2026 Airdrop Preview: These Tracks and Projects Are Worth Continuing to Watch

null

Author: 137Labs

At the end of each year, the crypto community always sees various airdrop prediction lists. Some claim that the airdrop benefits have been exhausted, but each cycle always has new projects breaking this notion with tangible returns.

I have compiled a list of active ecosystem projects, based on dimensions such as product maturity, team background, and community activity, to create an observation checklist. It should be noted that not all of these projects can guarantee an airdrop, but most are in critical development stages and worth spending time to understand or even participate in.

My evaluation framework: Three-Dimensional Scoring Method

I assess projects based on three core dimensions:

Necessity: Does this project really need a token?

Sustainability: Can the product withstand market cycles?

Fairness: Does the airdrop mechanism reward genuine contributions?

Below is a detailed project analysis categorized by track.

Key Tracks and Project Overview

Prediction Markets

Prediction markets typically rely on continuous user participation and liquidity provision, exhibiting strong user stickiness.

· Polymarket: Large user base, mature product, with clear airdrop arrangements.

· Kalshi: A prediction market platform operating within a compliant framework.

· Myriad Markets: User-friendly interface and mobile experience, active community engagement.

· Predictfully: Prediction platform within the Avalanche ecosystem, recently active updates.

· Melee Markets: Early stage, product mechanisms still under testing.

Trading and Liquidity Protocols

Trading protocols are always a vital part of on-chain activity, with next-generation products emphasizing efficiency and integration.

· Titan Exchange: An aggregated trading platform within the Solana ecosystem.

· Backpack: An all-in-one platform covering trading and asset management.

· Jupiter: An important liquidity gateway on Solana.

· Paradex: A trading protocol centered around perpetual contracts.

· Bulk Trade: An emerging derivatives platform in the Solana ecosystem, in testing phase.

AI and Decentralized Computing

The integration of AI and blockchain is gradually moving from conceptual exploration to infrastructure level.

· Abstract Chain: Layer1 network designed for AI agent execution scenarios.

· RitualNet: Decentralized AI computing project, active community technical discussions.

· Inference Labs: Focused on AI inference infrastructure.

· OpenMind AGI: Product iterations frequently, oriented towards AI and robotics applications.

· PrismaXai: Early project combining AI and robotics.

Solana Ecosystem Projects

· As Solana’s activity rebounds, some protocols are gradually becoming part of the ecosystem infrastructure.

· Hylo: Building around stablecoins and yield strategies.

· Loopscale: Providing lending and cyclical loan mechanisms.

· Exponent Finance: Yield and liquidity management platform.

· DeFi Tuna: AMM tools aimed at advanced LP users.

Privacy and Scalability Infrastructure

· Privacy and scalability remain long-term infrastructure directions.

· Fairblock Network: Privacy-centric underlying protocol.

· 0xMiden: Layer2 project based on ZK technology.

· Umi Network: ZK Rollup infrastructure, in testing phase.

· Inco Network: Modular trust layer exploration project.

Real-World Assets and Payments

· RWA and payment projects are gradually extending into practical use cases.

· KAST Card: Crypto payment card project.

· Phygitals: Physical asset tokenization platform.

· MultipliFi: RWA trading marketplace.

· Tria: User experience-oriented crypto payment app.

Social and Information Protocols

· Capturing informational value and social relationship chains are emerging directions in recent years.

· Kaito AI: Information analysis and discussion platform.

· Base: SocialFi app focused on daily interactions.

· Xeet AI: Projects related to information ecosystems.

· Cookiedot.fun: Collaborative participation platform.

Some Observations on Participation Methods

As the industry develops, project teams are increasingly focusing on identifying genuine usage behaviors rather than just interaction counts. Product usage, community discussions, feedback, and collaboration are becoming more common forms of participation. Meanwhile, participation itself is more like a process of understanding new products and models rather than solely aiming for specific outcomes.

Conclusion

Airdrops are merely a way to connect projects with early supporters, not an end goal. For participants, perhaps what matters more is: in changing cycles, continuously observing, understanding, and experiencing projects that truly advance the ecosystem.

The opportunities in 2026 may become more dispersed, but in certain tracks and long-term projects, it’s still worth maintaining attention and patience.

Disclaimer: This article reflects personal opinions only and does not constitute any investment advice. The crypto market is highly risky. Before participating in any airdrops or making investment decisions, please conduct your own research and exercise caution.