Pi Network to Launch Native DEX on March 12
Pi Network is set to activate PiDEX, its native decentralized exchange, on March 12 via a protocol upgrade. The DEX will feature AMM liquidity pools, stablecoin integration (USDT/USDC), and enable swaps, lending, and yield farming directly on the Pi Mainnet.
The upcoming launch of PiDEX is contingent on a series of mandatory protocol upgrades, with node operators required to update to maintain network connectivity. These upgrades, culminating in versions v20 and v20.2, are scheduled for March 12 and are designed to enhance scalability and support smart contracts, laying the technical foundation for the decentralized exchange. This is part of a broader roadmap targeting full Protocol v23 compatibility by June 2026. PiDEX will function as a native decentralized exchange utilizing an automated market maker (AMM) protocol. This allows for peer-to-peer token swaps directly within the Pi ecosystem, facilitated by liquidity pools rather than traditional order books. The integration of stablecoins like USDT and USDC is intended to provide a bridge to the broader crypto market and enhance liquidity. This move represents a critical step in Pi Network's transition from its current "Enclosed Mainnet" to a future "Open Mainnet." The Enclosed Mainnet, live since December 2021, has a firewall that prevents external connectivity, allowing for development and user KYC verification in a controlled environment. The activation of the DEX is a key part of building a utility-driven ecosystem before opening up the network. The project, founded by Stanford graduates, has amassed a large user base, with reports of over 47 million "Pioneers." Over 16 million of these users have reportedly been verified through the network's KYC process and have migrated to the mainnet, providing a substantial potential user base for the new exchange features.
