Introduction

This report highlights key developments in the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry during January 2025, showcasing market activity and signaling future trends. Notable advancements include Uniswap Labs’ announcement of the upcoming v4 launch, Pump Science’s new experimental compound token, Aave V3’s deployment on the Aptos testnet, and Tether’s partnership with LayerZero to introduce the cross-chain stablecoin USDT0. These updates reflect the industry’s ongoing innovation, accelerating technical progress and deepening community engagement, fueling the sector’s long-term growth and maturity.

Abstract

• Uniswap Labs Announces Upcoming v4 Release with Major Architectural Changes
• Pump Science to Launch New Experimental Compound Token for Decentralized Longevity Research
• Aave V3 Deploys on Aptos Testnet, Marking First Non-EVM Expansion
• Virtuals Protocol & Animoca Brands Launch Joint Investment Plan for AI Gaming
• Tether & LayerZero Partner to Launch Cross-Chain Stablecoin USDT0
• EigenLayer Launches Rewards v2 Protocol
• Jupiter Acquires Majority Stake in Moonshot
• interoperability.Securitize Integrates Wormhole for Multi-Chain Interoperability
• Chainlink Launches DeFi Yield Index (CDY) to Aggregate Market Lending Rates

Timeline

Key Events of January 2025

1/3 Uniswap Labs Announces Upcoming v4 Release with Major Architectural Changes

Decentralized exchange Uniswap has announced the upcoming launch of v4, drawing significant market attention. The announcement was made on January 2, 2025, via social media platform X, featuring a Unicode “2025” graphic with the note “v4 is coming soon.” While no specific release date was mentioned, this strongly indicates a major upgrade for Uniswap this year. In June 2023, Uniswap founder Hayden Adams published the draft code for v4, aiming to refine the new version through public testing and community feedback. However, the planned Q3 2024 launch was delayed due to an extended testing phase. By the end of 2024, the team was still conducting a bug bounty program to ensure the security of core smart contracts.

As a major player in DeFi, Uniswap v4 introduces several key innovations, including the Hooks mechanism, dynamic fees, flash accounting, and native ETH support, all designed to improve trading flexibility and efficiency. The upgrade also grants developers greater customization, such as implementing limit orders, custom oracles, and automated liquidity management. These improvements reinforce Uniswap’s status as the leading decentralized exchange and drive its ecosystem forward. However, the market remains cautious about whether the release will meet security expectations. With DEX trading volume hitting a record high of $436 billion by the end of 2024, Uniswap v4’s ability to lead the market again will be a key trend to watch in 2025. 【1】

1/6 Pump Science to Launch New Experimental Compound Token for Decentralized Longevity Research

VitaDAO has announced the launch of a new experimental compound token on Pump Science, scheduled for February 25, 2025, with supplement pre-orders and market trading beginning on March 25. As a DAO focused on longevity science and decentralized drug development, VitaDAO enables investors and researchers to participate in decentralized biological experiments and develop anti-aging compounds through Pump Science.

According to Pump Science’s latest roadmap, mouse trials for URO and RIF compounds will occur in January 2025, followed by decentralized human trials and compound releases in April. This initiative revolutionizes research funding by tokenizing experiments while improving transparency and community involvement. As Pump Science evolves, it could become a major hub connecting investors, scientists, and research institutions, driving further longevity and life sciences breakthroughs. 【2】

1/8 Aave V3 Deploys on Aptos Testnet, Marking First Non-EVM Expansion

Aave has successfully deployed Aave V3 on the Aptos testnet, marking its first deployment on a non-EVM blockchain. This move aims to test and stress-test the protocol before launching on the mainnet. Since 2024, Aptos has seen significant growth, with TVL rising from $100 million to approximately $1.8 billion, attracting numerous DeFi projects.

Deploying Aave v3 on Aptos is crucial for multi-chain expansion and a major technological advancement. Aptos, built on the Move language, offers high throughput, low fees, and enhanced security, making it an ideal environment for Aave. Additionally, as USDC and USDT gain more traction in the Aptos ecosystem, the availability of stablecoins enhances Aave’s collateral options. During the test phase, Aave’s team will collaborate with the Aptos community and security teams to ensure a smooth and secure deployment before launching on the mainnet. 【3】

1/13 Virtuals Protocol & Animoca Brands Launch Joint Investment Plan for AI Gaming

Virtuals Protocol announced on X that it has partnered with Agentstarter and Animoca Brands to launch an AI gaming investment initiative. The project aims to fund and accelerate next-gen gaming projects, focusing on dynamic game worlds and AI-powered agents. The initiative will support innovations such as AI-driven NPCs, AI-powered games, and AI avatars. As a leading AI agent protocol on Base, Virtuals Protocol plays a key role in AI-driven game development. Meanwhile, Animoca Brands is a top blockchain gaming company. This collaboration is expected to deliver high-quality AI gaming experiences to users worldwide. 【4】

1/17 Tether & LayerZero Partner to Launch Cross-Chain Stablecoin USDT0

Tether has announced the launch of USDT0, a new stablecoin deployed on Kraken’s Ethereum Layer 2 network, Ink. This initiative leverages LayerZero’s cross-chain fungible token standard, marking a major advancement in stablecoin technology.

