Imagine a digital world that’s not only incredibly advanced, but also surprisingly easy and safe to use. That’s the direction IOTA is heading. What began in 2015 with a unique vision for the Internet of Things (IoT) has blossomed into something much broader. Now, with its significant "IOTA Rebased" upgrade, the platform is stepping into a new era, aiming to be a high-performing, programmable, and user-friendly space for a host of real-world applications and a growing universe of apps.
Key Takeaways
- IOTA Rebased is Live: This upgrade enhances network speed, security, and smart contracts.
- Real-World Focus: IOTA targets practical solutions in trade, identity, and sustainability.
- Growing dApp Ecosystem: Diverse applications in DeFi, NFTs, and GameFi are emerging.
- Sustainability Drives Innovation: Projects like DPPs and the I3-Lab promote circular economies.
- Developer Support is Strong: Tools, funding, and programs aid IOTA builders.
- Institutional Bridges: Partnerships are facilitating enterprise and RWA adoption.
- Decentralization is Key: The ecosystem moves towards greater community governance.
IOTA Rebased: A Fresh Start for Speed, Security, and Simplicity
Think of "IOTA Rebased" as a comprehensive redesign, making the network more robust and much easier for everyone to build on and use. But what does this mean for you, whether you're an everyday user or a developer looking for the next big thing?
The core idea is user-friendly power. For developers, the integration of MoveVM - a modern technology designed with safety at its heart - directly onto IOTA's main network (Layer 1) is a game-changer. This allows for the creation of more secure and reliable applications, which translates to a safer digital experience for all of us. And if developers are already comfortable with Ethereum's tools, the popular EVM is still accessible on a connected Layer 2, offering flexibility and paving the way for an even wider variety of apps to join the ecosystem.
For users, this translates to a digital experience that's both speedy and wallet-friendly. IOTA is engineered for impressive transaction speeds - aiming for over 50,000 transactions per second - and is designed to keep fees minimal. There's even a feature called the "IOTA Gas Station" which could allow developers to cover transaction costs for their users, potentially making many app interactions feel completely effortless and "feeless". And, reflecting its commitment to decentralization, IOTA allows token holders to participate in securing the network through staking, giving the community a real voice.
IOTA in Action: Making a Real-World Difference
Alright, so IOTA's got some seriously cool tech under the hood, but what does this actually do for people and the globe as a whole? This is where IOTA really makes an impact, moving beyond just crypto-theory to tackle big, real-world challenges. Many of these projects happen in partnership with major organizations and governments, and the benefits are designed to ripple out to all of us.
Smarter Trade, Simpler Processes
International trade can be a messy web of paperwork. IOTA is helping to untangle it with projects like the Trade Logistics Information Pipeline (TLIP), which is already streamlining document sharing for businesses in places like Kenya, cutting costs and speeding things up. Building on this, the Trade Worldwide Information Network (TWIN), backed by a consortium including the World Economic Forum, aims to make global supply chains way more efficient and transparent by making trade data instantly and securely shareable. Think fewer delays and more accessible goods for everyone.
Innovating for a Sustainable Future & Europe's Digital Path
The IOTA is also a key player in Europe's push for a digital future, contributing to the European Blockchain Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP). This means they've been designing and testing DLT solutions for sustainability and better data management across the continent. Key applications from these efforts include:
- Digital Product Passports (DPPs): Imagine knowing exactly where your stuff comes from and how to recycle it. IOTA-powered DPPs are making this happen, especially for things like plastics and electronics, helping to reduce waste and boost the circular economy.
- Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Management: As part of its work in the European Blockchain PCP, IOTA also developed prototype solutions for IPR management, using DLT to simplify rights handling and enable transparent, automated digital contracts and payments.
Championing the Circular Economy with I3-Lab
Pushing the boundaries of sustainability, IOTA has co-launched the I3-Lab at Imperial College London, a top-tier research center backed by a ÂŁ1M IOTA Foundation donation. The lab is dedicated to exploring how digital tools can revolutionize the circular economy. Their focus is on creating innovative, sustainable business models and technologies that promote reuse and recycling, effectively aiming to break the link between economic growth and resource depletion. This strategic academic partnership is geared towards generating impactful, long-term research for a greener future.
