Brianomari

Key Takeaways

Caldera is a Rollup-as-a-Service (RaaS) platform that helps developers launch custom, app-specific rollups with just a few clicks. 

The platform is built around two parts: the Rollup Engine (to create and manage rollups) and the Metalayer (to connect them for cross-chain communication). 

Rollups launched with Caldera are automatically connected and can communicate, share liquidity, and transfer assets with each other easily. 

Introduction

Building on Ethereum can be challenging when the network is busy. As more people use the network, transactions can take longer and cost more. Rollups help by moving activity off the main chain, but many still operate on their own like isolated islands, making it hard to move data or assets between different chains.

Caldera lets you launch your own rollup in minutes, designed specifically for your app and automatically connects it to other chains. That means faster transactions, lower costs, and a smoother experience for users and developers.

What Is Caldera?

Caldera is a Rollup-as-a-Service (RaaS) platform that lets developers launch rollups that are designed specifically for their app’s needs. Instead of starting from scratch, teams can use Caldera’s tools to quickly spin up fast, flexible rollups tailored for use cases like decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), or social platforms.

The Rollup Engine

At the heart of Caldera is the Rollup Engine, a powerful deployment system that lets developers launch and manage custom rollups in just a few clicks or Application Programming Interface (API) calls. This is similar to how Amazon Web Services (AWS) makes it easy to run web applications in the cloud, the Rollup Engine takes care of the heavy lifting so developers do not need to stress over the technical details or be blockchain experts to get started.

Metalayer

The Metalayer is the invisible network that links all Caldera rollups together, allowing them to communicate, share liquidity, and pass messages securely. Instead of each rollup being an isolated island, apps can interact with each other across chains, and users can move assets like tokens or NFTs seamlessly between them.

Together, the Rollup Engine and Metalayer let developers build flexible, application-specific chains without giving up the benefits of a shared ecosystem.

How Does Caldera Work?

1. Launch a rollup 

Developers start by choosing their rollup settings using the Rollup Engine:

Execution layer: Choose from popular rollup frameworks such as Arbitrum Nitro and Optimism Bedrock for optimistic rollups or go with zero-knowledge (ZK) solutions like zkSync’s ZK Stack or Polygon CDK.

Data availability: Choose between options like Ethereum, Celestia, or Avail to store transaction data.

Customization: Adjust performance settings, roll out software upgrades, and scale computing resources on demand

2. Connect instantly with the Metalayer

Once deployed, your rollup is automatically plugged into the Metalayer, which enables:

Intent-based bridging: If you want to move stablecoins like USDC from one rollup to another, the system automatically finds the fastest and cheapest way to do it. This is powered by bridging partners like Across (a cross-chain bridge), Eco (a protocol for efficient transaction routing), and Hyperlane.

Fast settlement: With Hyperlane handling the messaging layer, transfers and cross-chain communication are completed in seconds.

Developer Tools:  Caldera provides APIs, SDKs, and ready-to-use UI components for developers to build cross-chain apps without writing custom bridging logic.

3. Scale on demand

Caldera’s modular architecture lets developers:

Launch new rollups: A DeFi app could spin up a separate rollup just for high-volume traders, while a gaming platform might launch dedicated rollups for different game worlds or regions.

Upgrade without downtime: Developers can roll out protocol upgrades like adding new features or integrating with different data availability layers without disrupting the user experience.

Scaling compute resources: If demand increases, like during an NFT drop or a major in-game event, teams can increase computing power to maintain performance.

Ecosystem Overview 

Caldera is powering an expanding network of over 50 active rollups across a wide range of use cases, including DeFi, gaming, social apps, and infrastructure protocols. 

Some of the notable chains built on Caldera include:

Manta Pacific: A modular Layer 2 focused on ZK applications.

ApeChain: Designed for the ApeCoin ecosystem, enabling fast and cheap transactions for NFTs and gaming.

Injective’s inEVM: A rollup that brings EVM compatibility to the Injective ecosystem.

