Uniswap is gearing up to launch Unichain, its DeFi-focused Layer 2 solution built on the OP Stack, with the public mainnet expected to debut in early 2025. The network, designed to enhance scalability and efficiency in decentralized finance, has been tested on Ethereum’s Sepolia testnet since October. The Sepolia testnet has processed over 50 million test transactions and deployed more than 4 million smart contracts, maintaining an uptime exceeding 99% across critical services, according to Uniswap . Sepolia testnet to Activate Permissionless Fault Proofs in 2025 Starting January 6, 2025, the testnet will undergo planned maintenance to activate permissionless fault proofs, a key feature that will also be integrated from the first day of the mainnet launch. Permissionless fault proofs enable participants to verify the blockchain’s state and challenge invalid withdrawals, improving the network’s security and reliability. These proofs are crucial for Ethereum Layer 2 networks, acting as safeguards against fraudulent transactions. Following the completion of safety validations, the mainnet will allow users to bridge assets and access DeFi applications built on Unichain. Introducing @unichain — a new L2 designed for DeFi Fast blocks (250ms), cross-chain interoperability, and a decentralized validator network Built to be the home for liquidity across chains pic.twitter.com/lqfJh6Ltio — Uniswap Labs (@Uniswap) October 10, 2024 Among the planned features is Flashblocks, which aims to reduce block times to just 250 milliseconds, making transactions nearly instantaneous. To ensure decentralization and mitigate risks tied to single-sequencer systems, Unichain will introduce the Unichain Validation Network, comprising independent node operators. Additionally, it will leverage Rollup-Boost, a secure block-building platform developed by Flashbots, for enhanced rollup functionality. Upon its launch, Unichain will join Optimism’s Superchain ecosystem, with Uniswap Labs contributing to the OP Stack. The development solidifies Uniswap’s position as a leading player in decentralized finance, with over $1 billion in trading volume recorded in the past 24 hours. Uniswap Hits $38B Monthly Volume on Ethereum Layer 2s Last month, Uniswap shattered its monthly volume record on Ethereum layer-2 networks, signaling a resurgence of interest in DeFi. At the time, the decentralized exchange processed $38 billion in volume across major Ethereum layer-2 platforms like Base, Arbitrum, Polygon, Optimism, and others in November. The milestone surpasses the previous record set in March by $4 billion. In August, the Uniswap Foundation unveiled its financial summary for the second quarter , revealing a lot of cash and stablecoins and not so many UNI tokens. The report revealed that the Uniswap foundation holds $36.81 million in cash and stablecoins, alongside a modest reserve of 680,000 UNI tokens. These cash and stablecoin reserves are earmarked for grant-making and operational purposes, while the UNI tokens are allocated for employee incentives. The foundation expects these funds to support its activities until the end of 2025, with $26.12 million designated for grants and $10.69 million for operational costs. During Q2, the Uniswap Foundation approved over $3.2 million in new grants and distributed nearly $2.5 million from previously committed grants. Meanwhile, the foundation’s operating expenses for the quarter reached $1.6 million, with 8.2% directed towards advertising and marketing, 47.9% to payroll, and 35.2% to professional fees. The post Uniswap’s Unichain to Launch its DeFi-Focused Layer 2 Mainnet in Early 2025 appeared first on Cryptonews .