Safer Digital Interactions (Tokenized KYC)
In our digital lives, proving who you are without oversharing personal info is key. IOTA’s Tokenized KYC solution offers a privacy-first way for users to authenticate themselves for Web3 apps, reducing fraud risks.
Building Trust in Traditional Finances
To help bridge traditional finance with the new digital economy, IOTA is also teaming up with regulated players like Zodia Custody. This partnership is about making it easier and safer for institutions to bring real-world assets (RWAs) onto the blockchain, which is a big step for broader adoption.
These aren't just isolated projects, they're crucial building blocks. The tech and insights gained from these large-scale efforts directly feed into the tools and platforms available for developers and users across the entire IOTA ecosystem, making everything more secure, transparent, and efficient.
DeFi Tools
If you're curious about new ways to manage your digital assets or explore innovative financial tools, the IOTA ecosystem is fostering a growing suite of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) applications. These tools aim to give you more control and open up new possibilities.
ApeBond
Functioning as an On-Chain OTC Marketplace and a leading bonding protocol, ApeBond offers projects a way to raise funds with their native tokens and build their own liquidity. Users can acquire project tokens, often at a discount represented by an NFT that vests over time, participate in flash sales for established tokens, and utilize a multi-chain DEX aggregator. For projects, ApeBond provides services like liquidity bonds, a launchpad, and advisory.
Furucombo
This platform is known for its clever "drag-and-drop" interface that lets users create and execute complex DeFi strategies - often called "combos" - all in a single transaction. Imagine taking out a quick loan from one protocol, swapping those assets on another, and then providing them as liquidity somewhere else, all sequenced together. Furucombo makes such sophisticated strategies more accessible, even if you're not a coding expert, and can significantly save on transaction costs compared to doing each step manually.
Hedgey
Hedgey provides tools for managing token-based compensation and treasuries. This could include setting up transparent, on-chain token vesting schedules for team members or investors, distributing locked tokens, or even creating on-chain derivative products tied to a project's token. Essentially, Hedgey helps crypto-native organizations manage their token operations and community grants more effectively and transparently.
Liquid Staking
Swirl
Positioned as a platform offering staking and liquidity solutions, Swirl aims to provide users with various ways to earn yield on their crypto assets. This involves traditional staking, liquid staking and other specialized strategies for providing liquidity. They offer unique reward structures for a diverse range of assets to help users maximize their potential earnings.
DEXs
Decentralized Exchanges, or DEXs, are crucial for any thriving blockchain ecosystem, allowing users to trade and swap their digital assets without needing a central intermediary. The IOTA platform is fostering a variety of DEX platforms, each with its function and features, that cater to various user needs ranging from simple token trades to advanced trading.
Cyberperp
Cyberperp is a decentralized spot and perpetual exchange built on the Iota EVM. It specializes in perpetual futures contracts, allowing traders to speculate on asset price movements without an expiry date, using mechanisms like funding rates to align contract prices with spot prices. The platform offers features such as up to 50x leverage, low swap fees, minimal price impact, and rewards liquidity providers with fees from market making, swaps, and leveraged trading. It caters to traders seeking leveraged exposure and hedging tools within the IOTA EVM environment.
Wagmi
Wagmi is a decentralized exchange protocol that provides a comprehensive platform for various DeFi activities, including trading, liquidity provision, swapping, and leverage. It focuses on advanced liquidity provision strategies, utilizing concentrated liquidity to allow providers to allocate capital within custom price ranges for optimized returns. Its features include active liquidity management with auto-rebalancing, and it aims to foster a supportive, community-centric ecosystem.
OTSea
OTSea is an Over-The-Counter (OTC) trading platform designed for peer-to-peer swaps of digital assets across various chains, now including IOTA EVM. It facilitates direct, large-volume trades between parties, which helps avoid the price slippage common on public order books. OTSea provides a secure environment with configurable trading parameters via trustless smart contracts and offers features like an auto-match system, buy/sell orders, and even crowdfunded OTC orders, primarily serving high-volume traders, DAOs, and projects.
