{"id":10954,"date":"2025-06-27T17:37:42","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T16:37:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/investx.fr\/en\/?p=10954"},"modified":"2025-06-27T17:37:44","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T16:37:44","slug":"pi-network-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/preprod.investx.fr\/en\/learn\/crypto\/pi-network\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Pi Network (PI), How Does It Work, and Why Is It Relevant in 2026 ?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What is Pi Network (PI) ?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pi Network<\/strong> is a cryptocurrency<\/a> project launched on March 14, 2019, that allows users to “mine” Pi tokens directly from their smartphones without excessive battery consumption or technical expertise. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin<\/a>, which require expensive equipment and considerable energy consumption, Pi Network was designed to be accessible to the general public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The project uses a modified version of the Stellar Consensus Protocol<\/strong> (SCP), an energy-efficient consensus mechanism that doesn’t rely on proof of work (PoW). This eco-friendly approach allows millions of users to participate in the network without significant environmental impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since February 20, 2025, Pi Network has officially been in the Open Mainnet<\/strong> phase, allowing free exchange of tokens on public platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"The<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The History of Pi Network<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pi Network was designed as a response to the limitations of existing cryptocurrencies, particularly their inaccessibility to the average user. The project was officially launched on March 14, 2019<\/strong> (Pi Day, 3\/14), by three Stanford researchers : Nicolas Kokkalis, Chengdiao Fan, and Vincent McPhillip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The network’s development has followed several distinct phases :<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Phase 1 (2019) <\/strong>: Launch of the mobile application and beginning of mining<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Phase 2 (2020)<\/strong> : Introduction of Pi Nodes and ecosystem expansion<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Phase 3 (2021-2024)<\/strong> : Transition to Closed Mainnet and KYC implementation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Phase 4 (since February 2025) <\/strong>: Transition to Open Mainnet and integration with exchange platforms<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    In just six years, the network has attracted more than 35 million users<\/strong> worldwide, becoming one of the largest crypto communities in terms of active users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Who Created Pi Network ?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Pi Network was founded by three researchers from Stanford University, each bringing complementary expertise to the project :<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis<\/strong>, who holds a PhD in Computer Science from Stanford, is the principal technical architect of the project. A specialist in distributed systems and user experience, he previously worked on social computing projects at Stanford. His vision is to make cryptocurrencies accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical expertise.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"Nicolas
    Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis is one of the creators of Pi Network. (Source: Christopher Michel [Flickr])<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    Dr. Chengdiao Fan<\/strong>, an anthropologist and data scientist, brings a social and behavioral perspective to the project. With a PhD in computational anthropology, she is particularly interested in how technologies can be adopted by different cultures and communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Vincent McPhillip<\/strong>, a graduate of Stanford Business School, oversees the commercial and strategic aspects of the project. His experience in product development and growth strategies has been instrumental in the rapid expansion of the network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This founding team continues to lead the development of Pi Network, maintaining a methodical and progressive approach that prioritizes building solid foundations rather than rushing growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What is Pi Network (PI) Used For ?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Pi Network aims to create a decentralized economic ecosystem<\/strong> where the Pi token serves as a medium of exchange for various goods and services. Its main utilities include :<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Payment Method<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The Pi token is designed to facilitate everyday transactions<\/strong> between users, with minimal fees and fast confirmations. The Pi Browser app already integrates a payment system allowing users to purchase products and services from other network members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Platform for Decentralized Applications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Pi Network provides infrastructure for the development of decentralized applications<\/a><\/strong> (DApps) accessible via the Pi Browser. These applications cover various domains such as e-commerce, social networks, games, and financial services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Financial Inclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    A fundamental goal of the project is to promote global financial inclusion<\/strong>, particularly in regions where access to traditional banking services is limited. By allowing anyone with a smartphone to participate in the digital economy, Pi Network could help reduce inequalities in access to financial services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Participatory Governance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The Pi token also plays a role in network governance<\/strong>, allowing holders to participate in decisions regarding protocol evolution and allocation of community resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Buy Pi token in just a few clicks !<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    How Does the Pi Network Work ?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Pi Network is based on a distributed architecture that combines several innovative elements to ensure its operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Different Roles Within the Pi Network<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The network distinguishes four main roles that users can occupy :<\/p>\n\n\n\n