Polkadot and Cosmos are leading cross-chain projects with distinct strengths. Polkadot’s relay chain and parachain model offer shared security and scalability, targeting 1M TPS, with a growing ecosystem (e.g., Acala). Its unified governance appeals to developers seeking cohesion. Cosmos, the “Internet of Blockchains,” uses IBC for flexible, independent chains (e.g., Osmosis), boasting over 265 apps and $80B in assets by 2025. Cosmos excels in customization, while Polkadot prioritizes security. Investment potential favors Polkadot for scalability and Cosmos for ecosystem maturity, depending on market trends and adoption.