Top Layer 2 blockchains: find the right fit for your project

May 9, 2025 15 minutes

Ethereum’s influence on the blockchain world is undeniable. It’s the foundation of countless dApps, smart contracts, and token economies. However, Ethereum’s potential comes with some baggage: high gas fees, slow transaction throughput, and network congestion during peak times. That’s where Layer 2 comes into play. No longer niche solutions, they’re now essential to Ethereum’s roadmap and the quest to onboard the next billion users.

Picking the right Layer 2 blockchain can feel like choosing the perfect pizza — there are so many options, and each one brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re diving into DeFi, NFTs, gaming, or building enterprise solutions, every blockchain has its own set of perks and quirks. Some are all about speed, some are security freaks, and others just want to play nice with existing Ethereum apps. It’s not a one-size-fits-all deal.

At Innowise, we’ve been elbows-deep in the world of Layer 2 for a while now. We know what works and why — and we’re here to help you make a smart, strategic choice. Ready to explore the top contenders? Let’s jump in!

Optimistic vs. zero-knowledge rollups

Rollups are at the heart of Ethereum’s Layer 2 scaling strategy. They bundle many transactions together off-chain, then post a single, compressed proof back to Ethereum. This helps reduce fees, ease congestion, and speed things up — all while keeping Ethereum’s core security intact. It’s how we get scalability without sacrificing decentralization.

There are two main players in the rollup game: optimistic vs. zero-knowledge (ZK) rollups. Each has its own strengths and trade-offs, and understanding these differences will help you make more informed decisions about which Layer 2 solution is best suited for your application.

Pensate a optimistic rollups as the optimistic ones in the blockchain world. They assume transactions are valid from the get-go, batching them off-chain and submitting them to Ethereum without double-checking right away. Instead, they leave a safety net — a “challenge window” (usually about a week) where anyone can flag a suspicious transaction. Such L2 blockchains as Arbitrum, Optimism, and Base follow this model because it’s fast and cheap. The downside? You might have to wait up to a week to withdraw funds to the main chain — unless you use liquidity networks or fast bridges to speed things up.

Now, picture ZK rollups as the cautious ones. They don’t just take transactions at face value. Instead, they cryptographically prove that each batch is legit before handing it off to Ethereum. This means faster withdrawals and ironclad security, with no waiting for disputes. zkSync, Starknet, and Polygon zkEVM swear by this method. The tech behind it? Proofs like SNARKs and STARKs — mathematical guarantees that the state transitions are correct. The catch is that generating these proofs requires hefty computation, making ZK rollups a bit more complex and costly to develop. But for apps that need instant finality and tight security, it’s a no-brainer.

Now that we’ve cleared things up about rollups and how they work under the hood, it’s time to look at what each Layer 2 blockchain actually brings to the table and how to choose the right one for your project!

Got a Layer 2 idea? Let’s map it out together.

Arbitrum: leading in DeFi, strong EVM compatibility, high TVL

Arbitrum is like Ethereum’s turbocharger — an optimistic rollup that batches transactions and sends them off to the main chain, slashing gas fees and boosting speed. The best part? It’s EVM-compatible, so developers can move their Ethereum dApps over with minimal hassle. With $2 billion+ TVL and a buzzing DeFi ecosystem, it’s one of the most trusted Layer 2 solutions.

Il Nitro upgrade took things up a notch, making transactions faster and cheaper while adding support for WebAssembly (WASM). That means developers can now code in Rust and C++. Plus, the upcoming Stylus feature will let Web2 devs dive into blockchain with familiar languages. It’s the same familiar Arbitrum, but faster, cheaper, and more accessible.

High-throughput DeFi

Arbitrum has become the go-to platform for Progetti DeFi due to its high throughput, low transaction costs, and compatibility with popular Ethereum protocols. Major DeFi applications like Uniswap, Aave, and Curve have launched on Arbitrum to take advantage of its scalability. Optimistic rollups bundle transactions to reduce on-chain data and fees, while Arbitrum’s EVM equivalence allows DeFi protocols to maintain their functionality without extensive reconfiguration.

