INTMAX Protocol is a stateless Layer 2 solution for Ethereum, designed to provide private, high-throughput, and ultra-low-cost payments. Developed by Ryodan Systems AG, it aims to overcome the limitations of previous scaling solutions like Plasma by minimizing on-chain data and leveraging zero-knowledge proofs to ensure transaction confidentiality and efficiency [1] [2].
INTMAX Protocol is a next-generation solution built to enhance the Ethereum blockchain's payment capabilities. It focuses on delivering efficient and private transactions by adopting a unique stateless architecture. This design allows the protocol to process transactions without storing extensive user data directly on the Ethereum mainnet, which contributes to near-instant finality and significantly reduced transaction fees, even during periods of high network congestion [1] [2].
The protocol's development by Ryodan Systems AG represents an effort to realize the original vision of Plasma, a scaling concept first introduced in 2017. While Plasma faced technical challenges that hindered its widespread adoption, INTMAX claims to have overcome these limitations, making it the first protocol to practically implement Plasma's core principles. This approach emphasizes a lightweight, secure, and decentralized design, distinguishing it from other Layer 2 solutions that primarily rely on data compression and off-chain execution for scalability [1].
INTMAX Protocol has undergone several key development milestones leading to its mainnet launch. The project's testnet was launched in December 2024, allowing users to experience its core functionalities, including scalability for billions of users, transaction fees consistently under 0.5 cents, and privacy-first transactions [3].
The official mainnet launch of INTMAX Protocol occurred on June 26, 2025. This launch marked a significant step in making private, high-throughput payments accessible on Ethereum. The mainnet deployment introduced features like Privacy Mining and the dual-nature ITX token, aiming to redefine Layer 2 solutions by focusing on minimal on-chain data and enhanced privacy [4] [1].
INTMAX Protocol offers a payment layer designed for private and cost-effective Ethereum transactions. Its product ecosystem is built around enhancing user experience and expanding the utility of its underlying technology.
Key products include:
Key features of INTMAX Protocol include:
The architecture of INTMAX Protocol is built upon an upgraded version of the Plasma framework, combined with Client-Side Validation and Zero-Knowledge proofs. This combination aims to provide a "perfected Plasma-like solution" for scalable and private transactions on Ethereum [1] [2].
Unlike most Layer 2 solutions that rely on compression and off-chain execution, INTMAX adopts a fundamentally different approach by minimizing on-chain data to approximately 5 bytes per transaction. This stateless design means the chain does not verify Zero-Knowledge SNARKs until the final withdrawal, contributing to its efficiency. The protocol identifies user accounts with short integers and utilizes an interactive protocol between the publisher and sender to achieve efficient nullifier sizes [2]. This architecture has been mathematically verified and has received endorsements from prominent Ethereum core researchers, including Vitalik Buterin and Justin Drake [1].
The tokenomics of INTMAX Protocol revolve around the ITX token, which serves as the native utility and reward token for the Layer 2 network.
The ITX token is designed to incentivize privacy-preserving behavior within the INTMAX ecosystem. Users can earn ITX tokens by participating in Privacy Mining, a mechanism that rewards contributions to network anonymity. This creates an economic model where users are compensated for enhancing the privacy of the network. The ITX token exists in two forms: a Layer 2 native asset for fast, private, real-world payments, and a standard ERC-20 token on Layer 1, ensuring compatibility with existing DeFi platforms and exchanges. This dual nature allows Ethereum-based capital to access privacy and performance benefits without leaving the broader ecosystem [6] [1].
Details regarding the governance model for the INTMAX Protocol, including token allocation and community participation mechanisms, are expected to be established to support the healthy growth of its decentralized ecosystem [7].
Potential use cases for INTMAX Protocol leverage its core strengths of privacy, scalability, and low transaction costs:
INTMAX Protocol is developed by Ryodan Systems AG, a company based in Zug, Switzerland [1]. The co-founders of INTMAX are Leona Hioki and Mai Fujimoto [1].
Leona Hioki has expressed satisfaction in bringing the protocol to the world after a significant technical struggle, highlighting the team's dedication to achieving both privacy and near O(1) scaling [1]. Mai Fujimoto emphasized the belief that blockchain should be freely accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy, and that privacy is crucial for self-protection and financial freedom [1].
INTMAX Protocol has received endorsements from notable figures within the Ethereum community and has been covered by various media outlets.
INTMAX Protocol's mainnet launch and technological advancements have been covered by several prominent cryptocurrency news outlets, including:
The INTMAX Protocol ecosystem encompasses its core technology, associated products, and various communication and community platforms designed to foster engagement and development.
Key components of the ecosystem include: