Given how versatile Ethereum technology is, the ERC-20 standard is among the go-to choices for innovators creating new cryptocurrencies. The standard was designed to facilitate easy swapping and interaction between smart contract-enabled assets. For developers, it stands out as it is compatible with leading dApps, smart contracts, and crypto exchanges.
Assets built on the standard come with higher security and reliability. Plus, they can be customized by programming them to perform specific tasks. If you look at the top altcoins of the market today, you will notice that most of them are powered by the ERC-20 standard. These tokens include coins like InQubeta (QUBE), Polygon (MATIC), ImmutableX (IMX), Aptos (APT), Optimism (OP), Cosmos (ATOM) and Litecoin (LTC).
These tokens are not only top performers but represent the best of blockchain technology. Cryptos like Polygon, Aptos, and Cosmos cater to developers, while others like Aptos and Filecoin facilitate easy access to DeFi solutions. Then there are names like InQubeta that are catalyzing the AI technology space.
If you are interested in knowing more about them, here’s an introduction to some of their key features.
1. InQubeta: Helping AI startups go big
Built on the Ethereum blockchain, InQubeta helps startups build the foundation of success through a steady supply of funds, the right guidance, and marketing support. The platform sports a transparent and user-friendly mechanism using which startups achieve business growth without compromising innovation.
A key pillar of this model is its native cryptocurrency known as the QUBE token. It ended 2023 by topping analysts’ best cryptocurrency ICO lists and is expected to build on those gains this year too. Its ICO has so far raised over $9.9 million.
By acquiring the QUBE token, crypto users can participate in InQubeta’s NFT marketplace and invest in startup projects. These assets sold at the portal are created by tokenizing startups’ offers for their investors.
As these NFTs have all the information about a project, people can easily compare them before making a final decision. The QUBE token is the sole mode of payment at the portal. The other USP of the marketplace is that it allows fractional investment.
Apart from being one of the best new ICOs, InQubeta has also impressed people with its decentralized governance structure. The community members get voting privileges to participate in decision-making. Proposals for upgrading the protocol or adding new features are implemented only after they are approved by community members.
To facilitate democratic decision making, proposals are put to a vote, and token holders use their special rights to express their views.
With a maximum supply of 1.5 billion, the QUBE token has been designed to drive financial impact across the masses. Around 65% of the supply will be sold to interested buyers, while the rest will be for meeting operational overheads, which include marketing campaigns, staking rewards, developers fees, paying legal experts, and maintaining liquidity pools.
With an eye on the future, the InQubeta team has designed a roadmap that can amp up its reach and help it add more people to the community. Given how staking is one of its most popular features, InQubeta is working on a staking dApp.
With the dApp’s launch, not only will QUBE token holders find it easier to earn passive income, but the team will also be able to boost the platform’s growth.
Another initiative that the team is working on is to get the native token listed on centralized exchanges to simplify trading.
2. Polygon rolls out ‘Type 1 Prover’
Polygon is a scaling solution for Ethereum-based blockchains. Polygon can help developers create powerful solutions by leveraging zero-knowledge technology.
Polygon helps developers build app-specific solutions with the Polygon CDK that sports cutting-edge ZK technology.
For deploying blockchains, the platform has a separate solution called Polygon PoS. The solution’s USPs include quick transactions, nominal gas fees, and seamless user experiences. Its native token is MATIC and it’s used to settle all transactions on the network. MATIC is considered one of the best altcoins available in the market today.
Polygon’s multi-chain system offers benefits like speed and scalability and caters to a global audience. It has maintained its position by unlocking new milestones and adding new capabilities. In a recent development, the platform released a ‘Type 1 Prover’ which can be connected to optimistic rollups or EVM blockchains without any tweaks.
The rollups and chains can then be integrated with Polygon’s Aggregation Later and pave the way for Ethereum-like liquidity and value. The achievement can help Layer 2 chains achieve the same level of efficiency as Layer 1 networks. The move also marks a key milestone envisaged by Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin.
3. Pixelmon to launch new game feature on ImmutableX zkEVM
Immutable X is a Layer blockchain that provides tools for creating NFT and GameFi solutions. Its native token IMX is used for all transactional purposes on the network. It has an upper hand over other GameFi platforms in terms of speed and flexibility and helps in building user experience.
There are tools to mint millions of NFTs that act as in-game assets and APIs for faster deployment of games. Mainstream gamers also enjoy ImmutableX due to features like a secure Web 3.0 wallet offering integrated credit card payments.
ImmutableX is an emerging crypto that has grabbed the attention of the crypto community with new initiatives and collaborations. It was in the news recently after it announced that Pixelmon would be rolling out its battle arena feature on the platform’s zkEVM. Launched by LiquidX Studio, Pixelmon is also building a decentralized IP protocol.
4. Aptos joins hands with Jambo to launch Web 3.0 smartphone
Aptos is a production-ready blockchain that can support dApps across areas like GameFi and social media. Its native token is APT and it’s used for meeting all kinds of transactional purposes on the network.
The platform offers in-depth documentation, grants, and tooling for developers who want to upskill. Counted among the best altcoins of 2024, Aptos allows its users to earn cryptocurrencies by staking their APT tokens and running validator nodes. Using the proof-of-stake protocol, the platform ropes in validators for securing the network and confirming transactions.
Marking a new achievement, the Aptos Foundation recently announced that it would be partnering with Jambo Technology to develop a Web 3.0 smartphone. The project is aimed at helping emerging economies leverage Web 3.0 and know more about it using an affordable device.
At the core of the project is Jambo’s flagship device, the JamboPhone, which is available in 40 countries in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. The smartphone comes with Aptos-compatible dApps like the digital wallet Petra.
5. Optimism Foundation announces $5.3-million grant for Mode
Optimism is a Layer 2 blockchain that’s powered by the OP protocol. Its native token OP is the official medium of exchange within the Optimism ecosystem. It favors speed, scalability, and stability of operations.
Deploying a solution on the OP Mainnet would cost a fraction of what developing on a Layer 1 network would usually do.
The blockchain caused a flutter in the blockchain industry with its Superchain feature that boosts composability and interoperability between different networks built on the OP stock. Using the Superchain, the Layer 2 network can facilitate giving up operating in silos and form a unified cohesive layer.
The Optimism Foundation was in the news after it announced a $5.3-million grant for Layer 2 network Mode. The grant comprises around 2 million OP tokens and will be used to support Mode’s growth initiatives. Also, Mode will be committing a part of its profits to the Optimism Collective.
6. Litecoin processed transaction count crosses 20 million
Litecoin is a no-fuss digital currency that’s used for fast and secure online payments. By choosing its native token, LTC, for your portfolio, you won’t have to worry about what cryptos to buy now for a long time. The speed and instant finality of transactions on Litecoin pave the way for seamless cross-border payments.
All LTC transactions on the open-source platform are authenticated by the proof-of-work consensus protocol.
Litecoin clocked yet another milepost in February after the number of transactions processed by it crossed 20 million recently. The transaction count was also spread evenly between $1 and $1,000.
7. Cosmos community votes to keep ATOM inflation at 0%
Cosmos is an interoperable blockchain system that is powered by the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol. Its native token is represented by the symbol ATOM and it comes in handy while dealing with all kinds of transactions on the network.
It’s rated as one of the best cryptocurrencies to buy in the market today. The Cosmos hub offers services aimed at making interchains more efficient. Its services include an exchange for interchain tokens, bridges to Layer 1 networks like Ethereum, and custodianship for interchain cryptocurrencies.
Cosmos uses a decentralized governance structure where key decisions are taken in consensus with community members. Earlier in January, the ATOM token holders’ community jointly voted in favor of a proposal seeking a 0% inflation rate for ATOM. Cosmos is working on providing support for more blockchain networks in the future.
Conclusion
If you are looking to add more ERC-20-based tokens to your portfolio, these seven cryptocurrencies are among the altcoins to watch out for in 2024. These cryptocurrencies have left analysts in awe of the impact they have had on the crypto sector.
From simplifying DeFi to encouraging developers to innovate more and expanding the use cases of blockchain technology, these altcoins are ahead of the curve.
They sport robust security frameworks which boost crypto investors’ confidence and assure them about the safety of their assets. There are also options like InQubeta which has been making waves by helping AI startups roll out new projects without having to worry about finances.
Even though the cryptocurrency market is a lucrative option for financial independence, crypto users should avoid rushed decisions. They should research a token well before making up their mind. Due diligence can help to identify potential risks and be financially responsible.