InterLink Unveils 2026 “New Era” Plans: Mainnet, Builder Fund, ITLG, and More

InterLink Labs recently detailed its roadmap for 2026 in a live premiere event, positioning the year as a pivotal shift toward broader adoption and infrastructure maturity. The plans emphasize a private mainnet launch, support for developers through mini-app ecosystems that could involve a builder fund, refinements to the ITLG token system, and deeper ties with institutions. 

These developments build directly on 2025's progress, during which international firms such as New To The Street, AI Supercluster Pte Ltd, and HPX LLC began integrating the InterLink token into their long-term treasury strategies as a reserve asset. At the same time, the network adjusted the emission rate of its native ITLG token by 50 percent under Proposal 13, a move approved by the DAO to curb inflation and promote sustainable growth amid a user base exceeding five million.

Key Achievements from 2025 Set the Stage

The foundation for these ambitions rests on a series of targeted milestones achieved throughout 2025, transforming InterLink from an emerging concept into a network with millions of verified participants. In March, the team launched the InterLink App, complete with InterLink ID for biometric verification and the Mini App SDK to enable developer integrations. This early step facilitated rapid onboarding while prioritizing real human participation over automated accounts.

By April, InterLink earned recognition from the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, ranking among the top 113 human-AI models globally for its verification technology. Growth accelerated in June, when the network hit one million human nodes in just three months and rolled out the Ambassador Program, now boasting over 10,000 representatives across 131 countries. That same month, Google emerged as a lead investor, providing resources that bolstered technical development.

August brought governance advancements with the establishment of the Decentralized Autonomous Organization and the approval of an ITLG burning system. This mechanism redirects unused token allocations from inactive users back to the master node, helping maintain economic balance. Support from the AWS Startup Program further enhanced AI capabilities during this period.

Security took center stage in October with the introduction of security groups, resulting in over two million formations that have strengthened trust and reduced vulnerabilities within the ecosystem. November capped the year with three major releases on the 25th: the ITLX super wallet for secure asset management, the ITLX exchange for seamless trading including leveraged products and gold purchases, and the human credit system, an AI-driven tool that assesses trust based on user behavior and relationships.

Today, the network reports around 5.2 million users, with roughly three million active daily. Nine companies have formally joined as treasury partners, holding ITL and ITLG tokens to support stability. These steps, taken amid market volatility, demonstrate a commitment to verifiable participation and practical tools that appeal to everyday users.

Core Priorities for 2026: Building a Payment-Oriented Blockchain

Looking ahead, InterLink outlines three main priorities to leverage this momentum into scalable, real-world applications. First, the network intends to deploy a high-performance blockchain optimized for payments and stablecoins. This includes a private mainnet launch in early 2026, designed with instant settlement, ultra-low latency, and fixed transaction fees to handle everyday transactions efficiently. 

The private phase will prioritize fair distribution to verified ITLG holders, ensuring community members benefit before wider access opens. Developers and organizations are encouraged to run nodes, fostering an open ecosystem that spans finance, identity, commerce, and AI sectors.

Identity and reputation layers will connect these areas, enabling modular applications that build on the human credit system. For institutions, this means secure, compliant integrations; for individuals, it translates to straightforward tools like the InterLink Card, already planned for distribution of three million units by year's end.

Enhancing ITLG and Token Utility

Central to the plans is evolving the ITLG token's role within a dual-token economy alongside ITL. ITLG, with a total supply of 100 billion and 80 percent allocated to human node miners, represents active ecosystem participation. Holders can earn rewards, access early launchpads, and use it for mini-app payments. The 50 percent emission cut from Proposal 13 aligns with ongoing burning mechanisms to manage supply dynamically, rewarding consistent engagement while preventing dilution.

In 2026, InterLink aims to expand ITLG's practical uses, allowing transactions for shopping, value exchanges, flight bookings, and hotel reservations. This push toward everyday utility positions ITLG as a functional currency, supported by plans for 10,000 payment points worldwide. Meanwhile, ITL, capped at 10 billion with half reserved for ITLG holders, serves as a strategic reserve for institutional growth. No direct conversions are needed; holding ITLG qualifies users for ITL earnings, creating a compliant model that balances security and network activity.

Institutional Expansion and Developer Support

The third priority focuses on institutional adoption, with announcements expected for over 100 digital asset companies joining the ecosystem. These entities will establish treasuries holding InterLink tokens, contributing to stability and credibility. Partners like Superior AI Labs Limited and Qihong Entertainment have already demonstrated this by using tokens for asset storage, yields, and gameplay rewards. Such integrations tie token value to tangible developments, from payment tools to developer resources.

To encourage innovation, InterLink will support AI agents and large language models, enabling developers to create mini-apps within the ITLX wallet. While details on a dedicated builder fund remain forthcoming, the emphasis on dev-friendly tools suggests incentives for building on the platform, potentially including grants or resources for projects in DeFi, social features, or real-world asset tokenization. 

This approach aims to rival established app ecosystems by 2027, expanding universal basic income features to 180 countries and targeting one billion verified users by 2030. 

If all elements align, InterLink could test its human-centric model at a global scale, bridging crypto with routine financial activities. 

Sources:

• _{InterLink on X: "The Next Era: 2026" Official Announcement.}
• _{InterLink on X: 2025 Milestones Recap.}
• _{InterLink Labs on YouTube: "The Next Era: 2026" Live Premiere Video.}
• _{InterLink Labs Website: Treasury Partners Information.}