LetsExchange
LetsExchange functions as an instant cryptocurrency exchange hub and DEX aggregator. It facilitates seamless crypto-to-crypto swaps and cross-chain bridging (including bridging IOTA). By connecting to multiple liquidity sources, it aims to provide users with optimized trade execution, offering access to over 5,000 cryptocurrencies across more than 300 networks. Its value lies in convenience and broad asset accessibility.
Rango Exchange
Rango Exchange is a multi-chain DEX and bridge aggregator built to provide users with the most efficient routes for swapping tokens across a wide array of blockchain networks. It integrates numerous DEXs and bridges, enabling complex cross-chain swaps through a single user interface. Rango addresses liquidity fragmentation by employing route optimization algorithms and supporting a vast number of chains and assets, simplifying the user experience for cross-chain transactions.
Velocimeter
Velocimeter is a decentralized exchange and liquidity provision platform operating on the IOTA EVM. It is utilizing a vote-escrowed token system to incentivize liquidity. Token holders lock their governance tokens to receive veTokens, which grant voting rights to direct token emissions to specific liquidity pools, thereby rewarding liquidity providers in those pools more heavily. This model is designed to foster deep and sustainable liquidity by aligning the incentives of token holders and liquidity providers, significantly contributing to IOTA's DeFi infrastructure.
MagicSea
MagicSea is a prominent DEX and NFT Marketplace native to the IOTA EVM and Shimmer EVM networks. It features an "Earn" platform offering yield farming, staking opportunities, and a dashboard for managing liquidity positions. Beyond its trading and NFT marketplace functions, MagicSea is focused on building a broader ecosystem, supporting new projects on IOTA and Shimmer with an eye on cross-chain flexibility via LayerZero and OFT Standards.
Lending and Borrowing
As the IOTA ecosystem expands, so does its suite of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) tools. Essential to this growth are platforms dedicated to lending and borrowing, which provide crucial financial infrastructure for users to earn yield on their assets or unlock liquidity. Here’s a look at some of the projects pioneering these services on IOTA.
Deepr
Deepr operates as a decentralized platform for lending and borrowing crypto assets. It enables users to supply various cryptocurrencies to earn interest and allows others to borrow assets by posting collateral. The platform focuses on providing core DeFi lending services, with specific operational models, supported assets, and interest rate mechanisms detailed on its own platform.
ioLend
ioLend is a native lending market built specifically for the IOTA EVM, designed to optimize lending, liquidity, and aggregate attractive yield opportunities across the network. It achieves this through features like integrated yield-bearing collateral, automated smart leverage tools built upon decentralized borrowing markets, and advanced risk management methodologies.
Virtue
Virtue is a decentralized lending protocol that has launched its testnet, allowing users to explore its borrowing and lending features. The platform enables users to borrow VUSD, a secure stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, at fixed interest rates, providing clarity and stability on borrowing costs. Virtue is designed for efficient collateral utilization, aiming to offer more borrowing power with less locked capital, and accepts collateral such as IOTA and stIOTA, with plans for more options. With a core focus on security and decentralization, Virtue's testnet phase allows the community to engage with the protocol and contribute to its development ahead of any mainnet deployment.
NFTs and Marketplaces
The world of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) has opened up new opportunities for artists, collectors, and communities, and the IOTA ecosystem is no exception. Discover a variety of innovative financial tools for NFTs, community-driven projects, and unique digital art.
ApeDAO
ApeDAO is a DAO and hub centered on the NFT sector, with a strong financial and investment focus. Its core activities include collective investment in high-value NFTs, curation of NFT collections, and potentially funding new NFT artists and projects. ApeDAO leverages the collective capital and expertise of its members, who typically use a governance token to vote on investment strategies, treasury management, and the DAO's future direction, fostering a community-driven approach to NFT investment.
Figment
Figment positions itself as an NFT marketplace and platform, providing essential infrastructure for the IOTA NFT ecosystem. It serves as a venue where creators can list their Non-Fungible Tokens for sale, and where collectors and investors can discover, buy, sell, and trade these unique digital assets. Figment connects with common crypto wallets and offers tools for users to browse, filter, and discover NFT collections, potentially including features like auctions or curated drops.
