Cardano’s development firm Input Output Global has submitted a reduced set of treasury proposals for 2026 as it sharpens focus on the long awaited Leios network scaling upgrade, positioning it as the central driver of the blockchain’s next phase of growth. The updated funding plan comes at a time when the Cardano ecosystem is preparing for a significant technical transition aimed at expanding throughput and improving long term network efficiency. According to the proposals, the funding request is notably lower than the previous year, signaling an effort to streamline spending while prioritizing infrastructure that directly supports the upcoming scaling roadmap.
At the heart of the strategy is the Leios upgrade, which is designed to significantly enhance Cardano’s transaction capacity and overall performance. Developers have framed the initiative as a key component in achieving long term network targets that envision a dramatic increase in monthly transaction volume by the end of the decade. The upgrade is expected to move into testnet stages in mid 2026, with a mainnet rollout projected toward the end of the same year, although internal development tracking suggests the project is still progressing through core implementation phases with specifications nearing completion but final execution still underway.
Alongside the scaling upgrade, the treasury proposals outline a wider set of development priorities that extend beyond core protocol improvements. These include investments in developer tooling, ecosystem infrastructure, and experimental economic models intended to diversify revenue streams within the network. Some of the suggested initiatives explore alternative mechanisms such as micro fee structures and potential integrations involving crypto backed credit systems, reflecting a broader push to create sustainable financial pathways for long term ecosystem growth while supporting increased network activity.
The funding adjustments also reflect a more disciplined approach to treasury allocation, with Input Output Global stating that the overall request is significantly lower than previous cycles. This shift indicates an effort to balance innovation with financial efficiency as the ecosystem matures. The proposals will be subject to community voting, which is set to remain open through late May, allowing stakeholders across the network to assess whether the revised funding structure aligns with Cardano’s long term roadmap and technical ambitions.
As the Leios upgrade moves closer to testing phases, attention within the Cardano community continues to build around its potential impact on scalability and adoption. The project is being positioned as a foundational step toward handling substantially higher transaction volumes while maintaining decentralization and performance standards. While the roadmap remains ambitious, the current proposals suggest a more measured approach to development funding, with a clear emphasis on delivering critical infrastructure first before expanding into broader ecosystem initiatives.
