Botanix Labs launches mainnet for its Bitcoin programmability layer with support from Alchemy, Antpool, Galaxy, among other node operators

Botanix Labs, the protocol research team developing the Botanix Bitcoin programmability layer, is launching its mainnet on Tuesday following a successful testnet run. The so-called "spiderchain" is going live with support from some of the industry’s largest players, including apps from GMX and Dolomite, according to an announcement.

The launch comes about a month after Botanix Labs announced that it was decentralizing its control over the blockchain and launching a 16-node founding federation of node operators. This federation counts Alchemy, Antpool, Chorus One, Fireblocks, Galaxy, Kiln, and XBTO, among others, as members. Botanix expects the operator to expand beyond 100 in 2026.

Botanix, founded in 2023, is a Layer 2 proof-of-stake network designed to introduce Ethereum-like smart contract functionality to Bitcoin. It is sometimes referred to as a “spiderchain” due to its “web” of multisig wallets that are created at every Bitcoin block as part of its security and programmability model.

“We’ve spent the last two years building Botanix to give Bitcoin real utility without compromising on self-custody,” Willem Schroé, CEO and co-founder of Botanix Labs, said in a statement. “Too many Bitcoiners have been burned by centralized platforms, which is why Botanix is fully decentralized at launch.”

According to the announcement, Botanix’s mainnet will have five-second blocktimes and an average transaction fee of $0.02. It will also support apps including Arch, Bitzy, Palladium, and Rover, which are “committed to building exclusively on the network.” The team is also launching a retro-futuristic video game called Bitcoin 2100 that will reward players in satoshis. 

The Botanix testnet, launched in 2024, garnered over 26 million transactions.