
Tezos Expands with Quebec Upgrade, Etherlink Growth, and DeFi Innovations
The Tezos blockchain continues to grow, making strides in protocol upgrades, Layer 2 scaling, DeFi, and the arts. With the launch of the Quebec upgrade, rapid Etherlink expansion, and new investments in tokenized assets and generative art, Tezos is proving its commitment to scalability, interoperability, and innovation.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the latest developments in the Tezos ecosystem.
1. Quebec Upgrade: Tezos’ 17th Protocol Update
What Is the Quebec Upgrade?
On January 20, 2025, Tezos activated Quebec, its 17th protocol upgrade, introducing:
Faster transaction speeds for improved network efficiency.
Enhanced staking mechanics for better participation incentives.
Optimized network economics to maintain long-term blockchain sustainability.
Why This Matters
- Tezos has a history of seamless protocol upgrades, ensuring continuous performance improvements without requiring hard forks.
- The Quebec upgrade cements Tezos’ position as a scalable, energy-efficient blockchain with strong governance.
What’s Next? More optimizations to staking, governance, and interoperability are expected in future updates.
2. Layer 2 Scaling: Etherlink’s Rapid Expansion
What Is Etherlink?
- Etherlink is Tezos’ EVM-compatible Layer 2 scaling solution, allowing Ethereum-based smart contracts to run seamlessly on Tezos.
- In Q4 2024, Etherlink saw a 184% surge in contract deployments, with over 1,700 new contracts added to the network.
Why This Matters
Improves transaction speeds and lowers fees, making Tezos more competitive with Ethereum-based DeFi and NFT platforms.
Expands developer adoption, attracting projects from Ethereum to Tezos without friction.
Enhances interoperability, enabling cross-chain DeFi, NFTs, and dApps.
What’s Next? Continued growth in Etherlink adoption and new integrations with Ethereum-native DeFi protocols.
3. Tezos Ecosystem Growth: Funding for Tokenization & Generative Art
1. Fraktion Secures €1.1M for Tokenized Real-World Assets
- On February 6, 2025, Fraktion raised €1.1 million in seed funding to:
- Develop tools for fractional ownership of real-world assets (RWAs).
- Expand its platform for tokenized investment products on Tezos.
- The tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) is one of the fastest-growing sectors in crypto, and Tezos is positioning itself as a key player.
2. Fxhash Raises $5M for Generative Art Expansion
- Fxhash, a generative art marketplace built on Tezos, raised $5 million in a seed round led by 1kx.
- Since its launch in 2021, Fxhash has grown into a major platform for digital artists.
- The funding will support further marketplace development and global artist collaborations.
What’s Next? Expect more RWA tokenization projects and NFT market growth on Tezos.
4. Tezos’ Role in Art and Culture
1. Art on Tezos at Miami Art Week
- In December 2024, Tezos hosted six days of programming at Miami Art Week, featuring:
- 60+ digital artists showcasing their work.
- Multiple curated exhibitions highlighting NFT art on Tezos.
- Tezos has long been known as a leading blockchain for digital art, offering low fees and eco-friendly minting.
Why This Matters
Strengthens Tezos’ reputation as the blockchain of choice for digital artists.
Encourages mainstream adoption of NFTs and blockchain-based art platforms.
What’s Next? More artist-focused events and NFT marketplace innovations on Tezos.
5. DeFi Developments: Accelerator Program in Singapore
What’s New?
- In April 2024, a Tezos-focused DeFi accelerator program launched in Singapore to:
Support startups building DeFi applications on Tezos.
Attract institutional investors to Tezos-based financial products.
Expand Tezos’ role in the growing decentralized finance ecosystem.
Why This Matters
- Tezos has been building its DeFi sector to compete with Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche.
- The accelerator brings in high-quality projects, boosting liquidity and user adoption.
What’s Next? Expect new DeFi products and cross-chain integrations to emerge from this initiative.
What’s Next for Tezos? Key Trends to Watch
1. Further Expansion of Layer 2 Solutions
- Etherlink adoption will continue growing, with more Ethereum-based projects migrating to Tezos.
2. Growth in Tokenization & Real-World Assets (RWA)
- With Fraktion’s funding, more platforms may launch tokenized investment products on Tezos.
3. Increasing DeFi Activity
- The Singapore DeFi accelerator program could attract institutional investors and new financial applications.
4. More NFT and Art Innovations
- Tezos will likely expand its role in the NFT space, building on its success in Miami Art Week and Fxhash’s growth.
Final Thoughts: Tezos Strengthens Its Position in Blockchain Innovation
With continuous upgrades, Layer 2 growth, and strategic investments, Tezos is solidifying itself as a major player in the blockchain space.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Quebec upgrade enhances staking, speed, and network economics.
✔ Etherlink Layer 2 is scaling fast, driving developer adoption.
✔ Fraktion’s funding fuels real-world asset tokenization on Tezos.
✔ Fxhash raises $5M, expanding Tezos’ generative art ecosystem.
✔ Singapore DeFi accelerator boosts Tezos’ financial ecosystem.
As blockchain adoption accelerates, Tezos is well-positioned to lead in DeFi, NFTs, and real-world asset tokenization.