That’s a solid question. I think we’re entering a phase where narrative-driven trends will need to be backed by real-world traction to survive. My bet for the next cycle? Real-World Assets (RWA) and permissionless AI-integrated DeFi platforms.

Here’s why:

1. RWA tokens = bridge to institutional liquidity
Governments and asset managers are finally warming up to tokenised bonds, real estate, and commodities. The moment yields on-chain match off-chain demand (with compliance baked in), we’ll see massive inflows. Projects like Centrifuge, Ondo, and even Maker are already leaning this way.

2. AI + DeFi = smarter money management
Forget buzzwords. The projects that integrate AI for actual use — like automated yield farming strategies, smart debt risk analysis, or predictive NFT valuations — will lead the next phase of DeFi evolution.

3. GameFi with real IP rights
If someone nails gaming with actual user ownership of in-game content tied to real-world rights (not just JPEGs), that could be explosive.

I think smart money is rotating from pure speculation to hybrid utility — combining regulation-ready infrastructure with user-centric innovation.

What do others think — are we seeing signs of this shift already, or is it still too early?