Ethereum Foundation Announces New Roadmap Called "Strawmap"

The Ethereum Foundation has publicly released Strawmap, a long-term draft roadmap that will develop the Layer-1 protocol of the blockchain until 2029. This announcement stands out as one of the most ambitious and comprehensive planning documents in the Ethereum ecosystem in recent years.
"Strawmap" (a combination of the words "strawman" and "roadmap") is positioned as a coordination tool and discussion starter rather than a binding plan. Because Ethereum's decentralized nature makes it difficult to produce an "official" roadmap, this document has been prepared using a "strawman" (first draft/test bubble) approach. The aim is to unify the long-term vision among researchers, developers, and the community and to clarify technical dependencies.
Key Goals (North Stars)
The Ethereum Foundation has structured Strawmap around five core "north stars":
- **Fast L1** → Fast user experience with short slot times and finality at the seconds level.
- **GigaGas L1** → 10,000 TPS (transactions per second) capacity at Layer-1 with zkEVMs and real-time proof.
- **TeraGas L2** → 10 million TPS scaling at Layer-2 thanks to data availability sampling.
- **Post-Quantum L1** → Quantum computer-resistant cryptography with hash-based schemes.
- **Private L1** → Native (base layer) privacy features, especially "shielded" ETH transfers (protected transfers that hide transaction details).
These goals aim to transform Ethereum into a "high-speed internet of value" by 2029.
Timeline and Forks
The roadmap anticipates approximately **seven major forks** (software upgrades) and aims for a fork rhythm of one every 6 months. The current naming scheme (Altair, Bellatrix, Capella, Deneb, Electra, etc.) is being continued, using confirmed names like Glamsterdam and Hegotá, and placeholders like I* and J*. The plan extends until the end of 2029, but these timelines are flexible; innovations such as AI-powered development or formal verification could accelerate the process.
Key Technical Innovations
- Native privacy (shielded transfers) at the base layer
- New cryptographic methods for post-quantum security
- More compatible scaling architecture between Layer-1 and Layer-2
- Higher gas limit and increased throughput
Justin Drake, a researcher at the Ethereum Foundation, stated that Strawmap was initiated by the EF Architecture team at a workshop in January 2026 and shared for the purpose of proactive transparency. Vitalik Buterin also commented in support of the plan, emphasizing the importance of gradually renewing Ethereum's core systems. Community and Market Reaction
Following the announcement, the hashtag #EthereumFoundationUnveilsItsStrawmap quickly spread throughout the crypto community. While some saw it as a bold step that would increase Ethereum's long-term competitiveness, some commentators reminded of the need for a short-term focus under current market pressures (price fluctuations in early 2026). Nevertheless, the document was positively received by developers and researchers, and regular updates are expected. With this Strawmap, Ethereum aims to take giant strides in scalability, security, and privacy by 2029. Stay tuned for developments! 🚀