List of the Top 6 Layer 1 Protocols for Babylon in 2025

Bitcoin is a revolutionary payment system and a unique currency that functions on a decentralized network, leveraging peer-to-peer technology to remove the necessity for traditional banks or central authorities. Transactions and the distribution of bitcoins are collaboratively managed by its users, which enhances its efficiency and reliability. As an open-source platform, Bitcoin's architecture is transparent, ensuring that no single entity has ownership or control, thus inviting global participation in its network. Its innovative attributes allow for applications that traditional payment methods cannot support, opening new avenues for financial interaction. With robust mathematical principles and energy consumption underpinning transactions, Bitcoin ensures the security of user funds. The use of cryptographic signatures guarantees that only authorized individuals can access their assets, while the energy expended in proof of work (PoW) fortifies transaction integrity, safeguarding against any potential modifications or losses. By implementing necessary security measures for their wallets, users of Bitcoin gain enhanced financial independence and a strong defense against various types of fraud. This creates not only a secure environment for transactions but also fosters a vibrant community of users, eager to explore the possibilities of this digital currency.

Kava is a decentralized finance ecosystem that enhances lending and stablecoin usage alongside major cryptocurrencies. It employs a cross-chain framework that enables users to secure loans and stablecoins backed by significant crypto assets like BTC, XRP, BNB, and ATOM, among others. Users can collateralize their cryptocurrencies to obtain USDX, Kava's proprietary stablecoin. The platform is anchored by two main tokens: the native KAVA coin and the USDX stablecoin. KAVA is crucial for the platform's security, governance, and operational processes. Leveraging a highly scalable and secure blockchain built with the Cosmos SDK, Kava integrates effortlessly with over 30 different chains and accesses a broad ecosystem exceeding $60 billion through the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol. Additionally, Kava provides an EVM-compatible execution environment, allowing Solidity developers to craft decentralized applications that fully leverage Kava's outstanding scalability and security features. With the implementation of Tendermint Consensus, which offers single-block finality and remarkable scalability, Kava is adept at handling a diverse range of transaction requirements, ensuring a smooth and efficient user experience. This strategic integration of advanced technologies positions Kava as a pioneering force within the rapidly advancing landscape of decentralized finance. The platform's commitment to innovation makes it a significant player in shaping the future of financial systems.

Presenting the inaugural interoperable Layer 1 blockchain purposefully crafted for NFTs, it includes a community-owned NFT launchpad and marketplace that operates without gas fees and maintains carbon neutrality through its proof-of-stake model, safeguarded by a network of more than 100 validators. This groundbreaking platform utilizes CosmWasm for enhanced programmability and fosters interoperability via Cosmos IBC, along with connectivity to Ethereum through the Gravity Bridge. To kickstart your minting endeavor, you can take advantage of a comprehensive set of command-line tools; just clone an example repository and replace it with your own project’s resources. The Stargaze sg721 contract supports off-chain metadata storage, and it is recommended to use a decentralized storage solution such as IPFS to optimize efficiency. The NFT metadata within Stargaze conforms to OpenSea’s specifications, which facilitates smooth integration. Arrange your images and metadata into specific directories, and then compile them into one IPFS CAR (Content Addressable aRchive) file for uploading. After obtaining the CID for your metadata, you can set it as the base URL in your contract, which enables the contract to link each token ID to its distinct token URI autonomously, thereby significantly streamlining the overall process. This cutting-edge framework not only improves the user experience but also advocates for sustainable methods within the NFT ecosystem, making it a pioneering solution in the industry. As the NFT landscape continues to evolve, its community-driven approach ensures that the platform remains adaptable and forward-thinking.

To initiate your journey into decentralized finance (DeFi) with a focus on staking, interest rates, and cross-chain solutions, Umee stands out as an ideal platform; it is a layer one blockchain engineered for efficient communication and interoperability, created with the Cosmos SDK and bolstered by Tendermint Consensus alongside a self-governing validator network. The platform promotes seamless interoperability through mechanisms such as the Inter-Blockchain Communication protocol (IBC) and the Gravity bridge, operating within a decentralized framework aimed at establishing a robust cross-chain DeFi hub that enriches the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Umee's architecture prioritizes the integration of "money legos," which connect diverse crypto markets across multiple networks, thereby promoting the evolution of open finance innovations like multi-chain staking, interchain leverage, and cross-chain interest rates. As a foundational blockchain, Umee delivers the essential infrastructure required for constructing applications and money lego components that leverage cross-chain liquidity, consequently laying the groundwork for a more cohesive DeFi environment. By leveraging the capabilities of Umee, users gain access to a wide array of decentralized financial opportunities that were once difficult to navigate, empowering them to capitalize on the full potential of the DeFi space. This robust platform not only enhances user experience but also supports the broader vision of a decentralized financial future.

Sei is set to transform the consumer application landscape by enhancing blockchain technology through its open-source initiatives. The foundation of its blockchain lies in a strong architecture that offers a reliable and secure environment for your projects. With remarkable scalability, Sei enables your initiatives to grow significantly without facing any performance limitations. Furthermore, Sei is designed for flexibility and expansion, ensuring that your projects remain at the cutting-edge of blockchain evolution. This platform is perfectly suited for groundbreaking applications while also integrating the latest trends and innovations in the blockchain industry. In addition, Sei is committed to achieving carbon neutrality, making it an excellent option for developers who prioritize sustainability, thus paving the way for a responsible future in blockchain technology. Consequently, Sei not only supports projects but also fosters responsible practices that are beneficial for both users and the environment, reinforcing its commitment to a greener tomorrow. Such dedication to sustainability and innovation positions Sei as a leader in creating impactful blockchain solutions.

The Cosmos network embodies an ever-expanding ecosystem of interconnected applications and services, envisioned for a future underpinned by decentralization. Step into an innovative world filled with cooperative services that enhance functionality. By leveraging the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol, it allows for smooth and efficient exchanges of assets and data between various independent decentralized blockchains. Serving as the economic nucleus of the Cosmos, the Cosmos Hub acts as a blockchain that provides critical services for the Interchain. It is set to introduce a state-of-the-art decentralized exchange that will enable users to trade digital assets from different blockchains within the Interchain, all while ensuring low fees and prompt transaction confirmations. Furthermore, the forthcoming Interchain Staking feature will empower ATOM to safeguard multiple chains, rewarding users with additional staking benefits. A core mission of the Hub is to unite diverse blockchains through the establishment of IBC connections with compatible networks and the construction of decentralized bridges to major chains such as Ethereum and Bitcoin, significantly improving the overall interoperability of the blockchain ecosystem. This vision underscores Cosmos's commitment to fostering a more integrated and efficient digital environment, ultimately transforming how decentralized applications interact and operate with one another.