Token airdrops have become a favored tactic among cryptocurrency projects to foster community growth and enhance financial sustainability. Typically, the airdrop strategy aligns with the objectives of the respective project.
Rumors suggest that several well-known cryptocurrency projects, such as Layer Zero, Quai, Sui, ZigZag, and Shardeum, plan to distribute a portion of their native tokens to their communities in 2023.
What are Crypto Airdrops?
Cryptocurrency projects heavily rely on incentivization to generate interest in their brand and products. Airdrops serve as a dual marketing and reward system, aiming to introduce users to the project while providing them with incentives. Enhancing eligibility for new airdrops often involves utilizing the testnet, as outlined in the list below.
Initially, early airdrop programs were designed to introduce a project, whether new or existing, to the cryptocurrency community. They rewarded new users for completing simple social tasks, with participants receiving a specific number of token rewards upon completion.
As the year 2023 is characterized by a large number of interesting aidropes, let’s take a look at some likely airdrops that might happen over the year, and how you can qualify for these upcoming crypto airdrops.
Layer Zero
Layer Zero is a cutting-edge inter-chain communication protocol developed on the Omnichain platform. Leveraging oracle technology, Layer Zero enables the seamless transfer of information among applications operating on diverse blockchain networks. Unlike mere asset bridging, Layer Zero aims to establish comprehensive communication across blockchain networks, ultimately uniting them into a single cohesive system. This is achieved by enabling applications built on one blockchain to access and utilize infrastructures from other chains. To ensure the security of these inter-chain transactions, Layer Zero incorporates robust validation processes on the receiving chain.
Starknet
Starknet operates as a zero-knowledge Layer 2 solution that addresses the constraints of conventional wallets, referred to as Externally Owned Accounts (EOA), by employing account abstraction (AA). By leveraging account abstraction, regular user accounts are transformed into smart contracts, enabling novel interactions with decentralized applications (dApps). This innovation expands the possibilities for users, including the ability to make gas payments in any token and schedule recurring payments. Through the integration of AA into its wallets and applications, the Starknet blockchain ensures a smooth user experience, facilitating seamless interactions with the network via smart wallets.
Why an Airdrop is Likely
Starknet has revealed its plans to introduce a Starknet token; however, specific details regarding its release are yet to be disclosed. Notably, the team behind Starknet, Starkware, has successfully secured multiple rounds of funding, leading to a valuation of $8 billion. In an effort to enhance protocol decentralization, there is a possibility that an airdrop may be offered as a means to acknowledge and reward early community supporters for their valuable contributions.
To enhance your eligibility for the Starknet airdrop, there are several steps you can take. First, you can begin by installing the Starknet wallet, Argent X. This wallet will serve as your gateway to the Starknet ecosystem. Next, you can bridge your funds into Starknet, enabling you to seamlessly transfer assets to the network. By interacting with the live dApps on the Starknet mainnet, you actively engage with the platform, further increasing your chances of qualifying for the airdrop.
Additionally, utilizing the Argent X wallet to interact with the diverse range of dApps on Starknet allows you to claim NFT drops, opening up opportunities to participate in exciting events and collect unique digital assets. By actively participating in the Starknet ecosystem through these actions, you can maximize your eligibility for the airdrop while enjoying the benefits of engaging with the platform’s offerings.
zkSync
zkSync utilizes Layer 2 solutions to offer a more efficient and alternative approach to utilizing the Ethereum blockchain. These Layer 2 solutions aim to enhance transaction speed and reduce costs while leveraging the robust security of the Ethereum network. zkSync achieves this through a modified version of ZK-rollup. Additionally, Matterlabs’ Opportunity protocol, with the zkSync 2.0 upgrade, strives to deliver high-performance capabilities on its network.
