TGE is right around the corner. Let’s check in with Max for more details.

This week’s Midweek with Max AMA focused on engineering updates, the latest progress toward Hemi’s Token Generation Event (TGE), and a look at what makes Hemi stand out as a Bitcoin–Ethereum bridge.

Let’s break it down.

zk-Proofability, BitVM, and Daemon Refactor Nearing Completion

The engineering team continues to finalize major components of the Hemi stack. The zk-proofability system is being built to support Ethereum-side settlement. In parallel, work is wrapping up on Hemi’s own BitVM paper, outlining its unique approach to trust-minimized Bitcoin interoperability.

Another major internal milestone is a near-complete daemon refactor. Previously, running Hemi often required running nearly the entire stack. Soon, users will be able to launch specific modules—like BFG or Popminer—independently. This improves testability, modular deployment, and customization.

TGE: “Very Soon,” But Not Yet

There’s no confirmed date for Hemi’s TGE. Max noted that final details are being worked through with third parties and that timelines remain subject to completion of those dependencies. Tokenomics information is similarly still pending.

For those wondering: there is no Hemi token currently in circulation. Any token purporting to be Hemi on Ethereum, BNB, or elsewhere is a scam.

Pop Points and Epochs

Pop points on testnet are now visible for most users. A small edge case involving address linking has delayed full visibility for a few, but that should be resolved within 48 hours.

As for the second epoch of Demos verification, there is no set end date yet. That will be determined relative to the finalized TGE date. If you haven’t completed your second verification, now’s the time—waiting offers no advantage.

No Public Node Sale Reopening (For Now)

There are currently no plans to reopen public node sales. Interest in the model has cooled across the ecosystem, though institutional demand remains. Anyone who previously purchased a node will still be supported, either with a node or an equivalent benefit.

Chain Builder, L3s, and Hemi as Bitcoin Security-as-a-Service

Hemi will allow third-party chains to publish their data to Bitcoin using Hemi’s infrastructure. These chains will pay fees in HEMI tokens to publish to the L2, and Hemi Popminers will still be paid in Bitcoin for securing the HEMI-to-Bitcoin layer. It’s a mirror of Hemi’s own mechanics: no staking is required for participation, keeping PoP Mining permissionless and fee-driven.

Builder Role and Ecosystem Dev Access

If you’re building on Hemi—whether it’s a DApp, data dashboard, or a new PoP Miner variant—you can apply for the Builder role. This gives you access to engineering support and other developers building in the ecosystem. Builder applications are evaluated by the team and managed via Discord.

Protocol Roadmap: Decentralizing the Sequencer and Advancing BitVM

The next two protocol milestones are:

1. Sequencer decentralization using an Ethereum-style PoS mechanism.
2. BitVM settlement and zk capabilities—both improve trust models and capital efficiency across Hemi’s tunnels.

Further out, Hemi is preparing for broader L3 support through shared sequencing and data availability.

Mainnet Node Update Incoming

A recent Testnet update means node operators there should already have pulled the new containers. Mainnet hasn’t been updated yet. The team will schedule that upgrade soon, and node runners will get at least 72 hours’ notice.

The Hemi Alliance: Community Roles and Missions

The Hemi Alliance is a tiered ambassador program. Tier 1 is ongoing; Tier 2 will launch next week. Missions will be posted in Discord via Guild. Incentives are coming, especially for community creators and contest winners.

Why Build on Hemi Today?

Even before tunnel v1 is live, Hemi gives developers access to a unique dual L1/L2 setup. Developers can either use tunneled BTC or build natively Bitcoin-aware apps using hVM. Hemi’s embedded Bitcoin full node in the EVM environment allows for true Bitcoin DeFi—including non-custodial DEXs and MEV markets—that can’t be built elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

The team is pushing toward decentralization and security without cutting corners. Work is ongoing across Popmining, bridges, token logistics, and ecosystem coordination. As always, the Discord remains the best place for real-time updates and builder conversations.

And yes, Max’s hair does look fantastic in the Hemi Heads Flappy Bird game.

Stay tuned for updates on the BitVM whitepaper, the next tech call, and the countdown to TGE.