Botanix Labs has launched the mainnet for its Bitcoin Layer-2 blockchain, aiming to enhance decentralization and bring decentralized finance (DeFi) capabilities to the Bitcoin network. The platform features an EVM-compatible environment secured by a multi-signature validator network called the Spiderchain, which supports a trust-minimized BTC bridge. Botanix integrates applications such as GMX and Dolomite and counts ecosystem partners including Chainlink, Fireblocks, Alchemy, Antpool, and Galaxy. Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) serves as the canonical cross-chain infrastructure from launch, complemented by Chainlink Data Feeds and Data Streams to provide low-latency data layers. Since its testnet debut in December 2024, Botanix has processed 26 million transactions. The network operates with five-second block times and transaction fees around $0.02, with 50% of gas fees distributed to native BTC stakers without requiring token wrapping. Botanix’s mainnet launch marks a notable development in Bitcoin’s Layer-2 ecosystem, enabling functionalities such as trading, lending, borrowing, staking, and leverage within a decentralized Bitcoin economy.