Sophon $SOPH is a next-generation blockchain focused on the general public and entertainment. Its goal is to allow users to 'monetize' their daily digital activities (video games, social networks, etc.) while preserving their privacy. To achieve this, Sophon utilizes advanced zero-knowledge proof (ZK) technology, notably the zkTLS protocol and Sophon's Social Oracle, which verify private data (for example, a game score or financial data) on the blockchain without revealing the content. Thus, user data (achievements, social influence, financial status) can be transformed into valuable digital assets without exposing sensitive information.
From a technological perspective, Sophon is a rollup (Layer 2 blockchain) built with zkSync ZK Stack technology. It operates as a modular sidechain ('Validium') with the support of Avail for data availability. In clear terms, Sophon is designed to be interoperable within the Elastic Chain ecosystem of zkSync (a network of connected ZK blockchains). The platform also integrates account abstraction and paymasters, which eliminates classic frictions (wallet management, transaction fees): users can register with a Google account or similar and conduct transactions supported by applications or the network. The native SOPH token serves to pay fees on the network and for governance (DPoS staking), with a deflationary mechanism: a portion of unused staking rewards is burned.
Current and potential use cases
Sophon primarily targets consumer and gaming uses. Its use cases include:
Gaming: integration of video games with on-chain rewards. For example, the esports betting platform Rivalry has announced that it is integrating its token (NUTZ) on Sophon to offer betting and virtual casinos where players can bet or 'be the house' by wagering tokens via Sophon.
Social networks and entertainment: Sophon provides an ecosystem (Sophon Home/Sophon Account app) where users can manage their digital identity and assets (participation tokens) simply, without complicated keys. Thanks to the Social Oracle, a user can for example prove a gaming track record, a streaming rating, or activity on a platform, without revealing their private data. These proofs can unlock personalized experiences (exclusive access, rewards) in gaming, betting, or content applications.
Sports and online betting: Partnerships like the one with Rivalry show interest in gambling: users can bet on games or sports, with rewards in tokens and participation in winnings thanks to the blockchain.
Gaming and AI: The network has connections with partners like CARV (identity for games/AI) and Aethir (cloud GPU) to create immersive gaming/web3 experiences. For example, CARV provides Sophon with modular identity solutions for increased security and verifiability in games and AI applications.
Monetization of personal data: Ultimately, Sophon aims to open a 'data economy' where users could extract value from their Web2 data (browsing history, playlists, etc.) in the form of digital assets, with cryptocurrencies as rewards, while remaining confidential. The concept is that platforms could offer rewards on your verified data without ever seeing the raw content (thanks to zkTLS).
In summary, Sophon presents itself as an invisible gateway between consumer applications ('Web2') and blockchain ('Web3'), allowing users to enjoy blockchain services (rewards, digital ownership) without the usual complexity.
Infrastructure: blockchain and technology
Sophon is not just a simple token on Bitcoin or Ethereum, but the native crypto of a dedicated Layer 2 blockchain. This blockchain relies on the zkSync Hyperchain: an interconnected ZK network of specialized chains. It uses ZK rollups (Validium) with Avail availability, providing high scalability and security (transaction proof stored on Ethereum). As emphasized, the technology also incorporates account abstraction and paymasters, removing the need to pay 'gas' or manually manage a crypto wallet. Thus, Sophon is built on the advanced infrastructure of zkSync (hence its founders coming from zkSync/Matter Labs) and can support high-throughput applications (gaming, AI) while remaining compatible with the Ethereum ecosystem.
However, at its public launch, the SOPH asset was distributed notably via the Binance Smart Chain (BEP-20) for the initial airdrops and listings. For example, Binance listed Sophon as a HODLer Airdrop Project, with a contract mentioned on BNB Chain. This means that the SOPH token is exchangeable on BSC (and bridgeable to other networks), but the fundamental logic (staking, governance, nodes) remains tied to the Sophon chain itself.
