Update after 3 months and beyond

Kadena’s Chainweb EVM Testnet represents a significant advancement in blockchain technology and blends blockchain security. Proof of Work (PoW) and Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) Compatibility. Released in Junethe testnet extends Kadena’s braided Chainweb architecture to include EVM support, allowing Solidity developers to deploy smart contracts on scalable systems. layer 1 network.

This report is a compilation of research based on: Protocol X threadstechnical documentation, community feedback, and recent updates, providing a comprehensive overview of testnet progress, features, and future possibilities.

Kadena and chain-net architecture

chainFounded in 2016 by Stuart Popejoy and Will Martino, former leaders of JPMorgan’s blockchain efforts, it operates as a layer 1 proof-of-work blockchain. Its Chainweb protocol uses a braided structure where multiple chains run in parallel and are linked through cross-chain proofs. This design supports horizontal scaling without relying on layer 2 solutions.

The EVM testnet will add five EVM-compatible chains (numbered 20-24) to the existing 20 Pact-based chains, for a total of 25 chains. Each EVM chain handles transactions independently, but for asset transfers, connects through Merkle proofs, avoiding external bridges.

The testnet was launched on June 29, 2025 during the EthCC conference in Cannes and targeted Solidity developers by leveraging Kadena’s proof-of-work security from merged mining similar to the Bitcoin model while maintaining compatibility with the Ethereum standard. This provides the protocol with resistance to certain attacks common in proof-of-stake systems, such as those based on capital concentration. Most importantly, gas prices remain low due to concurrency, with testnet showing near-zero charges even as activity increases.

EVM compatibility and developer tools

Chainweb EVM testnet supports full integration with standard Solidity development tools and requires no changes to your existing codebase. Developers can use:

• Helmet: for local testing and deployment
• Remix: for web-based editing
• Foundry: For advanced scripting
• Scaffold: for application frameworks

These tools interact with testnet RPC endpoints, such as those provided by Ankr, and enable seamless deployment.

3 month performance metrics

Total transactions processed: 48,496
In its first 90 days, Kadena’s Chainweb EVM Testnet successfully processed 48,496 transactions distributed across multiple chains. This volume demonstrates the network’s ability to manage a significant number of operations in a real test environment. Transactions include various activities such as asset transfers, smart contract interactions, and basic account operations. Even distribution across the chain emphasizes the effectiveness of the parallelism model, which prevents bottlenecks that can occur in single-chain systems.

Created wallet addresses: 6,432
Over the past three months, 6,432 new wallet addresses have been created on the testnet. This is a clear sign of user onboarding and increased interest from developers and testers. Each wallet represents an entry point for individuals or entities to interact with the blockchain, including deploying contracts, sending testnet tokens, and exploring features.

This address increase is Expanding user basefor new participants to set up an account to experiment with an EVM-compatible environment without incurring any real financial risk.

Smart contract deployments: 1,019
A total of 1,019 smart contract deployments were recorded on the testnet, the majority of which were written in Solidity, a programming language commonly used in Ethereum-based applications. These deployments include a variety of use cases, from simple token contracts to more complex decentralized applications, allowing developers to test compatibility and functionality on Kadena’s infrastructure.

Solidity’s advantages reflect the testnet’s design, which attracts Ethereum developers by supporting familiar tools and standards, making migration and experimentation easier.

Gas consumption: 78 Testnet KDA
Gas usage on Testnet amounted to just 78 units of Testnet KDA over 90 days, reflecting the platform’s low-cost operating model. Gas fees cover the computational resources required for transaction processing and contract execution, and this minimal consumption indicates efficient resource allocation. This low number is due to our parallel chain architecture, which distributes workloads and keeps individual chain loads manageable, resulting in near-zero charges even as activity scales.

Taken together, the metrics presented in the protocol’s threads reveal the robustness of our testnet in managing increasing activity levels without noticeable performance degradation. This resiliency comes from the braided chain web structure, where parallel chains work together to distribute the computational load and ensure consistent throughput and reliability across all operations.

