Written by: Lei, Jinse Finance
In 2025, several key tracks in the decentralized space will see further maturity and innovation. With continuous technological breakthroughs, the industry is developing vigorously, and the application scenarios and market demands in various fields are also growing. In this year, we will witness the advancement of trends such as the combination of AI and blockchain, the deep integration of DeFi and real-world assets (RWA), and the ongoing optimization of modular infrastructure. These trends not only represent innovations at the technological level but also demonstrate the widespread application and tremendous market potential of blockchain across various industries.
1. AI and Blockchain Integration (AI x Blockchain)
In 2024, the combination of AI and blockchain became the forefront of technological innovation, with several new projects emerging. The Eliza Framework launched by Eliza Labs provides an open-source technology framework supporting the creation, deployment, and management of smart AI agents across different platforms, integrated with blockchains like Solana, promoting the development of autonomous AI agents in decentralized finance. Additionally, Virtuals Protocol launched on the Ethereum L2 Base platform allows users to create and profit from tokenized AI agents. These AI agents can interact with users through text, voice, and 3D animations, opening up new income opportunities.
2025 Trends:
Growth of Autonomous AI Agents: AI agents will gradually execute tasks independently in areas such as financial transactions, content creation, and social interactions, driving the proliferation of decentralized AI applications.
Further Integration of AI and DeFi: More AI-driven DeFi applications will emerge, enhancing automated investment, credit scoring, and risk management capabilities.
AI-Driven Decentralized Governance: The application of AI in DAOs and decentralized organizations will become more widespread for coordinating and managing community decisions.
Focus on Privacy and Security: With the in-depth application of AI in blockchain, privacy protection and data security will become key points, driving the research and development of new technologies to ensure agent trustworthiness.
2. Layer-2 Scaling Solutions
In 2024, the Layer-2 scaling solutions sector welcomed several innovative projects, enhancing blockchain network performance. RISE Chain attracted investment from Vitalik Buterin with its 'Layer2 + Parallel EVM' architecture, aimed at improving performance and EVM compatibility. Taiko focuses on zero-knowledge proofs (ZK-Rollups), enhancing transaction privacy and efficiency, while Mantle made new advancements in cross-chain interoperability and scalability.
2025 Trends:
ZK-Rollup Enhancement: ZK-Rollup based Layer-2 solutions will be more widely adopted, enhancing privacy and scalability while reducing transaction costs.
Interoperability and Cross-Chain Technology: Interoperability between Layer-2 networks will become a focal point, developing more complex bridging technologies to ensure seamless asset transfer.
User Experience Optimization: Layer-2 will further improve user experience by attracting more non-technical users through more intuitive interfaces and workflows.
Performance Optimization and Cost Reduction: Layer-2 will continue to optimize performance and reduce the deployment and maintenance costs of blockchain networks.
3. DeFi 2.0
In 2024, several new projects launched in the DeFi 2.0 space, promoting the integration of decentralized finance with real-world assets (RWA) to improve capital efficiency. Aave V3 introduced cross-chain liquidity and efficient collateral usage, while Uniswap v4 optimized liquidity pools and enhanced trading efficiency. MakerDAO is promoting the fusion of DeFi with traditional finance by incorporating RWAs like bonds and real estate into its stablecoin Dai's collateral pool.
2025 Trends:
Integration of RWA and DeFi: More traditional assets will connect with DeFi protocols through tokenization, driving the development of decentralized finance.
Innovative Lending Mechanisms: DeFi protocols will innovate lending mechanisms, improving capital efficiency and liquidity.
Cross-Chain Interoperability: The maturity of cross-chain technology will facilitate asset flows between different blockchains, promoting further integration of the DeFi ecosystem.
4. Stablecoins and Payments
In 2024, with the large-scale growth of the crypto market, stablecoins and payment tracks were the first to attract Wall Street capital. Ethena partnered with BlackRock to launch USDb, while PayPal collaborated with EY to complete commercial remittances through PYUSD, promoting the use of stablecoins in global payments. The decentralized stablecoin project Usual, backed by RWAs, also recently announced a $10 million Series A funding led by Binance Labs and Kraken Ventures.
2025 Trends:
Increased Institutional Participation: Traditional financial institutions will further engage in stablecoin issuance, promoting the popularity and application of stablecoins.
Decentralized Cross-Border Payment Solutions: Stablecoins will become central to cross-border payments, providing low-cost and efficient payment solutions.
Diverse Applications of Stablecoins: Stablecoins tailored for specific industries or purposes will become more diverse, such as in supply chain finance and travel payments.
5. Decentralized Science (DeSci)
In 2024, the decentralized science field continued to innovate, with VitaDAO and MoleculeDAO transforming the intellectual property (IP) of scientific research into NFTs on-chain, promoting research transparency and community governance. Catalyst and Bio Protocol focus on advancing the application of blockchain technology in the commercialization of science.
2025 Trends:
Expansion into Interdisciplinary Fields: DeSci will expand its applications to more fields such as physics and chemistry, promoting interdisciplinary scientific collaboration.
Data Openness and Transparency: More scientific data will be put on-chain, enhancing data transparency and promoting reproducible and verifiable research.
Smart Contract Applications: Smart contracts will play an important role in scientific collaboration, ensuring fair distribution of research outcomes.
6. Modular Blockchain Infrastructure
Modular blockchain infrastructure made significant progress in 2024, with projects like Gelato, Caldera, and AltLayer providing flexible modular solutions, while Hyperlane and Polyhedra are dedicated to improving blockchain interoperability.
2025 Trends:
Widespread Adoption of Modular Applications: Modular infrastructure will further spread, adapting to the specific needs of more blockchain applications.
Privacy and Security: Privacy protection will become core to modular blockchains, with zero-knowledge proof technology enhancing data privacy and transaction security.
Scalability and Cost-Effectiveness: Modular design will drive the scalability of blockchains, reducing costs and improving network performance.
7. Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN)
The DePIN track welcomed multiple new projects in 2024, including Roam, World Mobile, and Spheron, promoting decentralized network services and resource sharing.
2025 Trends:
Market Penetration Expansion: DePIN projects will see broader applications in areas such as energy and communications.
Deepening Corporate Collaboration: More traditional enterprises will partner with DePIN projects to drive technology application in real scenarios.
Technology Optimization and Standardization: DePIN technology will continue to optimize, attracting more capital inflows and promoting project diversification.
8. Tokenization of Real-World Assets (RWA)
In 2024, multiple innovative projects emerged in the RWA sector, with MakerDAO and Franklin Templeton exploring the tokenization of traditional assets like bonds and real estate. rwa.xyz focused on tokenizing non-traditional assets like gold and artworks, providing new investment channels for investors.
2025 Trends:
More Asset Tokenization: In 2025, a greater variety of tokenized assets is expected to emerge, including commodities and assets from emerging markets.
Deep Integration of DeFi and RWA: The further integration of RWAs and DeFi will drive the emergence of more innovative financial products.
Compliance and Risk Management: As the scale of RWAs expands, compliance and risk management will become focal points, encouraging more institutional participation.
