What is BOB? A hybrid Layer 2 on Bitcoin and Ethereum

As the blockchain sector matures, developers are increasingly focusing on scalability and interoperability. BOB (Build on Bitcoin) is emerging as a groundbreaking solution—providing a hybrid Layer 2 infrastructure that connects both the Bitcoin and Ethereum ecosystems. With the rising interest from airdrop hunters and infrastructure enthusiasts, BOB is more than just a buzzword—it is a bridge between the two most influential blockchains in history.

In this article, we will provide a detailed introduction to what BOB is, how it works, what makes it unique, and why it is gaining attention in 2025. As content creators for Gate, we have also tracked its potential in trading and ecosystem growth.

##What is BOB?

BOB (Build on Bitcoin) is a hybrid Layer 2 network that combines the security of Bitcoin with the programmability of Ethereum. It is built using the OP Stack, which is the same modular framework that supports Optimism, enabling developers to deploy smart contracts with full EVM compatibility while anchoring finality on the Bitcoin blockchain.

In simple terms, BOB allows decentralized applications similar to Ethereum to run in a Bitcoin-secure environment. This model enables DeFi, NFT, and Web3 applications on Bitcoin—without sacrificing decentralization or composability.

##Main Features of BOB

• Hybrid Architecture: BOB runs EVM smart contracts while utilizing Bitcoin for finality, creating a dual-layer environment.
• OP Stack Compatibility: Developers can easily port existing Ethereum-based applications to BOB without having to rewrite the code.
• Bitcoin Anchoring: The finality of transactions is regularly settled on Bitcoin, thereby enhancing security.
• Permissionless Deployment: Anyone can deploy dApps, tokens, and contracts on BOB without needing to apply for approval.
• Bridging Ready: Cross-chain assets can use the existing Layer 2 bridging protocols to enter and exit BOB.

This unique combination makes BOB a powerful Layer 2 candidate for those looking to leverage the security of Bitcoin and the flexibility of Ethereum.

##How BOB Works

BOB uses the Optimistic OP Stack to support Ethereum-compatible execution. Developers write smart contracts in Solidity and deploy them just like on Optimism, Arbitrum, or Base.

However, what sets BOB apart is its anchoring mechanism to Bitcoin. BOB does not rely entirely on Ethereum for data availability and finality, but instead regularly publishes its L2 state root to Bitcoin through Bitcoin inscriptions or other commitment schemes. This means that every transaction that has been finally confirmed receives timestamp security from the Bitcoin network.

In addition, the BOB team is working to enable Bitcoin native assets (such as Ordinals or BRC-20 tokens) to interact with L2 dApps through special adapters or wrapped token protocols.

Token Names and Potential Airdrops

As of July 2025, BOB has not launched its native token, but speculation about a BOB airdrop is rapidly increasing. Users who interact with the testnet, bridge assets, deploy contracts, or participate in governance may qualify for future BOB token allocations—especially if the project follows the common standard retroactive airdrop model found in Layer 2 ecosystems.

The airdrop community on Discord, Telegram, and crypto Twitter has marked the use of the BOB testnet as a must-do task for 2025.

##Ecosystem Overview

Despite being in the early stages of development, the BOB ecosystem is growing rapidly:

| Category | Example | | --- | --- | | DEX Platform | Uniswap v3 (Ported Version), Velodrome Fork | | Bridge | LayerZero, Axelar (planned integration) | | Supported Wallets | MetaMask, Rabby, OKX Wallet | | DeFi Infrastructure | Lending protocols, perpetual contracts, yield farming (coming soon) | | Bitcoin Tools | Ordinals explorer, BRC-20 adapter |

With the development of BOB, it is expected to attract more infrastructure-focused dApps, especially those applications seeking to bridge the liquidity between Ethereum and Bitcoin.

##Why BOB is Important in 2025

BOB is entering the market at the right moment. As Bitcoin revives due to institutional investment interest, ETF momentum, and increased attention to Ordinals, more and more people want to develop on Bitcoin without sacrificing functionality.

The mixed Layer 2 model of the coin name solves this problem in the following ways:

• Unlock DeFi on Bitcoin without rewriting Ethereum applications.
• Create a trustless bridge between the ETH and BTC ecosystems
• Use the final confirmation layer of Bitcoin to ensure the security of Layer 2 transactions.
• Maintain EVM compatibility for seamless developer onboarding

This approach offers developers the best of both worlds—the security of Bitcoin and the innovative tech stack of Ethereum.

##BOB Price Tracking on Gate

Although the BOB token has not been launched yet, Gate is ready with the BOB price tracking page to monitor its progress. Once the token is launched, it is expected:

• Real-time trading pairs
• Listing Announcement
• Startup launch platform or airdrop activity
• Liquidity Mining Program

When BOB launches on the mainnet, Gate will provide eligible users with an early access event.

##Final Thoughts

BOB (Build on Bitcoin) is one of the most exciting Layer 2 innovations of 2025. With its hybrid structure, EVM compatibility, and Bitcoin anchoring model, BOB is positioning itself as a next-generation blockchain infrastructure capable of connecting the two most powerful crypto communities.

Whether you are a developer, trader, or airdrop hunter, it is worth paying attention to BOB's roadmap, early integrations, and upcoming token issuance.