Ethereum Foundation Launches Strawmap for Future Protocol Development

A new technical roadmap outlining potential long-term upgrades to the Ethereum network has been introduced by Justin Drake, a researcher at the Ethereum Foundation. The document, called the “Strawmap,” presents a multi-year framework designed to guide discussion around Ethereum’s future protocol development through 2029.

The roadmap focuses on improving Layer-1 performance, scalability, security, and privacy, while also helping developers understand how different research initiatives could align over time. Published on strawmap.org, the framework is intended as a coordination and discussion tool rather than a finalized or official plan. The name combines the concepts of a “strawman” proposal and a roadmap, highlighting its preliminary and evolving nature.

What is the strawmap?

The strawmap is an invitation to view L1 protocol upgrades through a holistic lens. By placing proposals on a single visual it provides a unified perspective on Ethereum L1 ambitions. The time horizon spans years, extending beyond the immediate focus of All Core Devs (ACD) and forkcast[.]org which typically cover only the next couple of forks.

A Coordination Framework for Long-Term Development

The Strawmap does not represent consensus across the decentralized Ethereum ecosystem. Instead, it serves as a starting point for open discussion and refinement. Drake emphasized that the framework reflects only one possible vision and will continue to evolve through community feedback, governance processes, and technical research.

Unlike traditional short-term roadmaps, this document takes a broader perspective, aiming to connect multiple research tracks into a unified long-term strategy. It highlights dependencies between proposals and outlines how different upgrades may interact across the network’s architecture.

The roadmap originated from internal Ethereum Foundation workshops conducted in early 2026, where researchers explored how ongoing innovations could be integrated into a cohesive long-term development plan. By publishing the framework early, developers aim to accelerate collaboration and transparency while enabling faster iteration across the ecosystem.

Seven Major Protocol Upgrades Through 2029

The Strawmap proposes a tentative timeline of approximately seven major network upgrades extending through 2029, assuming an average cadence of one fork every six months. However, developers stress that timelines remain flexible and depend on technical readiness and community consensus.

The roadmap organizes upgrades across three core layers of Ethereum’s architecture:

• Consensus layer
• Execution layer
• Data layer

Each fork is expected to introduce one major upgrade per layer, balancing innovation with network stability. The visual structure of the roadmap also highlights technical dependencies between different proposals.

Some upcoming forks already have confirmed names, including “Glamsterdam” and “Hegotá,” while later stages remain placeholders. This staged rollout reflects Ethereum’s existing development philosophy, which prioritizes incremental upgrades and risk mitigation.

Five Long-Term “North Star” Goals

At the core of the Strawmap are five strategic objectives that define Ethereum’s long-term direction.

Faster transaction speed: Developers aim to significantly reduce block slot times and achieve finality within seconds. Ethereum currently operates with block creation times of around 12 seconds, but the roadmap envisions reducing this to as little as 2 seconds through improved networking and protocol optimizations.

Higher Layer-1 throughput: The roadmap targets scaling Ethereum to approximately one gigagas per second, which could enable roughly 10,000 transactions per second. This would be supported by technologies such as zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machines and real-time proof systems, enhancing scalability without compromising decentralization.

Expanded Layer-2 scaling: Through data availability sampling, Ethereum aims to reach throughput of up to one gigabyte per second, supporting millions of transactions per second across rollups and Layer-2 ecosystems.

Long-term security: The roadmap explores quantum-resistant cryptographic systems designed to protect the network from future threats posed by quantum computing.

Native privacy features: Built-in privacy mechanisms, including shielded transactions, could allow users to transfer ETH while protecting sensitive financial data, addressing growing demand for privacy and compliance-friendly solutions.

Support From Vitalik Buterin

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has publicly supported aspects of the roadmap, particularly its focus on faster block production. He proposed a phased approach to reducing slot times, gradually moving from 12 seconds to 8, 6, 4, and eventually 2 seconds.

According to Buterin, faster block times could become a key foundation for real-time settlement, decentralized finance, and global-scale applications, improving both performance and user experience.

Artificial Intelligence and Future Development

The Strawmap also considers the role of artificial intelligence in accelerating protocol innovation. AI-assisted coding, testing, and formal verification could significantly reduce the time required to implement complex cryptographic and scalability upgrades.

This reflects a broader industry trend toward automation and formal verification to enhance security, efficiency, and reliability in blockchain systems.

A Living and Evolving Roadmap

The Ethereum Foundation plans to update the Strawmap regularly, with revisions expected at least quarterly. The open nature of the document highlights Ethereum’s decentralized governance model, where progress emerges through collaboration among independent teams and researchers.

By providing a unified long-term framework, the Strawmap aims to improve coordination and align expectations across the global Ethereum community.

Market and Industry Implications

Although not a binding roadmap, the Strawmap offers insights into Ethereum’s long-term priorities. Its focus on scalability, privacy, quantum security, and global infrastructure signals the network’s ambition to become a foundational layer for digital finance and decentralized applications.

Industry observers believe that clearer long-term planning could strengthen developer confidence, institutional interest, and ecosystem growth. However, many of the proposed upgrades remain technically complex and depend on continued breakthroughs in distributed systems and cryptography.

As Ethereum continues evolving, the Strawmap provides a structured vision for navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead. According to blockchain monitoring data, Vitalik Buterin Sells 17,196 ETH, Exceeding Planned Target, with total sales reaching approximately $34.96 million as of February 26, 2026.