Modular blockchain architecture combining Cosmos Layer 1 and customizable rollups

Introduction

Initia is a modular blockchain network that combines a Cosmos SDK-based Layer 1 with customizable Layer 2 rollups called Minitias, enabling the deployment of application-specific chains that operate independently while remaining interoperable through a standardized coordination framework. Its architecture separates execution, consensus, and data availability across multiple components, allowing developers to select different virtual machines such as MoveVM, EVM, or CosmWasm depending on application requirements. Initia Layer 1 handles validator coordination, staking, governance, and settlement, while the Interwoven Stack connects it to Minitias through OPHost, OPChild, and OPinit Bots, which manage message passing, state commitments, and oracle feeds. Supporting tools such as the Initia App, Initia Scan, and Initia Bridge provide interfaces for asset management, on-chain exploration, and cross-layer transfers.

What is Initia (INIT)?

Initia is a modular blockchain network that integrates a Layer 1 blockchain built using the Cosmos SDK with customizable Layer 2 rollups called “Minitias.” This dual-layer structure is designed to support the deployment of application-specific blockchains that retain sovereignty while remaining interoperable with the broader Initia network and other chains that support the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol. The platform supports multiple virtual machines, including CosmWasm, EVM, and MoveVM, offering flexibility for developers working across different smart contract environments.

The Layer 1 of Initia functions as the coordination layer. It does not serve as the only execution environment, but rather as the backbone that connects and secures the Minitia rollups. It provides settlement, liquidity, consensus, and network security. Minitia rollups are launched by developers who want to deploy their own chains with specific execution environments. These rollups operate independently in terms of execution but are connected to Initia Layer 1 via a framework called the Interwoven Stack. This allows them to benefit from shared services such as enshrined liquidity, validator security, and native interoperability without managing their own validator sets or creating isolated ecosystems.

The Interwoven Stack contains architectural design decisions and tooling that standardize how Minitia rollups interact with the Layer 1 and with each other. These include modules for token bridging, staking, fee abstraction, and service registration. Developers deploying Minitias are not required to build these systems themselves; instead, they follow an opinionated framework that comes with pre-defined rules and integrations. This reduces engineering overhead and decision-making complexity, especially for teams launching chains focused on specific applications such as games, DeFi protocols, or social networks.

Each Minitia is built with its own state machine and can be customized to use different execution logic. For example, one Minitia may run using the EVM while another may use CosmWasm. This separation of concerns allows developers to isolate performance bottlenecks, introduce new features specific to their application logic, or enforce governance models tailored to their community. The platform does not enforce a single model of application deployment or user experience, allowing Minitias to define their own rules while remaining connected to the larger Initia network.

History, Team, Investors of Initia

Initia was established in 2022 by Ezaan “Zon” Mangalji and Stan Liu, both of whom previously worked at Terraform Labs. Mangalji focused on smart contract development, while Liu specialized in research related to miner extractable value (MEV). Following their departure from Terraform Labs, they initially pursued decentralized finance (DeFi) projects within the Cosmos ecosystem. The collapse of the Terra ecosystem led them to reevaluate their direction, culminating in the formation of Initia.

The founding team expanded to include developers with experience from the Cosmos Hub and Terra Station. This group brought expertise in blockchain protocol architecture, contributing to the design and development of Initia’s infrastructure. The team operates globally, with its base in Singapore, and comprises approximately 25 members.

In October 2023, Initia emerged from stealth mode with a pre-seed investment from Binance Labs. The amount of this investment was not disclosed. This funding was intended to support the development of Initia’s infrastructure and tools, as well as to incubate application-layer projects within its ecosystem.

Subsequently, in February 2024, Initia secured $7.5 million in a seed funding round led by Delphi Ventures and Hack VC. Other participants included Nascent, Figment Capital, a_capital, and Big Brain Holdings. Angel investors such as Cobie, DCF God, Nick White (COO of Celestia Labs), and Smokey (co-founder of Berachain) also contributed to this round. The funds were allocated to further develop Initia’s Layer 1 and Layer 2 infrastructure, expand its ecosystem, and support the launch of its testnet.

Initia Main Features

Initia Interwoven Stack

The Interwoven Stack is the framework that coordinates communication and functionality between Initia Layer 1 and its connected Minitias. It is composed of three elements: OPHost, OPChild, and OPinit Bots. OPHost is deployed on the Layer 1 and serves as the execution point for finalizing output proposals submitted by rollups. It manages state commitments from Minitias and provides dispute resolution by verifying fraud proofs. OPChild is embedded within each Minitia and is responsible for handling validator coordination, updating price oracles, and managing messages sent from Layer 1. It also processes withdrawal requests from users wishing to exit the Minitia. OPinit Bots are off-chain services that connect the Host and Child components. These bots are responsible for submitting rollup data to the Layer 1, relaying price feed updates, and executing asset transfers between chains.