Rusty Robots Country Club
Rusty Robots Country Club is an NFT project, offering unique "Rusty Robot" digital art pieces that also serve as membership passes to an exclusive community. This PFP (Profile Picture) project emphasizes strong community building and aims to be an inclusive, decentralized creator ecosystem. Holders of the native $RUST token and NFTs can benefit from DeFi tools and even shared ownership of real-world creative royalties from music, comics, and other ventures within the IOTA network.
Epoch Zero
Initiated by active IOTA community members, Epoch Zero is an NFT project designed to link early-stage investors with unique concepts while also channeling support back into the broader IOTA ecosystem. It functions as a secure platform and launchpad, utilizing its "OG Pharaohs" NFT collection and "F.U.E.L." concept to provide its DAO members not just with collectibles, but also with educational resources, growth opportunities, and a way to participate in developing new community-driven initiatives. The project also offers NFT analytics and aggregates marketplace listings, positioning itself as a valuable hub within the IOTA NFT space.
GameFi
The IOTA ecosystem is also becoming a vibrant playground for GameFi (Game Finance), where the thrill of gaming merges with the tangible benefits of blockchain technology. In these experiences, players often have true ownership of their in-game assets—like characters, items, and land - as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). This opens up exciting possibilities for play-to-earn mechanics, player-driven economies, and unique digital collectibles.
Dark Mythos
Dark Mythos is bringing the world of trading card games (TCGs) to Web3, creating a crypto-based fantasy universe on IOTA. This project is designed as a comprehensive digital TCG ecosystem, offering a dApp where players can trade, collect, and learn about cards and collectibles. It aims to bridge the gap between physical trading cards, traditional online gaming (Web2), and the decentralized Web3 space, providing an accessible yet rich environment for both newcomers and seasoned TCG enthusiasts.
IOTA Heroes
IOTA Heroes is a GameFi project built for the IOTA network, where players train and manage their unique NFT heroes for exciting adventures and strategic gameplay. In this adventure-genre RPG, sending heroes on successful quests can yield tokenized loot and valuable game items. The project features an NFT Marketplace and a Trading Post to facilitate the exchange of heroes, in-game currency (like Gold, its ERC20 game token), and items. IOTA Heroes also includes Player vs. Player (PvP) tournaments and is looking to leverage IOTA EVM to enhance its infrastructure, potentially enabling features like royalties on tokens and unique fee structures for game interactions.
Shi-Universe
Driven by a passionate team, Shi-Universe is on a mission to redefine Web3 gaming within the IOTA ecosystem. They are crafting an expansive, sci-fi game world that aims to push the boundaries of creativity, Web3 integration, and interactivity. More than just a game, Shi-Universe is envisioned as a continuously evolving universe where players have true ownership of their assets (as NFTs). The project emphasizes fusing blockchain technology with compelling science fiction to create a memorable and revolutionary gaming experience, inviting players to join them on an extraordinary adventure.
Uruk Bartas
Inspired by RPG classics, Uruk Bartas is a play-to-earn, turn-based browser game designed by passionate RPG enthusiasts for their community. Players customize characters, battle monsters in a fantastical world, and earn valuable items. True to its "by geeks, for geeks" philosophy, the game integrates Web3 technology, allowing players to truly own their in-game assets and rewards. "Uruk Bartas" emphasizes a fair, player-driven economy and rewards dedication, inviting players to join the #urukstrong community and shape this adventure.
Memecoin
Memecoins bring a unique flavor to any crypto ecosystem, often driven by community enthusiasm, internet culture, and rapid-fire engagement. While some aim purely for entertainment and speculation, others may evolve to incorporate utility or support community initiatives.
Catapus
Catapus serves as a user-friendly platform for the world of meme coins and vanity tokens. It empowers enthusiasts and hobbyists to directly create, collect, and trade these digital assets peer-to-peer on the IOTA EVM blockchain, all while maintaining self-custody through their own wallets. Catapus offers a user-friendly, fair, and fun environment, aiming to be a leading choice for those looking to explore meme tokens on IOTA.
