Algorand is a Boston based company that is developing a blockchain network with a Pure Proof of Stake (PPoS) consensus mechanism. Algorand's decentralized platform is designed to enable faster transaction times and remove some of the technical barriers of creating scalable DApps. Algorand was founded by Silvio Micali, a pioneer in the field of cryptography.

NEAR Protocol is a decentralized application platform designed to make DApps operable on the web. The NEAR network uses a Proof of Stake consensus mechanism called Nightshade. The NEAR utility token is used for processing transactions and storing data, as well as for facilitating voting for governance issues.
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QuarkChain is building a blockchain with a focus on speed and scalability. They hope to significantly improve transaction times and reduce fees with an architecture that will rely on a two-layered blockchain and elastic sharding. QuarkChain uses a hybrid Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism that is ASIC-resistant. Transactions are first confirmed on one blockchain layer, and then on the second. The network will be powered by the QKC coin.