Metis at ETHDenver 2025: A Look Back and the Road Ahead

Introduction

ETHDenver 2025 was a defining moment for Metis, marking a significant step forward in our mission to drive innovation in Ethereum Layer 2 scalability, AI-powered blockchain applications, and decentralized execution models. As one of the largest blockchain industry events of the year, ETHDenver provided the perfect platform for Metis to reveal the future of Hyperion, the industry's first AI-native, high-performance Layer 2 network.

From the highly anticipated launch of Hyperion to insightful keynotes and developer workshops, Metis took center stage in discussions on scalability, AI-driven smart contracts, parallel execution, and the evolution of decentralized AI infrastructure. Throughout the event, our team engaged with builders, investors, and industry leaders, exchanging ideas and demonstrating how Metis Hyperion redefines Ethereum's Layer 2 ecosystem.

Hyperion represents the next evolution of high-performance blockchain computing, merging Ethereum’s security and decentralization with AI-driven infrastructure and advanced execution models. This recap outlines the most significant moments from ETHDenver, along with the next steps toward Hyperion Mainnet, set to launch in May 2025.

Hyperion Launch

We revealed Hyperion, introducing a modular, AI-optimized Layer 2 network designed to enhance Ethereum’s scalability and computational efficiency, specifically for computational-intensive AI protocols. Hyperion represents a major technical breakthrough, incorporating:

• Parallel Execution – Optimizing transaction throughput for high-performance DeFi and gaming applications.
• MetisVM – Enabling AI-powered smart contracts with integrated support for machine learning inference.
• zkML Integration – Allowing secure, privacy-preserving AI computations onchain.

The introduction of Hyperion at ETHDenver attracted attention from developers at the conference who were eager to test its capabilities when it launches.

Elena’s Opening Ceremony Speech: The Dawn of Metis ReGenesis

Elena Sinelnikova introduced the Dual-Chain Mechanism, a novel approach that strengthens scalability, security, and AI-enhanced execution. She also outlined the core innovations that will power Metis’ next phase of growth, including:

• Hyperion – A next-generation L2 protocol optimized for AI-native execution and decentralized sequencing.
• MetisVM – A specialized virtual machine supporting AI-powered smart contracts, inference models, and zkML verification.
• MetisSDK – A robust development framework enabling builders to integrate AI-driven features into their applications seamlessly.
• LazAI & Alith – Two foundational components of Metis’ AI ecosystem, designed to provide verifiable and ethical AI functionality onchain.

Elena’s speech underscored our commitment to creating an open, scalable, and decentralized infrastructure for AI, ensuring that artificial intelligence remains transparent, verifiable, and aligned with the core values of Web3. 

Natalia’s Keynote: ReGenesis and the AI-Optimized Future of Layer 2

At the Spork Castle Stage, Natalia Ameline introduced Metis Hyperion (HYPE) and the broader Metis ReGenesis initiative. She highlighted how Hyperion addresses blockchain’s AI challenges through superior speed, scalability, and an execution environment tailored for AI applications.

Her talk explored key innovations, including Hyperion’s AI-optimized infrastructure, the Dual-Chain Mechanism, and MetisVM’s integration with zkML. She emphasized how Hyperion sets new standards for AI-enabled smart contracts and decentralized intelligence.

Privacy-First AI and Decentralized Intelligence

At BUIDL Hub, Pavel Sinelnikov, DevRel at Metis L2, conducted a deep-dive workshop on Alith, a scalable privacy-first AI framework built for Hyperion’s AI-powered execution environment. The session provided developers with a technical overview of:

• zkVM for AI Inference – Zero-knowledge machine learning models that allow AI computations to run securely on blockchain networks.
• Decentralized AI Governance – How smart contracts can integrate AI-driven decision-making without centralized oversight.
• Optimized AI Model Deployment – Using Metis Hyperion’s MetisVM to execute AI-driven oracles, automated risk management, and AI-powered governance systems.

The workshop showcased real-world AI implementations on Hyperion, demonstrating how Metis’ zkML-powered AI framework enhances security and efficiency in DeFi, DAOs, and NFT gaming applications.

AI, zkML, and Hyperion’s Roadmap:

At ZK Hub, LazAI CMO Daniel Kwak provided insights about LazAI’s role in ReGenesis, the Metis Hyperion roadmap, and the importance of zkML for securing AI-driven applications.

His session explored:

• How zkML enables private, verifiable AI execution on blockchain networks.
• The intersection of decentralized AI and Layer 2 scalability.
• Hyperion’s strategy for integrating AI inference models directly into smart contracts.

He (at 7:56:00) highlighted Metis Hyperion as a foundational AI infrastructure layer, bridging Ethereum’s decentralized architecture with next-generation AI applications.

Key Outcome:

Metis leveraged ETHDenver 2025 as an opportunity to introduce Hyperion Testnet, demonstrating how AI and blockchain can seamlessly integrate for scalability, decentralization, and intelligent automation. The Metis ecosystem spent all week engaging with developers, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners showcasing the potential of an AI-native Layer 2 solution that enhances Ethereum’s capabilities.

As we move toward Hyperion Mainnet in May, we invite developers and partners to be part of this transformation. Explore Hyperion and stay connected for further updates.

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