Cardano's Dijkstra Upgrade: A Two-Phase Plan to Boost Speed and Finality
The Cardano (ADA) ecosystem is gearing up for significant upgrades in 2026 and beyond. The Dijkstra upgrade, set to arrive in two phases, aims to address issues related to speed and finality on the network.
Phase one of the upgrade, scheduled for completion by the fourth quarter of 2026, will focus on Ouroboros Linear Leios (CIP-164), which adds supplementary Endorser Blocks to move more transactions through the network at once. This phase will also bundle several smaller upgrades, including CIP-118, CIP-112, CIP-159, and CIP-181.
Phase two, set for the second quarter of 2027, will bring Ouroboros Peras (CIP-140), which adds a stake-pool voting layer to speed up settlement. This phase addresses the finality delays that have plagued the ADA blockchain since its inception.
The upgrades follow a specific rollout path: first, a compatible node ships for testnet operators; then, a governance vote runs on Preview; next, a two-week testing window; followed by Pre-production with another shorter check. After that, a final governance vote opens on mainnet for DReps, stake-pool operators, and the Constitutional Committee.
CIP-179 introduces an on-chain system for structured surveys and polls, allowing stakeholders to shape proposals before they reach formal votes. This tool is now live and will aid in refining proposals through public and sealed response options.