Sei Disables New CosmWasm Deployment Amid EVM Transition

Luisa Crawford May 03, 2026 16:26

Sei Protocol halts new CosmWasm deployments as part of its shift to an EVM-only architecture. Existing contracts, IBC transfers remain unaffected.

Sei Disables New CosmWasm Deployment Amid EVM Transition

Sei Protocol has officially disabled new deployments of CosmWasm contracts on its blockchain, marking a critical step in its transition to an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-only architecture. Validators approved the SIP-03 proposal on May 1, 2026, effectively halting any new CosmWasm code uploads or contract instantiations. Importantly, existing CosmWasm contracts will continue to operate without disruption, ensuring end users can maintain their current activities.

CosmWasm, a smart contract platform tailored for the Cosmos blockchain ecosystem, has been a key tool for decentralized application (dApp) developers since its initial prototype in 2019. By combining the Cosmos SDK framework with WebAssembly (Wasm) technology, CosmWasm enhanced interoperability and security across blockchains while allowing developers to code in Rust and other Wasm-compatible languages.

Sei's decision to phase out CosmWasm reflects the protocol's broader pivot away from Cosmos-based infrastructure toward an EVM-focused model. This move aligns with the growing dominance of EVM chains, which boast a larger developer base and ecosystem of dApps. While new CosmWasm operations are now blocked, Sei has reassured users that Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) transfers will remain functional for now. However, users have been advised to act quickly to secure their assets, as IBC message passing is expected to be disabled in future updates.

Assets that may require action include:

USDC.n
USDT.kava
Wormhole-bridged assets: USDCso, WETH, USDCet, USDCop, and USDTbs
ATOM
WBTC

To prevent potential loss of funds, Sei encourages users to swap or bridge these assets promptly. For further guidance, stakeholders can consult the SIP-03 Migration Guide or visit Sei's Discord community.

CosmWasm's integration into the Cosmos ecosystem has historically allowed blockchains to add smart contract capabilities without altering their core architecture. Its sandboxed environment and resource metering were designed to minimize vulnerabilities, such as reentrancy attacks, making it a secure and efficient choice for developers. However, Sei's migration strategy underscores the growing trend of projects consolidating into EVM ecosystems, which offer broader market reach and compatibility with existing dApps.

For Sei token holders and developers, the shift to EVM may unlock new opportunities but also signals the end of an era for CosmWasm within its ecosystem. As Sei continues to roll out its EVM-focused roadmap, the protocol's ability to balance innovation with community needs will likely dictate its long-term success.

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