Initia: Building a Web3 Full-Chain Rollup Ecosystem

With the vigorous development of modular public chains, the number of blockchains has shown explosive growth. Currently, there are over 50 L2 public chains in the market, with more than 40 under development. These public chains, designed for different scenarios, meet diverse needs but also bring issues such as complexity and fragmentation.

Against this backdrop, the modular project Initia launched by the Cosmos ecosystem has attracted widespread attention. Inspired by Apple's design philosophy, Initia transforms blockchain into a form that is as easy to use and integrated as iPhone applications, allowing users to enjoy an intuitive and interconnected blockchain application experience. The Initia product suite includes multi-chain browsers, wallet tools, cross-chain bridges, centralized application platforms, and on-chain identity systems, aiming to build a unified and user-friendly blockchain ecosystem.

Currently, the Initia testnet has been launched, and the first round of incentive programs has begun, rewarding early ecosystem contributors. It is expected that after the completion of testing, Initia will officially launch its mainnet in the third quarter of this year. Its innovative design and complete ecosystem are expected to reshape the blockchain landscape in the Web3 era.

Initia: A Full-Chain Rollup Ecosystem for Web3

Initia was founded by seasoned crypto experts Zon and Stan Liu, and the team has grown to 20 people. These founders and researchers have extensive experience in building high-value applications across ecosystems such as Cosmos, Terra, and Ethereum. Zon has served as the chief architect and chief technology officer at several well-known companies, while Stan Liu is a senior developer in the Ethereum ecosystem, having participated in the development of numerous well-known DeFi projects.

In October 2023, Initia completed a round of pre-seed financing and established partnerships with relevant projects, laying a solid foundation for future development. In February 2024, Initia secured another $7.5 million in seed round financing, led by a well-known investment institution, with several angel investors also participating. This funding will promote the development of Initia's infrastructure and the expansion of product tools, as well as the nurturing of key application layer projects, further advancing the development of the Initia ecosystem.

Initia aims to provide users with a clear and unified full-chain Rollup ecosystem by integrating modular Layer 1 and dedicated Layer 2 solutions. It brings together the advantages of multiple mainstream public chains, creating a scalable and efficient application ecosystem for developers and users. Developers can quickly build cross-chain applications utilizing the infrastructure provided by Initia; users can seamlessly enjoy a rich array of DeFi, GameFi, Social, and other application services without having to switch back and forth between different public chains.

To simplify the experience for users and developers, Initia also provides a complete technological and user product stack, including:

• InitiaScan: This is a user-centric interactive platform for navigation and building across multiple InitiaRollups, providing valuable insights and tools for developers and users alike.

• Wallet Widget: As the front-end entry point of the Initia wallet solution, it provides users with the convenience of cross-chain wallet signing through an innovative social login method.

• Bridget: As a frontend bridge/entry aggregator, Bridget is directly integrated into various Rollup application layers within the Initia ecosystem, providing these Rollups with seamless cross-chain asset transfer and deposit services.

• Initia Application: This is a centralized platform that integrates various resources and services within the Initia ecosystem, such as the Initia wallet, Initia username system, Bridget cross-chain bridge, etc., to provide users with a one-stop Initia ecosystem experience.

• Initia Username: The Initia username system provides a simple, convenient, and easy-to-read way to access the account address of each Rollup on the Initia platform.

• Initia Wallet: Initia Wallet offers unparalleled convenience as the unified hub of the Initia ecosystem. With features like social login, cross-chain exchanges, and automatic routing, users can seamlessly manage their assets across multiple Rollups.

The Initia platform offers a complete set of product-ready Rollup collections, enabling teams to build scalable sovereign systems while eliminating the user experience complexities faced by users interacting with the modular multichain universe. Users can freely explore various DApps and services within the Initia ecosystem, just like using a smartphone, enjoying a seamless crypto world without having to worry about the differences in underlying public chains.

Initia Layered Architecture: A Flexible and Scalable Multi-Chain Ecosystem

Initia adopts a layered modular design architecture, integrating an innovative L1 with an interwoven application-specific L2 infrastructure system, reconstructing the entire tech stack, including components such as the InitiaScan browser, Wallet Widget wallet tool, Bridget cross-chain bridge, and Initia applications. At the same time, with the layered modular architecture, developers can easily launch application-specific blockchains as Initia L2 without needing to understand complex chain-level infrastructure or operate a validator set.

The Initia architecture is primarily divided into four modules, specifically:

Initia Orchestration Layer (Layer 1): Initia has a main chain network called L1, which plays a key role in orchestrating and coordinating the entire ecosystem. The L1 layer is responsible for ensuring fundamental functions such as security, liquidity, routing, and cross-chain interoperability throughout the system. Unlike traditional single main chains, Initia's L1 network adopts a more flexible and scalable design, laying a solid foundation for the development of upper-layer applications.

