Key Projects to Watch
- •Hedera: Enterprise-focused hashgraph with Google, IBM, and Boeing backing drives real-world adoption.
- •Sui Network: Fast, scalable network with developer-friendly tools attracts NFT and gaming projects.
- •Ethena: Innovative on-chain staking with USDe synthetic dollar gains traction in DeFi space.
The crypto market is moving quickly, and some projects are quietly gaining traction this year. Investors, developers, and enthusiasts are looking for networks that offer more than hype, searching for platforms with real use cases, strong technology, and growth potential. While mainstream cryptos often dominate headlines, a handful of newer or less-discussed projects are quietly building influence and proving their value.
Hedera (HBAR)
Hedera stands out because it operates as a hashgraph rather than a traditional blockchain. This alternative architecture allows transactions to process faster while consuming far less energy, a key consideration for large-scale enterprise adoption. Hedera has a governance council made up of major corporations, including Google, IBM, and Boeing.
These partnerships are not just for prestige; they actively guide real-world applications such as carbon credits, supply chain management, and other enterprise solutions. This level of corporate backing gives Hedera credibility that few projects achieve so early in their development. The network’s energy efficiency and reliability make HBAR an attractive option for companies seeking distributed ledger technology without the overhead of slower blockchains.
Sui Network (SUI)
Sui Network was created by former Meta engineers and is quickly gaining attention for its speed, scalability, and developer-friendly tools. Unlike many blockchains, Sui uses a parallel execution model that allows transactions to process simultaneously rather than sequentially. This approach increases throughput and reduces delays, making the network particularly attractive for high-demand applications such as NFTs and blockchain gaming.
Developers often comment on how enjoyable and easy it is to work on Sui, a factor that can drive rapid adoption and network growth. The gaming industry is taking note. As crypto gaming begins to expand, Sui could serve as the foundation for new blockchain-based games.
Ethena (ENA)
Ethena is thriving in decentralized finance with a novel product called the “internet bond.” This synthetic dollar-backed staking yield, USDe, is fully on-chain and censorship-resistant. It is neither a traditional stablecoin nor a standard yield farm. This fresh approach has attracted attention from investors and the DeFi community alike.
Shortly after launch, Ethena quickly accumulated billions in Total Value Locked, reflecting strong interest from both users and crypto-focused venture capital firms. Ethena represents a new phase in DeFi experimentation. By combining stablecoin-like security with staking yields, it offers something different from typical lending or liquidity protocols.
Conclusion
HBAR, SUI, and ENA each offer unique opportunities for growth and adoption in 2026. Hedera targets enterprise adoption with efficient and scalable hashgraph technology. Sui Network focuses on speed and developer experience, making it ideal for NFTs and gaming. Ethena pushes boundaries in DeFi with a new, fully on-chain staking model.