Midnight is a privacy-focused blockchain developed as a partner chain to Cardano. It uses zero-knowledge proofs to enable selective disclosure, allowing verification of information without revealing underlying data. The Midnight Foundation leads the project as an independent organization. The network entered the Kūkolu phase of its roadmap, which centers on infrastructure strengthening and operational stability. Mainnet launch serves as the primary milestone of this phase and is scheduled for late March 2026. # Network Phase and Mainnet Announcement Midnight is in the Kūkolu phase as confirmed in official State of the Network updates. This phase follows the Hilo phase, in which NIGHT tokens were minted and distributed on the Cardano network. The Kūkolu phase includes production of the genesis block and transition from test environments to a live production chain. The mainnet launch date was announced at Consensus Hong Kong 2026 by Charles Hoskinson, CEO of Input Output, who stated that Midnight mainnet will launch at the end of March 2026. The preprod environment remains active and serves as the current platform for development and testing. # Federated Node Operators The Midnight Foundation has announced a set of federated node operators to support mainnet operations under explicit rules for participation and coordination. These operators are planned to run nodes during the initial federated phase, with full decentralization identified as a later roadmap goal. The announced federated mainnet operators and what's their background. - **Google Cloud**: It supplies infrastructure for enterprise-level deployment and security, including threat monitoring via its Mandiant division and Confidential Computing capabilities. - **Blockdaemon**: Provides institutional-grade blockchain infrastructure and secures over 110 billion dollars in digital assets. - **AlphaTON Capital**: Specializes in scaling infrastructure for the Telegram ecosystem with a focus on privacy-preserving AI. - **Shielded Technologies**: Serves as the primary engineering team behind the protocol and develops the Compact smart contract language. - **Pairpoint by Vodafone**: A strategic venture between Vodafone and Sumitomo Corporation dedicated to the Economy of Things. David Palmer, Chief Innovation Officer at Pairpoint, stated: “Midnight's zero-knowledge architecture is key to providing the trusted IoT device digital identity and authentication required to scale across global networks as we move towards the IoT AI economy.” - **eToro**: It is a NASDAQ-listed investment platform that serves over 35 million users worldwide and has listed the NIGHT token. Omri Ross, Chief Blockchain Officer at eToro, stated: “We were excited to learn about Midnight’s novel approach to programmable data protection and selective disclosure, designed to balance user confidentiality with regulatory compliance.” - **MoneyGram**: Operates in over 200 countries and collaborates with the Midnight Foundation on confidential transactions for cross-border payments. Luke Tuttle, Chief Product and Technology Officer at MoneyGram, stated: “Working with Midnight and running blockchain nodes fits naturally into this strategy, allowing us to help ensure that privacy, compliance and reliability are built in from day one.” # Midnight City Simulation Midnight City is a visual and technical demonstration of the Midnight network. It employs autonomous AI agents to operate a persistent, interactive economy that reflects real-world usage patterns. Public access to the simulation started on February 26, 2026. The simulation runs on current test infrastructure. # Developer Resources and Tools The preprod network is active and accessible for developers through Midnight Explorer. Core packages have been updated for preprod compatibility, including midnight-js version 3.0.0, wallet-sdk version 1.0.0, Compact version 0.28.0, and Proof Server version 7.0.0. The create-mn-app tool allows scaffolding of new projects in seconds via npm or GitHub. Updated examples, such as the Counter and Bulletin Board DApps, are pre-configured for preprod use. The Midnight Developer Academy offers foundational modules on zero-knowledge proofs, with a new hands-on module for Compact smart contracts and DApp assembly in development. Developer Fireside Hang sessions take place every Wednesday at 15:00 UTC on YouTube. A major overhaul of the developer documentation is underway. # NIGHT Token Status NIGHT is the native unshielded governance token of the Midnight network. It launched on the Cardano network in December 2025 and functions as a Cardano Native Asset. Distribution included the Glacier Drop and Scavenger Mine phases. A bridge is planned to support movement between Midnight and Cardano while preserving constant circulating supply. Cardano stake pool operators are positioned to serve as validators and receive NIGHT rewards upon mainnet activation. # Outlook Official sources identify the following items as planned next steps. The Kūkolu phase targets the mainnet genesis block and initial privacy-enhancing DApps with the federated node set in late March 2026. The Mōhalu phase includes expanded block producer activity, a Scaled Incentivized Testnet, and launch of the DUST capacity exchange. The Hua phase plans introduction of Hybrid DApps that integrate Midnight privacy features with other chains. These elements form part of the publicly documented roadmap for the coming year. # Summary Completed deliverables include the successful December 2025 launch and distribution of the NIGHT token on Cardano, ongoing operation of the active preprod network with fully updated developer tools and examples, and public availability of the Midnight City simulation since February 26, 2026. Announced but not yet executed items include the mainnet launch scheduled for late March 2026 and activation of federated node operations with the listed industry partners. The Midnight blockchain steadily progresses through verified infrastructure updates and notable institutional participation.