Ecosystem expansion and active projects

The ecosystem around Chainweb EVM has expanded to more than 70 committed projects, covering categories from decentralized finance to artificial intelligence.

Cadea Chain Web FISH

• Aggregators include OkuTrade and Open Ocean.
• AI projects include Allora Labs, Hoku, Xade, and Archer. Analytics features include Allium.
• DeFi protocols include Chips Finance, Humane, Metaland, Morpho, Rhino, and Accumulated Finance.
• Developer services are provided by Antier Solutions and Boosy Labs. Decentralized exchanges listed include DeXalot, Mercatus, UniSwap, and Zebra Swap.
• GameFi includes CoinFantasy and eSpotz.
• Explorer uses Blockscout.
• Interoperability includes Via Labs and Tricorn Bridge.
• Lending platforms include Eonian, Euler, Kylin Finance, Lendfinity, Minterest, Relend, Tutum, and Gearbox.
• Memecoins is represented by HeronHeroes. NFTs include KadenaI, Morkie, Mintpad, and NFTzMe.
• Oracle is provided by Stork and DIA.
• RPC services are provided by Uniblock and Ankr.
• Real-world assets use Swarm.
• Sherlock is in charge of security.
• Social applications include Winks Fun and Finulab.
• Tokenization involves Nomyx and TokenGo. The wallet is powered by Linx Wallet.

This list, displayed in the Kadena update graphic, shows cross-sector involvement with many projects testing integration in the EVM chain.

Our recent partnership with Brickken, announced on October 15, 2025, focuses on the tokenization of real-world assets. The collaboration plans to tokenize $10 million in assets during the testnet phase. This includes compliance features such as KYC, AML, and cap table management.

In addition, Kadena’s $50 million grant program supports projects such as transitioning to a testnet, building new applications, and creating tools. This funding is non-equity and aims to accelerate the development of Chainweb EVM.

Global events and developer engagement

Kadena participated in several international events to promote the testnet. At ETH Vietnam, the team partnered with the Suci Community to conduct hands-on sessions to introduce EVM development to students and builders. This effort established a developer advocacy network that started in Vietnam and expanded around the world.

At ETHGlobal in New Delhi, 30 teams participated in a hackathon that resulted in 200 deployments. Projects included real-world assets, DeFi, bridges, wallets, privacy, streaming, social, gaming, zero-knowledge proofs, identity, and developer tools. The three winners were KROSS, BRANDX, and ASSETX.

At TOKEN2049 in Singapore, over 400 teams signed up to pitch their projects within two days. This attracted grant applications from teams of various sizes and highlighted interest in the testnet’s scalability and pricing structure.

These events, detailed in the October update, contributed to developer onboarding and engagement with the project.

final thoughts

Testnet serves as a preliminary step to mainnet integration. Future plans include increasing the number of chains, improving indexers, and enhancing cross-chain capabilities, with a focus on real-world assets, AI agents, predictive markets, and microtransactions.

In general, Kadena’s Chainweb EVM testnet demonstrated excellent metrics for transaction processing, user engagement, and ecosystem growth over a three-month period. Integration of EVM compatibility and proof-of-work scaling provides developers with tools for an affordable parallel execution environment. Partnerships like the one with Brickken focus on practical applications in asset tokenization.

Blockchain developers explore testnets by: evm.kadena.io provides a direct way to evaluate its capabilities and highlights the platform’s role in layer 1 advancements.

source:

• Kadena official X thread: https://x.com/kadena_io/status/1978516477734162464
• Chain EVM testnet is up and running: https://www.kadena.io/perspectives/ethcc-chainweb-evm-testnet-release-live
• Latest updates on CoinMarketCap Kadena: https://coinmarketcap.com/cmc-ai/kadena/latest-updates/
• CADEN build on Tainte page: https://www.kadena.io/build-on-kadena