The Opportunity protocol introduces HyperChains, which are interoperable blockchains supporting multiple systems. zkSync highlights that HyperChains provide flexibility, enabling developers to choose the optimal configuration for their applications and chains, empowering them with a range of options. This approach enhances customization and empowers developers to design and deploy their applications in a manner that suits their specific requirements.
Why an Airdrop is Likely
As per the developer documentation, there has been a long-standing plan to introduce a token for the zkSync network, although specific details have yet to be disclosed. However, considering the ambitious growth trajectory of zkSync, with various projects expected to deploy their solutions on the platform, the expansion of this ecosystem will likely necessitate the presence of a token. This token would play a crucial role in driving the financial systems and supporting the technologies within the zkSync network, further solidifying its position as a thriving ecosystem.
ZigZag
To increase your chances of qualifying for a zkSync airdrop, it is highly probable that utilizing applications deployed on the zkSync network will be a key criterion. Opting for ZigZag, a decentralized exchange operating on zkSync, as your preferred application may provide you with an additional opportunity to earn an airdrop.
In contrast to the prevalent Automated Market Maker (AMM) approach used by many decentralized exchanges (DEXes), ZigZag operates as an order book-based DEX. With ZigZag’s order book technology, traders can submit their bids, which are then placed in a queue similar to centralized exchanges. Unlike AMMs, where orders are immediately executed, ZigZag’s order book system ensures that orders remain in the queue until the specified conditions are met for execution. This allows users to conveniently place their orders directly from their personal wallets, offering greater control and flexibility in trading on the platform.
Why an Airdrop is Likely
ZigZag has successfully launched its native token, known as the ZigZag token, which serves as the currency for operating the ZigZag exchange DAO. Excitingly, the ZigZag team has confirmed the upcoming airdrop and expressed their intention to distribute rewards to the community. This announcement ensures that the ZigZag community will have the opportunity to participate in the airdrop and benefit from the project’s initiatives.
Scroll
Similar to zkSync, Scroll is another zero-knowledge Layer 2 solution designed to scale Ethereum while prioritizing user privacy. It implements a hierarchical zero-knowledge proof system, enabling straightforward deployment and streamlined verification processes. Additionally, Scroll utilizes L2 mining, which effectively separates transaction packing from the mining process, safeguarding against potential negative Miner Extractable Value (MEV) scenarios.
Why an Airdrop is Likely
As a Layer 2 solution, there’s a chance that Scroll will eventually release a token for protocol governance, as seen in the case of Arbitrum, Optimism, and zkSync’s confirmed token.
Sei Network
Sei Network, a Layer 1 blockchain on Cosmos, is specifically designed to enhance the performance of decentralized exchanges (DEXs) by meeting their critical requirements of reliability, scalability, and speed. Key features of Sei include:
- Native order matching engine optimized for orderbook DEX scalability.
- Industry-leading fast finality time of approximately 600ms.
- Protection against frontrunning through frequent batch auctioning, where orders are aggregated and market orders are executed at the same price.
- Twin-turbo consensus mechanism that improves latency and throughput by employing optimistic block processing and intelligent block propagation.
- Specialized parallelization for DeFi applications, enhancing their efficiency and effectiveness.
Sei Network’s innovative capabilities make it a valuable solution for DEXs and DeFi protocols seeking to optimize their operations and deliver enhanced experiences to users.
Why an Airdrop is Likely
Sei Network has recently unveiled the final version of their testnet, marking an important milestone before the mainnet launch. As a gesture of appreciation towards participants and early adopters, Sei Network has allocated 1% of its total token supply for testnet rewards. Users can earn points by successfully completing four testnet missions, and once the testnet period concludes, participants’ scores will be calculated. Token rewards will then be distributed based on the accumulated testnet points. This initiative aims to recognize and incentivize the active engagement of community members during the testnet phase.
Shardeum
While you embark on your search for the next noteworthy airdrop opportunity, Shardeum is actively exploring ways to provide an exceptional blockchain experience through its Layer 1 network. Leveraging sharding technology, Shardeum aims to develop a next-generation smart contract blockchain that prioritizes speed and efficiency.
