Pi Network introduced PiRC1, a new token issuance framework launched on April 22 based on Protocol 22. This prohibits projects from issuing tokens unless they can first demonstrate an application that works in response to real user demand. This is a direct attempt to remove speculation-driven launches from the ecosystem.
Pi Network launched its token design framework, PiRC1, on April 22nd as part of its protocol V22 upgrade. As reported by HOKANEWS.COM, the core principles of PiRC1 are simple and straightforward. Only applications that demonstrate true use cases and concrete user demand within the Pi ecosystem will be eligible to participate in token issuance. The framework is designed to address one of the crypto industry’s most persistent problems: the proliferation of low-value tokens created primarily as speculative vehicles rather than functional elements of an actual digital economy.
Pi Network PiRC1 token issuance framework sets new standard for ecosystem projects
With PiRC1, a project cannot launch a token without first having a working application. Proceeds in tokens do not go directly to the project team, but to a permanent liquidity pool pegged to Pi Coin as the underlying currency of the ecosystem. This design separates funding from direct project management and introduces structural safeguards that prevent teams from withdrawing liquidity after launch. This is a pattern that is causing widespread losses across Web3. Pi’s network of KYC-verified users adds an extra layer of responsibility, as developers and users operate based on verified identities rather than anonymity. As reported by crypto.news, PiRC1 was released with new PiRC2 documentation, opening up the subscription smart contract model to technical review and community feedback. As of April 23, PI’s trading price was approximately $0.1687, the market capitalization was $1.73 billion, and the 24-hour trading volume was $11.17 million.
How PiRC1 fits into the wider protocol upgrade roadmap
PiRC1 was introduced under protocol V22 as a direct successor to the V21 and V21.2 network upgrades that strengthened Pi’s infrastructure and made it ready for smart contracts. Protocol 22 also has emergency node deadlines. As tracked by crypto.news, mainnet node operators must upgrade to protocol 22 by April 27 to maintain connectivity to the network. The next big milestone is Protocol 23, scheduled for May 2026, which will introduce full smart contract functionality for developers. The PiRC1 token framework and protocol 23 smart contract tools represent what Pi Network envisions as a transition from a mining-centric network to a structured Web3 ecosystem that can support real-world commercial applications.
What PiRC1 means for PI’s market position
Pi co-founder Chengdiao Fan first introduced PiRC1 as a proposal in late February, emphasizing that the token should function as a tool within an application rather than as a standalone financial product. The framework’s public review period on GitHub and Google Forms gave the developer community the opportunity to shape the final design before release. As documented by crypto.news, PI’s market trajectory in 2026 will largely depend on whether the network’s technical milestones lead to actual on-chain usage. Each previous roadmap release has been treated by the market primarily as an event to sell news. Whether PiRC1 changes that dynamic will depend on how many developers build applications that work under the framework, and how quickly user engagement with those apps becomes measurable.
Pi Network said it plans to continue extending the PiRC1 framework based on feedback from the developer community, and listed support for Protocol 23 smart contracts as its next major technical deliverable, scheduled for May.
