Most Anticipated Mainnet Launches in Q1 2026

According to data from CryptoDiffer, key players include Tempo, MegaETH, Gensyn, Nexus, Miden, Pod, Pharos, and idOS. These projects cover areas like payments, Ethereum scaling, AI computations, privacy, transaction primitives, and identification. Each has raised significant investments, from $6.5M to $500M and offers innovations that could reshape the blockchain landscape. We analyzed available information from official sources to provide a comprehensive overview.

Tempo: Blockchain for Payments from Stripe

Tempo is an EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain focused on payment processing. The project raised about $500M in investments from Stripe and Paradigm. In December 2025, Tempo launched a public testnet, allowing developers to test stablecoins and infrastructure. Klarna, one of the partners, plans to launch its stablecoin KlarnaUSD on Tempo's mainnet in 2026, focusing on internal payments and reducing costs for cross-border transactions. Mainnet is expected in Q1 2026, with a potential airdrop. On X, users are discussing integration with Relay for fast transactions.

MegaETH: Real-Time Scaling for Ethereum

MegaETH is a Layer 2 designed to enhance Ethereum's scalability and performance, focusing on real-time transactions (over 100,000 TPS and sub-millisecond latency). The project raised $108M and plans a TGE (Token Generation Event) in January 2026. The testnet is already available for developers, with mainnet beta launch expected in Q1. In November 2025, MegaETH conducted a pre-deposit campaign that raised $250M but encountered technical issues. On X, enthusiasts note integration with Relay Protocol for connection to 80+ networks from day one. Potential airdrop makes the project attractive for early users.

Gensyn: Decentralized Computations for AI

Gensyn is a Layer 1 protocol for decentralized deep learning computations, raising $67M from a16z and others. In December 2025, the project held a $AI token sale on Sonar, raising $16.14M at FDV $473M (7,412 participants). Mainnet is expected in 2026, with multipliers for testnet participants. Post-mainnet, launches of Delphi and other apps are planned. On X, the community discusses allocation distributions on December 25, 2025, and expectations for a fair launch. Potential airdrop.

Nexus: zkVM for Verified Computations

Nexus is a zero-knowledge virtual machine (zkVM) for scalable computation verification, focusing on Rust programs. Mainnet is planned for Q1 2026, with bridges and on-ramps. The project has already conducted testnet III with over 3M users and 80M transactions. Confirmed airdrop. In October 2025, Nexus announced a roadmap with zkVM 4.0 in Q2 2026. On X, developers praise the focus on a verified financial network.

Miden: ZK-Rollup with Privacy Focus

Miden is a ZK-rollup Layer 2 from Polygon, emphasizing private, scalable smart contracts. Raised $25M in seed round from a16z and others. Mainnet expected in Q1 2026, with TGE. The project supports local and delegated proving, with public and private architectures. $POL holders will receive 10% of Miden's supply. On X, Polygon's Sandeep Nailwal calls 2026 the year for practical privacy thanks to Miden. Potential airdrop.

Pod: Primitive for Consensusless Transactions

Pod is a Layer 1 primitive that processes transactions as input and produces a log as output, raising $10M in seed round. Testnet planned for Q3 2025, mainnet - Q1 2026. The project focuses on a "consensusless" network for private, scalable transactions. Confirmed airdrop. On X, discussions highlight potential as part of a new wave of "corporate" blockchains.

Pharos: EVM Network for RWA

Pharos is an EVM-compatible Layer 1 for improving payments and apps, focusing on real-world assets (RWA). Raised $8M. In October 2025, launched AtlanticOcean testnet for RWA testing. Mainnet expected in Q1 2026, with TGE. Pharos Foundation launched in November 2025 to support RealFi. On X, the community is testing new missions with potential rewards. Confirmed airdrop.

idOS: Operating System for Identification

idOS is an open-source, interoperable identity operating system (DID), raising $6.5M. TGE postponed to mid-Q1 2026 due to exchange negotiations. Mainnet focuses on portable KYC and biometric login (FaceSign). In 2026, deep integrations and NotABank Beta are expected. Confirmed airdrop. On X, leaders discuss Epoch 0 and rewards.

These launches could accelerate crypto adoption in the real world, focusing on speed, privacy, and RWA. Many projects offer airdrops, attracting early users. However, as in any crypto industry, there are risks of delays (e.g., MegaETH had chaos with pre-deposit). We recommend DYOR and monitoring updates on official channels. 2026 could be a breakthrough year for L1/L2 infrastructure.