Top 6 Solana Native Projects By Category

December 25, 2023 - Around 13 mins mins to read

Solana is known as the world’s first web-scale blockchain, a high-performance open source project that provides decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions. Today, let’s explore the top 6 Solana native projects by category with Coincu.

What is Solana?

Solana blockchain is a trailblazing platform, akin to Ethereum and Cardano. Employing Smart Contracts technology, Solana distinguishes itself through its innovative Consensus Algorithm and Proof of History (PoH), promising swift and cost-effective transactions.

Solana blockchain stands out as a monoblock blockchain platform celebrated for its exceptional speed and performance, marking a significant advancement as the world’s inaugural web-scale blockchain. At the heart of this cutting-edge system is the SOL token, the native cryptocurrency that facilitates seamless transactions within the platform while also serving as a means to cover associated fees.

Top 6 Solana Native Projects By Category

Marinade Finance – Liquid Staking

Overview

Marinade Finance is a decentralized liquid staking protocol on the Solana blockchain. This innovative platform empowers users to stake SOL and receive liquid staking mSOL tokens, unlocking a myriad of possibilities for optimizing profits. Marinade Finance is one of the Solana native projects with a large user base.

Marinade Finance distinguishes itself as a project dedicated to advancing Liquid Staking SOL on the Solana blockchain. Liquid Staking, a pioneering solution, enables users to stake their assets while retaining the flexibility to use those assets for various purposes.

Features

Liquid Staking: Maximizing Flexibility and Profits

In Marinade Finance’s Liquid Staking, users stake SOL to receive an equivalent amount of liquid staking mSOL tokens. The interest rates associated with these staked assets depend on market fluctuations, providing users with the potential for dynamic returns. For instance, staking 200 SOL automatically yields 200 mSOL.

The unique feature of Liquid Staking lies in the flexibility it offers users. mSOL tokens can be seamlessly utilized for trading, transfers, or within Solana blockchain’s expansive DeFi ecosystem. Marinade Finance takes a user-centric approach by automatically adding interest earned from staking, ensuring the maximization of profits. Notably, the protocol eliminates the constraint of a maturity date for staked assets, granting users the freedom to withdraw their assets at any time.

Native Staking: A Secure Alternative

Recently launched by Marinade Finance, Native Staking presents a less risky alternative to Liquid Staking. This product allows users to delegate SOL to validators actively participating in network security. Users retain full control over their staked SOLs, providing the flexibility to withdraw them at their discretion.

Native Staking empowers users to choose their preferred validator, offering support while earning rewards at competitive APY levels. Unlike Liquid Staking, where profits come from both staked SOL and mSOL tokens, Native Staking focuses solely on the profits generated from the staked SOL tokens.

Marginfi – Lending

Overview

Marginfi is a lending and borrowing platform built on the Solana blockchain. With a commitment to accuracy, safety, and transparency, Marginfi leverages Oracle price feeds, including Pyth and Switchboard, to ensure precise asset and debt valuation, setting a new standard in the world of digital lending. Marginfi is one of the good Solana native projects in the lending segment.

Unlike traditional financial systems that often involve intermediaries, Marginfi operates as a decentralized lending platform, empowering users to seamlessly borrow and lend cryptocurrencies directly from their wallets. At the heart of Marginfi’s mission is the integration of smart risk management mechanisms, providing users with a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with their transactions.

Features

Asset Diversity Boosting Capital Efficiency

Marginfi distinguishes itself by supporting over 20 asset types, offering users a wide range of options for borrowing and lending. Notably, the platform facilitates borrowing and lending of liquid staking assets of SOL tokens, contributing to enhanced capital efficiency for SOL users.

Oracle Services for Data Accuracy

Recognizing the critical role of Oracle services in the DeFi landscape, Marginfi takes a proactive approach to ensure data accuracy. The platform leverages two Oracle services simultaneously—Pyth and Switchboard—to safeguard against erroneous data that could lead to user asset liquidation, reinforcing trust and reliability.

Innovative Points and User Referral Program

Marginfi introduces a unique user engagement strategy through its Points and Referral Program. This initiative not only aims to attract new users but also rewards existing users for their contributions to the platform. While the project has not released tokens yet, there are indications that it may rely on a points system for future airdrops to users who actively contribute to the project.

Seamless Integration of Swap and Bridge Products

Recognizing the importance of a seamless user experience, Marginfi goes beyond lending and borrowing by integrating swap and bridge products from other projects. This strategic integration enhances the overall functionality of the platform, offering users a cohesive and efficient DeFi ecosystem.

Security Assurance through Audits

Marginfi places a premium on security, and to reinforce this commitment, the project has undergone a comprehensive audit conducted by Ottersec. This external audit ensures that the platform’s products and services adhere to high-security standards, providing users with added confidence in their interactions with Marginfi.