The platform’s strong liquidity and efficient transaction processing make it an attractive choice for yield farming, lending, and decentralized trading. With the Nitro upgrade, DeFi protocols on Arbitrum benefit from faster processing times and lower gas costs, directly impacting user experience and protocol efficiency.

Low-latency DEX trading

DEXs like SushiSwap and GMX love Arbitrum for its low latency and minimal gas fees, making real-time trading a breeze with less slippage. Liquidity mining is also a win here, as lower costs mean more profit for traders who use high-frequency strategies. Arbitrum’s consensus model ensures quick transaction finality while keeping Ethereum’s security intact, and its fast bridges make moving tokens between L1 and L2 a smooth experience.

Plus, with integrations like Hop Protocol and Connext, Arbitrum makes assets flow freely across networks and keeps liquidity deep for DEX users. This mix of low fees, fast transactions, and cross-chain liquidity makes Arbitrum perfect for high-volume DEXs.

Optimized NFT infrastructure

Arbitrum’s low fees and high throughput make it a prime destination for NFT projects. Marketplaces like Treasure DAO leverage the chain’s cost efficiency, enabling affordable NFT minting and trading. The integration of popular wallet solutions, along with native support for ERC-721 and ERC-1155 standards, streamlines the process of creating and managing NFTs.

Optimism: rich DeFi ecosystem, OP stack, strong community

Optimism is an optimistic rollup that scales Ethereum without disrupting dApp compatibility. Known for its strong DeFi ecosystem, community-driven governance, and public goods funding, Optimism is a go-to for developers building scalable apps. The OP Stack is a standout feature that lets developers create custom Layer 2 chains and build a diverse, interconnected network.

EVM-compatible DeFi protocols

Optimism’s booming DeFi ecosystem draws projects that need lower fees and higher throughput. Big names like Synthetix and Uniswap V3 have moved to Optimism to enjoy faster transactions and much lower gas costs. Perpetual Protocol is a standout, using Optimism’s fast finality for high-frequency trading.

With the recent Bedrock upgrade, Optimism offers near-complete EVM equivalence, which makes it easy to deploy Ethereum-based DeFi protocols with minimal changes. This compatibility speeds up development, cuts costs, and brings more DeFi builders into the ecosystem.

Ecosystem-focused public governance

Optimism’s governance model is a unique blend of community involvement and ecosystem support. The Optimism Collective funds open-source projects through Retroactive Public Goods Funding (RetroPGF), which rewards developers after they deliver impactful tools. This approach motivates ongoing improvements rather than upfront grants.

The OP token plays a crucial role in governance and allows token holders to vote on funding proposals and ecosystem development. Integrating governance with the OP Stack means that developers can create custom governance models for their own rollups, aligning their community dynamics with their project goals. This flexibility is particularly attractive for DAOs and community-centric platforms.

Custom L2 chains with OP Stack

The OP Stack makes Optimism stand out as more than just a single Layer 2 solution — it’s a framework for building application-specific rollups. Developers can create tailored L2 chains that maintain interoperability within the larger Optimism ecosystem. A prime example is Base, developed by Coinbase, which uses the OP Stack to build a chain optimized for high transaction throughput and close integration with Coinbase’s ecosystem.

The OP Stack’s modularity allows developers to customize key elements, including the execution environment, consensus model, and governance framework. This modular approach means developers can launch their own L2 chains while still being part of the Superchain, an interconnected network of OP-based rollups that share liquidity and data. The result is a scalable, collaborative environment where projects can grow independently yet benefit from ecosystem synergy.

Base: NFT-centric, incubated by Coinbase, fast-growing

Base, developed by Coinbase, is an Optimistic rollup built using the OP Stack. It’s designed to support high transaction volumes and seamlessly integrate with Coinbase’s ecosystem, making it an attractive platform for NFT-centric projects and community-driven applications. Since its launch, Base has seen rapid growth, driven by its focus on low-cost transactions and easy access for users, thanks to direct integration with Coinbase Wallet and fiat on-ramps.

