Katana, a DeFi-optimized Layer 2 blockchain, has officially launched its public mainnet, aiming to become a liquidity engine for the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. Backed by Polygon Labs and leading market maker GSR, the Katana network introduces a new model to consolidate yield and streamline DeFi infrastructure.
Katana Chain Built with Custom OP Stack and AggLayer Integration
Developed using a modified version of OP Stack—called cdk-opgeth—Katana connects to AggLayer’s Vault Bridge, a protocol designed for cross-chain interoperability. This allows other chains within the AggLayer network to tap into Katana’s liquidity and earn revenue from bridged assets.
“Katana will change how users earn yield on assets,” said Polygon Foundation leadership, citing over $240 million in productive deposits within three weeks of launch.
DeFi Projects Already Live on Katana
Katana’s private mainnet, launched in May 2025, integrated several prominent DeFi platforms including:
- Morpho (lending)
- Sushi (DEX/trading)
- Vertex (perpetual trading)
- Agora’s AUSD (stablecoin)
- Lombard’s LBTC (liquid staked BTC)
- EtherFi’s weETH (yield-bearing ETH)
The network aims to reduce DeFi fragmentation by focusing on capital efficiency and protocol-level liquidity aggregation.
This positions Katana as a central liquidity hub not only for its own users but for other Layer 2s and apps connected via AggLayer.
KAT Token Airdrop and Staking Incentives
At launch, Katana enabled users to pre-deposit funds in exchange for future KAT token rewards. Over $240 million was deposited within the first three weeks. The project has now confirmed a planned airdrop of 1.5 billion KAT tokens (15% of the total 10 billion supply) to POL stakers—Polygon’s native asset holders.
This incentive aims to reward early ecosystem participants and strengthen long-term alignment with Polygon’s broader infrastructure strategy.
Conclusion: Katana Sets the Stage for Scalable, Yield-Driven DeFi
Katana’s mainnet launch marks a significant milestone in Layer 2 innovation, merging deep liquidity access, cross-chain interoperability, and DeFi-native incentives into a unified platform. With support from major DeFi protocols and a clear strategy to attract capital, Katana may become a cornerstone of sustainable DeFi growth in the multichain future.