Orca – DEX

Overview

Orca is one of the Solana native projects in the DEX segment. This cutting-edge platform not only facilitates more cost-effective and faster token exchanges compared to Ethereum-based DEXs but also introduces the Fair Price Indicator mechanism to enhance user experience.

Orca’s commitment to providing a seamless experience goes beyond the typical features of DEXs. In addition to the fundamental capabilities of swapping tokens and adding liquidity to pools, the project stands out by prioritizing user experience. Notably, Orca supports native tokens and various stablecoins within the Solana ecosystem, broadening its utility and accessibility.

Top 6 Solana Native Projects By Category

Features

Optimized Transaction Costs and Fair Price Mechanism

Orca addresses the persistent issue of high transaction costs in decentralized exchanges by offering a more cost-effective alternative. Users benefit from significantly cheaper fees. The platform’s Fair Price mechanism ensures that price slippage remains low, typically around 1%. Users are promptly alerted when conditions are met, allowing them to make informed decisions.

Moreover, Orca introduces a novel approach by checking if each token’s price is within 1% of the exchange rate quoted by CoinGecko. The platform also assesses whether the price impact caused by a transaction is less than 1%, adding an additional layer of security and transparency to the trading experience. Users can further participate in the Orca ecosystem by providing liquidity and earning transaction fees.

Whirlpools – Centralized Liquidity Mechanism

Orca sets itself apart with the introduction of Whirlpools, a centralized liquidity mechanism that diverges from standard AMM Liquidity Pool mechanisms. Unlike traditional setups, Whirlpools Liquidity Providers compete for Trading Fees and Emission Tokens, with rewards distributed based on the amount they contribute.

The Concentrated Liquidity and Leverage structure empowers users to tighten the price range around the current token price, resulting in a higher portion of fees and incentives. However, this strategy comes with a trade-off as users become susceptible to Divergence Loss, also known as Impermanent Loss (IL).

In a unique twist, users engaging in Whirlpools receive Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) instead of standard LP tokens. These NFTs, representing the LP token, are tradable on the secondary market but serve as a critical reminder of the user’s liquid possession. Users must carefully consider the implications of selling the NFT, as it signifies relinquishing ownership of the associated liquidity.

When closing a position and withdrawing liquidity from the pool, users have the option to either burn the NFT or retain it in their wallet. However, it’s crucial to understand that the NFT no longer represents liquidity after withdrawal.

Participation in Orca’s Whirlpools introduces an additional layer of customization, allowing users to set upper and lower limits for their liquidity. It’s noteworthy that these limits are not arbitrary; users must choose from a set of discrete ticks uniformly distributed, emphasizing a thoughtful and strategic approach to liquidity management within the Orca ecosystem.

Drift Protocol – Derivatives

Overview

Drift Protocol is an innovative on-chain decentralized futures exchange. Operating on the Solana blockchain, the protocol leverages the Dynamic AMM mechanism, setting the stage for a new era of decentralized financial services. Drift Protocol is also included in Solana native projects with many features.

Drift v2, the latest version of the project, represents a substantial evolution, offering a comprehensive suite of financial products within its decentralized ecosystem. Among its key features are DEX AMM products, perpetual derivative trading, lending and borrowing, and avenues to earn yield.

Features

Dynamic AMM Mechanism Redefines Liquidity Management

Drift Protocol takes a pioneering step by introducing the Dynamic Automated Market Maker (DAMM) mechanism, a first-of-its-kind approach in futures exchanges. Diverging from traditional vAMM or AMM mechanisms, DAMM offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing customization of the price anchoring points and the k parameter in the formula (whereas conventional AMMs maintain a constant k value).

This dynamic mechanism empowers Drift Protocol to adapt liquidity in the pools according to the participants’ needs. The result is enhanced capital efficiency, addressing the challenge of high price slippage. Traders, utilizing DAMM, can engage in cross-margin long or short positions with up to 5 times leverage, while maintaining minimal slippage.

Innovative Insurance Fund Adds Security

Drift Protocol establishes its own insurance fund to mitigate risks associated with potential protocol bankruptcy or unfulfilled positions. This unique feature instills confidence in traders, knowing that the protocol has a dedicated fund to cover unforeseen circumstances.

The insurance fund is replenished through contributions from successful liquidations and a portion of transaction fees. This self-sufficient fund enables automatic execution of tasks, including compensating losses incurred by users at any level within the protocol.

Symmetrical Funding Rate Enhances Stability

Addressing a critical aspect of leveraged transactions, Drift Protocol introduces a symmetrical Funding Rate. This rate, calculated hourly, serves as an “order holding fee” in the futures or margin market. In the event of a positive Funding Rate, indicating a higher market price than the Oracle-determined price, short position holders must reimburse the difference to long position holders, and vice versa.

Drift Protocol strives for symmetry in the Funding Rate, and any imbalances between long and short positions prompt Pool Rebate intervention. This ensures the collection or payment of differences corresponding to the pool at an effective level, preventing excessive reliance on the insurance fund and bolstering overall protocol safety.

