Botanix’s Layer-2 Solution Brings Smart Contracts to Bitcoin: Faster, Cheaper, and EVM-Compatible

• Botanix and Bitcoin Layer-2 Solutions

Botanix Labs has launched its Bitcoin Layer-2 solution, Spiderchain, enabling Ethereum-like smart contracts on Bitcoin with 5-second transactions and $0.02 fees. Backed by industry giants like Galaxy and Fireblocks, the decentralized network aims to onboard 100+ operators by 2026. The launch includes "Bitcoin 2100," a gamified DeFi platform set in a futuristic financial landscape. This innovation could finally bridge Bitcoin’s scalability gap without compromising security. --- ### What Is Botanix and How Does It Work? Botanix Labs debuted its Bitcoin Layer-2 protocol on July 1, 2025, introducing Spiderchain —an EVM-equivalent system that brings smart contracts to Bitcoin. Unlike Lightning Network (focused on payments) or Liquid (asset issuance), Botanix targets DeFi with: - 5-second block times (vs. Bitcoin’s 10 minutes). - $0.02 average fees , per on-chain data from CoinGlass. - 16 initial nodes operated by Galaxy, Fireblocks, and Antpool. - Full decentralization : No single entity controls the network, per Botanix’s X announcement. *"The Bitcoin economy starts today,"* declared developers, highlighting compatibility with ethereum tools like MetaMask.

*Source: Botanix Labs* --- ### Why Is Botanix a Game-Changer for Bitcoin? Bitcoin’s lack of native smart contracts has long pushed DeFi activity to Ethereum. Botanix changes this by enabling: 1. Lending/borrowing via decentralized protocols. 2. Staking and liquidity pools with bitcoin as collateral. 3. Leveraged trading without leaving Bitcoin’s security umbrella. 4. NFTs and tokenization through EVM compatibility. 5. Microtransactions (e.g., tipping, pay-per-use services). Analysts at BTCC note this could reduce Ethereum’s DeFi dominance if adoption grows. --- ### How Does Botanix Compare to Other Bitcoin Layer-2s? | Solution | Focus | Transaction Speed | Fees | Centralization Risk | |-------------------|---------------------|-------------------|----------|----------------------| | Botanix | Smart Contracts | 5 seconds | $0.02 | Federated nodes | | Lightning | Payments | Instant | *Source: Botanix Labs* --- ### FAQs

Botanix and Bitcoin Layer-2 Solutions

How does Botanix ensure decentralization?

Its federated node model distributes control among 16+ operators (e.g., Alchemy, XBTO), with plans to expand to 100+ by 2026.

Can Botanix handle Ethereum dApps?

Yes—its EVM compatibility allows most Ethereum dApps to port over with minimal changes.

What are the risks?

Federation security relies on node honesty. Botanix claims no single entity can censor transactions.