Mass-scale NFT minting and trading

Base has quickly established itself as a prime hub for NFT projects thanks to its NFT-centric design. Creators enjoy low fees and high visibility, while projects can leverage Base’s fast transaction finality for large NFT drops and community events. The Coinbase Wallet integration makes minting, trading, and managing digital assets smooth and hassle-free.

One of Base’s key strengths is its ability to handle mass minting events without network slowdowns. By using the OP Stack’s throughput optimization, Base ensures high-demand events run smoothly.

Base also supports cross-chain NFT interactions and allows assets to move between Base, Ethereum, and other OP-based chains in the Superchain. This interoperability helps NFT projects expand their reach across multiple networks and access a wider audience.

dApps for social engagement

Social dApps thrive on Base due to its low-cost transactions and seamless Coinbase integration. This makes it ideal for community platforms, social tokens, and user-generated content apps. Base’s architecture also supports integrated tokenomics. It enables social apps to reward users with native tokens for interactions, content creation, and participation, which boosts engagement and retention.

Leveraging the OP Stack, Base allows for custom governance mechanisms, so community dApps can implement voting and decision-making features, which is perfect for projects driven to build community DAOs or user-driven platforms.

Onboarding new users to Web3

One of Base’s core strengths is lowering the barrier to entry for non-crypto users. New users can easily transition from traditional finance to decentralized applications without the typical friction of crypto onboarding. By leveraging Coinbase’s fiat on-ramp, users can fund their wallets directly from their bank accounts, which makes it significantly easier to start interacting with dApps on Base.

This user-friendly approach is especially valuable for projects targeting a mainstream audience, such as consumer apps, loyalty programs, or digital collectibles. The ability to seamlessly link Base with existing Coinbase accounts provides a sense of familiarity and trust, crucial for onboarding users who may be hesitant to dive into crypto.

Modern L2 tech stacks are becoming more customizable than ever, almost like a ‘blockchain-as-a-stack’ approach where you can choose the modules you need. Innowise can help you decide whether you should use existing L2 solutions or look into building your own L2, depending on your business needs. We’re here from the start — choosing the right tech, setting up validators, bridging to Ethereum, and making sure everything runs smoothly.

Dmitry Nazarevich

Direttore tecnologico

zkSync Era: fast finality, focus on FinTech and DeFi

zkSync Era is a cutting-edge ZK rollup that focuses on delivering fast finality and secure transactions. As one of the first general-purpose ZK rollups to launch, zkSync Era supports both Solidity and Vyper, which makes it accessible to developers already familiar with the Ethereum ecosystem. Its primary focus is on FinTech and DeFi applications, where speed and security are critical.

Scalable payment solutions

zkSync Era excels as a platform for payment solutions, thanks to its fast finality and minimal transaction fees. The network’s ability to confirm transactions almost instantaneously makes it ideal for peer-to-peer payments, micropayment solutions, and B2B financial apps. Projects focused on facilitating real-time transactions can leverage zkSync to reduce operational costs and deliver a smoother user experience.

Account abstraction further improves payment solutions by allowing users to pay gas fees in any supported ERC-20 token rather than just ETH. This flexibility reduces friction for end users, especially when integrating payments into mainstream financial applications. By supporting multi-signature wallets and social recovery, zkSync also addresses common security concerns that arise when managing funds in a decentralized environment.

High-speed DeFi apps

zkSync Era is rapidly becoming a favorite among DeFi developers due to its security-first approach and high throughput. Protocols like SyncSwap and Mute take advantage of zkSync’s capabilities to offer secure, fast, and cost-efficient decentralized trading. High-frequency traders, in particular, benefit from the network’s ability to process multiple transactions per second without incurring prohibitive gas fees.

