When it comes to blockchain scalability, developers increasingly seek solutions that combine high throughput with access to deep liquidity. Traditional Layer 1 networks often face trade-offs between speed and decentralization, while most Layer 2 solutions are limited by the performance of the EVM. New approaches are emerging to bridge these gaps by combining high-performance execution environments with established security and liquidity layers. By merging Solana’s fast and efficient virtual machine with Ethereum’s robust settlement infrastructure, one such solution aims to deliver on this promise. This approach is embodied by Eclipse.xyz.

What is Eclipse.xyz?

Founded in June 2022 by Neel Somani, a former Citadel researcher and Airbnb software engineer, Eclipse was born from the ambition to combine high-throughput execution with Ethereum’s security. Somani, who had previously explored blockchain scalability through Ethereum rollup research, launched Eclipse Labs to build a performant Layer 2 using the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM). Backed early on by top-tier investors such as Placeholder, Polychain, DBA, Maven11, Fenbushi, and Flow Traders, Eclipse secured $65 million in funding. Notable individual supporters include Anatoly Yakovenko, Mert Mumtaz, Segfault, Barnabé Monnot, John Adler, and Hasu.

In 2023, Eclipse gained traction for its “beefy sequencer” model—an innovation focused on maximizing throughput via custom sequencer architecture. This laid the groundwork for the Giga Scale VM (GSVM), a next-gen performance layer that saw over 100,000 TPS in lab tests. By January 2025, the roadmap was publicly outlined under three development phases—Highland, Longhorn, and Wagyu—each emphasizing security, decentralization, performance, and developer experience.

On February 8, 2025, the team announced the launch of the Eclipse Foundation, a new governance body aimed at overseeing protocol decentralization and ecosystem growth. The development arm continued under Eclipse Labs, with separate communications for research and technical progress.

Eclipse’s growth has centered on a clear technical vision: building the fastest, most developer-friendly SVM-based L2. Through initiatives like fraud proofs, MEV redistribution, app-specific sequencing, and zero-knowledge integration, Eclipse is positioning itself as a core infrastructure provider for next-gen decentralized applications. As of early 2025, it continues to onboard developers and refine its GSVM client, with a mainnet launch expected later this year.

How Does Eclipse.xyz Work? Architecture and Transactions

Source: eclipse.xyz

Eclipse.xyz implements a modular architecture built from leading technologies across the Ethereum and Solana ecosystems to deliver high-throughput, low-cost, secure blockchain execution. The Eclipse Mainnet uniquely combines five core components: Ethereum for settlement, Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) for execution, Celestia for data availability, RISC Zero for fraud proofs, and Ethereum (ETH) for gas.

Settlement with Ethereum

As Ethereum’s first Solana Virtual Machine Layer 2, Eclipse settles directly to Ethereum. It integrates a validating bridge, which acts as the canonical source of truth, ensuring that all Eclipse nodes respect the same chain. This bridge provides guarantees like censorship resistance and eventual liveness. If a sequencer fails or attempts to censor transactions, users can force inclusion via the bridge. Nodes in the Eclipse network run full Ethereum nodes in parallel to ensure transaction accuracy and security. ETH is used as the native gas token on Eclipse, aligning with Ethereum-native DeFi and NFT ecosystems. Future plans include enabling gas fee payments with other tokens such as USDC.

Execution via the Solana Virtual Machine

Eclipse leverages the SVM for execution due to its performance advantages. Unlike Ethereum’s EVM, which executes transactions sequentially, the SVM uses Sealevel, a runtime that allows for parallel transaction execution. This is critical as modern processors add more cores but not more single-threaded speed. The SVM requires contracts to declare state access up front, allowing the runtime to schedule conflict-free transactions for simultaneous execution. This structure also enables local fee markets, preventing one high-traffic app from raising gas costs for the entire network. On the security side, SVM’s runtime prevents reentrancy attacks by isolating state and restricting reentrant calls. In addition, the SVM has a smaller instruction set and register-based design, making it more suitable for zero-knowledge proofs and optimistic rollups.

