Kadena Unveils Chainweb EVM to Revolutionize Blockchain Development
Kadena has recently introduced Chainweb EVM, a groundbreaking execution layer that aims to address longstanding challenges in blockchain development.
With numerous projects already operational on testnet, the launch signifies a significant shift in Kadena’s infrastructure approach. Stuart Popejoy, the protocol’s CEO, shared insights on what this release means for developers.
During an exclusive interview with crypto.news, Stuart Popejoy, CEO and co-founder of Kadena, highlighted that the new EVM-compatible environment is designed to eliminate the trade-offs developers typically encounter when creating complex applications.
Powered by Kadena’s braided proof-of-work architecture, Chainweb EVM processes transactions in parallel across multiple chains, enhancing throughput while maintaining the security features of proof-of-work. This unique combination, as explained by Popejoy, is particularly crucial for applications targeting institutional investment.
Popejoy emphasized that existing networks often force developers to choose between performance and cost-effectiveness. Sectors like real-world assets demand built-in compliance and reliability, aspects that most EVM chains fail to address at the protocol level.
To address this challenge, Kadena has introduced native token standards that incorporate regulatory compliance directly into the protocol layer. This approach allows projects to meet institutional standards without compromising on transparency, speed, or interoperability.
“Our native token standards integrate regulatory requirements directly into the protocol layer, not as afterthoughts. This enables applications that can handle serious institutional capital while maintaining the transparency and efficiency that makes blockchain compelling,” Popejoy explained.
To accelerate adoption, Kadena has launched a $50 million grant program, with half of the funds dedicated to supporting teams focused on real-world utility within Chainweb EVM. Since the testnet release, over 50 projects have already joined, with many transitioning from platforms where gas fees and execution limits dictated development choices.
Looking ahead, the team is prioritizing mainnet readiness and cross-EVM interoperability. However, Popejoy underlines that metrics such as TVL or developer counts are not the ultimate goals.
“The true measure of success lies in the deployment of these institutional applications,” he stated. “Success is not defined by developer adoption metrics but by our ability to facilitate the infrastructure that attracts substantial institutional investment to the blockchain.”