Yes, there are tons of cryptocoins projects just right now besides of Bitcoin, even some of them almost reaching the level of Bitcoin (Ethereum) and with the IC

Yes, there are tons of cryptocoins projects just right now besides of Bitcoin, even some of them almost reaching the level of Bitcoin (Ethereum) and with the ICO-hype trying to be next Kickstart/Sillicon-Valley on cryptocurrencies is basically like chasing digital gold. The question is what coin to mine, not what coin is popular right now... personally i made solid money with dogecoin, was able to buy 2 BTC's when mining that coin was super-cheap.