An update from three months and beyond

Kadenas Chainweb EVM Testnet represents a significant advancement in blockchain technology, ensuring the security of Proof of Work (PoW) of Ethereum virtual machine (EVM) compatibility. Launched in Junethe testnet extends Kadena’s Braided Chainweb architecture with EVM support, allowing Solidity developers to deploy smart contracts at a scalable scale Layer 1 network.

This report brings together research based on the X thread of the protocoltechnical documentation, community feedback and recent updates to provide a comprehensive overview of the testnet’s progress, features and future capabilities.

Kadena and the Chainweb architecture

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

The EVM Testnet adds five EVM-compatible chains (numbered 20 to 24) to the existing 20 Pact-based chains, resulting in a total of 25 chains. Each EVM chain processes transactions independently but is connected via Merkle proofs for asset transfers, avoiding external bridges.

Launched on June 29, 2025 at the EthCC conference in Cannes, the testnet targeted Solidity developers by maintaining compatibility with Ethereum standards while leveraging Kadena’s proof-of-work security, which comes from merge mining similar to the Bitcoin model. This makes the protocol resistant to certain attacks that are common in proof-of-stake systems, such as attacks based on capital concentration. Most importantly, gas costs remain low due to parallel processing, with the testnet showing costs close to zero even as activity increases.

EVM compatibility and developer tools

The Chainweb EVM Testnet supports full integration with standard Solidity development tools, eliminating the need for modifications to existing codebases. Developers can use:

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

These tools work with testnet RPC endpoints, such as those from Ankr, allowing for seamless deployment.

Three-month performance metrics

Total number of transactions processed: 48,496
During the first 90 days of launch, Kadena’s Chainweb EVM Testnet successfully processed 48,496 transactions across its multiple chains. This part demonstrates the network’s ability to manage a substantial number of operations in a real test environment, where transactions involve various activities such as asset transfers, smart contract interactions, and basic account operations. The even distribution across chains highlights the effectiveness of the parallel processing model, which avoids bottlenecks that could occur in single-chain systems.

Wallet addresses created: 6,432
During this three-month period, the testnet saw the creation of 6,432 new wallet addresses, a clear sign of increasing user onboarding and interest from developers and testers. Each wallet represents an entry point for individuals or entities to interact with the blockchain, whether to implement contracts, send testnet tokens, or explore features.

This growth in addresses indicates a broadening the user baseas new participants set up accounts to experiment with the EVM-compatible environment without incurring any real financial risk.

Smart contract implementations: 1,019
The testnet recorded a total of 1,019 smart contract implementations, the majority of which were written in Solidity, the programming language commonly used for Ethereum-based applications. These deployments span a range 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 dominance reflects the testnet’s design to attract Ethereum developers by supporting well-known tools and standards, making migration or experimentation easier.

Gas consumption: 78 Testnet KDA
Gas consumption on the testnet was only 78 units of testnet KDA over the 90 days, reflecting the low-cost operating model of the platform. Gas costs cover the computing resources required to process transactions and execute contracts, and this minimal consumption indicates efficient resource allocation. The low figure is due to the parallel chain architecture, which spreads the workload and keeps the individual chain load manageable, resulting in fees that remain close to zero even as the activity scales.

Collectively, the metrics, as shown in the protocol thread, reveal the robustness of the testnet in managing increasing activity levels without any noticeable performance degradation. This resilience comes from the Chainweb braided structure, where parallel chains work side by side to distribute the computational load, ensuring consistent throughput and reliability across all operations.

Expansion of ecosystems and dedicated projects

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

The Kadena Chainweb EVM Testnet Ecosystem

• In aggregators, OkuTrade and Open Ocean have joined.
• AI projects include Allora Labs, Hoku, Xade and Archer. Analytics features Allium.
• DeFi protocols include Chips Finance, Humane, Metaland, Morpho, Rhino and Accumulated Finance.
• Developer services come from Antier Solutions and Boosy Labs. Decentralized exchanges include DeXalot, Mercatus, UniSwap and Zebra Swap.
• GameFi includes CoinFantasy and eSpotz.
• Explorers use Blockscout.
• Interoperability involves Via Labs and Tricorn Bridge.
• Lending platforms include Eonian, Euler, Kylin Finance, Lendfinity, Minterest, Relend, Tutum and Gearbox.
• Memecoins are represented by HeronHeroes. NFTs include KadenaI, Morkie, Mintpad and NFTzMe.
• Oracles are provided by Stork and DIA.
• RPC services come from Uniblock and Ankr.
• Real world assets use Swarm.
• Security is provided by Sherlock.
• Social applications include Winks Fun and Finulab.
• Tokenization involves Nomyx and TokenGo. Wallets are equipped with Linx Wallet.

This list, shown in Kadena’s update graphs, shows the engagement between sectors, with many projects testing integrations into the EVM chains.

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

Additionally, Kadena’s $50 million grant program supports projects that migrate to the testnet, build new applications or create tools. The financing is equity-free and aims to accelerate the development of Chainweb EVM.

Global events and developer involvement

Kadena participated in several international events to promote the testnet. At ETH Vietnam, the team collaborated with Suci Community for hands-on sessions, introducing EVM development to students and builders. This initiative created a developer network that started in Vietnam and expanded globally.

ETHGlobal in New Delhi saw 30 teams participate in a hackathon, resulting in 200 deployments. Projects covered real-world assets, DeFi, bridges, wallets, privacy, streaming, social, gaming, zero-knowledge proofs, identity and developer tools. Winners were KROSS, BRANDX and ASSETX.

During TOKEN2049 in Singapore, more than 400 teams registered to pitch projects within two days. This attracted applications from various team sizes for grants, highlighting interest in the testnet’s scalability and reimbursement structure.

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

Final thoughts

The testnet serves as a precursor to the mainnet integration. Future plans include increasing the number of chains, improving indexers and improving cross-chain functionalities, with a focus on real-world assets, AI agents, prediction markets and microtransactions.

Overall, Kadena’s Chainweb EVM Testnet has demonstrated three months of transaction processing, user engagement and ecosystem growth, with impressive metrics. Integrating EVM compatibility with proof-of-work scaling provides developers with tools for low-cost, parallel execution environments. Partnerships like with Brickken highlight practical applications in tokenizing assets.

For blockchain developers: exploring the testnet via evm.kadena.io provides a direct way to assess its features, highlighting the platform’s role in layer 1 developments.

Sources:

• Kadena official X-thread: https://x.com/kadena_io/status/1978516477734162464
• Kadena EVM Testnet goes live: https://www.kadena.io/perspectives/ethcc-chainweb-evm-testnet-release-live
• CoinMarketCap Kadena Latest Updates: https://coinmarketcap.com/cmc-ai/kadena/latest-updates/
• Kadena Construction on Kadena page: https://www.kadena.io/build-on-kadena