Skycoin began as an ambitious infrastructure project aimed at replacing the Proof-of-Work (PoW) and Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus algorithms that dominate current blockchain platforms. It has since evolved into a project focused on creating a decentralized mesh-Internet and a platform for other blockchain-based projects. Skycoin is developing an ecosystem with a variety of goals, including: the elimination of mining rewards, development of energy-efficient custom hardware, advancing security and privacy, and achieving transaction speeds that rival current digital payment systems. The ecosystem consists of the native SKY coin, Skywire (decentralized mesh-Internet), Skyminer (hardware and access point for Skywire), Skyledger (decentralized open blockchain network), and a suite of DApps. The consensus algorithm is called Obelisk. The network's nodes agree based on a Web-of-Trust consensus. The ability to influence transaction verification is distributed over the network creating a web of trust. To eliminate mining completely each node on the network connects to a list of nodes that it sees as trustworthy.

RSK is an open source smart contract platform that is secured by the Bitcoin network. RSK is designed to add value and increase the functionality of the Bitcoin ecosystem by providing smart contracts that are compatible with the network's code and can be written in Solidity. RSK smart contracts are powered by the SmartBitcoin (RBTC) which is linked to Bitcoin. (1 RBTC=1 BTC)
RSK developed the RIF Token which is intended to enable users to access a range of DApps within their ecosystem. In September 2019, RSK purchased the Spanish social media platform Taringa with the goal of using the RIF token as an incentive to encourage users to share content.

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.