Biconomy launches cross-chain transaction infrastructure for EVM chains

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Multichain infrastructure network Biconomy has formally launched its Hyphen mainnet, setting the stage for instant low-cost token transfers across Ethereum-compatible blockchains.

With the launch of Hyphen, users can make near-instantaneous USD Coin (USDC) transfers between Ethereum Virtual Machine, or EVM, compatible chains rather than waiting 30 minutes or hours, as is currently the case. Biconomy can facilitate speedy transfers by maintaining and rebalancing token liquidity on both sides of the chain, the company said Tuesday.

Biconomy’s chief technology officer, Sachin Tomar, explained the existing challenges facing cross-chain transfers:

“On average, to transfer funds from Layer1 to Layer2 blockchains, it can take anywhere from 40-min to 7-days for users to receive their funds [...] “More specifically, it currently takes around 40-50 min to get ERC20 tokens from the Polygon Network to Ethereum via their native bridge.”

In his view, these challenges lead to weakened network effects and result in a more difficult experience for the user. “Hyphen solves that problem,” he said, by enabling developers to offer value transfers between EVM networks, various layer-two solutions and sidechains.

Future iterations of the Hyphen network will be completely decentralized, Biconomy said in a Twitter post.

As we build & improve Hyphen further, we are going to completely decentralize the infrastructure across all the supported networks. Very soon, anyone would be able to provide liquidity, act as nodes, and contribute to the protocol!Stay tuned for more info!

— Biconomy (@biconomy) August 10, 2021

Biconomy recently concluded a $9 million private funding round that was co-led by DACM and Mechanism Capital. To date, the company has raised $10.5 million from private investors and has processed over $570 million in transaction volume.

With the cryptocurrency market showing signs of life again, demand for cross-chain swaps is likely to rise, especially as decentralized finance, or DeFi, continues to grow in popularity. Platforms like Polkadot and Celer continue to place a great deal of emphasis on cross-chain integration and interoperability, with more developers coming on board to promote that vision.