what's OP_NET?

OP_NET is a consensus layer protocol built directly on Bitcoin Layer 1, enabling fully expressive smart contracts, DeFi, tokens, and NFTs without bridges, sidechains, forks, or changes to Bitcoin's core protocol. It leverages existing Bitcoin features like Taproot, SegWit, and Legacy addresses to embed smart contract execution into standard Bitcoin transactions. All fees are paid natively in BTC, with no protocol token for OP_NET itself, emphasizing self-custody, post-quantum security, and "SlowFi" – secure, deliberate DeFi on Bitcoin's base layer. The ecosystem includes the OP-20 token standard (Bitcoin's ERC-20 equivalent), decentralized applications like MotoSwap (a native DEX for BTC and OP-20 swaps), NativeSwap, staking with real yield via smart contracts, yield farming (e.g., MotoChef), and more. OP_NET unlocks programmable Bitcoin L1, allowing TVL and yield directly on the mother chain secured by Bitcoin's hashpower.

OP_NET launched native staking on Bitcoin L1 via smart contracts on March 23, 2026.