Caldera is launching its Metalayer, a shared interoperability network built to combat the growing fragmentation of the rollup ecosystem. This novel solution aims to make cross-chain interactions more efficient and provide a seamless developer experience across different blockchain networks. With the Metalayer, Caldera aims to transform cross-chain actions into simple, intent-based requests, fostering a more connected and efficient environment for decentralized applications.
As of this writing in April 2025, Caldera is used to power more than 100 chains, 30 live mainnets and 15 active testnets. In addition, since April 2023 the platform has made it possible to deploy over 100 rollups. Today, Caldera’s ecosystem is known as one of the largest and fastest-growing networks of application-specific rollups – or supernets – settling on Ethereum. The Metalayer testnet is currently live and operational on all major networks including Base, Optimism, Arbitrum and ZKSync. Of course, prepare for the mainnet launch, mainly targeted for May 2025!
Metalayer's Interconnected Layers
The Metalayer comprises three interconnected layers: Execution, Settlement, and the Developer Toolkit. Each layer has a powerful part to play in enabling smooth cross-chain operations and easy development, and the combination between them is magic. Towards the bottom of this article, we’ll explain why this structure is intended to offer a holistic solution to the problems created by fragmented rollups.
The execution layer is essentially designed to take complicated, cross-chain actions and break them down into simple, intent-based requests. This abstraction delivers a better user experience, as well as lower technical overhead on the part of their users when it comes to interacting across chains. By simplifying these processes, Caldera seeks to create decentralized applications that are easier to use and instinctive for users.
Caldera’s settlement layer provides a home for secure, cross-chain and off-chain execution. It offers data retrieval and intent resolution for apps operating within the Metalayer. Security is very important. As a result, the settlement layer features robust mechanisms that ensure integrity and trustworthiness of cross-chain transactions. This layer enables efficient and unified access to data, allowing applications to query and use data across chains through a singular interface.
The Developer Toolkit is a comprehensive set of tools to make it easier for builders to create on the Metalayer. It has APIs, SDKs and a prebuilt UI that works on all Caldera chains. Caldera has published these resources to help streamline the process for developers looking to get involved in the Metalayer ecosystem. This smart cities challenge provides multiple prizes to facilitate innovative new applications.
Ecosystem Growth and Adoption
Caldera’s growing ecosystem quickly became a magnet for innovation and ingenuity across industries. Chains built on Caldera have already processed over 400 million transactions. They now sit on more than $390 million of Total Value Locked (TVL). Beyond that, the platform has been key to deploying some of the industry’s most exciting rollups. Other examples of worth are Manta Pacific, ApeChain, B3, Kinto, Bluwhale’s Oceanum, and Clearpool’s Ozean.
Six of the major networks within the Caldera ecosystem have publicly committed to incorporating the Metalayer upon its launch. These networks connect Zapata’s networks of ApeChain, Manta Pacific, Zero Network, and Sanko, Kinto, B3. Key players in the ecosystem are already committed to solving the issue of rollup fragmentation. Their support clearly underscores the value they see and the promise they believe Metalayer brings as a solution. Their integration will help power more adoption and expansion of the Metalayer network.
Future Developments
Caldera intends to allow users to provide liquidity directly with LPing to the Metalayer ecosystem this summer. This is going to be an exciting feature that will allow users to directly provide liquidity to the Metalayer, greatly increasing the efficiency and utility of this innovation. Caldera is facilitating direct LPing in an effort to cryptocurrency exchange coin liquidity provide an anchor liquidity pool. We believe this change will be welcomed by users and applications across the ecosystem.
No matter what, the introduction of direct LPing should encourage and attract more participants and users to the greater Metalayer ecosystem. By using the DeFi version, users can earn rewards by supplying liquidity. At the same time, applications will benefit from improved liquidity and reduced transaction costs. This improvement is in step with Caldera’s mission to build a more intuitive, user-first, developer-friendly platform.