ERA Token

The ERA token is the native utility token of the Caldera ecosystem. The token is used for a variety of purposes, including:

Gas fees: ERA is used to pay for transaction fees across the Metalayer, supporting interactions between rollups.

Staking & Network Security: Validators stake ERA to help secure the network, verify cross-rollup messages, and support future subnets like those involved in generating ZK proofs.

Governance: ERA holders can propose and vote on protocol changes, grant funding, and elect members to roles such as the security council. While initial governance is bootstrapped by the Caldera Foundation, long-term decision-making will move to on-chain community voting.

Caldera (ERA) on Binance HODLer Airdrops

On July 16, 2025, Binance announced ERA as the 27th project on the Binance HODLer Airdrops. Users who subscribed their BNB to Simple Earn and/or On-Chain Yields products from July 1 to 5 were eligible to receive ERA airdrops. A total of 20 million ERA tokens were allocated to the program, accounting for 2% of the total token supply.

ERA was listed with the Seed Tag applied, allowing for trading against the USDT, USDC, BNB, FDUSD, and TRY pairs.

Closing Thoughts

Caldera offers a modular way to build and scale blockchain apps by letting teams launch custom rollups with built-in connectivity across chains. With the Rollup Engine handling deployment and the Metalayer supporting cross-chain communication, Caldera aims to make building on-chain apps faster, smoother, and more flexible.

Further Reading

What Is Cross-Chain Interoperability?

Quantum Computers and Cryptocurrencies

What Are Bitcoin Layer 2 Networks?

Disclaimer: This content is presented to you on an “as is” basis for general information and educational purposes only, without representation or warranty of any kind. It should not be construed as financial, legal or other professional advice, nor is it intended to recommend the purchase of any specific product or service. You should seek your own advice from appropriate professional advisors. Products mentioned in this article may not be available in your region. Where the article is contributed by a third party contributor, please note that those views expressed belong to the third party contributor, and do not necessarily reflect those of Binance Academy. Please read our full disclaimer for further details. Digital asset prices can be volatile. The value of your investment may go down or up and you may not get back the amount invested. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and Binance Academy is not liable for any losses you may incur. This material should not be construed as financial, legal or other professional advice. For more information, see our Terms of Use and Risk Warning.

Key Takeaways

MyShell is an open AI ecosystem that connects AI developers, users, and researchers. It allows users to create, explore, and earn from AI-powered applications. 

MyShell offers AI creation tools, an AI marketplace, and advanced voice technologies that can provide new opportunities for innovation in the AI space.

Unlike traditional AI platforms that are controlled by big companies, MyShell adopts blockchain technology for decentralized governance, increased transparency, and data security.

What Is MyShell?

MyShell is a platform that lets people create, explore, and earn money from AI-powered tools. It’s a space where developers, content creators, and users can interact with AI, build custom AI applications, and take part in a digital economy using blockchain technology. 

Unlike traditional AI platforms that are controlled by big companies, MyShell adopts decentralized governance, making it more transparent and accessible to everyone.

Key Features of MyShell

1. Creating AI agents

MyShell provides different ways to create AI agents, depending on the user’s skill level:

Classic Mode – A no-code option where anyone can create AI applications without programming.

Pro Config Mode – A more advanced option for developers who want greater control over AI workflows.

ShellAgent Mode – A modular AI framework that helps developers build and integrate AI-powered assistants.

2. AIpp Store

The AIpp Store is MyShell’s marketplace where AI agents are published and shared. Users can browse, try different AI applications, and even pay for premium features. Developers can also use the marketplace to offer AI agent services in return for money.

The AIpp Store makes it easy for users to explore different AI applications, interact with them, and decide which ones they want to use. Since the store includes a wide variety of AI tools, there is something for everyone, whether they need AI-generated art, text-based chatbots, or automated research tools.

3. Decentralization

MyShell uses blockchain technology to improve security and transparency. Blockchain records all transactions in a digital ledger, making sure that data remains secure and can’t be easily changed. The platform uses its own token, SHELL, for payments.

