Momentum, the decentralized exchange (DEX) and primary liquidity hub of the Sui blockchain ecosystem, is experiencing explosive growth. In less than a week, the platform has attracted more than $75 million in new capital, pushing its total value locked (TVL) beyond $250 million, and some estimates show it nearing the $300 million mark. This rapid inflow cements Momentum’s position as one of the fastest-growing DeFi protocols in the Sui ecosystem and highlights the increasing institutional and retail appetite for Sui-based decentralized finance.
Rapid Growth Signals Surging Demand
Momentum’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Since its launch earlier this year, the DEX has steadily climbed the rankings of decentralized trading platforms. According to data from DefiLlama, Momentum’s TVL ranges between $153 million and $220 million across chains, with the majority locked on Sui. DefiLlama analytics platform reported indicates the figure as over $300mand could be even higher, with some citing a TVL surpassing $253 million following a 43% increase in just one week.
This rapid inflow reflects growing confidence in the protocol’s design, liquidity depth, and evolving utility. As more users seek exposure to the Sui ecosystem, Momentum is emerging as the go-to platform for swapping assets, farming yields, and providing liquidity.
Incentives and Yield Campaigns Fuel Adoption
One of the major catalysts behind Momentum’s latest surge is its HODL Yield Campaign, launched in partnership with BuidlPad. Running from September 26 to October 19, the campaign offers liquidity providers exceptionally high returns, with some pools boasting yields of up to 155% APY and double reward bonuses.
The results were immediate and striking. Within the first hour of the campaign, Momentum reportedly attracted $30 million in new deposits. This incentive-driven growth demonstrates how strategic tokenomics and yield opportunities can significantly accelerate liquidity inflows in decentralized finance.
Cross-Chain Integrations and Ecosystem Expansion
Beyond incentives, Momentum is positioning itself as a key liquidity bridge within and beyond the Sui ecosystem. Through collaborations with Wormhole and OKX Wallet, the platform is enabling cross-chain capital flows from major ecosystems like Ethereum, Solana, and other EVM-compatible chains directly into Sui. These integrations are not only deepening liquidity but also expanding Momentum’s user base beyond native Sui participants.
Moreover, the protocol has crossed a significant usage milestone, with over $12 billion in cumulative trading volume to date. This achievement underscores the platform’s growing importance as a liquidity layer for Sui-based applications and traders.
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Institutional Backing and Strong Foundations
Momentum’s rapid ascent is also supported by a robust ecosystem of partners and investors. Early backing from Coinbase Ventures, Circle Ventures, and the Sui Foundation has provided both credibility and capital for expansion. Since its launch in March 2025, marked by the “LFG Ramp-Up Liquidity Phase” aimed at an initial $50 million TVL, the platform has consistently exceeded growth targets and strengthened its infrastructure.
The result is a DEX that is not only attracting liquidity but also becoming a cornerstone of Sui’s DeFi stack.
Challenges and Sustainability Ahead
While Momentum’s growth is impressive, sustaining such rapid expansion will depend on its ability to retain liquidity beyond short-term incentive programs. Incentive-driven capital can often migrate once yields decline, so the platform’s next challenge is to deepen its utility, attract organic liquidity, and foster long-term user engagement.
However, with cross-chain integrations underway, increasing institutional participation, and a clear roadmap for ecosystem growth, Momentum appears well-positioned to sustain its upward trajectory.
A New DeFi Powerhouse on Sui
Momentum’s rapid TVL growth, from under $200 million to over $250 million in a matter of days, is a clear signal that Sui’s DeFi ecosystem is gaining traction. By combining aggressive yield strategies, cross-chain functionality, and deep liquidity incentives, the platform is transforming into a central hub for on-chain trading and capital flow. If current momentum continues, crossing the $300 million TVL milestone may only be a matter of time, and Momentum could soon rank among the most influential DEXs in the broader DeFi landscape.
