As of June 2025, Hedera Hashgraph has risen to the top tier of layer-1 blockchain networks in terms of core developer activity.

According to CryptoRus and data from Token Terminal, Hedera now ranks among networks like Chainlink, Ethereum, Cardano, and Internet Computer (ICP).

This momentum follows a strong push by the Hedera Foundation to grow decentralized finance (DeFi) on the network, signaling a strategic effort to attract both developers and users.

Rising Developer Activity on Hedera

Core developer activity is a key indicator of blockchain health, tracking the number of unique GitHub contributors actively building on a protocol.

The Hedera Foundation has invested in various tools and incentives to encourage development, helping Hedera achieve one of the highest growth rates in the Web3 space.

Key Developer Initiatives:

• Hedera Developer Playground: A browser-based, open-source tool that allows developers to build and experiment with Web3 applications easily. Built in collaboration with Kabila, it offers an intuitive environment for both new and experienced developers.
• Hedera AI Studio: A toolkit powered by Hedera Consensus Service (HCS) designed for building AI agents and decentralized AI applications. Various tools include:
  • The Hedera Agent Kit
  • ElizaOS Plugin
  • MCP Server
  • OpenConvAI (HCS-10)

AI Studio aims to make AI more transparent and verifiable, addressing the “black box” problem of traditional AI systems.

Strengthening the Hedera DeFi Ecosystem

Several decentralized applications and tools have helped attract users and developers to Hedera. Among the most notable is SaucerSwap, the first and largest decentralized exchange (DEX) on the network.

• Over $47.4 million in Total Value Locked (TVL)
• More than $3.8 billion in total trading volume
• Features include staking, governance participation, and liquidity provision
• Integrated with Hashport, enabling asset transfers across blockchains

Backed by the HBAR Foundation, SaucerSwap has become a gateway for DeFi participants and casual traders entering the Hedera ecosystem.

Institutional Expansion

Hedera’s appeal extends beyond individual developers and users. In 2025, new institutional partners such as Blockchain For Energy and Arrow Electronics joined the Hedera Council.

Council members not only utilize Hedera’s infrastructure for their operations but also run their own network nodes, contributing to the security and decentralization of the platform.

Hedera’s distributed ledger technology (DLT) stands out for:

• High transaction speed and scalability
• Strong security and transparency
• Cost-efficiency and energy efficiency compared to traditional blockchains

These attributes make it particularly attractive to enterprises integrating blockchain into financial systems and supply chain networks.

What’s Ahead for HBAR: Orbit and Æ

Two major projects are set to launch on Hedera in the second half of 2025:

Orbit (Q3 2025)

A next-gen trading platform built by traders, Orbit offers:

• Instant and on-chain limit order execution
• Sniping tools and real-time token audits
• Advanced trading dashboards
• Deep analytics and intuitive user experience

Orbit aims to become Hedera’s all-in-one solution for serious DeFi users.

Æ (September 2025)

Æ is Hedera’s first immersive virtual social world, inspired by platforms like Habbo and Second Life. Users can interact, socialize, and engage in gameplay, all powered by the Hedera blockchain and HBAR token.

Outlook for 2025 and Beyond

Hedera’s rise in core developer activity signals its growing role as a leading platform in the Web3 and DeFi landscape. The Hedera Foundation’s ongoing investment in infrastructure, tools, and ecosystem partnerships has created fertile ground for innovation.

With developer onboarding, institutional adoption, and new high-profile dApps on the horizon, Hedera is well-positioned for significant growth through the remainder of 2025 and into 2026.