Dymension
Dymension is a network of deployable and fast modular blockchains called RollApps. It was founded by Yishay Harel in 2022. [1][2][3]
Overview
Introduced in 2022, Dymension is an ecosystem that functions like a full-stack web application. Users interact with RollApps, which are the interactive applications for the Dymension network. The back-end system, Dymension Hub, coordinates the ecosystem, while the data availability networks provide a place to publicize data. [4][10]
“We’re scaling a network of blockchains with technology capable of making the biggest paradigm shift since Ethereum. Dymension Hub will be the center of a new internet of value, composed of numerous modular blockchains.” - CEO Yishay Harel explained[12]
Dymension standardizes rollups with IBC (Inter-Blockchain Communication Protocol), similar to how tokens were standardized with ERC. [10]
In February 2023, Dymension raised $6.7 million in a seed funding round. Big Brain Holdings and Stratos led the round, with Matchbox DAO, Shalom Meckenzie of DraftKings, and others participating. The funding was secured via a simple agreement for future tokens (SAFT). Harel began raising for the round in May 2022 and closed it in late 2022 amid widespread crypto collapses. [11]
RollApps
RollApps are fully customizable web applications that can be used to build games, DeFi, NFT projects, etc. [4]
A RollApp instance in Dymension is an application-specific rollup, built using the Dymension RollApp Development Kit, termed RDK. The development kit is a pre-packaged set of generic modules for common functionalities such as creating accounts and token management. The RDK simplifies the process of deploying a RollApp on top of the Dymension Hub. [5]
Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC)
RollApps natively interact with the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol which provides safe message transferring between Dymension RollApps. RollApps leverage the common communication ground of all Dymension RollApps, the Dymension Hub. [4]
RollApp Virtual Machine (RVM)
RVM is a dispute-resolution mechanism that simulates a RollApp execution environment within the Dymension Hub. The Dymension Hub spins up an RVM instance which is being fed with the exact context of a given transaction, resulting in a deterministic output. As such, Dymension is capable of supporting various execution environments. [4]
Embedded Hub AMM
Dymension embeds a native Automated Market Maker (AMM) into the Dymension Hub to achieve shared liquidity on top of shared security. The AMM is designated for RollApp facilitation and is regarded as essential infrastructure for RollApps. The embedded AMM is the sole applicative logic on the Dymension Hub which is not restricted to RollApp usage only. [4]
The Dymension Hub
The Dymension Hub plays a similar role to a server in a traditional web application. It orchestrates the network by handling requests from RollApps and facilitating communication among them (p.s. It also has an AMM to trade a RollApp token). [4]
Dymension Hub is a decentralized Delegated Proof-of-Stake blockchain secured by the DYM token. The Dymension Hub is the decentralized source of truth, security, and liquidity for the network of RollApps. The Dymension Hub is specifically built to provide RollApps with security, interoperability, and liquidity. [5][6]
Data Availability Networks
Data Availability Networks play a similar role to databases in web applications, providing data as needed. Unlike traditional databases, DA networks are decentralized and hold data for shorter periods.
DYM Genesis Drop
On January 2, 2023, Dymension announced the launch of Dymension's mainnet, coming soon, marking the introduction of DYM, the native asset of the Dymension protocol. [7][8]
DYM's role in the ecosystem is to ensure security, promote growth, and sustain Dymension along with the RollApps built on top of it. [7]
Genesis Airdrop
Until January 21, 2024, eligible addresses may claim their airdrop by visiting the dedicated airdrop site[9]. The Genesis Rolldrop represents the start of Rolldrop seasons that will incentivize ecosystem users and builders. [7]
An allocation of 70,000,000 DYM (equivalent to 7% of the total supply) will be distributed as part of the Genesis Rolldrop. The initial launch of Dymension pays tribute to three core pillars of crypto: Culture, Money, and Tech. [7]
Dymension Mainnet
On February 7, 2025, Dymension successfully launched its mainnet marking a significant milestone in its journey towards empowering developers. [13]
Today, with the first block and the birth of Dymension, a new chapter of blockchains begins. - the press release stated[13]
According to the team, the development of Dymension is in stages and the first stage released is known as the Singularity Point signifying the "birth of Dymension". The team announced that it will initially focus on enhancing economic security and aggregating substantial liquidity and stake to support the first batch of rollups on the mainnet. [13]
This phase includes:
- Ensuring the Dymension blockchain acquired a sufficient delegated stake, and proper operations of the network’s validators.
- Establishing all major IBCs and bridging connections throughout the crypto landscape.
- Proposing the first governance proposals of the Dymension protocol.
- Streaming incentives to single asset staking (’deposit & earn’) and the various trading pairs which will form the foundation of the liquidity layer.
Other stages to be developed include the 2D Permissioned RollApps, 3D Permissionless RollApps, and the 4D Internet of RollApps. [13]
