According to the latest data from Token Terminal and CryptoRus, Hedera’s core developer activity surged significantly in Q2 2025, propelling it into the ranks of top Layer-1 networks alongside Ethereum, Cardano, Chainlink, and Internet Computer (ICP).
Behind this trend is the Hedera Foundation’s strong commitment to the DeFi ecosystem. In the first half of 2025, Hedera launched a comprehensive incentive program encompassing developer grants, smart contract tool optimization, DApp deployment support, and DeFi project partnerships. These efforts attracted a wave of high-quality developers and teams to build decentralized finance applications on the Hedera network, spanning lending, stablecoins, synthetic assets, cross-chain bridges, and more.
“We’re seeing not just a rapid rise in the number of developers, but also significant innovation in protocol design,” a Hedera Foundation spokesperson stated. “Our goal is to build a scalable, secure, and low-carbon DeFi infrastructure layer.”
A Rapidly Maturing Developer Ecosystem
The noticeable increase in active developers on GitHub has become a key indicator of a blockchain project’s technological vitality. To improve the development experience, the Hedera Foundation introduced tools such as the Hedera Developer Playground and Hedera AI Studio—the latter focused on integrating AI and blockchain to enhance transparency and trustworthiness in Web3 agents.
Usage of Hedera’s native token HBAR on-chain is also on the rise. According to Messari data, both transaction volume and Total Value Locked (TVL) on the Hedera network achieved double-digit growth in Q2 2025, indicating parallel growth in developer and end-user engagement.
Among Hedera’s DeFi ecosystem, SaucerSwap stands out as the most prominent project. As the network’s first and largest decentralized exchange (DEX), SaucerSwap has surpassed $47.4 million in TVL and accumulated over $3.8 billion in trading volume. It supports staking, governance, LP provisioning, and cross-chain asset interactions.
With the integration of cross-chain bridge protocol Hashport, SaucerSwap has also enabled asset interaction between Hedera and major chains like Ethereum, establishing itself as a crucial gateway for new users and institutions entering the Hedera ecosystem.
In 2025, several well-known enterprises—including Blockchain For Energy and Arrow Electronics—officially joined the Hedera Council. These members not only drive real-world applications in sectors like energy and supply chain but also operate nodes and provide governance input, further enhancing the network’s stability and decentralization.
Thanks to its asynchronous Byzantine Fault Tolerance (aBFT) mechanism, high throughput, low latency, and energy efficiency, Hedera has become an ideal platform for traditional enterprises to expand their on-chain presence. Especially amid tightening global regulations, Hedera’s advocacy of “compliant DeFi” is gaining increasing recognition.
New Projects on the Horizon: Orbit and Æ
In the second half of the year, Hedera is set to launch two major projects that will further expand its presence in DeFi and Web3 social spheres:
- Orbit (expected Q3 2025): A next-generation on-chain trading platform led by professional traders, featuring limit orders, real-time quotes, deep analytics, and sniping tools tailored for advanced DeFi users.
- Æ (expected September 2025): The first immersive virtual social world on Hedera, combining gaming, social interaction, and a virtual asset economy. Inspired by Habbo and Second Life, it aims to create a digital lifestyle hub on-chain.
Amid the continued convergence of AI, green computing, and DeFi, Hedera is rapidly building a deep and expansive Web3 ecosystem, leveraging its tech stack advantages and the industrial resources of its global council members.
Crypto research firm Delphi Digital predicts that Hedera’s TVL could surpass $2 billion by the end of 2025. As more developers, financial institutions, and consumers join the network, Hedera is well-positioned to become a key bridge between traditional finance and the decentralized world.