Can Consensus 2026 spark Pi Network’s next move?

Pi Network will sponsor Consensus 2026 in Miami, placing the project before blockchain builders, investors, and policy figures. 

The event comes as the network tries to turn its large user base into broader ecosystem activity.

The project’s two co-founders, Nicolas Kokkalis and Chengdiao Fan, will speak during the conference. Their sessions will focus on Pi’s blockchain infrastructure, digital identity, artificial intelligence, and future application development.

Founders to address AI, Web3, and identity

Chengdiao Fan is scheduled to speak on May 6. Her presentation will cover how Pi’s blockchain, verified identity system, and global user network may support products built for the AI and Web3 era.

Nicolas Kokkalis will speak on May 7 during a panel about proving human identity online while protecting user privacy. The topic has gained more attention as artificial intelligence tools make online impersonation easier.

Pi Network said in an X post, “The Pi Founders will both take the stage as speakers at the Consensus 2026 conference.” The post also said Fan will discuss Pi’s infrastructure and verified identity network.

Moreover, Pi Network continues to present identity verification as one of its main features. The project uses a KYC-based model that combines human checks and AI-supported tools to verify users.

The network claims it has more than 18 million verified users. It also says its system has completed hundreds of millions of verification tasks across its community.

This approach places Pi Network among blockchain projects trying to build proof-of-personhood systems. Pi also uses its mobile-first design to reach users across different markets.

Protocol upgrades mark transition phase

Pi Network’s Consensus 2026 appearance comes during a technical transition for the project. Node operators must upgrade to Protocol 22 by April 27, or failed nodes may be removed from active network support.

Protocol 22 supports node software and desktop applications. The upgrade also prepares the network for Protocol 23, which is expected in May and is designed to support smart contracts.

The planned PiRC1 token standard also points to a wider ecosystem push. These upgrades may help developers build more applications on Pi Network.

Pi coin price rose 5.30% in 24 hours to trade near $0.180, according to CoinGecko data. The move came as market attention turned to Pi Network’s role at Consensus 2026 and its planned network changes.