Aurora is a next-generation Ethereum-compatible blockchain and ecosystem built on the NEAR Protocol. It is designed to power innovations on Aurora Cloud, enabling Web2 businesses to leverage the benefits of Web3. Aurora provides a scalable, fast, and cost-effective Ethereum-compatible environment for developers to deploy and operate decentralized applications (dApps).
Aurora is implemented as an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) on the NEAR Protocol, a highly scalable Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchain. Aurora utilizes the NEAR Protocol’s sharding technology and unique consensus mechanisms to offer low transaction costs, fast block times, and rapid transaction finality. Developers can deploy Ethereum dApps on Aurora using Solidity, with the environment offering compatibility with popular Ethereum development tools.
Aurora is suited for a variety of applications, primarily in the DeFi, gaming, and data analytics sectors. It supports decentralised finance (DeFi) applications such as AMM exchanges, liquidity transport, and restaking protocols. Additionally, it facilitates gaming applications, including Play2Earn games and AAA-standard gaming ecosystems. Aurora also serves as a platform for data and analytics services and non-custodial crypto wallets, offering interoperability with existing Ethereum dApps.
Aurora was introduced in May 2021 by the team behind the NEAR Protocol. It aims to provide a solution to Ethereum’s scalability issues by offering a more efficient and cost-effective platform. The AURORA token was released as part of its Token Generation Event on November 18, 2021, and functions as a governance token for the Aurora DAO. Since its launch, Aurora has seen significant adoption and development, with numerous projects built on its blockchain.