Kujira is a layer 1 blockchain built on the Cosmos network, aiming to provide a diverse array of decentralised finance (DeFi) infrastructure and sustainable financial technology. It serves as a platform for sustainable FinTech solutions tailored for web3 protocols, builders, and users.
Kujira leverages the Cosmos network, utilizing the Cosmos SDK and Tendermint BFT for consensus. As a Layer 1 blockchain ecosystem, it uses several specific algorithms, including the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol for communication between different Cosmos Zones and CosmWASM for smart contract deployments. These contracts are written in Rust and are deployed via governance proposals to ensure quality control. Additional features of Kujira include an on-chain scheduler, native token generation, and a robust oracle and randomness via an entropy beacon.
Kujira's potential use cases span various applications in the DeFi space. These include DeFi integrations, stable store of value, paying Kujira gas fees, liquidity provision, arbitrage, and cross-chain liquidity via IBC. Real-world applications of Kujira are found in its ecosystem of dApps, such as BLUE for minting and bridging USK, FIN for trading, and ORCA for liquidation settlement. Kujira also targets specific industries like stablecoin markets and cryptocurrency trading.
Kujira was founded by Slangdog, Dead Right Dove, and Codehans. Initially, it launched as a liquidation protocol on the Terra network in November 2021, processing substantial liquidations before shifting to the Cosmos network following Terra's collapse in May 2022. This move led to the establishment of Kujira as a standalone Layer 1 blockchain. Its subsequent milestones include launching its stablecoin USK in August 2022, evolving its technology stack, and achieving a total value locked (TVL) of $112M with consistent market growth. Various projects continue to build on the Kujira platform, reflecting its expanding ecosystem.