BNB Chain plans to launch a new Layer 1 blockchain for AI agents, joining a growing number of crypto platforms investing in infrastructure for autonomous AI.
BNB Chain Plans AI Blockchain as Crypto Race to Build AI Infrastructure Heats Up
8 July 2026 - 20:54 CEST
By Jona Jaupi
The new network was announced in BNB Chain's second-half 2026 technology roadmap on 8 Jul. Created by exchange operator Binance, the BNB Chain is a blockchain ecosystem comprising several networks, including BNB Smart Chain (BSC) – its flagship smart-contract network – as well as the opBNB scaling network and BNB Greenfield storage blockchain.
BSC has more than $4.9bn in total value locked (TVL), while the ecosystem's native token, BNB, is the fourth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization at about $75.6bn. As of 15:46UTC, the BNB token traded at $560, down about 4% on the day.
The new network will support AI apps, trading and payments while remaining connected to its broader ecosystem. A testnet is planned for the end of 2026, while a mainnet launch is expected in early 2027.
BNB Chain did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Sandmark.
Competing strategies
The announcement comes as crypto companies invest more in AI infrastructure, though they are taking different approaches.
Earlier this year, BNB Chain introduced dedicated tools and a software development kit (SDK) to help developers build and deploy autonomous onchain AI agents. Developing a new AI-focused Layer 1 is the next step in that strategy.
Rather than building a new blockchain, Base – Coinbase's Layer 2 network – has focused on payment infrastructure through its x402 protocol, which lets AI agents pay for APIs, cloud services and other online resources using stablecoins.
Exchange operator OKX also moved to build blockchain rails for AI transactions, launching a marketplace in June where autonomous agents can hire one another, negotiate contracts and settle payments onchain.
Growing infrastructure demands
BNB Chain's plans for a new AI-focused Layer 1 also reflect a broader push to build infrastructure capable of supporting more advanced AI systems beyond payments and crypto transactions.
Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) recently found that AI agents can use up to 136.5 times more energy per query than traditional AI systems.
The researchers said the findings show the need for better infrastructure on a general level as AI becomes more capable.
