Polygon Labs and leading crypto market maker GSR have launched Katana, a DeFi-focused blockchain, in private mainnet mode as of May 29, 2025. The innovative chain is designed to concentrate liquidity and offer sustainable yield across decentralized finance protocols, setting the stage for a more unified DeFi experience.
Katana’s Vision: Concentrated Liquidity and Real Yield
Katana aims to eliminate fragmentation in DeFi by aggregating liquidity across key protocols.
“Katana is tailor-made to ensure liquidity is concentrated and deep, for low slippage and stable borrowing/lending rates,” the developers explained.
Unlike traditional DeFi platforms, Katana acts as a unified DeFi engine, working with projects like:
- Morpho (lending)
- Sushi (DEX)
- Vertex (perps exchange)
These integrations are part of Katana’s launch ecosystem, with more to follow in the public mainnet debut expected in June.
Built With Advanced Tech: cdk-opgeth & ZK-Powered Agglayer
Katana is built using cdk-opgeth, a customized version of the OP Stack, and connects to Polygon’s zero-knowledge Agglayer. This means:
- Zero-knowledge proofs via Succinct Labs’ SP1 prover
- Enhanced scalability, privacy, and security
- Full integration with the Agglayer Breakout Program
ZK tech ensures transactions are verified without revealing sensitive data — a major leap for privacy in DeFi.
Pre-Deposit & Earn KAT Tokens
Users can now pre-deposit ETH, USDC, USDT, or WBTC into Katana to earn KAT tokens, which unlock within nine months.
KAT can be converted into veKAT, a vote-escrowed governance token that powers decentralized decision-making.
This incentivizes early adopters and builds a community of long-term stakeholders.
Cross-Chain Asset Access and Institutional Support
Katana also partners with Universal, offering access to non-native blue-chip assets like XRP, SOL, and SUI.
Meanwhile, GSR provides liquidity management, cross-chain infrastructure, and business development.
“We’re applying deep market expertise to unlock real yield,” said GSR President Jakob Palmstierna.
The Future of DeFi, Reimagined
“DeFi users deserve ecosystems that prioritize sustainable liquidity and consistent ‘real’ yields,” stated Polygon Labs CEO Marc Boiron.
Katana’s private launch marks a major milestone in building a user-first, yield-driven DeFi ecosystem, paving the way for more stable and accessible decentralized finance.