iopn Network: From Solana RPC Vision to EVM L1 Reality — What Changed?

Quick Summary

iopn Network started as a Solana-focused decentralized RPC and compute layer for AI agents, but as of mid-2025 it pivoted to launching its own EVM-compatible Layer-1 blockchain called OPN Chain. This shift was driven by the need for greater sovereignty, scalability, and real-world adoption in areas like digital identity and tokenized assets. The original Solana infra vision evolved into a full-stack ecosystem, but it’s no longer “Solana-only” — it’s now a Cosmos SDK-based chain with EVM compatibility.

The Original Vision (Early 2025)

• Decentralized RPC + compute layer purpose-built for autonomous AI agents on Solana
• Sub-3ms finality for agent workloads
• 68% cheaper than centralized RPCs (Helius, QuickNode)
• zkLogin + TEE for on-chain proof of execution
• 30% of all agent fees accruing directly to $IOPN stakers

What Actually Happened — The Pivot Timeline

• Q2 2025 → Initial Solana testnet, heavy focus on ElizaOS / SendAI integrations
• Q3 2025 → Partnership with São Tomé and Príncipe for the world’s first blockchain-enabled citizenship program
• October 2025 → OPN Chain mainnet launch (Cosmos SDK + Tendermint BFT + full EVM compatibility)
• November 2025 → ATLAS platform (NVIDIA AI + GPU compute) fully live on OPN Chain

Why They Pivoted to EVM L1

• Sovereignty & RWAs → Governments and enterprises need full control (digital ID, tokenized citizenship)
• EVM Maturity → Solidity, ERC standards, and existing tooling make compliance easier than Solana VM
• Scalability → Cosmos SDK gives modular upgrades + 10,000+ TPS with sub-second finality
• Cross-Chain Future → Easier bridging to Ethereum ecosystem liquidity

Updated Stats (November 25, 2025)

• 1.8M+ daily transactions (now across OPN Chain + Solana bridges)
• 42,000+ active agents (many ported to EVM for Solidity support)
• 10,000+ TPS on OPN Chain
• $1.2M monthly revenue (staking + ATLAS GPU rentals + agent fees)
• $26M TVL — 78% of circulating supply staked
• Current price ≈ $0.35 — FDV ≈ $312M

Current Bull Case

• 30% of all fees still flow to $IOPN stakers (real yield)
• Government-backed citizenship program = massive RWA narrative
• EVM compatibility opens the door to Ethereum liquidity and developer mindshare
• Mainnet v2 upgrades scheduled for January 2026

Risks

• Execution risk on the pivot
• Competition from established EVM L1s and L2s
• Dependency on São Tomé program success

Conclusion

The pivot from Solana-only RPC to sovereign EVM L1 isn’t a red flag — it’s a strategic upgrade for real-world adoption.
The AI agent + blockchain convergence thesis lives on, now with government partnerships and EVM tooling.

At sub-$0.40 and generating real revenue with 78% supply locked, $IOPN remains one of the cleaner asymmetric bets in the current market.

Track OPN Chain live →
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Official Docs →

Published: November 25, 2025