What is the significance of Pi KYC, and what’s next?

Pi Founder Nicolas Kokkalis explores the importance of Pi KYC both internally and for the next stage of this initiative to treat KYC itself as a service—KYC as a platform capability.

Network Update: Protocol v19.9 migration successfully completed. Next up is v20.2 — Aiming to complete before Pi Day 2026. Node operators should make sure they’re upgraded and stay tuned for further instructions: https://minepi.com/pi-node/

Protocol upgrades in progress (Step 3 – Deadline: March 12): The Pi Mainnet blockchain protocol continues to undergo a series of upgrades. All Mainnet Nodes are required to complete this step before the deadline to remain connected to the network. Details here: https://minepi.com/pi-node

Pi released a deep-dive case study into the recent proof-of-concept project for a new Pi Node utility that supports decentralized AI training and computing tasks for third-parties using the spare computing capacity of over 421,000 Pi Nodes. In collaboration with OpenMind, a robotics startup invested in by Pi Network Ventures, this project showed that Pi Nodes can process AI-relevant workloads and return useful results quickly. This work is part of and provides insights for the general initiative to integrate Pi into AI infrastructure itself, utilizing distributed computing and enabling authentic human input for AI training, inference, and reinforcement learning. https://minepi.com/blog/openmind-case-study/

Happy Pi Day 2026, Pi Network’s 7th official anniversary! Today’s releases introduce new ecosystem capabilities and expand how Pioneers can build, participate, and engage with Pi.

New releases include the introduction of the Token Launchpad on Testnet, Node and protocol upgrades, second migrations, KYC validator rewards, new centralized exchange listing, Mainnet payments in Pi App Studio, and a Pi Day Utility Challenge.

Read the blog for full details on each release! https://minepi.com/blog/pi-day-2026/

Celebrate Pi Day 2026 by learning about the new releases and participating in the Utility Challenge in the Pi app home screen https://minepi.com/blog/pi-day-2026/

The initial version of the Pi Launchpad has been released as a Pi App on the Testnet with a test token! Because the Launchpad introduces new concepts for many Pioneers and uses mechanisms that differ from typical token launches in Web3, it is being introduced on Testnet first so the community can become familiar with how the process works before the Mainnet launch.

Read more about the Launchpad in the Pi Day 2026 blog https://minepi.com/blog/pi-day-2026/

The Launchpad implements the mechanism in Design 1 of the PiRC released on the Open Network anniversary: https://github.com/PiNetwork/PiRC

Pi Network is excited to announce that second migrations have started and will continue with a gradual rollout, opening the door for Pioneers to bring additional Pi to Mainnet and further participate in the ecosystem! While second migrations roll out, first migrations for eligible Pioneers will continue as normal.

To be eligible for migrations, Pioneers must set up Pi Wallet two-factor authentication (2FA) through the Mainnet Checklist Step 3. This may include adding a trusted email address to their accounts if not set up yet. 2FA is enforced before migrations to enhance wallet security because transfers on the blockchain are irreversible and immutable.

Second migrations will also include referral mining bonuses attributable to Referral Team members who fully passed KYC. Pioneers should therefore remind their Referral Teams to complete KYC so these bonuses can be migrated.

All major Pi nodes have now been upgraded to version 20.2 and are supporting protocol 20. Pi has also completed the upgrade of its Mainnet blockchain to protocol 20.

Protocol 20 provides the foundation to enable smart contract capabilities, and the rollout of smart contracts will occur gradually, prioritizing categories that align with utility-based product innovation and operations. The specific types of smart contracts featured will depend heavily on the needs arising from the utility creation process.

Read the Pi Day 2026 blog to learn more about protocol 20 and smart contracts https://minepi.com/blog/pi-day-2026/

The Pi Mainnet has successfully upgraded to Protocol 20, laying the foundation for supporting smart contracts. Node operators, please ensure your systems are up to date and stay tuned for instructions regarding the upcoming v21 upgrade.

Since Pi Day 2026, Pi Network has continued its gradual rollout of second migrations and referral mining bonuses.

This opens the door for Pioneers to bring additional Pi to Mainnet and further participate in the ecosystem. Note that first migrations still take priority for the network to complete, and second migrations do not impact the rate of first migrations.

Read more about second migrations https://minepi.com/blog/second-migrations/

The Pi Mainnet is upgrading to Protocol 21 – Deadline: Apr 6. All Mainnet nodes are required to complete this step before the deadline to remain connected to the network. Details here: https://minepi.com/pi-node

Over 119,000 Pioneers have completed second migrations of their transferable balances so far, as the gradual rollout continues.

Explore the full update below ⬇️

https://minepi.com/blog/second-migrations/

Pi Testnet now has an RPC server.

This is a major step toward Smart Contracts being simulated, tested, and deployed.

Developers, try Pi Testnet’s new RPC server:
curl https://rpc.testnet.minepi.com -H "Content-Type: application/json" -d '{"jsonrpc":"2.0","id":1,"method":"getHealth"}'

To complete first or second migrations, Pioneers must set up Pi Wallet two-factor authentication (2FA) through Step 3 of the Mainnet Checklist.

This step is required to further strengthen account and wallet security before real Pi is transferred, an irreversible and immutable blockchain transaction.

To complete 2FA, Pioneers may need to add a trusted email address if one has not been set up yet.

The first distribution of KYC validator rewards is now complete!

Rewards were calculated for over 526 million validation tasks completed by more than 1 million KYC validators.

This demonstrates the scale and capability of Pi’s decentralized human workforce worldwide in driving meaningful real-world outcomes, especially in areas that require human judgment and input.

To benefit from future KYC validator rewards and other decentralized work opportunities, become a KYC validator. Complete accurate validation tasks and join Pi’s decentralized workforce!

https://minepi.com/blog/kyc-validator-rewards/

See how the first round of KYC validator rewards was calculated!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPlCEwQJ6Yw

Pi Network has released an RPC server, currently available on Testnet, supporting the development, testing, and future deployment of smart contracts within the Pi ecosystem.

The RPC server enables developers to build responsive applications, test contract behavior, and integrate services using real-time blockchain data.

Node operators and third-party services can also run their own RPC servers.

Read the blog to learn more, and explore the RPC capabilities as a developer.

https://minepi.com/blog/rpc-server/

Consensus Miami is getting a slice of Pi!

Pi Founder Chengdiao Fan will speak at Consensus 2026 on Wednesday, May 6, from 11:15–11:35 AM EDT at the Convergence Stage.

As AI dramatically lowers the barriers to building products, competition increasingly centers on authentic data, user acquisition, and trusted human participation.

Chengdiao’s presentation will explore how Pi’s blockchain infrastructure, verified identity, and globally engaged network can support utility‑driven products and AI‑era business models.

The session presents a fresh perspective on crypto tokens not as exits, but as tools for sustainable growth and real‑world adoption.

See you all there!

Pi’s first smart contract capability is now live on Testnet: subscriptions!

This fosters real, recurring, utility-driven use cases.

Think e-commerce, streaming, online tools, and more, powered on-chain.

Read more in the Pi mining app.