Cardano Unveils Two-Stage Dijkstra Upgrade Plan Through 2027

Cardano has announced plans to implement its Dijkstra network upgrade in two stages through 2027. The first stage, set to begin in Q4 2026, will focus on expanding network throughput with Ouroboros Linear Leios (CIP-164). This upgrade aims to increase transaction processing capacity by adding 'endorsement' blocks to the existing block production structure.

As part of the first stage, Cardano also plans to introduce several protocol changes, including nested transactions (CIP-118), guard scripts (CIP-112), improved account addresses (CIP-159), and a simplified staking reward withdrawal process (CIP-181). These changes will be tested on the public testnet Musashi Dojo before being applied to the mainnet.

The second stage, set for Q2 2027, will focus on reducing transaction finality time with Ouroboros Peras (CIP-140). This upgrade will add a stake pool voting layer to speed up the confirmation of transactions. The implementation of Peras will also proceed in stages, with testing and governance procedures taking place before its activation on the mainnet.