2025 Trends: Which paths of Shiba Inu, Cardano, and the new meme battle model could shape the future of cryptocurrency?

By 2025, the cryptocurrency market is witnessing a clear shift: from trend-based projects to systems with a solid technical foundation. Whales are no longer focusing solely on meme coins, but are instead looking at long-term development potential. The three main players attracting market attention are Shiba Inu, Cardano, and a new startup project called Zero-knowledge Proof (ZKP), each representing a different philosophy regarding value and utility.

Zero-knowledge Proof: Meme supply auction model and decentralized computation

Zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) is preparing to launch with a unique approach: it links token ownership directly to actual computational power rather than relying solely on private funding rounds. This project has received over $100 million dollars for infrastructure development and $17 million dollars in Proof Pods have been created.

The key difference lies in the on-chain meme supply auction mechanism: every day, 200 million ZKP tokens are distributed through a public auction, with no private rounds or whale advantages. This creates a more equitable environment compared to traditional presales.

Early participants can acquire tokens in two ways: by participating in a fixed-rate auction or operating Proof Pods to complete AI tasks and earn ZKP rewards based on actual computational output. Each auction round sets the token price for the next phase, creating an open feedback cycle between investors and operators.

The whitelist is currently open for users to register early before the presale begins, providing an advantage before the entire system goes live on day one. Analysts believe early entrants could see significant results based on adoption speed and demand for computational services.

SHIB: Whale accumulation amid weak price action

The Shiba Inu situation presents an interesting but limited picture. Whales—holders of over a trillion SHIB—have begun expanding their positions as the price dropped to $0.0000089 in November, the lowest since early 2024. This move is viewed by experts as planned accumulation.

However, SHIB’s growth potential remains limited by its inherent nature. Even the most optimistic forecasts only project a price of around $0.000020, representing less than a 3x increase from current levels. For traders, this is not enough to trigger a significant shift.

The core issue is that SHIB still lacks fundamental technological upgrades or advanced computational features. Its value depends mainly on market sentiment and community strength rather than deep infrastructure. This makes it different from new projects building real utility from the ground up.

Cardano: Stable roadmap but still waiting for a major push

Cardano (ADA) continues on a cautious, research-driven path. The current price is $0.39, with market forecasts varying widely: some predict ADA could reach $1.50 if transaction throughput and smart contract scalability improve, while others warn of a potential drop to $0.50 if upgrade delays occur.

Cardano’s main strength lies in its reliable network governance, sustainable staking mechanism, and committed developer community. However, competition from other modular blockchains with faster architectures has diminished its advantage.

ADA is trading within a narrow range, with $0.90 seen as a potential reversal point. The project appeals to long-term investors seeking sustainable progress rather than rapid jumps. Still, the lack of a major event or development that could reignite broader market interest remains a concern.

Reflection: Infrastructure wins over psychology

These three projects represent three different approaches. SHIB relies on sentiment and community, Cardano on a stable but slow technological foundation, while ZKP attempts to connect all of these: linking token ownership with real computational value, and transparency through a public meme supply auction model.

The trend in 2025 suggests that pragmatic investors are gradually shifting from trend-driven projects to systems with clear architecture. Those seeking unbounded growth will continue to watch SHIB, those preferring certainty will choose Cardano, but those wanting to connect real technology with primal economic rights may look toward projects that fundamentally redefine the concept of value and distribution.

Whitelist is open for those interested in exploring this path.