The zkEVM design is crucial here, as it ensures that smart contracts can be executed with the same efficiency as on Ethereum. This makes it easy for existing DeFi projects to migrate their code without significant modifications. zkSync also supports liquidity mining, yield farming, and decentralized lending through integrated tooling and partnerships with major DeFi platforms. The instant finality and reduced gas fees are significant advantages for users who need to move funds quickly between protocols or participate in automated trading strategies.

Gas-efficient NFT minting

zkSync’s low fees and rapid confirmation times make it an excellent choice for NFT platforms. Projects focused on minting, trading, and transferring NFTs can take advantage of zkSync’s scalability to offer users a frictionless experience. Unlike some L2 solutions that require lengthy withdrawal periods, zkSync’s fast finality means that NFT owners can instantly transfer or sell their assets, keeping the market dynamic and liquid.

Another advantage is zkSync’s focus on gas-efficient minting, which significantly lowers the cost of creating new NFTs compared to Ethereum’s L1. This cost reduction encourages artists and creators to experiment with high-volume NFT drops and collectible series without worrying about exorbitant gas fees. The seamless wallet integration also supports multi-chain NFT management, allowing users to interact with assets stored on both zkSync and Ethereum.

DeFi, NFTs, games — whatever your use case, we’ve got your back.

Starknet: high throughput, Cairo language, experimental projects

Starknet is a ZK rollup built on STARK (Scalable Transparent Arguments of Knowledge) technology, designed to enhance Ethereum’s scalability by enabling fast, secure, and cost-efficient transactions. What sets Starknet apart is its use of the Cairo language instead of Solidity to write more computationally intensive contracts that are harder to replicate on other chains. This makes Starknet particularly suited for complex DeFi protocols, on-chain games, and data-heavy apps.

The StarkEx framework, also developed by StarkWare, powers high-performance applications like dYdX and Immutable X, but Starknet takes it a step further by offering a fully general-purpose ZK rollup. The focus on experimentation and innovation makes it an ideal environment for projects that push the boundaries of blockchain technology.

High-performance DeFi protocols

Starknet is quickly making a name for itself in the DeFi space due to its ability to handle complex computations without the high costs. Projects like JediSwap and MySwap leverage Starknet’s high throughput for fast, high-frequency trading and liquidity aggregation. Unlike other ZK rollups, Starknet’s STARK-based architecture processes large amounts of data smoothly, making it a solid choice for advanced DeFi applications.

Thanks to Cairo, developers can write contracts that handle intricate calculations, perfect for algorithmic trading. Though Cairo has a steeper learning curve than Solidity, it’s worth it for developers looking to build cutting-edge financial products. Plus, Starknet’s active open-source DeFi community keeps things collaborative and innovative.

On-chain gaming and interactive dApps

Starknet is fast becoming the go-to network for on-chain games and interactive apps. Its ability to handle complex game logic and high transaction throughput makes it perfect for real-time, decentralized gaming. Thanks to Cairo’s efficiency, developers can build complex mechanics and multi-step interactions directly on-chain, without the lag seen on EVM-based chains.

For game devs, Starknet’s modular contract architecture allows features like on-chain leaderboards, real-time asset transfers, and game state updates, all while avoiding congestion. Plus, the Starknet Gaming DAO provides grants and support, fueling innovation.

Data-intensive dApps and decentralized data processing

Starknet is a game-changer for data-heavy dApps and decentralized data processing. If you’re building something that needs to handle large datasets, like machine learning or on-chain analytics, Starknet’s architecture has the power to process and verify that data quickly and securely. Thanks to STARK proofs, Starknet can scale without slowing down, which is perfect for projects like data marketplaces, real-time analytics, or prediction markets that need fast data processing.

With its modular approach and Cairo, developers can easily build data pipelines directly on-chain, so you can run complex data transformations for things like DeFi dashboards that pull from multiple sources. And with recursive proofs, Starknet takes data throughput to the next level, enabling seamless, ongoing data validation for use cases like on-chain governance or real-time financial metrics.

