The crypto calendar continues to heat up as the new year unfolds. Especially the last week of January is set to bring some hot offerings in the larger cryptocurrency market, according to data shared today by market analyst The DeFi Investor. For experienced traders or even beginner investors entering the crypto market, understanding what’s coming can give them a real edge in their investment journey and DeFi application.
The analyst highlighted top upcoming crypto watchlist events and new project launches expected for this week (Jan.26-30, 2026), which could provide both opportunities and challenges to digital asset users.
Top Crypto Projects to Watch this Week
Jupiter (JUP)
According to the analyst, Jupiter (JUP), a Solana-based decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregation platform, is preparing to conduct a highly-awaited airdrop program (popularly recognized as Jupuary airdrop initiative) scheduled on Friday, January 30. On-chain data shows that Jupiter plans to distribute a total of 70 million JUP tokens to its dedicated users.
Mantle (MNT)
Mantle, an Ethereum Layer-2 scaling solution, is preparing to undergo a network upgrade on its core infrastructure on Tuesday, January 27, 2027. An upgrade, which was announced last week on Thursday, January 22, is scheduled to take place this week on Tuesday. Based on this technical update, Mantle plans to transition from a Validium configuration to Ethereum blobs. Mantle is set to adopt Ethereum blobs as its main data availability layer, to function as a system that stores and provides consensus on the availability of its blockchain data. The transition indicates Mantle’s move away from the Validium configuration towards the full zero-knowledge (ZK) rollup infrastructure powered by Ethereum.
Lighter (LIT)
Lighter (LIT), a decentralized perpetual exchange, is preparing to make further innovative and user-enriching announcements this week, though the highlights currently remain undisclosed. As per the analyst’s findings, Lighter will unveil multiple important announcements this week, which are set to provide users with an enhanced user experience. About two weeks ago, on January 14, the decentralized perpetuals exchange launched a staking product for its recently launched native token LIT. The new staking offering now enables users of the decentralized perpetual exchange to stake LIT tokens and earn yield.
Fluid (FLUID)
Also, Fluid (FLUID), a DeFi liquidity platform, plans to execute a core network upgrade this week, according to a revelation from the analyst. The highly anticipated Fluid DEV2 network upgrade seeks to resolve challenges facing LPs (liquidity providers) by decreasing the permanent loss triggered by automatic rebalancing in volatile markets. The tech update is expected to introduce several mechanisms, including oracle buffer zones, flexible fees, and support for asymmetric liquidity provider positions, this week.
Infinex (INX)
Infinex (INX), a cross-chain, self-custodial trading platform, continues to prepare for its new cryptocurrency INX token, which is set to land in public crypto markets soon. As per the analyst, Infinex plans to conduct a TGE (token generation event) on Friday, January 30. Two weeks ago, the crypto trading platform completed its private token sale, raising $721.4 USDC from 869 investors. With the upcoming TGE, Infinex plans to publicly launch its new INX token by listing it on major public crypto exchanges.
Other Top Events to Keep an Eye on For the Week
The Federal Reserve is set to make its latest FOMC interest rate decision on Wednesday, January 28, an announcement that is expected to have a consequential impact on Bitcoin (BTC) movement.
Lastly, Paradex, a decentralized perpetual trading platform, is preparing to roll out an airdrop initiative called the ‘S2 points program’ on Friday, January 30, to give greater rewards to its trusted customers.