FOMOFox
FOMOFox emerged as the first community-driven entertainment token on the IOTA EVM, blending memes, DeFi, and interactive storytelling. Holders of the $FOMO token gain exclusive access to riddles, events, airdrops, and polls that actively shape the ongoing narrative of the FOMOFox character. This project, tradable on IOTA EVM DEXs like MagicSea, turns its community into collective storytellers, aiming to create a fun and engaging experience at the intersection of crypto and entertainment.
GigaFish
GigaFish presents itself as a memecoin rooted in internet humor and the often-exaggerated nature of meme culture. GigaFish focuses on building a dedicated community of supporters. Like many memecoins, its trajectory depends on the vibrancy of its online community, its token distribution model, and its ability to capture attention through viral marketing and community engagement.
LEAP
LEAP emerges from the IOTA ecosystem discussions as a memecoin fueled by its community. While specifics on its tokenomics or operational utility on IOTA are not broadly publicized at present, the foundation of such tokens typically lies in the collective spirit and engagement of their community members.
RWA (Real-World Assets)
DeFa
DeFa is presented as the first AI-native Real-World Asset (RWA) lending solution and a Decentralized Factoring Protocol, developed by InvoiceMate. It focuses on bridging traditional Web2 businesses with the world of crypto liquidity to provide stable and secure yields. Key to its offering is the promise of "TradFi Security, DeFi Yields," with users able to farm yields backed by these tokenized RWAs. With its Testnet Season 2 live (as of early 2025 information), users can explore earning APY on stablecoins.
Realize
Realize is an innovative tokenization platform, notably bringing the first tokenized T-Bills Fund to market, and has selected IOTA as its launchpad. Operating from Abu Dhabi, Realize is dedicated to unlocking new yield opportunities by integrating tokenized real-world assets into curated DeFi applications. The platform leverages IOTA's scalable architecture and regulatory-friendly framework to deliver seamless, institutional-grade tokenization, thereby enhancing liquidity and asset utility with greater transparency and efficiency.
Sailing Protocol
Sailing Protocol is on a mission to bring the world economy on-chain by providing "real access to real assets." It is designed as an open, foundational platform for the tokenization of traditional assets onchain. They are actively building out key use-cases to drive adoption, with the tokenization of stocks as part of a long-term vision to become a fundamental infrastructure for the on-chain global economy.
Coda
Coda is a platform dedicated to the tokenization and exchange of rights related to music, books, and a broad spectrum of other intellectual property. It directly addresses the challenges independent creators face in an industry often dominated by large entities, high entry costs, and complex legal hurdles. Through Coda, creators can fractionalize the ownership of their royalty rights, launching tokens that allow fans and investors to participate at accessible price points. Investors, in turn, gain opportunities to earn passive income from these royalty streams, which are often uncorrelated with broader market trends and can offer competitive yields.
Launchpad
Launchpads are vital for a growing blockchain ecosystem, acting as springboards for new projects by connecting them with early supporters, funding, and often providing crucial development and marketing assistance. The IOTA ecosystem includes platforms designed to help incubate and launch the next generation of decentralized applications.
Tokenlabs
Tokenlabs provides a suite of tools that empower IOTA community members and project creators to generate their own tokens, manage project financing, and effectively bring new funds into the IOTA space. More than just facilitating Initial DEX Offerings (IDOs), Tokenlabs offers infrastructure for token creation, secure management (such as token locking and vesting schedules), and comprehensive launch support, aiming to lower the entry barriers for new initiatives building on IOTA.
UNCX
UNCX Network is a multi-chain provider of decentralized DeFi services, and it’s extending its comprehensive toolkit to the IOTA EVM. While UNCX offers launchpad functionalities to help new projects raise liquidity, it is particularly renowned for its specialized services that significantly enhance project security and build investor confidence. These include solutions for liquidity pool locking (a crucial step to mitigate "rug pull" risks) and transparent, automated token vesting schedules for team and investor allocations, bringing an added layer of trust and security for new ventures launching within Web3 environment.
