Polkalike

Polkalike is an informal term used in blockchain and cryptocurrency discussions to describe networks or projects whose architecture or objectives closely resemble those of Polkadot. It is not an official standard or specification, and its meaning varies between communities.

The core idea of polkalike systems is cross-chain interoperability. They typically deploy a central relay or shared security model that coordinates multiple connected chains (parachains or equivalents) that can run their own logic while leveraging common consensus, cross-chain messaging (the equivalent of XCMP), and pooled security.

In practice, the label is applied to ecosystems that aim to enable independent chains to interoperate and share security without requiring a single monolithic chain. Some discussions apply the term to Kusama, which replicates Polkadot’s architecture as a canary network, and to other projects pursuing similar designs.

Because polkalike is informal, there is no universal definition or formal certification. Critics argue that the term can be imprecise or hype-driven, and that differences in governance, security, and technology make strict comparisons with Polkadot problematic.

See also Polkadot, Kusama, cross-chain interoperability, parachain, relay chain.