Bitlayer: Bringing Smart Contracts to Bitcoin
Bitlayer is a cutting-edge Layer-2 protocol designed to unlock Bitcoin’s full potential by enabling Ethereum-style smart contracts and decentralized finance (DeFi) applications directly on the Bitcoin network. Built on the BitVM paradigm, Bitlayer inherits Bitcoin’s world-class security while delivering fast, low-cost transactions.
At the heart of Bitlayer is its trust-minimized bridge, which allows users to seamlessly move BTC into the Layer-2 environment. Once bridged, developers and users gain access to an EVM-compatible ecosystem, meaning existing Ethereum DApps can run on Bitcoin with minimal changes. This opens the door for lending platforms, decentralized exchanges, NFT marketplaces, and more — all backed by the strength of the Bitcoin blockchain.
Since its founding in 2023 in Singapore, Bitlayer has quickly gained traction. Leveraging AWS infrastructure, the project has built a robust environment for developers, coupled with community incentives like DApp competitions and airdrops. In 2025, Bitlayer raised around $31 million, including a successful $6 million public ICO, reaching a valuation near $300 million.
Bitlayer’s vision is simple yet ambitious: merge Bitcoin’s unmatched security with the flexibility of programmable smart contracts, creating a scalable financial layer for the next generation of blockchain applications. With its rapid growth, strong developer engagement, and increasing adoption, Bitlayer is positioning itself as a key player in the evolution of Bitcoin from a store of value to a fully programmable financial network.
