The first 100 days of any major technological launch often serve as a critical benchmark for success, momentum, and real-world impact. In the world of blockchain and Web3, this milestone is no different. For Pi Network, the 100-day mark since the launch of its Open Network in February 2025 has been a period of rapid evolution, ecosystem expansion, and tangible utility development.
What began as an ambitious mobile-based cryptocurrency project has now transitioned into a fully functional, externally connected blockchain ecosystem. This article explores the journey Pi Network has taken in its first 100 days of Open Network, highlighting key achievements above and below the surface—both in user-facing innovations and technical infrastructure.
The Launch of the Open Network
On February 20, 2025, Pi Network officially launched its Open Network, marking the end of the Enclosed Mainnet era and the beginning of a new chapter defined by external connectivity. This shift allowed Pioneers—Pi’s global community of users—to conduct transactions beyond the app, integrating Pi into real-world commerce and broader blockchain networks.
This transition wasn’t just symbolic; it was functional. For the first time, Pi could be used for cross-chain interactions, merchant payments, and decentralized applications (dApps) with real economic value. The move signaled that Pi was no longer just a concept—it was now a working digital currency with growing adoption.
👉 Discover how blockchain networks evolve from concept to real-world use.
Real-World Utility Gains Momentum
One of the most significant indicators of a cryptocurrency’s success is its real-world utility—how often and where it’s actually used. In the 100 days following the Open Network launch, Pi demonstrated strong traction across multiple fronts:
- Over 1.8 million Pioneers participated in everyday transactions.
- More than 125,000 merchants registered to accept Pi during the PiFest shopping event.
- Over 58,000 active sellers leveraged Pi for goods and services globally.
The PiFest 2025, held from March 14 to March 21, served as a powerful showcase of Pi’s expanding utility. Integrated with the community-built Map of Pi app, the festival enabled users to discover local businesses accepting Pi, creating a seamless bridge between digital currency and physical commerce.
.pi Domains Auction: Building Digital Identity
Another major milestone was the launch of the .pi Domains Auction, a platform-level utility that allows Pioneers to bid on unique digital identifiers—essentially web addresses within the Pi ecosystem. Similar to traditional domain names like .com or .io, these .pi domains can serve as virtual storefronts, personal profiles, or dApp entry points.
To date:
- Over 116,000 active bids have been placed.
- More than 54,000 unique Pioneers have participated.
This initiative not only enhances user ownership but also fosters long-term engagement by giving community members a stake in the network’s digital real estate.
Ecosystem Growth Through Innovation and Investment
Beyond consumer adoption, Pi Network has made strategic moves to strengthen its ecosystem through innovation and capital investment.
Pi Network Ventures: Fueling Web3 Startups
On May 14, 2025, the Pi Foundation announced Pi Network Ventures, a $100 million fund aimed at supporting high-impact startups in the Web3 and blockchain space. Modeled after Silicon Valley venture capital practices, this initiative evaluates early-stage to Series B companies for both funding and strategic partnership opportunities.
The focus areas include:
- Decentralized finance (DeFi)
- Social blockchain applications
- Artificial intelligence integration
- Gaming and metaverse projects
By investing in external innovation, Pi Network is positioning itself not just as a cryptocurrency but as a foundational layer for next-generation digital economies.
FruityPi: A Game That Plays With Purpose
In late May, Pi launched FruityPi, a seemingly simple fruit-merging game available directly in the Pi Browser. While the gameplay is casual—drop fruits, merge them, avoid overflow—the underlying purpose is serious: demonstrating live gaming utility on the Pi blockchain.
FruityPi isn’t just entertainment; it’s a proof-of-concept showing how microtransactions, user engagement, and on-chain activity can coexist in a fun, accessible format. It also opens the door for future game developers to build on Pi’s infrastructure.
Behind the Scenes: Infrastructure & Security Upgrades
While user-facing features grab headlines, the true strength of any blockchain lies in its underlying architecture. Over the past 100 days, Pi has made significant progress “below the hood.”
Developer Empowerment
The Mainnet Ecosystem Interface is now fully accessible to qualified developers through the Developer Portal. This means independent creators can build, deploy, and monetize dApps directly on Pi’s Mainnet—accelerating ecosystem growth.
Additionally, the Pi Ad Network has expanded beyond its pilot phase, opening applications to a wider developer base. Early participants are already earning ad revenue, creating sustainable income models within the ecosystem.
Migration and Wallet Activation
Since Open Network launched:
- Over 3 million additional Pioneers have migrated to Mainnet.
- Total migrated users now exceed 13 million.
A key enabler of this growth is wallet activation for identity-verified users. Even before full migration, Pioneers who have completed KYC (or tentative verification) can activate their Mainnet wallets—unlocking access to dApps, transactions, and ecosystem participation earlier than before.
Enhanced Security Features
Security remains a top priority. Recent upgrades include:
- Two-factor authentication via trusted email for account recovery.
- Ability for KYC-verified users to change phone numbers after liveness checks.
- Improved resistance to phishing and SIM-swap attacks.
These changes reduce friction while increasing trust—critical factors for mass adoption.
👉 Learn how secure wallet management shapes the future of digital assets.
Community Engagement and Global Recognition
Pi’s founders have remained deeply involved in shaping both the technology and public perception of the network.
Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis participated in a decentralized AI panel at Consensus 2025 in Toronto, highlighting Pi’s role in emerging tech conversations. Meanwhile, Dr. Chengdiao Fan was named one of the GeekWire Top Ten Tech Stars of 2025, and Kokkalis was recognized by USA Today as one of the most inspirational speakers in tech.
Such recognition underscores Pi’s growing influence beyond its user base—establishing it as a thought leader in blockchain and Web3 innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Pi Network’s Open Network?
A: The Open Network is Pi’s fully operational Mainnet phase that began on February 20, 2025. It allows external connectivity, real-world transactions, and integration with other blockchains—marking Pi’s transition from closed testing to public use.
Q: Can I use Pi for real purchases?
A: Yes. During events like PiFest 2025, over 125,000 merchants accepted Pi worldwide. The Map of Pi app helps users find local businesses that support Pi payments.
Q: How do I get a .pi domain?
A: You can participate in the .pi Domains Auction through the Pi Browser. Bidding is open to all Pioneers, with thousands already securing digital identities.
Q: Is Pi Network secure?
A: Yes. Recent updates include email-based two-factor authentication, secure phone number changes after liveness checks, and enhanced KYC protocols to protect user accounts.
Q: What is Pi Network Ventures?
A: It’s a $100 million investment fund launched by the Pi Foundation to support innovative Web3 startups across gaming, DeFi, AI, and social blockchain sectors.
Q: Can developers build on Pi?
A: Absolutely. The Developer Portal now supports full Mainnet app deployment for qualified builders. The Pi Ad Network also enables monetization opportunities.
👉 Explore developer opportunities in emerging blockchain ecosystems.
Conclusion
The first 100 days of Pi’s Open Network have proven transformative. From real-world commerce during PiFest to strategic investments via Pi Network Ventures, from gaming experiments like FruityPi to foundational upgrades in security and migration—Pi has demonstrated both breadth and depth in its development.
Core keywords such as Pi Network, Open Network, Mainnet, Web3, blockchain, crypto utility, decentralized apps, and digital currency are no longer abstract concepts within this ecosystem—they are actively being lived out by millions.
As Pi continues to grow, its blend of community-driven innovation, technical rigor, and practical application positions it as one of the most watched projects in the evolving landscape of decentralized technology.
Word count: ~1,170