Key Takeaways
Hemi is a modular, Layer 2 blockchain that combines the security of Bitcoin with the programmability of Ethereum.
The Hemi Virtual Machine (hVM) embeds a Bitcoin node inside the EVM, allowing smart contracts to access Bitcoin data directly.
Tunnels provide a cross-chain system for transferring assets between Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Hemi without traditional bridges.
HEMI is the protocol’s native token. It’s used for governance, staking, gas fees, and rewards across the ecosystem.
What Is Hemi?
Hemi is a modular, Layer 2 blockchain designed to connect Bitcoin and Ethereum under a single, interoperable platform. The protocol combines the security of Bitcoin with the programmability of Ethereum to create a shared environment where both ecosystems can interact seamlessly.
The network achieves this through the Hemi Virtual Machine (hVM), an EVM-compatible environment that embeds a full Bitcoin node, making Bitcoin data directly accessible to smart contracts. The network also uses Proof of Proof (PoP), a consensus mechanism that anchors Hemi’s state to the Bitcoin blockchain, providing stronger security and finality.
This architecture allows developers to build decentralized applications (DApps) that interact directly with Bitcoin while remaining compatible with Ethereum-based tools and standards.
History
The project was co-founded by Jeff Garzik, an early Bitcoin core developer, and Max Sanchez, a blockchain security expert and former Coinbase engineer. Together, they launched Hemi Labs with the goal of bridging the gap between Bitcoin’s scripting environment and Ethereum’s smart contract ecosystem.
How Hemi Works
Proof of Proof (PoP) Consensus
Hemi uses a Proof of Proof (PoP) consensus mechanism to strengthen the network’s security by anchoring it to the Bitcoin blockchain. Alongside its own validators, Hemi introduces PoP Miners who periodically publish proofs of the network’s state onto Bitcoin.
These miners gather block headers, generate cryptographic proofs, and record them on Bitcoin in exchange for rewards paid in Hemi’s native token. Since Bitcoin block times and fees can vary, these proofs are not added to every block.
To account for this, Hemi applies a finality delay of nine Bitcoin blocks, typically about 90 minutes, after which its blocks are considered final. By linking its consensus to Bitcoin, Hemi reduces the likelihood of disputes or chain reorganizations.
Key Features
Hemi Virtual Machine (hVM)
The Hemi Virtual Machine (hVM) is a modified version of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) that has a built-in Bitcoin node. This enables smart contracts on Hemi to access Bitcoin information, including transactions, balances, and UTXOs. Developers can access this information through custom precompiled smart contracts, which act as built-in shortcuts to fetch Bitcoin information.
To keep the data current, Hemi uses a Tiny Bitcoin Daemon (TBC), a lightweight process that connects to the Bitcoin network, downloads blocks, and syncs them across all Hemi nodes. With every new Hemi block containing updated Bitcoin information, the network synchronizes its view of Bitcoin, giving smart contracts access to consistent data across all nodes.
Tunnels
The Hemi Network uses a cross-chain mechanism known as tunnels to transfer assets between Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Hemi, eliminating the need for traditional bridges. Instead of depending on external relayers, Tunnels track the state of both chains directly at the protocol level.
When you deposit assets, they’re locked on the original chain, and equivalent tokens are created on Hemi, allowing you to use them immediately within its ecosystem. To withdraw, those tokens are burned, and the original assets are released once the transaction is finalized.
As of September 2025, the tunnels provide support for token standards such as ERC-20 and BRC-20. Over time, Hemi has plans to add more Hemi-native and Bitcoin-native assets, providing you with additional ways to connect Bitcoin with Ethereum’s decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem.
Hemi Bitcoin Kit (hBK)
The Hemi Bitcoin Kit (hBK) is a smart contract library built on Hemi that enables developers to easily access Bitcoin data. The hBK works with the Hemi Virtual Machine, which has a built-in Bitcoin node, allowing direct access to Bitcoin information without relying on external relayers or complex infrastructure.
Using the library’s functions, developers can query Bitcoin data more efficiently, with more advanced tools expected in future updates. This provides developers with a seamless way to integrate Bitcoin into decentralized applications (DApps).
The HEMI Token
HEMI is the native token of the Hemi protocol, with a maximum supply of 10 billion tokens. It’s used within the ecosystem for many purposes, including:
Governance: HEMI holders can vote on protocol upgrades, parameter adjustments, and ecosystem proposals, helping shape the future direction of the network.
Security: Staking HEMI supports the network’s PoP consensus mechanism by incentivizing validators to secure state submissions to the Bitcoin mainnet.
Gas fees: HEMI is used to cover transaction fees for operations such as contract deployment on the hVM, Bitcoin state interactions, and cross-chain transfers through Tunnels.
Staking rewards: HEMI tokens can be staked to receive veHEMI, which enables holders to earn a share of network rewards, including block rewards and transaction fees.
Hemi (HEMI) on Binance HODLer Airdrops
On September 23, 2025, Binance announced HEMI as the 43rd project on the Binance HODLer Airdrops. Users who subscribed their BNB to Simple Earn and/or On-Chain Yields products from September 17 to 19 were eligible to receive HEMI airdrops. A total of 100 million HEMI tokens were allocated to the program, accounting for 1% of the total token supply.
HEMI was listed with the Seed Tag applied, allowing for trading against the USDT, USDC, BNB, FDUSD, and TRY pairs.
Closing Thoughts
Hemi is a modular, Layer 2 blockchain that aims to connect Bitcoin and Ethereum under a single platform. By introducing the Hemi Virtual Machine for direct Bitcoin data access and the Proof of Proof consensus model, anchored in Bitcoin, the network provides infrastructure that allows applications to leverage the strengths of both ecosystems.
While the platform’s primary focus is on extending Bitcoin’s capabilities, the same architecture can support a wide range of applications, from DeFi and cross-chain liquidity to Web3 services that require trustless interaction between ecosystems.
Further Reading
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