Miami, April 2026 — The Pi Network community received exciting news as the official Pi Core Team announced that co-founder Dr. Chengdiao Fan will take the stage at Consensus 2026, one of the world’s largest and most influential blockchain events.
According to the announcement, Dr. Chengdiao Fan is scheduled to speak on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 11:15–11:35 AM EDT at the Convergence Stage in Miami. The event itself runs from May 5–7, 2026, and is expected to attract over 20,000 attendees including industry leaders, investors, developers, and policymakers.
Focus on Authentic Data and Trusted Human Participation
Dr. Fan’s session will address a critical shift in the technology landscape. As artificial intelligence continues to lower barriers to building digital products, the real competitive advantage is moving toward authentic data, verified user bases, and trusted human participation.
The presentation will highlight how Pi Network’s blockchain infrastructure — built on mobile-first accessibility, robust verified identity (KYC) systems, and a globally engaged community of millions of Pioneers — is uniquely positioned to power utility-driven applications in the AI era.
“Chengdiao’s presentation will explore how Pi’s blockchain infrastructure, verified identity, and globally engaged network can support utility-driven products and AI-era business models,” stated the official announcement.
The talk also reframes the role of crypto tokens: moving away from the traditional “exit liquidity” narrative toward tools for sustainable growth and real-world adoption.
Who is Dr. Chengdiao Fan?
Dr. Chengdiao Fan holds a PhD in Anthropological Sciences from Stanford University. Her academic background in social computing and human potential perfectly aligns with Pi Network’s vision of creating an inclusive, people-powered blockchain ecosystem.
As one of the two co-founders of Pi Network (alongside Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis), she has played a key role in designing a network that prioritizes real human participation over speculative bot-driven activity.
Pi Network is also listed as a sponsor of Consensus 2026, further signaling its growing presence on the global stage.
Why This Matters for the Pi Ecosystem
This appearance by Dr. Chengdiao Fan comes at a pivotal moment for Pi Network. The project is steadily advancing its technical roadmap, with the major Protocol 23 (v23.0) upgrade scheduled for May 18, 2026 — just days after the Consensus 2026 event.
Often referred to as the V2 upgrade, Protocol 23 is expected to deliver significant enhancements, including broader smart contract capabilities, improved scalability, and a stronger foundation for real-world utilities such as Pi DEX integration and decentralized application development.
The timing aligns with several recent ecosystem milestones that demonstrate growing momentum:
- The Pi Launchpad on Testnet has attracted nearly 500,000 Pioneer participants.
- The first round of KYC validator rewards has been distributed, compensating over 1 million validators for completing more than 526 million successful validations.
- The launch of the public RPC server on Testnet has opened the door for developers to test smart contracts and build applications in a live environment.
- Over 119,000 Pioneers have completed the second migration, with referral bonuses now active on Mainnet.
Event Details:
- Event: Consensus 2026
- Location: Miami, Florida
- Date: May 5–7, 2026
- Session: Dr. Chengdiao Fan – Pi Network Presentation
- Time: May 6, 2026 | 11:15–11:35 AM EDT
- Stage: Convergence Stage
For millions of Pioneers worldwide, Dr. Fan’s presence on the global stage at Consensus 2026 serves as powerful validation of Pi Network’s long-term vision: creating a truly decentralized, people-powered blockchain that prioritizes verified human identity, trust, and meaningful utility over hype.This philosophy — building sustainable growth through community and real participation — has defined Pi since its inception.
The upcoming upgrade and high-profile appearance are expected to spark meaningful conversations about how blockchain projects can thrive in an AI-driven future by focusing on authentic data, trusted users, and practical applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Pi Network?
Pi Network is a mobile-first blockchain project focused on building a decentralized ecosystem powered by verified human users.
Who is Dr. Chengdiao Fan?
Chengdiao Fan is the co-founder of Pi Network and holds a PhD from Stanford University, specializing in social computing and human behavior.
What is Consensus 2026?
Consensus 2026 is one of the world’s largest blockchain and crypto events, bringing together industry leaders, developers, and investors.
What will Dr. Chengdiao Fan talk about at Consensus 2026?
She will discuss the importance of verified identity, authentic data, and how Pi Network can support utility-driven applications in the AI era.
What is Pi Network Protocol 23 (v23.0)?
Protocol 23 is an upcoming major upgrade expected to improve scalability, enable smart contracts, and expand real-world use cases within the Pi ecosystem.