The L1 main chain uses an innovative consensus mechanism that combines the advantages of Proof of Stake ( PoS ) and Proof of Authority ( PoA ). This not only ensures the security and decentralization of the entire network but also guarantees efficient confirmation and finality of transactions. At the same time, Initia has also implemented a mechanism for dynamically adjusting block intervals and the number of validators to meet performance requirements in different scenarios. This adaptive design enables the L1 main chain to provide reliable performance guarantees while maintaining a high degree of decentralization.

Initia Rollups (Layer 2): Another key component of the Initia platform is the independent Layer 2 network "Minitia." Each Minitia focuses on specific application scenarios, such as financial services, gaming, or social networks, and can operate independently while maintaining a close connection with Layer 1. This design not only enhances the overall flexibility and scalability of the system but also allows Initia to better meet the needs of different application scenarios.

Minitias is a fully functional CosmosSDK chain that integrates advanced aggregation features and utilizes standard CosmosSDK modules as well as custom modules. Minitias boasts impressive technical specifications and a rich feature set:

1. High throughput of over 10,000 TPS and a block time of 500 milliseconds

2. IBC is used for Cosmos interoperability and Omnitia shared security

3. Support for Celestia data availability, MoveVM, WasmVM, and EVM

4. Various native features, such as incentive programs, token rebates, and the Omnitia messaging module.

5. Advanced tools, including InitiaSDK, WalletSDK, and 1-Click Deposit Widget

6. Integration with third-party services and oracles to enhance functionality and user experience.

OPinit Stack: OPinit Stack is an OR framework built by Initia in CosmosSDK. This framework utilizes Celestia's data availability layer to support secure scaling across different virtual machines such as EVM, MoveVM, and WebAssembly. This means that developers can freely choose the most suitable virtual machine based on the needs of their applications, without having to worry too much about the complexities of chain-level infrastructure.

OPinit Stack features fraud proof and rollback capabilities, ensuring complete interoperability among various aggregation networks built on it. This innovation brings unprecedented flexibility and scalability to Initia, enabling developers to quickly build product-ready, interoperable applications.

Interoperability/Bridge Middleware: Interoperability/Bridge Middleware is another key component of the Initia platform, which includes inter-blockchain communication (IBC) protocol and TBA Bridge Provider. IBC supports instant communication and transfers between different blockchains through simple cross-chain messaging, enabling Initia to achieve seamless asset and data transfer between different blockchain networks.

TBA Bridge Provider is another high-performance, secure cross-chain bridging solution that connects Initia's Layer 1 network with the Layer 2 Minitia network. In addition, the protocol also integrates efficient aggregation technology, which can significantly enhance the throughput and performance of cross-chain interactions.

The layered design of Initia gives it scalability and flexibility. The L1 main chain is responsible for core consensus and settlement, while Minitias focuses on performance-intensive applications, with both deeply integrated through the OPinit Stack. At the same time, interoperability/bridging middleware enables cross-layer asset and data interaction of Initia across different blockchain networks and within ecosystems. This layered design not only addresses the complexity and fragmentation of multi-chain ecosystems but also greatly enhances user experience, laying a solid foundation for the development of a modular multi-chain universe.

Overview of Popular Initial Ecosystem Projects

The Initia testnet has been launched, and the incentive program has also been initiated. As a project dedicated to becoming the "Apple system" in the blockchain field, Initia has garnered significant attention from the investment community. Some institutions predict that Initia may start a new round of financing before the official launch of its mainnet in the third quarter of this year. At that time, some popular projects in the Initia ecosystem will undoubtedly receive great attention.

Currently, the projects worth paying attention to on the Initia ecosystem are:

Blackwing

Blackwing is a modular blockchain that enables leveraged trading of long-tail assets without liquidation through an "infinite pool." Using Initia as a foundation, Blackwing allows traders to transact assets on any modular application chain without the need to transfer funds across networks, thereby significantly saving costs and enhancing security.

Blackwing completed a $4.5 million financing in March this year. The testnet Tomcat-1 was successfully launched in May, and the TVL has now surpassed 50 million.

Tucana

Tucana is a multi-functional L2 network centered around intent within the Initia ecosystem. Its core goal is to unify and optimize the transaction experience across various modular networks. The underlying architecture of Tucana is supported by the interwoven Rollups technology of Initia and Celestia, enabling compatibility and integration of transaction needs across different modular networks.

Through Tucana's liquidity layer, users can seamlessly access thousands of modular networks, including limit orders, market orders, and perpetual contracts, enabling seamless trading of multi-chain assets. Tucana is seen as a one-stop shop for future modular trading.

Controrg

Controrg is an innovative project in the Initia ecosystem aimed at reshaping trading infrastructure. It attempts to build a brand new trading platform - the GLOB chain, through disruptive technological means.

The GLOB chain adopts a progressive "order flow" execution mechanism, abandoning the traditional "immediate order".