Polygon zkEVM: EVM equivalence, strong brand presence

Polygon zkEVM is an Ethereum-compatible ZK rollup designed to bring the security benefits of ZK tech to a familiar EVM environment. As part of Polygon’s broader multi-scaling strategy, zkEVM allows developers to migrate existing Ethereum dApps without any code changes. Its full EVM equivalence makes it highly attractive for developers already working within Ethereum’s ecosystem, enabling them to leverage the benefits of zk-rollups without learning new languages or making extensive modifications.

Cross-chain DeFi platforms

Polygon zkEVM has quickly become a go-to for DeFi platforms that need high throughput and security. Projects like Aave and QuickSwap are deploying on Polygon zkEVM to offer seamless cross-chain lending and trading. Thanks to its EVM compatibility, these projects can keep using their existing code while enjoying the scalability benefits of zk-rollups.

Con full bytecode-level compatibility with Ethereum, Polygon zkEVM lets developers deploy Solidity smart contracts without any changes. This makes the transition to Layer 2 incredibly easy, saving both time and resources. Plus, ZK proofs guarantee transaction validity, so there’s no risk of fraud or invalid states. This makes Polygon zkEVM a secure platform for managing high-volume DeFi activities.

Enterprise blockchain applications

Polygon zkEVM is an ideal choice for enterprises looking to adopt blockchain for financial and business operations. Its EVM compatibility makes it easy to integrate with existing Ethereum-based systems with minimal development effort. Industries like finance, supply chain, and healthcare can now deploy blockchain solutions for secure, decentralized operations while staying compatible with their legacy systems.

One of zkEVM’s standout features is its ability to support privacy-preserving transactions, essential for businesses handling sensitive financial or personal data. By using zero-knowledge proofs, zkEVM makes sure transaction details are verified without exposing the underlying data, offering the confidentiality required to meet data protection regulations while leveraging blockchain.

NFT marketplaces with enhanced security

Polygon zkEVM provides a solid foundation for NFT marketplaces, where users can mint, trade, and transfer digital assets with low fees and strong security. By using zkEVM’s scalability and instant finality, NFT projects can offer instant ownership transfers without the delays seen on Ethereum’s Layer 1. This provides a smooth experience for both collectors and creators.

Polygon zkEVM also lowers the cost of minting NFTs, which helps artists and creators minimize overhead while using blockchain technology. Low gas fees encourage frequent transactions, boosting activity in NFT markets with a variety of collectible assets. The network’s high throughput allows large-scale NFT drops to run efficiently, even with thousands of participants.

Linea: ZK rollup with strong ConsenSys integration

Linea, developed by ConsenSys, is a ZK rollup that brings together the power of zero-knowledge proofs and EVM compatibility. This makes it simple for developers to move their existing Ethereum dApps onto a scalable blockchain. It provides high-performance transaction processing while maintaining the security and decentralization that Ethereum offers.

Linea is designed to support both small dApps and large enterprise solutions. It combines developer-friendly tools with the scalability required for enterprise-level needs. Low fees and fast transaction finality make Linea a compelling choice for developers seeking efficiency without compromising on performance.

ZK-powered DeFi apps

For DeFi applications, Linea is a powerful solution. Its EVM compatibility allows for rapid deployment, and its infrastructure provides reliability. Uniswap and other major DeFi projects are exploring Linea because it scales seamlessly while maintaining Ethereum’s security. The platform’s ZK rollup architecture processes high transaction volumes quickly, which is critical for DeFi apps.

The integration with MetaMask makes it easy for users to start interacting with DeFi protocols — whether they are trading, staking, or participating in liquidity pools. With instant finality, transactions happen in real-time, leaving behind the delays typically seen with Ethereum’s Layer 1.

Enterprise solutions and financial dApps

For enterprises, especially in financial sectors like accounting, auditing, or high-frequency transactions, Linea is an excellent fit. The low transaction fees make it ideal for financial dApps where speed is essential for profitability and user engagement.

With ZK proofs, Linea guarantees the integrity of every transaction without revealing sensitive data. This makes it an ideal solution for large-scale payments, financial settlements, and internal reporting systems that require the highest standards of security and scalability.

