Deep Dive
1. Helium Mainnet Upgrade (11 January 2026)
Overview: The upgrade introduces native 128-bit and 256-bit support to optimize private computation speed and reliability for confidential DeFi and real-world asset (RWA) use cases.
This protocol-level change strengthens COTI’s Garbled Circuits-based privacy layer, enabling faster transaction processing and enhanced tooling for developers. The upgrade requires no user action but improves backend infrastructure for institutional adoption.
What this means: This is bullish for COTI because it positions the network as a scalable solution for privacy-sensitive sectors like RWAs and compliant DeFi. Improved performance could attract developers seeking confidential settlement layers. (Source)
2. V2 Mainnet Stability (17 September 2025)
Overview: Version 1.1.4 brought fixes for multiparty computation (MPC) and gcEVM components, audited by Hacken.
The upgrade refined COTI’s EVM-compatible privacy chain, combining garbled circuits with MPC for secure confidential transactions. Node operators were required to update to ensure compatibility, but user funds remained secure during the brief maintenance window.
What this means: This is neutral for COTI as it represents routine maintenance rather than groundbreaking innovation. However, it reinforces network reliability for existing use cases like private stablecoins and AI-agent economies. (Source)
3. Builders Program Launch (19 November 2025)
Overview: COTI introduced grants up to $100K for developers building privacy solutions, alongside technical and marketing support.
The program targets real-world applications like confidential DeFi, healthcare data management, and supply-chain tracking. It aligns with COTI’s emphasis on programmable privacy—allowing selective data disclosure for compliance.
What this means: This is bullish for COTI because incentivizing ecosystem growth could accelerate adoption of its privacy layer. Increased developer activity may drive demand for COTI tokens as gas fees or staking collateral. (Source)
Conclusion
COTI’s recent updates emphasize scalable privacy infrastructure, targeting institutional use cases like RWAs and compliant DeFi. The Helium upgrade and Builders Program signal a push toward ecosystem expansion, while backend refinements stabilize core operations.
How might COTI’s focus on programmable privacy differentiate it in the evolving regulatory landscape for blockchain?