When Will Irys Mainnet Launch? What We Know

The anticipation surrounding the Irys mainnet launch has grown steadily as the project shares periodic updates on its progress. While no exact date has been confirmed, recent updates suggest the team is pushing forward with key milestones, including a symbolic loading bar that reached 69 percent in early November 2025. The impending transition could mark a significant step for data-focused blockchain technology.

Irys operates as a Layer-1 blockchain, functioning as a programmable datachain that integrates low-cost data storage, verifiable computations, and tools for coordinating artificial intelligence applications. 

By allowing data to be treated as a dynamic asset rather than static information, the network aims to support developers in building applications where data can be licensed, updated, and computed on-chain without high costs or complexity. This approach addresses challenges in handling large-scale data for AI and other sectors, making it accessible for a range of users from individual creators to enterprises.

Funding Fuels Development

In August 2025, Irys secured a $10 million Series A funding round led by CoinFund, bringing its total capital to $20 million. The investment came at a time when the project was ramping up its testnet activities, and it included participation from other notable backers. This financial boost has enabled the team to expand its efforts, focusing on refining the network's infrastructure and preparing for broader adoption. 

According to Irys, the funds are directed toward enhancing the datachain's capabilities, such as improving data programmability and integration with AI workflows, which could play a role in smoothing the path to mainnet.

The round followed earlier seed investments and underscored confidence in Irys's vision. With this support, the project has continued to iterate on its technology, drawing from lessons learned during testnet operations to ensure reliability once the mainnet goes live.

Testnet Achievements Signal Readiness

Irys's testnet has served as a proving ground, demonstrating the network's capacity through impressive transaction volumes. By early September, the testnet had processed 855 million data transactions, a sharp increase from 73 million at the start of the third quarter—a growth of more than 11 times in just a few months. 

The momentum carried into October, when Irys announced it had surpassed one billion data transactions on the testnet. Such figures not only validate the technical foundation but also build a case for the mainnet's potential efficiency. The alpha testnet, launched in late January 2025, laid the groundwork for these accomplishments, allowing early testers to experiment with features like on-chain games and data storage mechanisms. As the team noted in recaps, this phase involved non-stop building, including in-person events and conferences to gather feedback.

Community Engagement and Incentives

Building a strong user base has been central to Irys's strategy, with initiatives designed to encourage participation. In September, the project revamped its quest system on the portal and added new testnet games, inviting community members to interact more deeply with the ecosystem. These updates included platforms for earning rewards through tasks, climbing leaderboards, and exploring applications like retro-style arcades where every action is recorded on-chain.

Earlier in the year, campaigns like the Genesis Hunt in July engaged thousands, resulting in over 1.1 million NFT mints and raffling whitelist spots for future collections. Community-driven efforts, such as weekly coding sessions and ambassador programs, have further strengthened ties, with members contributing tools and games that leverage Irys's features. 

This focus on involvement has created a vibrant ecosystem, where feedback loops help refine the technology. As mainnet approaches, these activities provide valuable data on user behavior, potentially informing final adjustments.

The Genesis NFT: A Milestone for Contributors

A highlight came in mid-November 2025 with the launch of “the First Step" Genesis NFT collection, offered as a free mint to 999 of the most dedicated community members. Eligibility was determined through activity in prior campaigns, such as the Bitomo event, where participants evolved NFTs based on their engagement. The minting window opened on November 13 and extended through November 17, allowing whitelisted addresses to claim on Ethereum before a planned migration to the Irys mainnet.

Holders gain benefits like eligibility for an upcoming $IRYS token airdrop, priority access to future programs, and exclusive recognition within the ecosystem. The soulbound nature of these NFTs ensures they remain tied to contributors' wallets, emphasizing long-term commitment over speculation. This release not only rewards early supporters but also ties into the broader mainnet rollout, as the migration will occur post-launch.

Progress Updates and What Lies Ahead

Visual cues have kept the community informed about mainnet status. An October 30 update showed a loading bar advancing to 60 percent, while a follow-up on November 6 accelerated it to 69 percent, complete with animated elements symbolizing momentum. 

Industry sources indicate the mainnet is imminent, with preparations including token generation events mentioned as early as April 2025. However, the team has emphasized a thoughtful approach, pausing certain launches like BuildKey in May to prioritize inclusivity and network health. For those interested, monitoring official channels such as the Irys X account remains the best way to stay updated. Developers can already explore the testnet via the portal, completing quests or building applications to prepare.

Once live, the mainnet could enable new possibilities for data management in AI and beyond, backed by the project's robust testnet performance and community foundation. 

Sources:

• _{Irys Official X Account: https://x.com/irys_xyz} 
• _{Irys Genesis NFT Announcement (Irys Blog): https://irys.xyz/blog/genesis-nft}