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What to expect from solana in 2026: future projects

Solana's Future | New Projects and Potential Growth in 2026

By

Liam Rodriguez

Oct 2, 2025, 11:58 PM

Edited By

Alice Mercer

Updated

Oct 3, 2025, 05:58 AM

2 minutes reading time

A digital representation of the Solana blockchain with futuristic projects and community discussions in the background.
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The crypto scene is abuzz with upcoming developments for Solana as 2026 approaches. Amid competition, there's cautious optimism regarding future projects and potential institutional interest creating buzz in user boards.

Upgrades and Speed: The Road Ahead

Discussions from across crypto forums suggest that the Alpenglow upgrade is poised to deliver much faster transaction speedsโ€”potentially up to 100 times quicker than before, improving network reliability. Users are eager for the upgrade's impact, with rising excitement around it.

Watching the ETF Approval

The anticipated approval of Solana-based ETFs by the SEC could be a game changer. "If Solanaโ€™s ETFs get SEC approval before 2026, that alone could turbocharge institutional flows into SOL," one commentator noted, highlighting how this could inject institutional funds into the ecosystem. This sentiment echoes a broader view among users that successful ETF rollouts could significantly increase interest.

Potential Partnerships on the Rise

Recent developments have drawn attention to partnerships like Sol Strategies with ARKK, aiming to enhance Solanaโ€™s validator ecosystem. One user remarked on the promising trajectory of these affiliations, hinting at future benefits: "You think these companies have a future?"

Expansion of Applications

New projects aiming to integrate real-world assets within the Solana network are in focus. Users anticipate a rise in new applications geared towards everyday users as Solana attracts partnerships like Splyce Finance and Chintai Network. Many users said, โ€œBy 2026, Solana could level up with Firedancer, DePIN growth, and new consumer apps.โ€

Market Sentiments: A Mixed Bag

Amid excitement, there are mixed feelings. One user expressed, "I kind of feel like SOL is worth holding onto because itโ€™s so widely used in the crypto world," while another pointed out the need for deflationary tokenomics, reflecting dissatisfaction with Solana's current market cap compared to its potential.

Another comment pointed out, "Our price should be more than $1000 by now if our number of tokens is similar with BNB, sparking discussions on token economics and investor expectations.

Key Insights

  • โ–ณ SEC approval of Solana ETFs could lead to a significant influx of institutional funding.

  • โ–ฝ The upcoming Alpenglow upgrade is expected to boost transaction speeds dramatically.

  • โ€ป "SOL feels widely used, but we need deflationary changes," - A user's take on tokenomics.

As 2026 approaches, Solana's journey will be closely watched, balancing opportunities from upgrades and growing interest against the challenges of market volatility. Will upward momentum thrive, or will market shifts steer the outcome differently? Stay tuned for updates in the dynamic crypto landscape.