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.

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.

The Aztec Protocol is an efficient zero-knowledge privacy protocol designed to enable private transactions on the Ethereum blocckhain. Their zero-knowledge proofs enable private transactions that can facilitate a variety of inter-operable financial applications on Ethereum. Aztec is a ConsenSys portfolio company.

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