Pi Network Activates Smart Contracts With 17.5M KYC and Node Surge

Pi Network has taken a major technical step. Smart contracts are now live on their testnet. This update opens the door for developers to build real applications on Pi’s blockchain. It also signals that the network is moving beyond theory and into execution. Community members say the shift matters more than short-term price moves. Instead, the focus is on infrastructure. With smart contracts active, builders can test payments, logic and on-chain interactions in real conditions. That lays the groundwork for future mainnet-ready apps. At the same time, Pi’s team and supporters continue to frame this phase as long-term work. The goal is not hype, the goal is usage.

17.5 Million KYC Users Form a Rare Base

What truly sets Pi Network apart is its user base. More than 17.5 million people have completed KYC. That makes Pi one of the largest verified communities in Web3. This matters because identity is often missing in crypto. Anonymous wallets create risk for apps that rely on trust. Pi’s approach flips that model. 

Every KYC’d Pioneer represents a real person. That creates safer conditions for social apps, payments and marketplaces. Supporters often point to Blind_Lounge, a recent hackathon winner. The app uses Pi’s verified network to allow anonymous interaction while reducing spam and abuse. It shows how identity and privacy can coexist. For many builders, that balance is the real value of Pi’s system.

Node Growth Signals Strong Network Participation

Alongside smart contracts, Pi has seen a sharp rise in network participation. According to community updates, the mainnet node count has grown nearly tenfold in 2025. That growth suggests increasing interest from operators who want to support the network directly. Nodes play a quiet but critical role. They help validate activity and keep the network resilient. A growing node set also reduces reliance on a small group of operators. Over time, that improves decentralization. For Pi Network, this node surge adds weight to its long-term narrative. It shows that users are not only holding accounts. They are also running infrastructure.

Lower Barriers Invite a New Wave of Builders

Pi Network is also pushing hard on accessibility. Through Pi App Studio, even non-technical users can build simple applications. The idea is straightforward. Find a real problem. Then build a small solution. This approach targets everyday use cases. Local commerce, community tools and simple services. With users spread across more than 230 countries, small apps can still reach meaningful audiences.

Community voices say this is where Pi Network’s model shines. Human contribution, verified identity and participation all feed into value creation. Instead of chasing speculation, builders focus on utility. As smart contracts roll out and tools mature, Pi enters a new phase. The tech is live. The audience is large. Now, the pressure shifts to delivery. The next few months will show how much of this potential turns into real, working products.