We’re all at Bitcoin 2025. Find us and let’s talk Hemi!

At this week’s Midweek with Max, we covered ground fast: a new DEX integration, updates from Vegas, ongoing BitVM work, and the launch of the Hemi Alliance ambassador program. If you missed it, here’s what you need to know.

iZiSwap: Bitcoin and Ethereum, One Pool

Yasmin from iZiSwap kicked things off with a clear message: iZiSwap is here to bring concentrated liquidity and real trading depth to Hemi. Their protocol builds on the Uniswap V3 model, introducing limit orders and enhanced liquidity controls designed to feel like using a centralized exchange—without giving up decentralization.

iZiSwap chose Hemi because of our dual-rooted model: unlike typical L2s that build only on Bitcoin or Ethereum, Hemi treats both as first-class citizens. That gives Izumi a clear advantage—letting users access BTC-native and EVM-native liquidity without ever leaving the ecosystem.

Max Update: BitVM Progress and Modular Stack

Max Sanchez shared engineering updates live from Bitcoin 2025 in Las Vegas. The team is preparing to publish a BitVM-based paper that outlines how Hemi will extend native Bitcoin security and programmability through the HVM.

We’re also modularizing the node stack—making it easier for anyone to run a piece of the Hemi infrastructure. Whether it’s the Bitcoin finality governor or HVM execution engine, operators will be able to spin up only the parts they need. Expect releases soon.

Tokenomics? “Very Soon”

No, we’re not at ultra soon yet—but “very soon” is official. All third-party dependencies are nearly resolved, and once the final scheduling is set, the full tokenomics release will follow. Yes, there will be rewards for testnet users. Yes, on-chain activity is the source of truth. And yes, hacked wallets can file a ticket to reverify.

Ambassador Program: Introducing the Hemi Alliance

Hemi’s community-facing program is live. The Hemi Alliance isn’t a typical influencer push. It’s about user-generated content and rewarding active contributors. No bots, no spam—just thoughtful posts, useful tools, and helpful engagement. Progress is tracked via Guild, and recognition is manual—if you’re doing good work, you’ll be seen.

Security: POP and Tunnels Explained

POP (Proof of Proof) locks in chain finality using Bitcoin. It protects against reorgs, sandwich attacks, and time-based arbitrage. The tunnel system—currently overcollateralized—offers insured custodianship of BTC. The roadmap moves toward a BitVM-powered model that can scale securely and avoid multisig trust assumptions.

Hemi is one of the only L2s that can bring BTC into Ethereum with this level of security, since it settles directly to both chains. No extra bridges. No loss of finality. No weakest-link trust risk.

Other Highlights

• .hemi and .hvm domains work like ENS: wallet naming and future identity features.
• LP point tracking bugs are known and being fixed—chain data is the source of truth.
• Decentralized sequencing is planned for Q3, covering both sequencer and batcher roles.
• NFT testing is live, including modular access logic with Jeff Garzik’s “Hemi Club.”

TL;DR

Izumi is live. BitVM is close. Tokenomics are next. The Ambassador Program is active. Hemi is still Hemi—building with the long game in mind, focused on core infrastructure, and expanding the community the right way.

If you want to get involved, now’s the time. Join us on Discord and let’s build!