The crypto landscape is evolving rapidly, and Layer 1 blockchains are at the heart of this transformation. As we approach what many believe could be a major bull run in 2024, investors and developers alike are turning their attention to next-generation blockchains that promise scalability, security, and interoperability. While Ethereum and Solana remain dominant, a new wave of Layer 1 projects is emerging with innovative solutions to long-standing blockchain challenges.
Projects like Kadena, Aleph Zero (AZERO), Agoric, Sui, and Aptos are redefining what’s possible in decentralized infrastructure. Built from the ground up, these networks aim to solve the blockchain trilemma—balancing decentralization, scalability, and security—without compromise. Whether through novel consensus mechanisms, developer-friendly programming languages, or AI integration, these platforms are positioning themselves as key players in the future of Web3.
If you're looking to get ahead of the curve, now is the time to explore these promising Layer 1 ecosystems. Early adoption can offer significant upside potential, especially as adoption grows and network effects take hold.
👉 Discover how next-gen blockchains are shaping the future of decentralized finance.
What Are Layer 1 Blockchains and Why Do They Matter?
Layer 1 blockchains are the foundational protocols that process and validate transactions on a decentralized network. They serve as the base layer for smart contracts, decentralized applications (dApps), and other blockchain-based services. Examples include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and newer entrants like Sui and Aptos.
But why should you care about new Layer 1 projects?
Scalability for Real-World Use
Many legacy blockchains struggle with congestion during peak usage, leading to high fees and slow transaction times. New Layer 1s are engineered to handle thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of transactions per second (TPS). This level of throughput is essential for mainstream adoption, enabling everything from micro-payments to large-scale DeFi platforms.
Lower Transaction Costs
High gas fees have long been a barrier to entry for everyday users. Emerging Layer 1 networks leverage advanced consensus models and execution architectures to drastically reduce costs—some charging fractions of a cent per transaction. This opens the door for broader use cases beyond speculation, including gaming, remittances, and social applications.
Interoperability and Ecosystem Growth
Modern Layer 1s are designed with cross-chain communication in mind. By supporting bridges and standardized protocols, they enable seamless asset transfers and data sharing across different blockchains. This interconnectedness fosters innovation and accelerates ecosystem development.
These advancements make the current crop of Layer 1 projects some of the most exciting opportunities in crypto today. Let’s dive into five standout platforms pushing the boundaries of decentralized technology.
Top 5 Layer 1 Blockchain Projects to Watch
Kadena – High-Performance Blockchain With Proven Security
Kadena stands out with its unique Chainweb consensus mechanism—a multi-chain Proof-of-Work (PoW) architecture that scales horizontally by linking multiple blockchains together. Unlike traditional PoW systems that suffer from low throughput, Chainweb enables Kadena to achieve over 480,000 TPS in testing while maintaining robust security.
One of Kadena’s key innovations is Pact, a human-readable smart contract language designed for formal verification. This allows developers to mathematically prove contract behavior before deployment, significantly reducing the risk of bugs or exploits—a common issue in Solidity-based ecosystems.
With a live mainnet, growing DeFi ecosystem, and listings on major exchanges, Kadena offers a rare combination of innovation and real-world readiness. Its focus on enterprise-grade security makes it an attractive option for institutions exploring blockchain integration.
👉 Explore how high-performance blockchains are enabling scalable dApps.
Aleph Zero (AZERO) – Privacy-Powered Blockchain With AI Ambitions
Aleph Zero combines privacy-preserving technology with ambitious goals in artificial intelligence and decentralized governance. At its core, it uses a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG)-based consensus called AleoBFT, which ensures fast finality and energy efficiency.
What sets Aleph Zero apart is its vision for natural language smart contracts. While still in development, this feature could allow non-developers to create complex logic using plain English—democratizing access to blockchain programming.
Additionally, Aleph Zero emphasizes on-chain privacy through zero-knowledge proofs and secure enclaves, making it ideal for applications requiring data confidentiality without sacrificing transparency where needed.
Though currently in testnet phase, Aleph Zero has garnered strong community support and academic backing, positioning it as a serious contender in the privacy-focused Layer 1 space.
Agoric – JavaScript-Based Smart Contracts for Mainstream Developers
Agoric aims to lower the barrier to entry for developers by building a blockchain where smart contracts are written in JavaScript, one of the most widely used programming languages globally.
