The crypto world is buzzing as we head into the final quarter of 2025, with a wave of token generation events (TGEs) on the horizon. If you're a blockchain enthusiast or investor, now's the time to pay attention. Pink Brains, a DeFi creator studio, recently dropped a thread on X highlighting some of the most promising pre-TGE projects. These are initiatives that haven't launched their tokens yet but are running point programs, fundraising, or campaigns that could lead to rewarding airdrops.

In simple terms, a TGE is when a project officially launches its native token, often distributing it to early users or contributors. Pink Brains' list focuses on projects with active incentives, though not all have confirmed airdrops. Let's break it down by category, starting with Layer 1 blockchains—the foundational networks that power everything else.

Layer 1 Blockchains

These are the base-layer networks aiming to solve scalability and performance issues in crypto.

• Monad (@monad_xyz)​: This is a high-performance Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible Layer 1 blockchain, boasting over 10,000 transactions per second (TPS) and one-second finality. They've raised a whopping $244 million. The total supply is around 100 billion $MON tokens. The ecosystem is gearing up for mainnet, and airdrops might reward testnet participants based on earned test $MON and contributions. Check out their testnet guide for more.

• Fogo Chain (@FogoChain)​: Built with Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) and a pure Firedancer client for speed. They raised $5.5 million in seed and $8 million in public sale via Cobie's Echo. Their point program lets you earn "Flames" through trading, staking, and social quests. Season 1 wrapped up, but Season 2 is incoming—perfect for jumping in.

• Reya (@reya_xyz)​: A trading-focused rollup on Ethereum with millisecond execution, no MEV (miner extractable value, basically front-running prevention), and zero gas fees for users. Earn Reya Chain Points by trading and staking, with weekly emissions ramping up to 200K points. Holding srUSD boosts your points.

• Irys (@irys_xyz)​: A programmable data chain that combines storage and EVM execution. Raised $20 million, led by Coinfund. Their "Questland" testnet involves gaming tasks to earn test IRYS tokens—fun way to get involved.

• Stable (@stable)​: A Layer 1 designed for stablecoin apps, using USDT as native gas. Raised $28 million in seed. No active campaigns yet, but keep an eye on mainnet and token details.

Layer 2-3 Blockchains

These build on top of Layer 1s like Ethereum to make things faster and cheaper.

• Rise (@rise_chain)​: An Ethereum Layer 2 targeting 100,000 TPS and 3ms latency using "shreds" for parallel processing. Raised about $7.2 million in early rounds, plus $4 million from Galaxy Ventures and $2 million via Kaito ICO. Mainnet expected in Q4. Testnet users, Discord contributors, and Kaito participants might qualify for airdrops.

• MegaETH (@megaeth_labs)​: Another real-time Ethereum Layer 2 with sub-millisecond latency and 100,000 TPS goals. Raised $20 million seed, $10 million private, and public sales through Fluffle NFTs (half sold out). Testnet is live; mainnet later in 2025.

• Base (@base)​: Coinbase's Layer 2 on OP Stack. They're exploring a native $BASE token for governance, staking, and incentives. No firm details yet, but using the network—through dApps, trading, or bridging—could position you well. Pink Brains shared 12 top projects on Base to boost your activity.

• Novastro (@Novastro_xyz)​: Layer 2 for real-world asset (RWA) tokenization and trading, using MoveVM and EigenLayer AVS. Native stable is RUSD backed by RWAs. Token $XNL has 55% for community; raised $1.2 million seed and $2 million public on Kaito. TGE on October 15 with full unlock.

• Abstract (@AbstractChain)​: Ethereum Layer 2 for consumer apps, using zk tech from ZKSync and EigenDA. Funded by Pudgy Penguins' team. Earn XP via their Portal by live streaming, minting NFTs, and using dApps like @xeetdotai or @MyriadMarkets.

• Intuition (@0xIntuition)​: Ethereum Layer 3 for data liquidity, built with Arbitrum Orbit and Caldera. Coinlist sale covered 2.5% supply. Earn IQ Points on testnet; 2,000 Billions Genesis NFT holders get airdrops. $TRUST TGE in October.

• Katana (@katana)​: DeFi-focused Layer 2 on Polygon's AggLayer, integrating Sushi, Morpho, Lombard, Yearn, and Agora. 10 billion $KAT total supply; 15% for $POL stakers, 10% for liquidity mining. Earn by depositing in Vaultbridge—locked until 2026.

• Ink (@inkonchain)​: Kraken's Ethereum Layer 2. Mainnet live with high activity (700K+ daily txs). 1 billion $INK supply. Focus on liquidity provision via Aave-powered protocol for potential airdrops.

DeFi, Stablecoins, and Trading Protocols

DeFi (decentralized finance) is where the action is for yields, trading, and stable assets.

• Meteora (@MeteoraAG)​: Top Solana DeFi protocol with DLMM (dynamic liquidity market maker), vaults, and memecoin staking. Launching $MET on October 23. 25% for liquidity rewards, 15% via points in Seasons 1 & 2 (Season 2 ongoing). JUP stakers get 3%.

• YieldBasis (@yieldbasis)​: From Curve founder Michael Egorov, offering organic yield on wrapped BTC without impermanent loss (IL, when asset prices diverge in a pool). 1 billion $YB supply; raised $5 million early, sold 2.5% on Legion & Kraken. $YB for governance and fees.

• Terminal (@Terminal_fi)​: Marketplace for reward-bearing dollars on Ethena-powered Converge Layer 2. Earn Roots by holding sENA or depositing USDe, WETH, WBTC in early program.

• FlyingTulip (@flyingtulip_)​: Next-gen DEX by Andre Cronje on Sonic, combining spot, derivatives, lending, and more. Raised $200 million at $1 billion valuation. Pledge-based sale: $1 for 10 $FT, locked in NFTs with redemption option.

• Solstice (@solsticefi)​: Yield-bearing stable on Solana, up to 10% APY via delta-neutral strategies. Lock USX for eUSX; holders earn Flares for $SLX airdrop (7.5% initial supply). TVL over $196 million.

• HyLo (@hylo_so)​: Liquidation-free leverage and stablecoin on Solana. Mint hyUSD with LSTs (like mSOL); xSOL absorbs volatility. Earn XP for minting/holding.

• Perena (@Perena__)​: Yield-bearing stable on Solana with 10% APY from treasuries, RWAs, etc. "Petals" points program; Season 1 coming soon.

• Kinetiq (@kinetiq_xyz)​: Liquid staking on HyperEVM with $1.88 billion TVL. Stake HYPE for kHYPE or vkHYPE to earn kPoints. Snapshot and TGE soon.

• USD.ai (@USDai_Official)​: Synthetic dollar backed by treasuries and AI infra loans. Stake for sUSDai yields. Allo points via ICO or airdrop. Play @casedotfun gamified lootboxes to compound.

• Cap (@capmoney_)​: Yield-bearing stable on Ethereum, 9.64% APY from HFT, RWAs. Earn Caps by holding cUSD or Pendle YTs.

• Prediction Markets: Quick shoutout to @Polymarket (top bettor) and @trylimitless (on Base, Season 2 points live). Volumes hitting $1.3 billion weekly—huge growth.

This is just Part 1 from Pink Brains—retweet their original thread and follow for Part 2. With meme tokens often riding these infrastructure waves, staying ahead on these projects could uncover hidden gems. What's your top pick? Share in the comments!