With blockchain, users have more control over their transactions, and developers can get fair compensation for their AI agents without interference from third parties. This decentralized system makes MyShell different from other AI platforms that rely on traditional payment methods and centralized ownership.

4. AI voice and speech

MyShell includes tools for high-quality voice and speech services:

OpenVoice – A tool that can quickly clone voices.

MeloTTS – A multilingual text-to-speech system that creates natural-sounding voices in different languages.

These tools make it easy for users to generate natural-sounding voices for various applications, from audiobooks to virtual assistants. The ability to generate and clone voices also opens up creative possibilities for content creators looking to add AI-generated narration or dialogue to their projects.

5. Community and open-source collaboration

MyShell supports open-source projects and encourages collaboration among AI developers. The platform provides tools and resources so users can contribute to and improve AI models. Developers can work together to build better AI models, share improvements, and push the boundaries of what AI can do.

How MyShell Works

Creating AI agents

Users can create AI agents using MyShell’s tools. They can pick a development mode, add AI models, and customize their agents for different tasks.

Publishing and sharing

Once an AI agent is ready, it can be published in the AIpp Store, where other users can find and use it. Some AI agents are free, while others require payment using the SHELL token.

This publishing process allows developers to showcase their work and receive feedback from users. Since the AIpp Store is open to all types of AI applications, it creates a diverse ecosystem with a wide range of tools and services.

User interaction

Users can browse the AIpp Store, interact with different AI agents, and pay for premium services. Developers earn money when users engage with their AI agents, giving them an incentive to create innovative AI solutions.

For developers, this provides a clear way to monetize their AI applications while users get access to useful tools that can enhance their daily tasks or creative projects. The ability to earn money from AI creations makes MyShell an attractive platform for those looking to invest their time in AI development.

The Role of SHELL Token

The SHELL token is MyShell’s cryptocurrency. It is used for:

Paying for AI-generated services.

Rewarding AI creators for their work.

Voting on platform decisions (decentralized governance).

The total number of SHELL tokens is divided among the development team, advisors, community incentives, and growth funds.

Having a dedicated token makes transactions more seamless and ensures that AI developers can receive fair compensation for their contributions.

SHELL on the Binance HODLer Airdrop

Binance announced MyShell (SHELL) as the 10th project in its HODLer Airdrops program. This initiative rewards BNB holders with token airdrops based on historical snapshots of their balances.

Users who previously subscribed to Binance's Simple Earn products during the designated eligibility periods qualified for SHELL rewards. A total of 50,000,000 SHELL tokens have been allocated for distribution.

After the airdrop, SHELL was listed on Binance with the Seed Tag applied, allowing for trading against the BTC, USDT, USDC, BNB, FDUSD, and TRY pairs.

Closing Thoughts

MyShell is a decentralized AI platform that allows users to create, explore, and earn from AI-powered applications. With features like AI creation tools, an AI marketplace, and advanced voice technologies, MyShell can provide new opportunities for AI innovation.

By providing a space for AI creators to develop, share, and earn from their work, MyShell aims to build an AI ecosystem that is more open, collaborative, and rewarding.

Further Reading

What Are AI Agents?

What Is the Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL)?

What Is the Usual Protocol (USUAL)?

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. This content is presented to you on an “as is” basis for general information and educational purposes only, without representation or warranty of any kind. It should not be construed as financial, legal or other professional advice, nor is it intended to recommend the purchase of any specific product or service. You should seek your own advice from appropriate professional advisors. Products mentioned in this article may not be available in your region. Where the article is contributed by a third party contributor, please note that those views expressed belong to the third party contributor, and do not necessarily reflect those of Binance Academy. Please read our full disclaimer here for further details. Digital asset prices can be volatile. The value of your investment may go down or up and you may not get back the amount invested. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and Binance Academy is not liable for any losses you may incur. This material should not be construed as financial, legal or other professional advice. For more information, see our Terms of Use and Risk Warning.