Decentralized identity verification

One of Linea’s standout uses is in decentralized identity verification, especially for KYC and credential validation. This is essential for industries like finance, healthcare, and government services, where privacy is crucial.

Linea’s modular architecture allows developers to create customized identity management solutions. Whether it’s for secure access control or decentralized identity systems, Linea can be tailored to suit specific needs. Using ZK proofs, it ensures that personal information remains confidential while still validating user credentials, giving organizations the trust they need in the data.

Immutable X: NFT and gaming focus, gasless trading

Immutable X is a Layer 2 solution tailored for NFT minting and gaming, powered by the StarkEx engine for high scalability and fast throughput. Its standout feature is gas-free transactions — perfect for platforms where assets move frequently, like NFT marketplaces and blockchain-based games.

Creator-friendly NFT marketplaces

Immutable X has quickly become the go-to for NFT marketplaces like Rarible and OpenSea, thanks to its ability to offer a gasless trading experience. Without gas fees, creators and collectors can mint and trade NFTs without the usual high costs tied to Ethereum. Thanks to StarkEx’s high-speed transactions, everything happens almost instantly, which makes it an ideal platform for projects looking to scale. Plus, the simple API integration allows developers to bring their marketplaces over to Immutable X with minimal work, so they can stay focused on what matters most.

With Immutable X, marketplaces can offer a smooth, low-cost experience for buyers and sellers. Whether you’re dealing with big drops or small trades, transactions stay fast and efficient, boosting market liquidity and encouraging wider adoption.

NFT-driven blockchain gaming

For blockchain games, Immutable X’s gas-free model is a game-changer. Titles like Gods Unchained and Guild of Guardians already use it for in-game asset trading. Players can buy, sell, and trade items without gas fees cutting into their rewards. It’s perfect for games that need constant, fast transactions, whether it’s in-game economies, NFTs, or player-to-player exchanges.

Immutable X also supports popular NFT standards like ERC-721 and ERC-1155, which means players can easily manage their digital assets across different games and platforms. For developers, Immutable X is a scalable solution that can handle the high volume of transactions that games need without getting bogged down by Ethereum’s congestion. And with no gas fees for in-game trades, developers can create more complex economies and richer player experiences.

Brand loyalty programs

Immutable X is also a fantastic tool for brands looking to create loyalty programs with NFTs. Companies can issue gas-free NFT rewards like exclusive digital items or special perks. This makes their loyalty programs cost-effective, especially when issuing large numbers of tokens.

Brands can add NFT rewards to their existing loyalty systems without a headache. This allows businesses to boost engagement without worrying about the costs usually associated with traditional reward programs. Whether it’s offering rare NFTs as rewards for purchases or engaging loyal customers with exclusive collectibles, Immutable X helps brands build programs that are both sustainable and affordable.

Don’t wait — let’s build your next-gen dApp on the best Layer 2!

The developer journey across Layer 2s

Now that I’ve covered the most common use cases for top Layer 2 solutions, there’s another point worth diving into: the developer experience. No matter how amazing a tech stack is, if developers feel like they’re constantly jumping through hoops to make it work, it’s going to flop. That’s why it’s essential to think beyond just features and performance. Let’s break down what different L2s offer when it comes to making life easier for the people building on them.

Documentation & tools

Virtually all major Layer 2 projects offer extensive documentation and familiar developer environments. EVM-compatible rollups like Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon zkEVM, Linea, and zkSync support standard Ethereum tooling (e.g., Hardhat, Truffle, ethers.js, web3.js). This allows developers to switch chains with minimal friction — often by just updating an RPC endpoint.

Linea emphasizes ease of onboarding by tightly integrating with Truffle and MetaMask. zkSync goes further with CLI tools, multilingual SDKs, and documentation on account abstraction. Starknet provides its own compiler, devnet, and tooling ecosystem, including Voyager (a Starknet block explorer), starknet.js, and starknet.py. Solidity developers can leverage transpilers like Warp to convert existing contracts into Cairo-compatible code.

