Understanding NFTs with SORA and Polkaswap

TL;DR:
NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) represent unique digital items with verifiable ownership.
In the SORA ecosystem, users mint and manage NFTs through the Polkaswap interface.
NFTs today live entirely on the SORA network; interoperability and deeper integrations will expand as SORA v3 evolves on Hyperledger Iroha.

Introduction

NFTs have become a common way to represent digital ownership across blockchain networks.
Unlike fungible cryptocurrencies, each NFT has a unique identity, verifiable on-chain history, and its own market value.

In the SORA ecosystem, NFTs extend beyond collectibles. They sit inside a broader infrastructure that blends DeFi, user identity, and cross-network architecture. Through Polkaswap, users can mint and manage NFTs directly on the SORA network. As SORA transitions to SORA v3 on Hyperledger Iroha, cross-network features and improved interoperability will continue to evolve.

For a broader overview of how SORA’s components fit together, see
SORA Ecosystem: Complete DeFi & Tokenomics Guide.

What Are NFTs?

A Non-Fungible Token (NFT) is a unique digital asset stored on a blockchain.
Where fungible tokens like XOR or USDT are interchangeable, each NFT stands alone with distinct properties.

Common use cases include:

• Digital art and collectibles
• In-game or platform-specific items
• Music, photography, and creative media
• Real-world asset representation
• Access passes, identity credentials, and membership tokens

On SORA, NFTs follow the network’s own token logic:
they live on-chain, carry metadata, and rely on decentralized storage—typically IPFS—to store media files.

How NFTs Differ from Regular Tokens

Fungible tokens = money. NFTs = things.

The Technology Behind NFTs

NFTs rely on token logic that defines ownership, metadata, supply, and transfer rules.

Token Logic

SORA uses its own NFT implementation, conceptually similar to ERC-721 or ERC-1155 but adapted for its architecture.

Metadata

NFT metadata defines:

• Name
• Description
• Token symbol
• Supply
• IPFS or file-based media link

Storage via IPFS

Media files can be linked from:

• IPFS
• Uploaded files within Polkaswap’s NFT creator
• External URLs

IPFS ensures distributed, durable media storage.

Interoperability

SORA’s long-term design supports cross-network compatibility, but:

• NFT bridging is not available as of November 2025
• SORA v3’s shift to Hyperledger Iroha lays future groundwork for interoperability

NFTs in the SORA and Polkaswap Ecosystem

SORA aims to provide open, borderless economic infrastructure.
Polkaswap is the primary interface for minting and managing NFTs on the network.

What Polkaswap Currently Supports

Inside the Polkaswap account view:

1. Switch to the NFT tab
2. Open Create NFT
3. Upload a file or provide an IPFS link
4. Enter metadata (symbol, name, description, supply)
5. Mint the NFT on the SORA network

After minting, you can:

• View the NFT
• Send it to another SORA address
• Add the NFT’s token symbol so it appears in your wallet’s asset list

Divisible NFTs (Special Case)

If an NFT is minted with a supply larger than 1, it becomes divisible.

Divisible NFTs can:

• Be paired with XOR
• Enter liquidity pools using standard XYK mechanics

But:

• Liquidity is extremely thin
• Price impact is often high
• This is not a general-purpose NFT marketplace

Official Documentation

For the full flow, see the
official SORA Wiki.

Getting Started with NFTs on SORA

You can mint and manage NFTs using Polkaswap today:

1. Open Polkaswap, connect a SORA-compatible wallet.
2. Confirm you have enough XOR for fees.
3. Navigate to the NFT section under your account.
4. Select Create NFT.
5. Upload your file or provide an IPFS link.
6. Set the token symbol, name, description, and supply.
7. Mint the NFT.
8. Add its symbol to your wallet’s asset list.
9. Send it to another SORA address or, if divisible, experiment with XOR liquidity pools.

Why NFTs Matter for DeFi and Digital Ownership

NFTs open possibilities beyond collectibles:

• Fractional Ownership: Divisible NFTs enable shared ownership
• Identity & Access: NFTs can represent credentials, access tokens, or membership
• Real-World Assets: NFTs can represent physical assets; see
  The Ultimate Guide to Asset Tokenization
• Creative Monetization: Artists can mint and distribute media directly
• Liquidity Experiments: Divisible NFTs can be paired with XOR

Interoperability and bridging will evolve as the SORA network transitions toward SORA v3.

Formal governance remains XOR-based.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Challenges remain:

• Market volatility
• Speculative hype cycles
• No cross-chain NFT bridge (yet)
• Varying regulatory interpretations
• Limited liquidity for NFT-derived pools

SORA’s move to Hyperledger Iroha emphasizes stability, auditability, and interoperability—offering a strong foundation for future NFT evolution.

FAQs

Key Takeaway

NFTs redefine digital ownership.
On SORA, they can be minted, managed, sent, and—when divisible—experimentally paired with XOR for liquidity.
As SORA v3 evolves on Hyperledger Iroha, NFTs will gain stronger interoperability and broader use across applications and networks.