The design separates data availability, execution, and verification across different layers and components. For example, a Minitia using the EVM can submit transaction batches to Initia Layer 1 via the OPinit Bots. The Host then verifies the validity of those batches based on the rollup’s configuration. If a discrepancy is found, the system allows for challenges to be submitted through a structured dispute mechanism.

Initia APP

The Initia App is the official web interface for interacting with Layer 1 and Minitia services. It includes tools for asset management, validator staking, decentralized trading, and governance participation. The application supports INIT-based token swaps through InitiaDEX, a built-in decentralized exchange deployed on Layer 1. Users can provide liquidity to specific trading pairs and receive LP tokens that can also be used in staking processes under the enshrined liquidity model.

Users access the app using browser-based wallets and are able to perform transactions across both Layer 1 and Minitia environments. The staking dashboard provides information about validator uptime, commission rates, and delegation options. Token holders can delegate their INIT to validators to participate in consensus and earn inflationary rewards. The governance panel within the app allows INIT holders to view and vote on proposals related to network upgrades or parameter adjustments.

Initia Scan

Initia Scan is a blockchain explorer built to track and visualize data across Initia Layer 1 and its Minitias. It provides real-time indexing of blocks, transactions, accounts, and governance activity. The explorer supports search functionality based on transaction hashes, block heights, or wallet addresses. Users can view detailed information on staking balances, transaction histories, and NFT ownership linked to a given account.

Explorer data is separated by chain. This allows users to see whether a transaction occurred on the Layer 1 or on a specific Minitia. The tool also displays active Move modules and resources for accounts running MoveVM-compatible rollups. Governance data is integrated into the interface and shows proposal status, voter turnout, and distribution of votes among validators. The interface allows for the inspection of validator performance and displays validator-specific pages with commission rates, self-staked balances, and associated delegations.

Initia Bridge

The Initia Bridge enables asset transfers between the Layer 1 and connected Minitias. When a user deposits tokens from Layer 1 to a Minitia, the bridge locks those assets on the Initia chain and generates a deposit event. OPinit Bots detect this event and initiate the minting of equivalent tokens on the target Minitia. The process is synchronous and does not require user interaction beyond the initial transaction.

Withdrawals are structured with a built-in challenge window. When a user submits a withdrawal request from a Minitia, the transaction is queued for submission to OPHost. This triggers a challenge period during which the Challenger Bot can submit a fraud proof if it detects an invalid transaction. If no challenge is submitted during this period, the withdrawal is finalized and the locked assets are released on Layer 1.

Initia Airdrop

Initia has implemented token airdrop programs as part of its distribution strategy. These airdrops are designed to reward users who participated in testnet activities, ecosystem applications, or external projects linked to Initia’s roadmap. Eligible users are able to check their allocation through the Initia App. Wallets are required to sign messages to confirm eligibility and initiate the claim process.

Some airdrop campaigns include conditions that delay full access to the distributed tokens. For example, certain users may need to stake their INIT tokens or participate in governance in order to unlock a larger percentage of the distributed amount. The claim interface tracks how much of the airdrop is available and whether any requirements are outstanding. Each airdrop event has a defined expiration, after which unclaimed tokens are returned to the distribution pool or reassigned to other incentive programs. Initia publishes detailed instructions and eligibility criteria through its communication channels ahead of each campaign.

The Initia ecosystem includes standardized infrastructure that supports decentralized applications and independent rollups without requiring teams to build foundational components from scratch. Each tool, from the Interwoven Stack to the token bridge and explorer, is designed to be modular and interoperable. Developers integrate their Minitias using documented interfaces and are able to access shared services through the Initia Layer 1.

Initia’s Technical Architecture

Initia’s technical architecture is based on a modular system that connects a Layer 1 blockchain with customizable Layer 2 rollups through the Interwoven Stack. The Layer 1 is built with the Cosmos SDK and uses CometBFT for consensus. It handles validator coordination, INIT staking, enshrined liquidity, governance, and rollup registration. Each Layer 2 rollup, called a Minitia, operates as an application-specific chain that supports different virtual machines including MoveVM, EVM, and WasmVM. The Interwoven Stack connects these rollups to Layer 1 through three components: OPHost (on L1), OPChild (on each Minitia), and OPinit Bots (off-chain agents). OPHost finalizes output proposals from Minitias and resolves disputes. OPChild handles on-chain execution of messages and withdrawal events. OPinit Bots act as relayers between the layers, submitting cross-chain messages and maintaining oracle feeds.

Initia uses Celestia as its data availability layer to ensure transaction data from rollups is verifiable and publicly available. Slinky is used to supply real-time price oracles to smart contracts running across Minitias. The Initia Bridge processes token transfers between Layer 1 and Minitias through an optimistic design with dispute windows, similar to common rollup architectures. INIT, the native token, is used for transaction fees, staking, governance, and liquidity provision. Liquidity provider tokens paired with INIT can be staked under the network’s enshrined liquidity model.