Data Availability via Celestia

Eclipse posts its transaction data to Celestia rather than Ethereum due to Celestia’s higher throughput and cost-efficiency. While Ethereum’s upcoming proto-danksharding upgrade improves data bandwidth (~0.375 MB per block), it still lags Celestia, which is set to launch with 2 MB blocks, scaling up to 8 MB as more DAS light nodes come online. Celestia allows users to verify data availability themselves using DAS, unlike Data Availability Committees that require trusting external actors. Though this offchain DA introduces a different security assumption, Celestia mitigates this risk through its proof-of-stake consensus, which makes data withholding slashable.

Fraud Proofs with RISC Zero

To prove the correctness of execution, Eclipse uses RISC Zero to generate fraud proofs. Rather than rely on Merkle roots, Eclipse logs detailed input/output data for each transaction on Celestia. If a dispute arises, verifiers can post ZK fraud proofs using RISC Zero to prove incorrect execution. Verifiers can point to Celestia’s historical data if a fault involves incorrect inputs, validated via the Quantum Gravity Bridge. This methodology bypasses expensive state serialization and enables more efficient, secure fault-proof systems.

Architecture Summary

The Eclipse architecture tightly integrates modular blockchain components to offer scalable, performant Layer 2 execution. Ethereum provides secure settlement and economic finality. The Solana Virtual Machine ensures parallel execution, allowing for high throughput. Celestia offers scalable and verifiable data availability, and RISC Zero enhances fraud detection and trustlessness. With ETH as its native gas token and future fee abstraction on the roadmap, Eclipse positions itself as a fast, flexible, and developer-friendly rollup optimized for next-generation dApps.

Source: docs.eclipse.xyz

Transactions

The transaction lifecycle on the Eclipse Mainnet follows a structured path that begins with user interaction and ends with secure settlement. It starts when a user initiates a transaction via a decentralized application (dApp). The dApp proposes the transaction, and the user signs it using their wallet. This signed transaction is then submitted to an RPC node. Eclipse Mainnet supports Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) interactions. To maintain compatibility, Eclipse runs proxy nodes for EVM-based transactions. These proxy nodes translate EVM transactions into the SVM format, which Eclipse uses as its primary execution environment. Native SVM transactions bypass this proxy and are sent directly to Eclipse full nodes that implement the SVM JSON-RPC specification.

Once received, transactions must be sequenced. The sequencer, a logical component in the Eclipse stack, is responsible for ordering transactions relative to one another. This step is crucial in managing MEV (miner extractable value) scenarios, where arbitrage opportunities depend heavily on transaction order. Currently, Eclipse employs a centralized sequencer model, though plans for shared or decentralized sequencing are in development. Once the order is set, the sequencer computes the “state diff” rather than a full global state root, optimizing for parallelism and minimizing performance bottlenecks.

Block production follows the sequencing step. The sequencer batches transactions into blocks, computes state updates, and posts these to the data availability (DA) layer, which in Eclipse’s case is Celestia. This includes a commitment to the ordered transactions and their state differences. Eclipse does not rely on a single global state root to avoid bottlenecks, allowing higher throughput.

The final step is settlement. Eclipse employs an optimistic settlement model. Blocks posted to Celestia are relayed to Ethereum, where verifiers—full nodes—can re-execute the transactions and check the resulting state against the posted commitment. If inconsistencies are found, they may submit a fraud proof using Eclipse’s zk-VM during a challenge period. If no valid challenge arises, the transaction is finalized on Ethereum.

Source: docs.eclipse.xyz

Eclipse.xyz Core Products

RPC & Block Explorers

Eclipse.xyz offers a comprehensive infrastructure layer that begins with robust RPC access and diverse block explorer tools. Developers can interact with the Eclipse Mainnet, Testnet, and Devnet2 environments via RPC endpoints with different rate limits. Public endpoints, such as mainnetbeta-rpc.eclipse.xyz and helius-rpc.com, are free but rate-limited, while private RPC providers like Triton and Helius offer shared and dedicated access options for production-scale applications. The RPC nodes support SVM JSON-RPC calls, and hardware requirements for running a node include a 12-core CPU, 256GB RAM, and SSD storage.

