The Evolution of SVM Chains (Solana Virtual Machine)

2024 brought significant changes for EVM-based chains. The blockchain industry expanded rapidly with Rollup-as-a-Service providers like Conduit, Caldera, and Gelato, along with frameworks such as the Elastic Chain and OP Stack. But will 2025 mark a similar rise for SVM chains? The momentum seems promising; the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) is already demonstrating its potential, and new projects are beginning to leverage it.
‍

What is the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM)?

The Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) powers Solana's high-performance blockchain, enabling smart contract execution with speed and efficiency. By featuring a single global state and Proof of History (PoH), the SVM sets itself apart from other virtual machines like the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).

Additionally, key features of the SVM include:

• Ultra-Fast Transactions: Solana achieves block times as low as 400 milliseconds, processing thousands of transactions per second (TPS).
• Low Costs: Minimal computational overhead keeps transaction fees among the lowest in the industry.
• Parallel Execution: The SVM’s runtime processes transactions concurrently, maximizing throughput and reducing bottlenecks.
• Local Fee Markets: Solana’s local fee markets allow apps to scale efficiently by isolating fee competition to specific resources or programs. This ensures apps maintain low costs and high performance for users, even during high-demand events.

These features make the SVM an ideal foundation for apps across sectors, ranging from DeFi to gaming.
‍

The Rise of SVM Chains

In 2025, more chains are expected to utilize the Solana Virtual Machine. These chains are not merely replicating Solana’s architecture but adapting it to their own approaches and use cases. Some are Layer 2 solutions on Solana, referred to as network extensions, while others operate as independent chains built on Solana's underlying technology.

Here are some SVM-based projects we are watching, along with their key features:

1. Eclipse

Eclipse is building Solana on Ethereum, using the SVM to scale Ethereum.

• Solana Performance and Ethereum Liquidity: Developers can build on a network that combines Solana's performance with Ethereum's vast network effects.
• Security: Inherit Ethereum’s security properties to build in a secure environment.
• Developer-First Approach: Tools and support help to simplify dApp deployment for SVM developers.
• SVM Benefits: Tap into a network that scales Ethereum by orders of magnitude while ensuring that apps have functional fee markets at scale.
  ‍

2. SOON

SOON is a unique SVM stack provider that introduces a Decoupled SVM architecture, separating the SVM from Solana’s runtime environment to unlock new possibilities for developers.

• Flexible Chain Deployment: SOON Stack empowers developers to launch their own chains, using any Layer 1 as a settlement layer and any alternative DA layer.
• Dynamic Block Production: Enables block times as low as 50ms during periods of high activity, optimizing block production based on network demand.
• Seamless Developer Experience: Developers can use all existing Solana dev tools to build on SOON.
  ‍

3. Atlas by Ellipsis Labs

Atlas is a Layer 2 blockchain designed for verifiable finance. Settling on Ethereum, it uses a custom SVM implementation to support financial applications.

• High Throughput: Optimized for reliable transaction processing.
• Focus on Finance: Features like frequent oracle updates and honest sequencing.
• Ethereum Settlement: Combines Solana’s execution efficiency with Ethereum’s security.
  ‍

4. Sonic

Sonic applies SVM technology to the gaming sector.

• Smooth Transactions: High-frequency transaction processing for in-game economies.
• Integrated NFTs: Simplifies creating and trading digital assets within games.
  ‍

5. Mantis SVM

Mantis offers a comprehensive platform for DeFAI, featuring tools that empower developers to create scalable applications using SVM.

• Developer Tools: Provides extensive SDKs and documentation for streamlined development.
• Cross-Chain & Single Chain Swaps: Enables seamless swaps with no MEV impact, powered by a solver network.
• Agent Integration: Supports the creation of agents on the platform, leveraging Mantis’s core technology to act as a single entry point for users.
  
  

Why the SVM is Important

As we move deeper into 2025, the rise of SVM chains could bring:

• Enhanced Scalability: Solutions tailored to various industries and applications.
• Cross-Chain Collaboration: Interoperability fostering a more connected ecosystem.
• Robust Developer Tools: Advanced infrastructure to support efficient development.
• Expansion of Solana’s Role: Historically, Solana has operated as a single, unified chain. This contrasts with the EVM ecosystem, which has grown into a network of chains and scaling solutions.

As Mert from Helius explains, the pace of SVM's progress depends on how quickly the developer experience on Solana improves. To quote him directly:

“This will be entirely dependent on one key factor: how fast the SVM and Move ecosystems advance their respective developer experiences — contract-level, read-level, and core protocol-level. Meaning, for example, if Solana can improve its developer experience 2-5x in 2025, its growth for the year could very well be 10x relative to others. But if it doesn't, this will be a huge setback”
‍

The Benefits of Building with Dynamic & SVM

By combining Dynamic’s tools with the capabilities of the SVM, developers can build robust, user-centric applications. For developers, this means:

• Simplified Onboarding Flows: Dynamic gives developers access to a growing list of social login options, making onboarding simple and familiar for users. With just a phone number, email, or social account (like TikTok or X), users can create a wallet with no knowledge of crypto. Paired with the speed of the SVM, transactions are just as fast and effortless as wallet creation.
• Enhanced Security & Customization: Dynamic ensures that developers can build with confidence by offering extensive security features. In addition to our expanding set of authentication options and built-in fraud prevention, builders can add various forms of MFA to their end-user’s accounts.
• Scalable Infrastructure: As your project scales, Dynamic scales with you. We power millions of wallet connections every month and collaborate with builders to prepare for high-traffic events like TGEs. Through our advanced user management system, developers can easily track their users and manage any amount of wallets with ease.

Whether building as Layer 2s or independent chains, projects like Eclipse are leveraging the power of the SVM to deliver novel solutions. By pairing the SVM's capabilities with Dynamic's tools, builders can create applications that are not only high-performing but also uniquely tailored to their users’ needs.

Wondering how Dynamic can elevate your SVM-based project? Reach out to speak with our team directly!

For self-starters, refer to our documentation for more information on how you can get started.