Aeternity is a smart contract driven blockchain platform that aims to integrate real world data and improve the overall performance of smart contracts. Aeternity has a hybrid consensus algorithm that combines PoW for verifying transactions, and PoS for governance purposes. The platform is based on a system of state channels that allow users to interact privately with each other and record this information off-chain.

Credits is building a blockchain platform focused on speed and scalability. Credits' protocol uses a Delegated Proof-of-Stake (dPoS) consensus mechanism and will be powered by the CS coin. They hope to significantly improve transaction times and reduce fees.

Blockstream is a private, for profit, blockchain technology company, that has played a key role in helping to develop, and fund, many of the key features of the Bitcoin Core platform. Blockstream is focused on developing bitcoin applications and has raised significant funding from several large investment funds. The company also employs several developers that are very influential within the Bitcoin Core development project. This, as well as being of Bitcoin's largest donors, has led to some criticism about conflicts of interest.
Blockstream is developing a number of Bitcoin applications that are intended to encourage adoption and improve transaction times on the bitcoin network. Their primary focus is on Sidechains, which are are extensions to existing blockchains that improve their functionality. The company is also working closely with industry leaders to create the Bitcoin Lightning system that will support higher trading volume and faster transactions on the bitcoin network. Blockstream is also developing a data feed, satellite network, and other applications that they hope will make blockchain more accessible.