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- Pi Network says future ecosystem growth will focus on utility instead of speculation.
- Pi Launchpad requires projects to launch with working products already built.
- Pi price momentum is increasing ahead of the May 15 smart contract upgrade.
At the Consensus 2026 conference in Miami, Chengdiao Fan outlined Pi Network’s long-term strategy to distance itself from the speculative culture that has dominated parts of the crypto market.
During her keynote, Fan criticized the industry’s tendency to prioritize fundraising before delivering practical products. She argued that many blockchain projects attract capital through token launches but fail to build sustainable ecosystems afterward.
According to Fan, Pi Network wants to take a different path by focusing on product development, active users, and real-world business integration. She stressed that long-term value in crypto should come from utility and participation rather than short-term hype.
The comments arrive at a key moment for Pi Network as traders closely watch the upcoming May 15 network upgrade, which is expected to introduce smart contract capabilities to the ecosystem.
Pi Launchpad Aims to Eliminate “Quick Exit” Projects
A major part of Fan’s presentation centered on Pi Launchpad, a new model designed for projects building on Pi’s Layer-1 blockchain.
Unlike traditional crypto launchpads, where raised funds are often transferred directly to development teams, Pi Launchpad plans to direct committed funds into ecosystem liquidity pools instead. Fan said this structure is intended to discourage short-term token dumping and improve market stability for new projects.
Another major requirement is that projects must already have a functioning application or usable product before launching a token within the Pi ecosystem. The approach is designed to ensure builders focus on utility first instead of speculation.
Fan also noted that active community members may receive preferred participation opportunities during token launches, rewarding users who contribute to ecosystem growth.
Pi Network Highlights User Base and AI Potential
Fan repeatedly pointed to Pi Network’s large community as one of its strongest competitive advantages.
According to the company, Pi Network now has more than 60 million engaged users worldwide, including over 18 million KYC-verified participants and approximately 16.5 million active mainnet wallets.
She explained that large-scale adoption is essential for creating meaningful blockchain utility and network effects.
Beyond payments and applications, Fan also discussed Pi Network’s potential role in AI infrastructure. She revealed that more than 526 million human verification tasks have already been completed through Pi’s KYC ecosystem by over one million users.
The system could eventually support “human-in-the-loop” AI verification processes, an area attracting growing attention across the tech industry.
Pi Price Outlook Builds Ahead of Upgrade
Pi Network’s latest announcements are also influencing market sentiment.
Trading volume for Pi reportedly climbed more than 20% over the past 24 hours as investors positioned themselves ahead of the May 15 upgrade. Pi recently moved from around $0.169 to roughly $0.1728, while analysts are watching the $0.187 resistance level closely.

If bullish momentum continues and the upgrade delivers stronger ecosystem functionality, traders believe Pi could potentially target the $0.22 region in the near term.
Also Read: Bitcoin ETFs Surge $629M as Pi Network Forces Critical Update
Pi Network is attempting to reshape its image from a speculative crypto project into a utility-driven blockchain ecosystem. By requiring working products, emphasizing long-term liquidity, and leveraging its large global user base, the project is positioning itself around sustainable adoption rather than fast-moving token hype.
With the May 15 upgrade approaching, investors and developers alike will be watching closely to see whether Pi can translate its ambitious vision into real ecosystem growth.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
I’m a crypto enthusiast with a background in finance. I’m fascinated by the potential of crypto to disrupt traditional financial systems. I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative projects in the space. I believe that crypto has the potential to create a more equitable and inclusive financial system.