Francium – Yield

Overview

Francium is a trailblazing platform on Solana. Francium distinguishes itself by offering leveraged/hedged farming, DeFi strategies, and on-chain trading strategies, providing users with a comprehensive toolkit to optimize their yield farming experience.

The project team has developed a dedicated dev toolbox, empowering users to construct and implement their personalized yield farming strategies. Francium is one of the Solana native projects that helps users earn good profits.

Features

High Profits Through Leverage

Francium’s farm mode stands out as a lucrative avenue for users seeking high profits through leverage. The platform offers enticing incentives and provides contributors with a strategic, easy-to-use, and intuitive growth toolbox. This not only enhances the overall user experience but also contributes to delivering a high Annual Percentage Yield (APY) to users, making Francium an attractive choice for those looking to maximize their returns.

Adjustable Productivity for Varied Goals

Recognizing the diverse preferences of its user base, Francium allows users to tailor their experience based on their profit goals. Those aiming for moderate profits can deposit their assets in an endowment, earning interest over time. On the other hand, users with a higher risk appetite can leverage their profit strategies within the platform, providing flexibility and choice to users with varying risk tolerance levels.

Community Governance for Protocol Management

Francium places a strong emphasis on community involvement and empowerment. Through a robust community governance model, users have full control over protocol management. This includes the ability to influence product updates and parameter changes. Notably, users can actively participate in voting processes to mark strategies as selected, simplifying decision-making and ensuring a decentralized and inclusive governance structure.

NFT Integration for Enhanced Engagement

In a move that sets Francium apart, each yield strategy on the platform is associated with a unique NFT. This integration serves to encourage community-driven strategies, as NFT holders become eligible to receive free returns from the respective yield strategies. Furthermore, these NFTs can be traded on the market, fostering a vibrant ecosystem where users can actively participate in the creation and exchange of value.

Magic Eden – NFT Marketplace

Overview

Magic Eden, the NFT marketplace platform, has successfully broadened its reach beyond its initial launch on the Solana network in September 2021. Recognizing the growing demand for diverse blockchain ecosystems, Magic Eden has expanded its operations to include prominent chains such as Ethereum, Polygon, and, most recently, the Bitcoin network.

Magic Eden’s journey began with a vision to provide users with a seamless and peer-to-peer NFT trading experience. Since its inception, the platform has gained traction for its user-friendly interface and commitment to innovation in the ever-evolving NFT space. Magic Eden is on the list of Solana native projects with good NFT support.

Features

Core Secondary Marketplace

At the heart of Magic Eden is its Core Secondary Marketplace, offering users a swift and efficient platform to trade NFTs seamlessly. Boasting over 4000 NFT collections, the marketplace supports five languages and features an intuitive user interface, ensuring users have a hassle-free research and trading experience. Notably, Magic Eden distinguishes itself with its low transaction fees, offering a 0% listing fee and a modest 2% transaction fee.

Launchpad Exclusive

One standout feature is the Launchpad, an exclusive product of Magic Eden. With stringent selection criteria, only 5% of launchpads are accepted by Magic Eden, providing a coveted platform for the best projects on Solana to reach a vast user base. This unique offering positions Magic Eden as a hub for cutting-edge projects, fostering innovation and discovery within the Solana blockchain community.

Large Partnership Market (Whitelabel Marketplaces)

Magic Eden has forged partnerships with industry-leading projects such as Raydium, Thugbirdz, and Galactic, creating a large partnership market. Listing NFTs for sale on Magic Eden enables users’ products to reach a broader audience, as they are also showcased on other NFT exchanges. This strategic collaboration enhances liquidity for users’ NFTs and reinforces Magic Eden’s commitment to facilitating widespread exposure for creators and their digital assets.

Gaming Ecosystem – Eden Games

In a move to support game creators and their communities on Solana, Magic Eden has introduced Eden Games. This gaming platform, integrated into the Magic Eden ecosystem, collaborates with leading game projects on Solana. Eden Games specializes in showcasing the best titles on Solana and organizes tournaments, adding an exciting dimension to the Magic Eden experience.

Music Investment Opportunities

Magic Eden goes beyond visual arts, allowing users to invest in their favorite artists and share in the success. Users can invest in musicians and receive a portion of the royalties, providing a tangible proof of ownership. This innovative approach to supporting artists aligns with Magic Eden’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive marketplace for digital assets.

Conclusion

Solana has a completely different direction from other ecosystems and has grown rapidly. Especially from the beginning of 2021 until now, becoming the blockchain with the 3rd largest total marketcap after Ethereum and BNB Chain. Hopefully Coincu’s article has helped you make more choices about the top Solana native projects.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

Top Projects

Top 6 Solana Native Projects By Category

Solana is known as the world’s first web-scale blockchain, a high-performance open source project that provides decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions. Today, let’s explore the top 6 Solana native projects by category with Coincu.

What is Solana?