Previously, USDT faced fragmented liquidity and high costs in cross-chain transfers. USDT0 eliminates these inefficiencies by enabling zero-loss cross-chain transactions and improving security through its deep integration with LayerZero. According to Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino, USDT0 provides a seamless cross-ecosystem solution that optimizes user experience and meets market demands. Unlike traditional USDT, which requires burning and minting across chains, USDT0 operates as a unified liquidity asset, allowing frictionless transfers across networks, significantly enhancing capital efficiency. 【5】

1/22 EigenLayer Launches Rewards v2 Protocol

EigenLayer officially launched Rewards v2 on January 21, 2025, marking the successful execution of ELIP-001, the first EigenLayer Improvement Proposal. This upgrade introduces three major features: operator-directed rewards, adjustable operator fees, and batch reward claims. Rewards v2 enhances flexibility and efficiency within the EigenLayer ecosystem, enabling Actively Validated Services (AVSs) to fine-tune incentives for operators.

The upgrade customizes rewards, optimizes economic incentives, and improves operational efficiency. Through the EigenGov governance process, this update lays the groundwork for transparent, community-driven improvements, reinforcing EigenLayer’s commitment to decentralization and innovation. 【6】

1/25 Jupiter Acquires Majority Stake in Moonshot

Solana-based DEX aggregator Jupiter has announced via X (formerly Twitter) that it has acquired a majority stake in Moonshot. As a Solana-native liquidity aggregator, Jupiter helps traders find the best prices with minimal slippage by pooling liquidity from multiple sources. Moonshot, developed by DEX Screener, is a Solana-based launchpad that allows users to create and launch meme coins with built-in security and audit features. This acquisition is set to leverage the strengths of both platforms, further enhancing decentralized trading and project launches in the Solana ecosystem.【7】

1/28 Securitize Integrates Wormhole for Multi-Chain Interoperability

Securitize, a leader in asset tokenization, has announced the launch of its Wormhole-based interoperability solution. This integration enables seamless cross-chain transfers of tokenized funds and equity classes across supported blockchain networks. Notable Securitize clients include Hamilton Lane, KKR, and BlackRock. In March 2024, BlackRock launched the USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL), which now manages $642 million in assets (as of January 27, 2025). With Wormhole integration, Securitize further solidifies its leadership in asset tokenization, providing investors with efficient, cross-chain asset management solutions. 【8】

1/30 Chainlink Launches DeFi Yield Index (CDY) to Aggregate Market Lending Rates

Chainlink has launched the DeFi Yield Index (CDY Index) to aggregate market-wide DeFi lending rates. Built on Chainlink’s standards and Space and Time’s blockchain indexing technology, CDY ensures accurate, robust, and market-representative data.

The CDY Index focuses on high-liquidity assets like USDC, USDT, WBTC, and WETH, offering transparent, real-time yield insights to institutional investors, DeFi protocols, and retail users. This innovation enhances capital efficiency, improves market liquidity, and fosters integration between traditional finance and DeFi. 【9】

Conclusion

January 2025 was an eventful month for the blockchain and crypto industry, showcasing strong market activity and emerging trends. Key projects such as Uniswap, Aave, EigenLayer, Jupiter, and Chainlink made significant strides in platform launches, service expansions, token issuance, new features, mainnet rollouts, fee governance, and mining activities. These innovations continue to push the boundaries of technology, strengthen community participation, and fuel industry growth.


References

1. X，https://x.com/Uniswap/status/1874501032514052444
2. X, https://x.com/vita_dao/status/1875591043414098122
3. X, https://x.com/aave/status/1876662726958940401
4. X，https://x.com/agentstarter/status/1877701961249882512
5. X, https://x.com/USDT0_to/status/1879921612838805583
6. X, https://x.com/eigenlayer/status/1881814947509731659
7. X, https://x.com/jup_dao/status/1883068829527646706
8. Wormhole, https://wormhole.com/blog/securitize-announces-the-live-deployment-of-wormhole-enabling-tokenized
9. Chainlink, https://blog.chain.link/chainlink-defi-yield-index/

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