æternity is a public, open-source blockchain protocol that enables a platform for next-generation decentralized applications with high scalability. Its core components are written in the functional programming language Erlang and its smart contract language - Sophia - is also functional. æternity has a stellar team of developers including Robert Virding - co-creator of Erlang, John Hughes - co-designer of Haskell, and Ulf Norell - co-designer of the Agda programming language for formal verification. Unlike other blockchain platforms, the æternity protocol itself incorporates a number of essential technological features. State channels for off-chain scaling, oracles for real-world information, and a naming system for increased user-friendliness are all implemented on Layer 1. æternity also features SDKs in Javascript, GO, Phyton, Java, as well as a middleware and a development suite that streamline smart contract development. æternity incorporates the Bitcoin-NG consensus algorithm developed by academics from Cornell University and uses the Cuckoo Cycle mining algorithm for Sybil attack protection. AE tokens, the native cryptocurrency of the æternity platform, is used for both - an economic unit of account and as ballots in the community-driven on-chain governance votes.
Mastercoin / Omni is a digital currency built on top of the Bitcoin blockchain. Its features include the development of a decentralised exchange and the implementation of smart property and savings wallet. The Master Protocol facilitates the creation and trading of smart properties and user currencies as well as other types of smart contracts. Mastercoin enables the Bitcoin eco-system to become more decentralized. The Mastercoin project was launched on 31 July 2013 with a one-month long fundraiser. Those interested in obtaining Mastercoin may send bitcoin to an 'Exodus Address' where the funds collected would be used to fund the development of Mastercoin. Around 500 people invested in Mastercoin sending roughly 5000 bitcoins to the Mastercoin project.