The ZetaChain core development team announced the release of ZetaChain 2.0, describing it as a significant evolution of the protocol that seeks to combine high-performance blockchain interoperability with sovereign artificial intelligence. The upgrade builds on the network’s strong momentum in 2025, during which it reportedly expanded to more than 11.5 million unique users and processed over 225 million transactions. According to the team, the new version introduces a Universal Layer for AI and Web3, an architectural shift intended to reduce fragmentation across both industries.
ZetaChain 2.0 is designed to enable developers to create applications and intelligent agents capable of operating across multiple blockchains and AI models at the same time. The team explained that this approach extends the network’s existing Universal EVM functionality, which already allows native connectivity with major blockchains such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. With the latest upgrade, the protocol is positioning itself as a base layer for so-called Universal Apps that blend automated intelligence with cross-chain liquidity, execution, and settlement.
Anuma Debuts as a Consumer-Facing AI Interface
A central element of the ZetaChain 2.0 rollout is the beta launch of Anuma, presented as the first consumer-oriented AI interface built directly on the upgraded protocol. The platform was developed by a team led by core contributor Ankur Nandwani, who is also known as a co-creator of the Basic Attention Token. The developers characterized Anuma as a privacy-first alternative to existing AI interfaces, with a focus on user control and data protection.
ZetaChain 2.0 lets apps run across chains and AI models with private memory and no infrastructure overhead:https://t.co/j2hcp6p7Jk
— ZetaChain 🟩 (@ZetaChain) January 28, 2026
At the protocol level, Anuma introduces a Private Memory Layer that keeps user context and interaction history encrypted and governed by explicit permissions. This design allows AI agents to retain continuity across different sessions and models without sharing sensitive information with centralized service providers. The team suggested that this mechanism enables persistent AI experiences while avoiding the risks associated with centralized data storage.
— ZetaChain 🟩 (@ZetaChain) January 27, 2026
Anuma also incorporates an AI Portal routing layer that allows users to move between different leading AI models while preserving their private context. This approach is intended to address data lock-in, a challenge that currently ties users closely to individual AI platforms. By maintaining user-owned memory across models, the system aims to rebalance control in favor of end users rather than large AI companies.
Developer Tools and Performance Enhancements
To support adoption of the new protocol, the ZetaChain foundation released an expanded Developer SDK alongside the 2.0 upgrade. The toolkit bundles features such as private persistent memory, interoperability across AI models, and global monetization tools into a single development stack. The foundation stated that this setup is meant to simplify the creation of advanced AI agents capable of performing autonomous tasks on-chain.
Examples highlighted by the team include AI agents that could manage decentralized finance portfolios or coordinate logistics workflows across multiple blockchains. The SDK also integrates monetization infrastructure by default, enabling both on-chain settlement and compatibility with traditional fiat payment processors. This approach is intended to lower barriers for developers building commercially viable applications.
The protocol upgrade is further supported by ongoing Lightning enhancements to the network, which target block finality times of roughly two seconds. These improvements are expected to enhance responsiveness and usability, particularly for interactive AI-driven applications. Combined with ecosystem initiatives such as collaborative hackathons with major technology partners, the launch of ZetaChain 2.0 signals a shift in the project’s focus. Rather than functioning solely as a connectivity bridge, the network is now positioning itself as a full execution environment for the decentralized and intelligent web.