As an EVM-based blockchain network, Shardeum employs sharding technology to create a network of split chains capable of executing transactions. User requests are distributed across these shards, enabling efficient processing by the network. With a projected speed of up to 2,000 transactions per second, Shardeum aims to deliver a highly scalable and high-performance blockchain. The network operates on the Proof-of-Stake and Proof-of-Quorum consensus mechanisms, further enhancing its robustness and security.
Why an Airdrop is Likely
Without a doubt, Shardeum has confirmed its plans to release a native token in the future. Moreover, Shardeum has specifically reserved a portion of its native token for the community. In a thrilling announcement, Shardeum has disclosed that 5% of the total token supply will be allocated for airdrops, guaranteeing active community participation and allowing them to reap the rewards of the project’s growth and success.
Quai Network
Quai Network strives to enhance scalability and user experience by merging the security of Proof-of-Work with the scalability benefits of sharding. This innovative approach allows miners to validate multiple chains using the same mining hardware and bandwidth. Each independent chain, or shard, within the network can autonomously process transactions and accurately record them on individual and general ledgers. As a result, Quai Network achieves an impressive transaction speed of up to 50,000 transactions per second (TPS), showcasing its commitment to high-performance blockchain solutions.
Quai Network has a social media reward program, which incentivizes the crypto community to engage with the project socially, distributing Quai tokens to enthusiasts who successfully complete the social task. The distribution of rewards is pending and is expected to take place following the mainnet launch.
Atlendis
Atlendis revolutionizes the borrowing and lending landscape by enabling borrowers to obtain loans without collateral, while simultaneously providing lenders with attractive returns that compensate for the associated risks. Designed to serve institutions, protocols, and individuals in the finance sector, Atlendis offers a flexible avenue for accessing capital from lending markets. Lenders, in turn, enjoy enhanced rewards and leverage risk-management facilities provided by Atlendis, further optimizing their lending experience.
Although the possibility of an Atlendis airdrop remains speculative currently, you can potentially increase your chances by actively engaging with the Atlendis protocol. One approach is to deposit supported assets into the protocol’s staking pools, which may present an opportunity for participation and potential rewards.
ZetaChain
The growing trend of interoperability protocols on Omnichain includes ZetaChain, a project focused on establishing a secure and efficient communication system between diverse blockchain networks. As a smart contract platform, ZetaChain enables seamless data exchange between smart contracts and other blockchain networks. Setting itself apart from similar initiatives, ZetaChain goes beyond by providing support for its own smart contracts and offering extensive interaction capabilities for applications built using its protocols. This comprehensive approach distinguishes ZetaChain as a promising player in the realm of blockchain interoperability.
Why an Airdrop is Likely
As of now, ZetaChain has not yet released its native token. However, the live testnet allows users to explore the platform and experience its various features. It is highly likely that the project will introduce its native token once the platform is fully operational. During this period, users have the opportunity to accumulate testnet points by engaging in specific activities. These points are expected to have future value and may eventually be converted into token rewards.
Zeta Points can be earned by connecting to the ZetaChain platform and performing regular activities like testnet token transfers and swapping. Social activities like referring new testers also earn the referrer Zeta Points and even more points when the invitee performs transactions on the platform. The ZetaChain bug bounty program also rewards testers with Zeta points for finding and reporting issues. Completing these tasks may increase your probability of being eligible for the ZetaChain airdrop.
Conclusion
While we have provided a list of potential airdrops for 2023, it is important to note that this compilation is not comprehensive, and there is no certainty that the mentioned airdrops will occur. However, certain patterns have emerged regarding how to enhance your eligibility, including remaining actively involved in the cryptocurrency space and engaging with the respective projects. By staying informed and actively participating, you can increase your chances of qualifying for future airdrop opportunities.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
