Key Highlights
- Pi Network executed successive protocol upgrades across versions 19.6, 19.9, 20.2, and 21 during recent months.
- Version 20.2 established the infrastructure required for smart contract functionality on the platform.
- The development team deployed the initial smart contract feature to Testnet in April.
- PiRC-2 was released to enable community feedback on subscription-based smart contract architecture.
- A mandatory protocol 22 update carries an April 27 implementation deadline.
Pi Network detailed its recent technical developments, including protocol migrations, smart contract experimentation, and participation at Consensus 2026. The development team confirmed several version transitions and opened Testnet functionality for developer engagement. Co-founders Chengdiao Fan and Nicolas Kokkalis will present at the Miami conference during the first week of May.
Pi Network Progresses Through Sequential Protocol Updates and Smart Contract Launch
Pi Network executed its technical roadmap through successive protocol transitions throughout February and March. The development team finalized upgrades to versions 19.6 and 19.9 before implementing v20.2 approximately on March 14.
The transition to v20.2 created the technical foundation necessary for smart contract operations within the network. This upgrade enables developers to construct decentralized applications and implement automated blockchain workflows. The team characterized this update as essential infrastructure for expanding ecosystem functionality.
During early April, the Core Team launched its inaugural smart contract capability on the Testnet environment. The team emphasized that this feature would enable “real, recurring, utility-driven use cases.” This deployment provided developers with an experimental sandbox for testing subscription-based smart contract models.
Following this activation, Pi Network unveiled PiRC-2, representing the second Pi Request for Comment initiative. This proposal made the subscription smart contract architecture available for technical analysis and community feedback. The announcement generated varied responses throughout community platforms.
Certain community members embraced the consultation process and emphasized prospective long-term advantages. Others called for the team to address ongoing KYC verification bottlenecks before introducing additional features. These exchanges occurred transparently as the Testnet evaluation phase progressed.
The development team additionally confirmed version 21 deployment after v20.2. Subsequently, they announced a required upgrade to protocol 22 with April 27 established as the compliance deadline. A community participant remarked, “This critical update ensures network stability & paves the way for full smart contract functionality, supporting our 18M+ Pioneers.”
Pi Network Confirms Consensus 2026 Partnership as Co-Founders Join Speaker Lineup
Pi Network will attend Consensus 2026 in Miami as an official partner organization. The conference takes place during early May and assembles prominent blockchain initiatives. Event documentation verified the project’s partnership designation.
Co-founder Chengdiao Fan will deliver a main stage presentation on May 6. Her session will examine AI-era business frameworks and utility-focused digital products. The program incorporates discussion surrounding Pi Network’s blockchain architecture.
Nicolas Kokkalis will participate in a panel discussion on May 7. The session carries the heading “How to Prove You’re Human in an AI World (Without Doxing Yourself).” Panel members will investigate digital identity obstacles as AI-generated profiles proliferate across online platforms.
Event organizers indicated the panel will analyze evolving internet trust frameworks. Contributors will evaluate verification approaches that preserve personal data privacy. The conference agenda features both founders among highlighted speakers.
The team maintains its preparation efforts for the required protocol 22 implementation. The April 27 deadline stands firm before the Miami conference begins. Pi Network keeps its attention directed toward finalizing technical modifications and showcasing its development trajectory at Consensus 2026.