Monetary offers: supply and tokenomics
The total supply of SOPH tokens is fixed at 10 billion (max supply). At launch (May 2025), 2 billion SOPH have been unlocked (circulating supply), which is 20% of the total supply. The rest of the tokens are currently locked (team reserves, partnerships, staking, incentives, etc.). For example, Binance mentioned an initial airdrop of 150 million SOPH (1.5% of the supply) and the release of 2 billion at startup.
The SOPH token is used to pay for transactions on the network and to participate in security (DPoS staking). The documentation highlights a deflationary architecture: a portion of the undistributed staking rewards is gradually 'burned', thus progressively reducing the circulating supply. This design aims to align the interests of holders and limit inflation of the token in the long term.
Partnerships and collaborations
Several strategic partnerships strengthen the Sophon ecosystem:
Binance Labs and other investors (Spartan, Paper Ventures, etc.) have funded the project (approximately $60–70 million raised). Sophon has also been included in Binance's 'HODLer' airdrop program, which has brought it visibility and liquidity.
Gaming and identity projects: Sophon collaborates with specialized players. For example, CARV (identity infrastructure for gaming and AI) has formalized a partnership to integrate its modular identity solutions onto the Sophon platform. Rivalry (esports betting platform) is working with Sophon to put its NUTZ token on the blockchain and develop gaming and virtual casino features.
Blockchain ecosystems: Sophon maintains connections with other Web3 projects to strengthen its network. For example, Aethir (decentralized cloud GPU) is launching its infrastructure on the Sophon chain and exchanging nodes with it (about 40,000 Aethir nodes on Sophon and 16,000 Sophon on Aethir). Collaborations are also mentioned with projects like Beam, Zentry, etc., focused on creating tools for developers on Sophon.
Consumer applications: via Binance Smart Chain and other bridges, SOPH tokens are distributed on popular platforms. Additionally, the project envisions a broad ecosystem of entertainment applications (gaming, social networks, AI) coming to its blockchain.
These collaborations aim to populate Sophon with concrete use cases and attract users. They confirm that Sophon positions itself as an infrastructure platform for Web3 entertainment, alongside other dedicated blockchains.
Key explanations
Sophon stands out for its ZK approach dedicated to privacy and 'integrated Web2' uses (Social Oracle), while other projects are more focused on scalability or specific niches. Polygon (MATIC) is a general-purpose Ethereum scaling solution, Immutable X (IMX) focuses on NFTs and games (non-fungible tokens) without gas fees, and Chiliz (CHZ) serves as a governance token for sports fan token platforms. The capitalizations and offerings show that SOPH is relatively small (<$0.2 billion) compared to leaders (MATIC, IMX in billions).
Context and general understanding
For an average user, Sophon can be summarized as follows: it is a blockchain network intended for entertainment services and social networks, designed so that the user has almost nothing technical to do. The idea is to 'decentralize' everyday activities (playing online, participating in competitions, voting on content, etc.) transparently. For example, a video game connected to Sophon could verify your success (score) as authenticating without sharing your real identity, and then reward you with tokens or privileges. Everything happens without managing a wallet or fees: you sign up with your email/Google like on any app, and transactions (in-game purchases, token transfers) can be handled by the application (the Paymaster technology allows this).
SOPH is the token that powers this ecosystem: it is used to pay for micro-transactions, distribute rewards (staking), and participate in network decisions. Its deflationary mechanism (burning a portion of undistributed tokens) aims to maintain scarcity over time. Technically, Sophon relies on an architecture similar to Ethereum but more invisible to the end user. Finally, like any emerging crypto, SOPH remains risky: its adoption and value will depend on the buy-in from game and app developers to the network, as well as the success of the described use cases.
Sources: Official Sophon documents and third-party analyses, reliable crypto data chains (CoinMarketCap, CoinGecko, Binance News). These sources confirm the vision, tech, and current status of the project.