There's some interesting research going on. As of right now it's not really from a software/coding POV that it's interesting, but the mathematics being used and

There's some interesting research going on. As of right now it's not really from a software/coding POV that it's interesting, but the mathematics being used and the implications: zero-knowledge proofs are a pretty hot area and have applications for both privacy and data compression. And there is some P2P networks and front ends stuff to be done too, but those are more well-trodden parts of the puzzle. Implementing a cutting edge example of the tech would be similar to working in graphics programming or digital audio; lots of first-principles stuff implemented from papers. Personally, I just observe the research at some distance and hold tokens. The software side of things is churning immensely as everyone comes up with their own protocol concepts, so there's definitely work to be done.