Community & learning support

Whichever L2 you go for, there’s a good chance you’ll find an active community that’s ready to support your ideas with mentorship or just good old peer advice. Optimism has taken a unique approach to community engagement with its Retroactive Public Goods Funding. You build, the community benefits, and then you might just get a reward from the Optimism Collective. It’s a fresh take on incentivizing open-source contributions and ecosystem growth.

Arbitrum doesn’t fall far behind. With the ARB token launch, they’ve teamed up with Alchemy to drop a hefty $10M grant program to support developers building Orbit chains. It’s not just about handing out funds; it’s about fueling real innovation and giving devs the resources to make their projects a reality.

And then there’s Polygon, where developer outreach is practically a lifestyle. They’re always sponsoring hackathons and actively engaging with projects to make the community feel supported. StarkNet is playing catch-up, but they’re on the right track with the StarkNet Foundation, which is laying down funding for ecosystem projects and infrastructure.

SDKs and developer integrations

Several L2s also ship niche SDKs or APIs to simplify integration across different platforms:

zkSync offers SDKs for platforms like Unity (perfect for game developers) and mobile (Android, iOS) to facilitate integrating zkSync payments. This makes bringing Web3 functionalities into games and mobile apps easier.
Starknet includes Python bindings, which are a game-changer for developers focused on algorithmic trading or data science. Cairo, Starknet’s language, started as a low-level language but is evolving with higher-level syntax (Cairo 1.0 is starting to look a lot like Rust). This can attract Rust developers and anyone interested in exploring new tech.
Linea integrates seamlessly with ConsenSys tooling, including MetaMask, Infura, and Truffle, allowing dApps to easily plug into users’ existing wallets. This tight integration makes it developer-friendly and lowers the entry barrier for Ethereum devs.
Arbitrum’s upcoming Stylus initiative lets developers write smart contracts using languages like Rust, C, or C++ through WebAssembly, significantly expanding the pool of devs who can code on-chain.

Grant programs and startup support

Most Layer 2 ecosystems offer structured grant programs to support innovation, ecosystem growth, and public goods. Here’s a quick look at some of the most notable ones:

Layer 2 chain	Grant program	Notable features
Ottimismo	$850M OP token pool	RetroPGF rewards developers post-contribution. Focus on public goods and community-driven innovation.
Arbitrum	Arbitrum DAO Treasury	$10M+ Alchemy fund for Orbit chains. Supports infrastructure projects, community tools, and DeFi apps. Emphasis on decentralized governance.
Polygon	Ecosystem Fund	Direct investments and frequent hackathons. Often partners with accelerators and venture funds for long-term project growth.
zkSync	Early ecosystem grants	Focus on user experience, payment solutions, and hyperchains. Aims to foster mass adoption through improved UX and fast transactions.
Starknet	StarkNet Foundation	Funding for Cairo tooling, dApp innovation, and ecosystem growth. Actively supports open-source projects and community education.
Linea	Builder support from ConsenSys	Native integration with MetaMask and Infura. Offers tech guidance and reliable infrastructure through ConsenSys.

At Innowise, we stay actively involved in these ecosystems, not just to keep our skills sharp, but also to guide our clients through the grant application process. We help connect them with the right L2 communities and make sure they leverage available resources — from testnet faucets to marketing support on mainnet launch.

Conclusione

Ethereum scaling isn’t just a theory anymore. It’s happening right now, thanks to Layer 2 solutions that are making Ethereum faster, more efficient, and more accessible. At Innowise, we’ve been right in the middle of this evolution. We know every project has its own needs, and that’s why we work closely with you to figure out what will work best. With us by your side, you get the best of Layer 2’s speed, security, and scalability, all tailored to your project.

Got a project in mind or looking to scale an existing one? Let’s make it happen together.

Andrew Nalichaev

Esperto di Blockchain e analista DeFi

Andrew lives and breathes blockchain. He helps clients navigate a space that’s constantly evolving — translating big ideas into technical strategies that are secure, scalable, and built for real-world use.

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