trustless exchange, decentralized stablecoin (aUSD), DOT Liquid Staking (LDOT), and EVM+, Acala lets developers access the best of Ethereum and the full power of substrate. Access DOT-based assets and derivatives, Polkadot-native decentralized stablecoin, Polkadot ecosystem assets, and cross-chain assets from Bitcoin, Ethereum and beyond. Acala’s chain is customized for DeFi and can continue to upgrade without forks to integrate new features requested from developers. For example, on-chain ‘keepers’ automate protocol execution to better manage risks and improve user experience, or transaction fees payable with virtually any token.
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Merlin Chain
Merlin Chain will bring innovation and utilities on Layer2 with those native Layer1 assets. Merlin Chain offers low fees and high scalability as an EVM-compatible chain, ensuring swift transaction processing and enhancing transaction liquidity. Merlin Chain supports popular Bitcoin protocols such as BRC20, BRC420, Bitmap, Atomicals, Pipe, Stamp, and more, enabling a more extensive user base to interact on Bitcoin Layer2. Merlin Chain has implemented ZK-Rollup to enhance efficiency and scalability, with sequencer nodes responsibly managing data transmission via decentralized Oracles, ensuring transparency and security. Merlin Chain continues its commitment to fair launches and community-driven native innovations on Layer2, dedicated to delivering unique solutions designed for the Bitcoin network and its users.
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Hemi
Hemi is a breakthrough modular Layer-2 blockchain protocol that seamlessly merges Bitcoin’s rock-solid security with Ethereum’s versatile programmability by embedding a full Bitcoin node into an Ethereum-compatible EVM, known as the Hemi Virtual Machine (hVM). This architecture allows developers to write Solidity smart contracts that natively access Bitcoin data without relying on bridges or synthetic assets. Using its proprietary Proof-of-Proof (PoP) consensus, Hemi achieves “superfinality,” anchoring transactions in Bitcoin blocks for high integrity and resistance to reorgs, all while maintaining fast finality. Its Hemi Bitcoin Kit (hBK) gives developers the tools to build truly Bitcoin-powered DeFi applications, such as lending, staking, automated market makers, MEV systems, and multi-chain DAOs, using real BTC as collateral or yield sources.
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