Pi Network Celebrates One Year Post-Open Network: What Has Changed Since Launch?

One year after launching its Open Network on February 20, 2025, Pi Network has released details of a new Ecosystem Token Design and outlined progress across its blockchain, identity system, and app ecosystem.

The anniversary marks a transition from a closed development phase to an externally connected Mainnet environment. The Open Network connected Pi’s blockchain infrastructure, identity-verified user base, and Web3 applications to external systems for the first time.

This article reviews what has changed, how the token design works, and what challenges remain.

What Is Pi Network, and What Changed With Open Network?

Pi Network is a blockchain project that allows users to mine its native token through a mobile application without specialized hardware. The project reports more than 50 million registered users, referred to as “Pioneers.”

Before Open Network, Pi operated in an enclosed environment. During that six-year period, the team focused on:

• Building applications inside the ecosystem
• Verifying user identities through Know Your Customer (KYC) checks
• Preparing Mainnet infrastructure
• Developing developer tools

The Open Network launch in February 2025 enabled external connectivity, allowing Pi-based applications and tokens to interact with the broader blockchain environment.

In its first year post-launch, the network reported:

• More than 100 applications in the ecosystem
• Continued Mainnet migrations
• Developer tool upgrades
• Expanded KYC processing

The team previously summarized progress in its “First 100 Days of Open Network” and 2025 year-end updates.

Why Is Pi Introducing a New Ecosystem Token Design?

On February 23, 2026, Pi announced a Pi Request for Comment (PRC), labeled PiRC1, outlining its Ecosystem Token Design proposal.

The proposal addresses a common issue in Web3 tokenomics: misalignment between token issuance and working products. Many blockchain projects issue tokens before delivering functional applications, often using tokens primarily for fundraising.

Pi’s proposed model shifts token issuance toward utility-driven integration.

Core Features of the Ecosystem Token Design

1. Mandatory Working Product

Projects must launch with a functioning app or service before issuing tokens through Pi’s structured launch program. This requirement aims to connect the token supply to actual product use.

2. Liquidity-First Allocation

All proceeds committed in Pi to acquire ecosystem tokens are deposited directly into liquidity pools. Funds do not transfer to project teams.

This structure differs from many token sales, in which teams receive capital raised. The liquidity pool model is intended to support price stability and reduce manipulation.

3. Utility-First Structure

Tokens are designed for user acquisition and in-app functionality, not fundraising. Projects integrate tokens into product use cases, encouraging ongoing engagement.

4. Stake → Escrow → Liquidity Pool → Market Framework

The proposed launchpad process includes:

• Users staking Pi
• Escrow mechanisms
• Liquidity pool allocation
• Open market participation

This framework emphasizes transparency and accountability.

5. Engagement-Based Incentives

Active users may receive preferential access or favorable terms during launches, encouraging active participation rather than passive holding.

The full proposal is published on GitHub, and the team is collecting feedback through issues, pull requests, and a Google Form.

How Does Pi KYC Fit Into the Network’s Strategy?

Pi KYC plays a central role in the network’s architecture. Unlike anonymous blockchain systems, Pi requires identity verification for Mainnet migration.

The KYC system uses a hybrid model combining:

• AI-based document processing
• Human validation workflows
• Sanction checks
• Cross-network comparisons
• Support for multiple regulatory formats

The team states that no user data is shared externally when providing KYC-as-a-service.

KYC as a Platform Capability

Pi plans to offer its KYC technology to third-party Web3 and traditional businesses. The service emphasizes:

• Global geographic coverage
• Scalability
• Compliance-oriented workflows

Identity verification remains a widely discussed issue in blockchain adoption, particularly for real-world assets and regulated financial activity.

The network argues that verifying human identity becomes more important as AI-generated bots increase online.

What Are Pi’s Priorities for 2026 and Beyond?

According to statements from founders Nicolas Kokkalis and Chengdiao Fan, near-term priorities include:

• Expanding developer tools
• Increasing app and utility creation
• Accelerating KYC processing
• Speeding Mainnet migrations
• Improving user experience
• Supporting interoperability

The network continues to position itself as identity-verified and utility-focused rather than speculation-driven.

Conclusion

One year after launching Open Network, Pi Network has expanded its application ecosystem, continued Mainnet migration, and introduced a formal proposal for ecosystem token issuance. The token design emphasizes product-first issuance, liquidity pool allocation, and user participation through staking and engagement.

At the same time, community concerns about KYC delays and the pace of migration remain evident. The effectiveness of the PRC process and the implementation of the token framework will influence how the ecosystem develops in its second year of Open Network operations.

Sources:

• Pi Network Official Blog: Celebrating one year after Open Network Launch
• Pi Network GitHub Repository: PiRC1 Proposal
• Pi Network X: Posts from the Pi Core team