Plug and Play announced the launch of the third cohort of its XDC Network Accelerator, shifting its focus toward decentralized finance as the ecosystem evolves beyond its early emphasis on real-world asset tokenization. The program, developed in collaboration with the XDC Foundation, has selected 11 startups to build solutions aimed at expanding on-chain liquidity, institutional-grade DeFi infrastructure, and interoperability across blockchain platforms.
The latest accelerator cohort reflects the growing maturity of the XDC Network, which has positioned itself as a blockchain for tokenizing real-world assets and supporting enterprise-grade financial applications. After two earlier cohorts focused on tokenization and liquidity infrastructure, the new program is designed to deepen capital markets activity by enabling lending, yield generation, decentralized exchanges, and cross-platform integration.
The selected startups include Term Finance, Teller, Neurowatt, R2, Lantern Finance, Bond.Credit, Bulla Network, Teleswap, Superlend, Hashfire, and Hawkish Capital. Each company will integrate its technology within the XDC ecosystem while working alongside Plug and Play mentors, investors, and corporate partners.
The accelerator builds on momentum from previous cohorts, which introduced platforms for trade finance, supply chain verification, and institutional capital access. These earlier participants also contributed to ecosystem growth through partnerships and enterprise adoption, with startups collectively engaging in more than 50 venture capital introductions and connecting with over 70 corporate partners.
Several alumni from prior cohorts, including Raze Finance, Brickken, Blockticity, Nomyx, Toknar, Compute Labs, and 129Knots, have already launched projects and secured funding, demonstrating real-world traction for applications built on the XDC Network.
The third cohort will participate in a two-month program culminating at the Plug and Play Silicon Valley May Summit, where startups will present their solutions to venture capital firms, Fortune 500 companies, government entities, and academic institutions.
The XDC Network operates as an EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain using a delegated proof-of-stake mechanism, offering scalability, fast transaction speeds, and security for enterprise and financial use cases. The accelerator program is a key component of its strategy to expand into institutional DeFi and create a more accessible and efficient global financial system.
KEY QUOTES:
“Our partnership with Plug and Play has produced measurable results for founders building on XDC Network. This third accelerator marks the next phase—bringing DeFi innovation to the forefront so tokenized assets on XDC can access deeper liquidity, stronger composability, and institutional participation at scale.”
Billy Sebell, Executive Director at the XDC Foundation
“Across the first two cohorts, we’ve seen projects launch on XDC, secure capital, and establish enterprise partnerships that are already driving real usage. By supporting startups focused on compliant liquidity and institutional-grade decentralized finance, we’re strengthening the XDC ecosystem and helping create a more efficient, accessible global financial system.”
Maximillian Jungreis, Head of Crypto & Digital Assets at Plug and Play
