Ethereum is embarking on a bold new plan to become the high-speed “internet of value” by 2029. The project, outlined in the “Strawmap” roadmap, aims to make the blockchain faster, more scalable, and more private.
The core goal is near-instant finality, which currently takes 16 minutes for transactions to be confirmed. By 2029, Ethereum hopes to achieve this in just seconds, making it easier for large amounts of value to move across the network.
This shift towards a dual-track strategy means that the base layer will continue to grow stronger while layer 2 networks take on more specialized roles. This approach aims to improve user experience and enable significantly higher capacity for these secondary networks.
Privacy is another key focus area, with native “shielded” transfers being contemplated at the base layer. This would allow individuals and businesses to move funds without exposing full transaction details publicly.
The roadmap also addresses post-quantum cryptography, a growing concern as quantum computing develops. Ethereum’s security assumptions cannot remain static if it’s meant to secure trillions in value over decades.
By publishing this multi-year sketch, researchers are signaling that the network’s next phase is not just about patching limitations. This provides directional clarity for developers and businesses, who have often been critical of Ethereum’s slow pace of upgrades.
Source: https://www.coindesk.com/news-analysis/2026/02/26/here-is-why-ethereum-s-bold-new-plan-could-make-the-blockchain-giant-high-speed-internet-of-value-by-2029