What is the INIT Token?

INIT Token Utility

INIT is the native token used across the Initia network for transaction fees, staking, governance, and liquidity coordination. It is required to pay fees on both Initia Layer 1 and Minitias that adopt the Interwoven Stack’s fee abstraction. INIT can be staked directly or through liquidity provider tokens to participate in validator selection, securing the network while incentivizing liquidity provision. It also grants governance rights, allowing stakers to vote on proposals related to network upgrades and resource allocation. INIT is used to register new Minitia rollups and is distributed through the Vested Interest Program as esINIT, an escrowed version that vests over time or through staking.

INIT Supply and Allocation

The total supply of INIT is fixed at 1,000,000,000 tokens with no plans for future inflation. Distributed in:

• Protocol Developers – 15%
  Allocated to team members responsible for building and maintaining the Initia protocol. Subject to vesting schedules.

• Protocol Sales – 15.25%
  Distributed through private and public fundraising rounds to support early capital needs.

• Enshrined Liquidity & Staking – 25%
  Reserved for validator incentives and liquidity providers who stake INIT or INIT-LP tokens to secure the network.

• VIP (Vested Interest Program) Rewards – 25%
  Distributed to users and rollups based on network activity such as staking, TVL, and governance participation. Issued as esINIT with vesting mechanisms.

• Foundation – 7.75%
  Managed by the Initia Foundation to support grants, community initiatives, ecosystem partnerships, and operational reserves.

• Binance Launch Campaign – 6%
  Distributed through Binance Launchpool and related promotional activities.

• Airdrop – 5%
  Allocated to early users, contributors, and ecosystem supporters through structured distribution events.

• Echo.xyz Community Sale – 1%
  Allocated to users participating in the community sale held via the Echo.xyz platform.

INIT Vesting Schedule

INIT follows a structured vesting schedule designed to align long-term participation across contributors, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders. Tokens allocated to the Protocol Developers are subject to a multi-year vesting period with a cliff, ensuring that contributors receive their allocation gradually and only after a defined period of active involvement. Tokens from the Protocol Sales category, including those distributed in private rounds, also follow timed release schedules to prevent immediate full circulation and reduce market pressure post-launch. Airdrop and community sale allocations may include claim windows and gradual unlocking conditions, depending on the campaign. VIP Rewards are distributed as esINIT, a non-transferable escrowed token that vests either linearly over time or through active participation such as staking in INIT-LP pools.

Initia’s Economic Design

Initia’s economic design ties network security, liquidity, and user participation to the utility of the INIT token through a structured system of staking, fee abstraction, and programmable incentives. Validators are selected based on delegated INIT, which includes both direct staking and INIT-LP tokens through enshrined liquidity, linking consensus with capital locked in the network’s decentralized exchange. Minitias can standardize gas fees in INIT and are required to pay registration fees in INIT, creating demand at both the infrastructure and application layers. User and developer activity is rewarded through the Vested Interest Program in the form of esINIT, which vests over time or through liquidity-based mechanisms.

Initia Governance

Initia’s governance framework is structured around on-chain mechanisms that enable INIT token holders to influence network decisions. Voting power is determined by the amount of INIT staked, either directly or through whitelisted liquidity pool (LP) tokens. This approach allows participants to contribute to governance while also providing liquidity to the network. Proposals can encompass protocol upgrades, parameter adjustments, and the whitelisting of assets for staking or reward eligibility. Once a proposal is submitted, it undergoes a voting period where stakers can cast their votes proportionally to their delegated stake.

The governance system integrates multiple modules to accommodate the diverse needs of the ecosystem. Built on the Cosmos SDK, Initia supports its native governance module, facilitating proposals, voting, deposits, and tallying. Additionally, the platform can incorporate EVM-based governance through smart contracts, enabling models like token-weighted voting or DAO frameworks. For Layer 2 rollups, known as Minitias, governance can be tailored to specific requirements, with decisions communicated and enforced on Layer 1 through bridging mechanisms.

Conclusion

Initia presents a modular blockchain framework that combines a Cosmos-based Layer 1 with customizable Layer 2 rollups designed for application-specific use cases. Through the Interwoven Stack, it standardizes how rollups interact with the base layer, while tools like Initia App, Initia Scan, and Initia Bridge provide essential infrastructure for users and developers. The INIT token is integrated into all aspects of the network’s architecture, from transaction fees and staking to liquidity provisioning and governance. Economic mechanisms such as the Vested Interest Program and enshrined liquidity link network usage to token distribution and validator selection. Initia’s governance structure, supported by Cosmos SDK modules and optional EVM extensions, allows token holders to vote on proposals across the network. The project is structured to support scalable, interoperable rollup deployments while maintaining security, user incentives, and operational transparency.