Audit
AuditOne
AuditOne is an auditor aggregator platform specializing in security audits for smart contracts and AI systems, playing a vital role in the Web3 space. They offer a distinct approach by matching projects with a tailored pool of vetted auditors and leveraging both AI-enhanced detection and crowdsourced intelligence to provide comprehensive, peer-reviewed audits. AuditOne aims to enhance security and compliance efficiently and cost-effectively, contributing to a more secure and trustworthy decentralized environment.
More Than Just Code: Support for Your IOTA Project
Building in the Web3 space is exciting, but bringing a truly impactful real-world application to life often needs more than just great technology. That's where the IOTA ecosystem stands out, offering dedicated support to help developers and businesses turn their visions into reality, especially through initiatives like the IOTA Business Innovation Program.
This program is specifically designed to fuel projects that aim to make a tangible difference using the IOTA Mainnet (particularly Layer 1). If you're working on solutions in hot areas like:
- Tokenizing Real-World Assets (RWAs)
- Decentralized Digital Identities
- Smarter Supply Chain Tracking
- Digital Product Passports for sustainability
- Ensuring Data Integrity and Compliance
...then this program could be a perfect fit!
Qualifying projects tackling challenges in these areas can receive up to €100,000 in funding, tied to achieving clear milestones and demonstrating activity on IOTA's Layer 1. Participants also gain full access to IOTA's tech stack and advanced products like IOTA Identity. Furthermore, the program provides expert technical and strategic guidance to help navigate development, and assists with marketing and visibility to showcase your project's achievements. It’s a partnership aimed at fostering genuine innovation and real-world applications within the IOTA ecosystem.
Who's Already Building with this Support?
The program is already backing innovative teams.
For example:
Impierce Technologies: Developing privacy-first, decentralized digital identity solutions, aligning with standards like the EU's eIDAS 2.0. They're using IOTA Mainnet, IOTA Identity, and the IOTA Gas Station to make identity verification seamless and secure in sectors like education and e-commerce.
Orobo: Creating Digital Product Passports to meet EU sustainability requirements (like for EV batteries), enabling full lifecycle traceability of products. They leverage IOTA Mainnet for an immutable audit trail, IOTA Identity for company verification, and custom Move contracts.
ObjectID (by SDV Consulting): Assigning verifiable, tamper-proof identities to physical products to power traceability, validate ownership, and combat counterfeiting, using IOTA Identity and the Mainnet to anchor these "digital twins".
How to Get Involved?
If you're a business or developer of any size with a market-ready solution that can create on-chain assets tied to real-world counterparts and demonstrate measurable activity on the IOTA L1 Mainnet, IOTA encourages you to apply via their Partnership Form. The program is open for applications until December 31, 2025.
But don't worry if your idea falls outside those specific L1 commercial guidelines! For a broader range of innovative projects, open-source development, Web3 education initiatives, or community events like hackathons, IOTA directs builders to explore the Iotalabs Grants Program. This program offers its own funding tiers and support for initiatives that are essential to the overall growth the IOTA ecosystem.
So, whether you're aiming for a large-scale commercial application on the Mainnet or contributing valuable open-source tools and community resources, IOTA provides various opportunities to help bring your vision to life.
IOTA Recharged: Enabling a Functional and Human-Focused Web3
The "IOTA Rebased" upgrade has truly set the stage for a new chapter, transforming IOTA from just a promising technology to an empowering and vibrant platform. It's clear that the commitment is not just to cutting-edge tech, but to building an ecosystem that delivers tangible, palpable value to the world. As we've seen, this robust foundation is now a rich ground for a broad variety of applications – from user-friendly DeFi products and engaging GameFi activities to innovative RWA tokenization and essential security solutions. With ongoing efforts towards even further network decentralization, optimized transaction fees, and robust developer and end-user tools, IOTA is not just a project to watch, it's an invitation to participate in building a more accessible, efficient, and connected digital world. The road of innovation goes on, and IOTA has the potential to be one of the leading drivers.
The information provided by DAIC, including but not limited to research, analysis, data, or other content, is offered solely for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other type of advice. DAIC does not recommend the purchase, sale, or holding of any cryptocurrency or other investment.
