Deep Dive
1. Core Infrastructure Upgrade (18 December 2025)
Overview: This upgrade improved the core performance and resilience of the Injective blockchain. For users, this translates to a more reliable and efficient network experience.
The upgrade, enacted via governance proposal IIP-603, moved the network to version v1.17.2. It involved a scheduled hard fork, where the network briefly paused and restarted with the new binary. The focus was on backend improvements to make the chain more stable and developer-friendly, which supports the growing ecosystem of decentralized finance (DeFi) applications.
What this means: This is bullish for INJ because a stronger, more efficient core network provides a better foundation for all applications built on it, leading to a smoother experience for developers and end-users. This technical maintenance is crucial for long-term adoption and reliability.
(chizzy)
2. Major Tokenomics Overhaul INJ 3.0 (2024)
Overview: This was a foundational update to Injective's economic model, making its native token, INJ, significantly more deflationary. It directly impacts the long-term scarcity of the token.
The community overwhelmingly passed IIP-392 to launch INJ 3.0. The key change was a 400% increase in the deflation rate. The new mechanism dynamically adjusts the rate of supply reduction in real-time based on the proportion of INJ that is staked on-chain, creating a flexible and responsive monetary policy.
What this means: This is bullish for INJ because it structurally embeds scarcity into the asset's design. As more users stake INJ to secure the network, the deflation accelerates, potentially increasing the token's value over time as supply growth slows dramatically.
(Injective Blog)
3. Supply Squeeze Proposal IIP-617 (19 January 2026)
Overview: This is the most recent significant governance action, further hardening Injective's deflationary tokenomics at the protocol level. It reduces the rate at which new INJ tokens are created.
The proposal passed with 99.89% of the voting stake. It permanently updates the chain's inflation parameters to reduce new token issuance more rapidly. This change works alongside the existing Community BuyBack program, which uses ecosystem revenue to buy and burn INJ monthly.
What this means: This is bullish for INJ because it doubles the effective deflation rate by combining reduced issuance with active burns. This creates a powerful, self-reinforcing cycle of supply contraction that is directly tied to the network's usage and growth.
(CoinMarketCap)
Conclusion
Injective's development trajectory shows a clear focus on strengthening both its technical infrastructure and economic foundations, transitioning from major version jumps to fine-tuning a robust deflationary model. How will the accelerated supply contraction impact INJ's valuation as network activity scales?