Block explorers like EclipseScan, Eclipse Dev Explorer, Eclipse XRAY, and Celenium (for Celestia namespaces) support real-time network visibility. These tools offer transparent tracking for transaction data, contract interactions, and asset flows. With Eclipse Testnet and Devnet2 mimicking the mainnet environment for development and testing, developers can deploy and monitor applications with confidence across the entire Eclipse stack.

Source: eclipsescan.xyz

Eclipse Canonical Bridge

The Eclipse Canonical Bridge enables users to bridge ETH from Ethereum to Eclipse Mainnet via https://bridge.eclipse.xyz. While withdrawals are currently disabled, deposits are supported through a user-friendly CLI that integrates with Ethereum and Solana wallets. Users can fund their Eclipse account from Ethe thereum Mainnet or Sepolia by generating a deposit address with Solana CLI, ensuring seamless SVM-native interaction. Hyperlane also extends Eclipse’s interoperability, supporting asset transfers like USDC, SOL, and WIF across Ethereum, Solana, and Eclipse. Eclipse does not issue a native token; ETH remains the gas token and main currency, reinforcing Ethereum alignment.

Source: app.eclipse.xyz/bridge

Mint tETH

Launched in partnership with Nucleus, tETH is Eclipse’s unified liquid restaking token designed to simplify access to Ethereum restaking rewards. By combining top LRTs—eETH, ezETH, rswETH, steakETH, and pufETH—tETH provides a diversified yield-bearing asset that tracks ETH staking yield via an exchange-rate model. Minted on Ethereum and bridged to Eclipse via Hyperlane, tETH allows users to claim additional AVS rewards separately. It can be redeemed through collateral swaps or expedited orders, making it a powerful tool for restaking efficiency, liquidity consolidation, and DeFi utility within the growing Eclipse LRTFi ecosystem.

Source: app.eclipse.xyz/mint-teth

NFTs

Eclipse supports advanced NFT infrastructure through Token-2022 extensions and platforms like Libreplex. These tools empower creators to issue, manage, and trade NFTs within the SVM framework, using opt-in extensions and metadata storage for custom experiences. Libreplex simplifies the NFT lifecycle while enhancing interoperability across marketplaces. With compatibility for Solana tooling, developers can launch NFT projects using familiar APIs, ensuring minimal friction. Whether for gaming, collectibles, or art, Eclipse’s NFT support is built for performance and composability, inviting creators to push the boundaries of digital ownership.

Developer Tooling

Eclipse provides full compatibility with Solana developer tools, allowing seamless migration or onboarding for SVM-native builders. Rust remains the dominant language, though tools like Seahorse enable Python-based smart contract development. IDEs such as Visual Studio Code with Rust Analyzer are widely supported. Key frameworks include Anchor for smart contract scaffolding and Solana Program Library (SPL) for reusable logic. Devs can interact with Eclipse through Eclipse Wallet, MetaMask Snaps, Solflare, or Backpack.

RPC providers like Helius and Triton One ensure performant node infrastructure, while explorers and dashboards streamline debugging and monitoring. With extensive testing support and familiar environments, Eclipse makes it easy for Solana developers to port or build directly in its SVM-based Ethereum L2.

Eclipse Bug Bounty Program

Security is a priority for Eclipse, and the team has partnered with Immunefi to launch a robust bug bounty program. With bounties up to $1,000,000, researchers are incentivized to report vulnerabilities ranging from low to critical. Rewards are distributed in USDC and assessed based on severity via the Immunefi Vulnerability Severity Classification System (V2.3). This initiative strengthens the safety and trustworthiness of the Eclipse ecosystem while encouraging community participation. The bounty covers critical infrastructure, including the canonical bridge, sequencer, smart contracts, and data availability integration, reflecting Eclipse’s commitment to proactive, transparent security measures across its rollup architecture.

