Top Intent‑Centric Projects

Intent‑centric projects let users express desired outcomes (intents) while independent solvers compete to execute them efficiently across underlying protocols and apps, shifting focus from step‑by‑step transactions to goal‑based execution.

In my last post, I talked about what intent-centric projects are:

Let's look at the most important projects in this area now. 👇

🔹 Anoma
@anoma is a decentralized operating system for intent‑centric apps: developers define generalized intent templates and predicates, while solvers compose solutions across chains with built‑in privacy and an “intent machine” that settles outcomes on‑chain.
Total raised: $60.25M

🔹 Across Protocol @AcrossProtocol is a production cross‑chain intent protocol where specialized fillers/relayers execute users’ intents quickly and cheaply; users specify what they want, and the protocol handles routing and settlement in minutes at low cost.
Total Raised: $51.0M

🔹 Essential
@intentessential is an EVM‑first, DeFi‑oriented intent stack that standardizes intent formats and offers a domain‑specific language so apps on Ethereum can adopt “intent‑only” execution without exposing users to low‑level steps.
Total Raised: $16.15M

🔹 SYMM IO & Orbs Network
@symm_io is a permissionless, intent‑centric derivatives protocol with bilateral clearing for perps and custom instruments, designed around expressive orders and solver‑driven execution. @orbs_network is an L3 execution layer bringing CeFi‑style execution to DeFi that integrates with intent‑based trading stacks and services.
Currently, several platforms, such as @SpookySwap and @ThenaFi are working on this solution.
Orbs total raised: $10M
SYMM IO total raised: $3.1M

🔹 CoW Swap
@CoWSwap is an intent‑oriented DEX using batch auctions where competing solvers deliver best execution, with gasless signed orders and MEV protection that returns price improvement to users.
Total Raised: $23.0M

@Uniswap has a very similar solution for the name UniswapX.

There are many other projects that implement this approach in one form or another. It can be said that this is currently a minor trend that has the potential to improve decentralization and user experience.