Namecoin is a blockchain-based DNS that allows users to register domain names with a ".bit" domain. Namecoin was the first fork of the Bitcoin protocol and it aims to remove centralized control over domain registration. It was the first cryptocurrency to use Auxiliary Proof of Work (AuxPoW) as a consensus mechanism,
where a child blockchain is dependent on the Proof-of-Work consensus of the parent blockchain. This allows for Namecoin and Bitcoin to be mined simultaneously, and when a new block is created on Bitcoin, it will also be added to the Namecoin blockchain.
Namecoin is a very important project that represents one of the best use cases of blockchain technology in protecting free speech and resisting censorship on the internet. It is powered by the NMC coin. The decentralized DNS provides more security from hackers and government intervention.

ConsenSys is one of the most influential blockchain technology companies. They are working on a variety of projects to create the infrastructure and applications that will enable scalable adoption of blockchain-based systems. The company's efforts are focused on the Ethereum ecosystem, and include divisions working to advance technology development, establish industry standards, and provide consulting, marketing, and education services.

Ubiq is an Ethereum fork that aims to create a more stable smart contract platform for building DApps. Ubiq's protocol currently uses a Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism, but will switch to Proof-of-Stake in 2019. The network is powered by the UBQ coin.
Ubiq's goal is to create a reliable and stable platform for developing DApps by modifying Ethereum's code base with important changes that will make it more secure and reduce instability. Consensus is based on their Flux Difficulty Algorithm, which is designed to constantly adjust the hash rate to protect against network attacks.