This approach allows millions of web developers to transition into blockchain development without learning new syntax or tools. Agoric achieves this through SES (Secure EcmaScript), a hardened JavaScript runtime that isolates untrusted code and prevents common vulnerabilities.
Key components include:
- Zoe: A framework for building secure marketplaces and automated exchanges.
- ERTP (Electronic Rights Transfer Protocol): Enables programmable digital assets and tokens.
- Agoric DAO: Governs protocol upgrades and funds ecosystem growth.
By leveraging existing developer ecosystems and tools, Agoric accelerates innovation and lowers development costs—critical factors for widespread dApp adoption.
Sui – Object-Centric Architecture for Instant Transactions
Sui introduces a revolutionary approach to blockchain design with its object-centric model, where each piece of data is treated as an independent object with its own ownership rules. This allows for parallel transaction processing, eliminating bottlenecks common in account-based systems.
Built using the Move programming language, Sui emphasizes safety and resource-oriented logic. It supports Ethereum-compatible tooling via EVM bridges, making it easier for developers to port existing dApps.
Sui achieves sub-second finality and ultra-low fees by optimizing for simple transactions (like peer-to-peer transfers) while still supporting complex smart contracts. Its ability to scale horizontally makes it ideal for high-frequency applications such as gaming and social platforms.
With backing from top-tier investors and a rapidly expanding ecosystem, Sui is quickly becoming one of the most technically advanced Layer 1s in the market.
Aptos – Parallel Execution for Unmatched Speed
Aptos leverages parallel execution technology to process transactions simultaneously rather than sequentially—a game-changer for throughput. The network claims potential speeds of up to 160,000 TPS, far surpassing Ethereum’s current capacity.
Powered by the Move language, Aptos enhances smart contract safety by preventing reentrancy attacks and enforcing strict resource management. The team includes former Meta engineers who worked on the Diem (formerly Libra) project, bringing deep expertise in scalable blockchain systems.
Aptos also prioritizes upgradable smart contracts, allowing developers to fix bugs or add features post-deployment—something rarely seen in immutable blockchain environments.
With a strong focus on security, performance, and developer experience, Aptos has quickly risen as a top alternative to established Layer 1s.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What defines a Layer 1 blockchain?
A: A Layer 1 blockchain is a base network that handles transaction processing and consensus independently, without relying on another chain. Examples include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Aptos.
Q: Why invest in new Layer 1 projects before 2024?
A: Early-stage projects often offer higher growth potential during bull markets. As adoption increases, early adopters may benefit from token appreciation and ecosystem incentives.
Q: Are Layer 1 blockchains more secure than Layer 2 solutions?
A: Generally, yes—Layer 1s provide native security through their consensus mechanisms. Layer 2s rely on the underlying Layer 1 for final settlement but can enhance scalability.
Q: Can I build dApps on these new Layer 1s?
A: Absolutely. Platforms like Agoric, Sui, and Aptos offer developer tools, SDKs, and documentation to support dApp creation across DeFi, NFTs, and gaming.
Q: How do I evaluate a promising Layer 1 project?
A: Look at technical innovation, team experience, funding, community engagement, mainnet status, and real-world use cases.
Q: Is now a good time to buy Layer 1 tokens?
A: Market timing is uncertain, but researching fundamentals helps identify undervalued projects poised for growth ahead of potential bull cycles.
👉 Stay ahead of the next bull run with insights into high-potential blockchain networks.
Final Thoughts
As the crypto ecosystem matures, innovation in Layer 1 infrastructure will drive the next wave of adoption. Projects like Kadena, Aleph Zero, Agoric, Sui, and Aptos are not just incremental upgrades—they represent paradigm shifts in how blockchains are designed and used.
Each brings unique strengths: Kadena with its scalable PoW design, Aleph Zero with privacy and AI ambitions, Agoric with JavaScript accessibility, Sui with object-based efficiency, and Aptos with parallel processing power. Together, they illustrate the diversity and potential of modern blockchain development.
For investors and builders alike, now is the time to explore these ecosystems. Conduct thorough research, engage with communities, and consider how each project aligns with your vision for the future of Web3.
The next major blockchain platform might already be live—waiting for you to discover it.
Core Keywords: Layer 1 blockchain, scalable blockchain, smart contracts, decentralized applications (dApps), blockchain interoperability, Move programming language, JavaScript blockchain