q4 2025 is shaping up to be the cycle where defi + ai convergence goes mainstream. bitcoin sidechains, cross-chain aggregators, and ai-driven strategy tools are rewriting the playbook, pulling liquidity from tradfi into web3. here are 9 standout projects and why they matter @Almanak__ #almanak ai-driven defi strategies, now with $100m+ tvl and 6k depositors. swarm ai generates verifiable, composable vaults, integrated with pendle alUSD for 20%+ yields. fully audited, ux upgraded, and expanding via campaigns. poised to make ai tokenized vaults a new asset class. @LayerBankFi #layerbankfi multi-chain lending with automated btc loops. supply mBTC → auto-borrow rbtc → resupply. leverages rwa yields (1.79%) to push aprs up to 53%. tvl ~$92m, 693k users, plus $53k in incentives. a strong bet on btc-fi growth. @vooi_io #vooi perps aggregator turning into full defi suite. v2 adds chain abstraction, 200+ markets, gasless trades, ai copilots. already $11b+ volume and 733% dau growth. cex-like ux with defi rails → big alt-season liquidity magnet. @useTria #tria self-custody neobank tackling usability. no-gas txs, cross-chain compatibility, built-in yield. $300k revenue in 8 weeks, $1.5m vol, 1.8k ambassadors. targeting $117t idle tradfi capital with bestpath avs. likely to ride q4 retail onboarding. @build_on_bob #bob bitcoin defi gateway, using zk rollups + powpeg to move btc securely cross-chain. new one-click wBTC transfers to berachain, base, bnb, sei. backed by cb ventures, securing 80% btc hashpower. strong positioning in btc-fi wars. @VeloraDEX #velora dex aggregator (ex-paraswap) with $7b sept volume. multi-asset routing + celer bridge = faster, cheaper xchain swaps. cashback events, token migration, and lp rewards coming → could cement velora as a top aggregator in the bull. @antix_in #antix digital identity + ai influencer play. launching ambassador tiers, contests, and the upcoming aige twin platform for tokenized avatars. protects creator likeness, enables licensing/renting. narrative fits the ai × creator economy boom. @RaylsLabs #rayls institutional chain bridging tradfi to defi. backed by parafi, focused on compliance + bank integrations. ceo sharing stage w/ aave, unlimit at cointelegraph events. strong infra bet for regulated capital inflows. @LABtrade_ #lab multi-chain trading infra with sub-second execution + telegram miniapp. strong community focus via gamified roles (gLAB). targeting hft and grassroots retail at once. could explode as a liquidity layer in q4. takeaway: from ai vaults to btc-fi, creator identity to institutional rails these 9 are pushing web3 beyond experiments into markets tradfi can’t ignore. the convergence wave is here, and q4 looks like the inflection point.