Source: docs.eclipse.xyz

Eclipse.xyz Use Cases

Eclipse.xyz offers a unique infrastructure that merges the scalability and parallel execution of the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) with the security and decentralization of Ethereum. This powerful combination opens the door for many use cases that benefit from low fees, fast throughput, and seamless interoperability.

• High-Performance DeFi Applications: Eclipse is ideal for decentralized exchanges (DEXs), yield aggregators, lending platforms, and prediction markets that require low latency and high throughput. Thanks to the SVM’s parallel execution model, applications can avoid bottlenecks and congestion typical of EVM chains, enabling smoother user experiences. Protocols like Orca, Sandglass, and Save already leverage Eclipse to deliver next-gen DeFi products.
• Composable Infrastructure for Modular dApps: The Eclipse architecture supports modular design patterns where developers can deploy composable smart contracts and infrastructure tools that scale with demand. Developers benefit from a familiar Rust and Python-based stack, with access to the Solana developer ecosystem. Integration with tools like Anchor, MetaMask Snaps, and Hyperlane also simplifies dApp deployment and interoperability.
• Cross-Chain Interoperability and Bridging: Eclipse’s bridges, including its canonical Ethereum bridge and Hyperlane integration, allow seamless movement of assets like ETH, USDC, and SOL between chains. This makes Eclipse an attractive environment for multi-chain dApps, NFT marketplaces, and tokenized assets platforms that need both performance and secure bridging between ecosystems.

Eclipse.xyz Ecosystem

The Eclipse.xyz ecosystem is expanding into a vibrant network of integrated applications, protocols, and developer tools across DeFi, gaming, infrastructure, and cross-chain interoperability. Built on top of the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) and secured by Ethereum, Eclipse Mainnet offers developers and users a high-performance environment for scalable, user-centric dApps.

Within DeFi, Orca stands out as a trusted decentralized exchange (DEX), offering smooth token trading and liquidity provision. Sandglass enables sophisticated yield trading, while Sharp Trade brings options and predictions to the chain, unlocking new ways to speculate and hedge risk. Save, a permissionless savings protocol, provides users with non-custodial earning strategies, making DeFi more accessible.

On the consumer side, ASC serves as the official genesis NFT collection of Eclipse, supporting the emerging creative and collectibles economy. Backpack, a next-generation wallet and exchange, enhances wallet UX and security for interacting with the Eclipse ecosystem.

Infrastructure integrations include Etherscan, which ensures human-readable access to on-chain activity and data. Additionally, Hyperlane facilitates seamless bridging between Eclipse, Ethereum, and Solana, making asset interoperability intuitive and efficient across ecosystems.

These integrations reflect only a portion of what’s already live or building on Eclipse. The protocol’s unique positioning at the intersection of Ethereum security and Solana performance has attracted a diverse set of builders who value speed, scalability, and composability. Whether you’re deploying DeFi applications, launching consumer-facing NFTs, or building infrastructure for the next generation of Web3 users, Eclipse provides a fast, developer-friendly foundation with native support for Rust, Python (via Seahorse), and tools like Anchor.

Source: eclipse.xyz/ecosystem

News on Eclipse.xyz

As announced on the official Eclipse Foundation blog on 28 February 2025, the Eclipse Creator Fund has been launched to support onchain artists and revive digital art culture in Web3. Powered by platform fees and led by the Art Council, the initiative aims to onboard creators from both Ethereum and Solana ecosystems while welcoming talent from beyond crypto. With a focus on accessibility, low fees, and community input, the fund underscores Eclipse’s commitment to art, culture, and decentralization.

Eclipse Founder Stepped Back After Allegations

In October 2024, Neel Somani, founder of Ethereum Layer-2 project Eclipse, stepped back from public-facing duties after sexual misconduct allegations surfaced on X, which he firmly denied. Although no legal charges were filed, Eclipse released a statement affirming its commitment to integrity, fairness, and gender equality while expressing support for transparency as the situation was addressed.