The Solana blockchain uses an innovative Proof of History mechanism to confirm transactions that are recorded on the network. Solana is designed to separate the consensus process from the flow of transactions. This is done with a recursive, verifiable delay function that hashes incoming transactions, and recording information as a function of time. Every node on the Solana blockchain is assigned a cryptographic clock that enables the network to determine the time and ordering of transactions, without having to wait for consensus from other nodes. By separating the process of transaction verification from their recording, a higher throughput is achieved without sacrificing network security.

ChainLink is developing the LINK Network, which will enable connected smart contracts. LINK will provide smart contracts with a variety of external data and access to APIs. ChainLink's goal is to solve the connectivity problem that plagues smart contract based systems, and discourages mass adoption. Many decentralized applications are unable to connect with important external data sources due to limitations involving their consensus protocols. The LINK network wants to connect their smart contracts with external systems and APIs by using secure middleware.

ARK, which is a fork of Lisk, is developing an interconnected blockchain ecosystem that will make it easier for users to develop their own blockchains. Ark emphasizes interoperability and usability. Their moto is “Point.Click.Blockchain” and their goal is to allow for easy deployment of DApps. Ark's "push button blockchains" can be easily created with minimal programming knowledge. Ark also hopes to encourage adoption by developers by accommodating 18 different programming languages.
Ark has a delegated Proof-of-Stake (dPoS) consensus mechanism. Their governance model allows users to vote for delegates that secure the network. The top 51 delegates voluntarily share there tokens with their voters.
Ark contract execution service (ACES) connects ARK with other blockchains and will enable exchanges of value between them.