LayerDrone's Roadmap for 2026: USDC, Points Updates, and Token Launch

Today, the LayerDrone Foundation published an updated roadmap for the network. It includes an updated timeline for token launch, as well as points and rewards updates in the leadup to that launch.

The first milestone is on March 17th, when rewards shift from cash to stablecoin rewards (USDC) for contributions to the LayerDrone network. After March 17th, pilots using the Spexi app to contribute to the LayerDrone Network will receive their contributor rewards as USDC.

Below is a summary of what's changing, what pilots need to do, and what's coming next.

What's Changing

Starting March 17, pilot rewards move from Stripe payouts to digital wallet payouts. Instead of receiving a bank deposit, you’ll earn USDC — a digital dollar — sent directly to your Spexi account’s wallet.

• 1 USDC = $1 USD (it does not fluctuate like Bitcoin)
• This update requires a couple extra steps to cash out, but it offers near-instant rewards after successful missions — no more two-week waits!

No immediate action is required, but there are some steps you can take before March 17th to prepare for this update.

What Pilots Need to Do By March 17th

1) Locate your wallet – When you create a Spexi profile, a wallet is created automatically, or you connected a Metamask wallet. This is where rewards (USDC) will be sent after March 17th.  We will send more information about your wallet, where it is, and how to use it in the coming weeks. For now, you can see your wallet address by viewing your Spexi account details (starts with 0x…).

2) Accept updated terms – Sign updated agreements for Spexi and LayerDrone when they're sharing in the Spexi app on March 17th. 

3) Set up cash-out – Converting USDC is more steps than Stripe, but we'll walk you through it with step-by-step instructions before March 17th! For now, you can setup a Coinbase account to be as prepared as possible.

What’s Next: The Updated Network Roadmap 

Phase 1 (March 17th): USDC Launch – Earn stablecoin (USDC) instead of cash when the network moves from testnet to mainnet on the BASE blockchain.

Phase 2 (Early April): Reputation Points Update – Spoiler: RPs are intended to be worth tokens in the future. To prepare, RP penalties for failed uploads have been refunded, and RP-only missions have closed. You’ll still be awarded 25 RP per mission as usual. 

Phase 3 (Mid 2026): Token Launch –  LayerDrone's native token will create new ways to participate in the network.

Why Replace Cash with USDC Payments?

• Near-instant rewards after a successful mission
• Simple international payments
• Preparation for token launch

What Can Pilots Do to Prepare?

No immediate action is required of pilots, but there are steps you can take now to prepare for March 17th.

• NOW: You do NOT need to do anything right this second
• ON MARCH 17: You will need to accept updated terms and conditions on March 17th
• BY MARCH 17: You will need to set up an account on a cryptocurrency exchange, such as Coinbase, now or after March 17th. Here’s how.

Note that other exchanges besides Coinbase may work for converting USDC, but we're limiting our guidance to this exchange for now.

We're Here to Help

We know this takes effort to set up, but we believe it's worth it. 

Detailed guides and support are on the way. Pilots, no immediate action required — more guidance is coming next week!