Author: 137Labs
At the end of each year and the beginning of the next, the crypto space is always flooded with various airdrop prediction lists. Some claim that the airdrop红利 (dividends/benefits) are exhausted, but every cycle sees new projects breaking this assertion with substantial returns.
I have梳理 (sorted through) numerous active ecosystem projects and compiled an observation list based on dimensions such as product maturity, team background, and community activity. It should be noted that not all of these projects are guaranteed to have airdrops, but most are in critical stages of development and are worth investing time to understand and even participate in.
My Evaluation Framework: Three-Dimensional Scoring Method
I look at projects through three core dimensions:
Necessity: Does this project really need a token?
Sustainability: Can the product survive through cycles?
Fairness: Does the airdrop mechanism reward genuine contributions?
Below is a specific project analysis categorized by sector.
Key Sectors and Project Overview
Prediction Markets
Prediction markets typically rely on continuous user participation and liquidity provision, exhibiting strong user stickiness characteristics.
Polymarket: Large user base, high product maturity, has clearly announced airdrop-related arrangements.
·Kalshi: A prediction market platform operating within a regulatory framework.
·Myriad Markets: User-friendly interface and mobile experience, frequent community interaction.
·Predictfully: Prediction platform within the Avalanche ecosystem, active recent updates.
·Melee Markets: In the early stages, product mechanisms are still being tested.
Trading & Liquidity Protocols
Trading protocols are always a core part of on-chain activity, with newer generation products emphasizing efficiency and integration capabilities.
·Titan Exchange: Aggregated trading platform on Solana.
·Backpack: Comprehensive platform encompassing trading and asset management functions.
·Jupiter: Major liquidity gateway on Solana.
·Paradex: Trading protocol focused on perpetual contracts.
·Bulk Trade: Emerging derivatives platform on Solana, currently in testnet phase.
AI & Decentralized Computing
The integration of AI and blockchain is gradually moving from conceptual exploration to the infrastructure layer.
·Abstract Chain: Layer1 network targeting AI agent execution scenarios.
·RitualNet: Project related to decentralized AI computing, active community technical discussions.
·Inference Labs: Focuses on AI inference infrastructure.
·OpenMind AGI: Direction of AI and robotics application layer, frequent product iterations.
·PrismaXai: Early-stage project combining AI and robotics.
Solana Ecosystem Projects
·As Solana's activity recovers, some protocols are gradually becoming part of the ecosystem's infrastructure.
·Hylo: Built around stablecoins and yield strategies.
·Loopscale: Provides lending and loop lending mechanisms.
·Exponent Finance: Yield and liquidity management platform.
·DeFi Tuna: AMM tool for advanced LP users.
Privacy & Scaling Infrastructure
·Privacy and scalability remain long-term focus areas for infrastructure.
·Fairblock Network: Underlying protocol with a focus on privacy.
·0xMiden: Layer2 project based on ZK technology.
·Umi Network: ZK Rollup infrastructure, currently in testing phase.
·Inco Network: Exploratory project in the direction of a modular trust layer.
Real World Assets (RWA) & Payments
·RWA and payment projects are gradually extending into practical use cases.
·KAST Card: Crypto payment card project.
·Phygitals: Platform for tokenizing physical assets.
·MultipliFi: RWA trading marketplace.
·Tria: User experience-oriented crypto payment application.
Social & Information Protocols
·Information value capture and social relationship chains are emerging directions in recent years.
·Kaito AI: Information analysis and discussion platform.
·Base: SocialFi application focusing on daily interaction.
·Xeet AI: Project related to the information ecosystem.
·Cookiedot.fun: Collaborative participation platform.
Observations on Participation Methods
As the industry develops, project teams are increasingly inclined to identify genuine usage behavior rather than just the number of interactions. Product usage, community discussion, feedback, and collaboration are becoming more common forms of participation. At the same time, participation itself is more like a process of understanding new products and models, rather than a purely result-oriented action.
Conclusion
Airdrops are merely a way for projects to connect with early supporters, not an end in themselves. For participants, what is more important is perhaps: in a changing cycle, to continuously observe, understand, and experience the projects that truly drive the ecosystem forward.
The opportunities in 2026 may be more dispersed, but in certain specific sectors and among projects undergoing long-term development, they are still worth maintaining attention and patience for.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute any investment advice. The crypto market is extremely high risk. Before participating in any airdrop or making any investment decision, please be sure to conduct your own research and make decisions cautiously.
