Bitcoin Layer-2 Botanix Mainnet Goes Live, Reduces Block Time to 5 Seconds

Key Takeaways

• Botanix mainnet is now live, enabling 5-second block times.
• Built to bring Ethereum-like functionality to the Bitcoin ecosystem.
• Supports Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) applications and smart contracts.
• Decentralized governance launched with 16 initial node operators.

Botanix Brings Ethereum Utility to Bitcoin

Botanix Labs has officially launched the mainnet for its Layer-2 network, designed to bring Ethereum-equivalent utility to the Bitcoin ecosystem. With this upgrade, block times are reduced drastically from 10 minutes to just 5 seconds.

The Botanix network is fully compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), enabling developers to port Ethereum applications directly onto Bitcoin. This unlocks decentralized finance (DeFi) use cases for BTC, the largest crypto asset by market value.

A Step Toward Scalable Bitcoin DeFi

The mainnet launch represents Botanix’s attempt to make Bitcoin a more versatile platform for DeFi and programmable assets. Competing Layer-2 efforts like Stacks, Rootstock, and BOB have also introduced tools to bring smart contracts and complex computations to Bitcoin.

Botanix differentiates itself by offering full EVM compatibility while maintaining Bitcoin’s decentralization ethos. This allows developers to deploy DeFi applications on Bitcoin without sacrificing the network’s core values.

Federation of Node Operators Leads Decentralization

With the launch, Botanix transitions to decentralized governance, operated by a federation of 16 initial node operators. Key participants include Galaxy Digital and Fireblocks, with the foundation expecting to expand beyond 100 operators by 2026.

Willem Schroé, CEO of Botanix Labs, emphasized the importance of trustless infrastructure:

“Too many Bitcoiners have been burned by centralized platforms, which is why Botanix is fully decentralized at launch.”

New BTCFi Products Debut

Coinciding with the mainnet, Botanix unveiled two cornerstone products for its BTCFi ecosystem:

• Palladium: A BTC-backed stablecoin designed for decentralized collateralization.
• Bitzy: A decentralized exchange tailored for the Bitcoin ecosystem.

These products aim to establish a functional decentralized finance system using Bitcoin as the core asset.

Botanix Timeline

• May 2024: Botanix Labs begins development of its Bitcoin Layer-2 network with EVM compatibility.
• February 2025: Botanix unveils testnet results, showcasing a working Ethereum-on-Bitcoin prototype.
• June 2025: Botanix announces its federation of 16 node operators ahead of mainnet launch.
• July 1, 2025: Mainnet officially launches with BTCFi tools like Palladium and Bitzy.