ZetaChain votes to shut down Layer 1, migrate ZETA to Solana

By Khal · · 1 min read

Editorial illustration: A broken ring of dark, layered blocks beside a conveyor carrying faceted metal objects through a machine into a stack of glossy purple-to-teal tiles.
AI-generated editorial illustration · AI-generated editorial illustration · Published Sep 21, 2026, 5:28 a.m. (10 hours ago)

In brief

  • ZetaChain token holders approved Layer 1 shutdown with 99.4% voting in favor
  • ZETA converts to Solana SPL token on one-to-one basis, decimal precision shifts 18 to 9
  • Anuma AI app with 300,000+ users migrates to Solana alongside token
  • Project pivots from blockchain infrastructure to AI-focused consumer applications
  • Ethereum and BNB Chain ZETA tokens excluded from Solana migration

The Vote

Token holders approved Proposal 68 on September 20, with 99.4% of participating votes backing the shutdown. Participation reached 58%, clearing quorum thresholds by a wide margin.

The decision marks a dramatic reorientation for ZetaChain. The project launched its mainnet in January 2024 with backing from Blockchain.com and Jane Street Capital, positioning itself as an omnichain interoperability solution alongside projects like LayerZero and Axelar. Walking away from that positioning to become a Solana-based AI token is a fundamental identity shift.

Migration Mechanics

ZETA tokens will convert to Solana SPL tokens on a one-to-one basis. The token's decimal precision will shift from 18 to 9 to match Solana's standard SPL format.

A critical caveat: ZETA tokens on Ethereum or BNB Chain will not be included in the migration to Solana. Only native Layer 1 tokens will convert. Existing vesting schedules remain intact following the migration.

The exact shutdown date for ZetaChain's independent network hasn't been set yet. A second governance proposal is expected to detail the migration mechanics including snapshot block heights, claims process, and timeline.

The AI Pivot

ZetaChain raised $27 million as a Cosmos SDK-based interoperability network. The team's focus has shifted dramatically. Anuma, a private AI application the team launched in February 2026, attracted over 300,000 users. Anuma will migrate to Solana alongside ZETA.

This isn't an abandonment—it's a recalibration. The project's pivot from blockchain infrastructure to AI-focused consumer applications explains why an independent Layer 1 no longer fits the strategy. Solana's ecosystem and developer tooling offer a faster path to scale consumer-facing AI products than maintaining a standalone chain.

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