Eclipse is an Ethereum Layer 2 that runs the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) instead of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), enabling Solana-level transaction throughput and developer tooling on top of Ethereum’s security and capital base. It represents a novel hybrid: security and settlement from Ethereum, execution performance from Solana.
The Multi-VM Thesis
Most Ethereum Layer 2s run the EVM — they’re compatible with Solidity, MetaMask, and the entire Ethereum developer ecosystem. Eclipse makes a different bet: the SVM is a superior execution environment, and developers don’t need to choose between Solana and Ethereum.
Eclipse uses:
- Settlement: Ethereum (L2 fraud/validity proofs anchored to Ethereum L1)
- Data availability: Celestia (modular DA, not Ethereum blob space)
- Execution: Solana Virtual Machine (SVM)
- Sequencing: Eclipse’s own sequencer
Why the SVM?
The Solana Virtual Machine offers properties the EVM lacks:
- Parallel execution: SVM can process non-conflicting transactions simultaneously; EVM processes sequentially
- High throughput: Solana’s SVM handles 50,000+ TPS in optimal conditions
- Fee predictability: SVM’s localized fee markets reduce gas spike risk
- Developer familiarity: Rust-based programs appeal to performance-focused developers
What Runs on Eclipse
Eclipse is compatible with Solana programs written in Rust using the Solana programming model, enabling:
- DEXes and AMMs with SVM-level throughput
- Gaming applications using Solana’s speed
- DeFi protocols needing parallel execution
Users interact using Solana wallets (Phantom, Backpack) rather than MetaMask since the execution layer is SVM.
Eclipse vs. Standard OP Stack / ZK Rollups
| Feature | Standard EVM L2 | Eclipse |
|---|---|---|
| Execution | EVM (sequential) | SVM (parallel) |
| Smart contract language | Solidity | Rust (Solana) |
| Wallet | MetaMask | Phantom/Backpack |
| Settlement | Ethereum | Ethereum |
| DA | Ethereum/Celestia | Celestia |
Funding and Status
Eclipse raised funding from major investors including Polychain Capital and others. It launched its mainnet in late 2024 as the first SVM-based Ethereum L2, attracting developer interest in the parallel-execution narrative.
Sources
- Eclipse documentation: docs.eclipse.xyz
- Eclipse blog: eclipse.xyz/blog
- Solana SVM documentation for reference