What Is Irys?
Irys aims to revolutionize data storage by turning data into programmable components that applications can use to perform actions. The Layer 1 blockchain has implemented an EVM-compatible execution layer to work natively with onchain data.
Key Takeaways
Irys is building a datachain that lets developers program instructions directly into stored data, turning them into actionable pieces of a larger system.
It was founded in March 2021 by Josh Benaron and has successfully raised $8.9 million over several rounds with prominent investors including Framework Ventures, Primitive Smokey the Bera, and Lemniscap.
Now in its testnet phase, developers can learn more about building on Irys while users can claim testnet tokens and interact with the Irys Arcade.
Introducing Irys
Blockchains like Ethereum and Bitcoin have enabled developers to deploy smart contracts, execute code, and process payments. However, these chains were optimized for execution and were inefficient when it came to data storage. As a work around, datachains were created specifically to securely store large volumes of data onchain and at an affordable rate. Then came the challenge of this data sitting idle, unable to interact or support applications.
That is the challenge that the team behind Irys aims to overcome. Irys is the first Layer 1 (L1) blockchain that is building a high-performance, programmable data chain featuring an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible execution layer that works natively with onchain data.
Having this execution layer allows the project to transform data from something that is meant to be stored into actionable pieces of information. Projects such as AI applications can take advantage of this feature to implement instructions directly into the data. By doing so, the data can then actively perform actions like executing ownership, carrying out interaction rules with other applications, and enforcing predetermined royalty structures.
How Irys Is Building Actionable Data Storage
First, Irys has integrated a multi-ledger architecture to ensure that the data is reliable and authentic. This multi-step process that establishes trustworthiness in the stored data is vital to preparing the foundation for advanced applications that require programmable data.
The process starts off at the Submit Ledger where incoming data by users are temporarily held while being verified by the protocol. Once that data is verified, it will be sent to the Publish Ledger where it enters permanent storage.
The process of moving into the Publish Ledger includes Ingress proofs, a critical method of certifying the data’s authenticity. Ingress proofs serve as cryptographic evidence that the data has been correctly validated and recorded by the network. It enables automated and decentralized data flows without the need for manual or centralized verification. Since Irys combines storage with its native execution layer, Ingress proofs allows smart contracts to reference and act on the stored data.
While the system is initially designed with two ledgers, its protocol has been built with adaptability in mind. Therefore, developers and users can look forward to the additional term ledgers being added to serve specific needs. Irys is taking this approach to ensure that as utilization grows, the network is able to evolve in response to growing demands.
Developers that build on Irys can expect to be able to embed instructions directly into the data to perform actions such as transaction execution, automated AI workflows, and other onchain actions. Projects can also launch new utilities on Irys while entire ecosystems can integrate with its data layer. This can be valuable for AI and data-intensive applications to leverage and build upon each other’s data and functionality.
The Irys Team
Irys was founded in March 2021 by Josh Benaron who is currently serving as CEO. The project is backed by notable investors and partners including Framework Ventures, Primitive Ventures, Berachain’s co-founder – Smokey the Bera, and others. The most recent funding round brought the datachain’s total raised to $8.9 million and was led by Lemniscap.
Interacting With Irys Arcade
The Irys testnet is currently live for developers and users to interact with the platform and learn more before its mainnet launch. Developers can learn more about building on Irys while users can interact with the Irys Arcade. The testnet gaming platform lets users play classic arcade-style games and earn testnet tokens.
From 11:00 to 11:30 AM UTC on May 29, 2025, Irys is holding a raffle in partnership with Aspecta to grant early access to the Irys ecosystem ahead of the network’s launch. The raffle will be distributing BuildKeys which is an ERC-721 token that acts as a ticket. Each wallet can enter once via a transaction that is entered into a pool where winners will be randomly selected. Winning wallets will be able to mint a BuildKey while unsuccessful entrants will have their funds refunded. Learn more about participating in the raffle at https://x.com/irys_xyz/status/1927032737875005629.
In a post on X on April 15, 2025, Benaron shared that the team is gearing up for mainnet launch as well as a token generation event (TGE). While testnet tokens have no actual value, many believe that it is possible these can be used as a qualifying criteria for a potential token airdrop.
We're ramping up for mainnet and TGE and it's honestly been the biggest learning experience of my life. Some big takeaways:
— Josh Benaron (✧ᴗ✧) (@josh_benaron) April 15, 2025
→ US as a region is basically useless. Anyone who says otherwise probably thinks there's real demand for the [random altcoin] ETF (lol)
→ East Asia is the…
However, do take note that at the time of writing, the Irys team has not confirmed a future token airdrop campaign. Therefore, following the steps below to interact with Irys Arcade does not guarantee a future token airdrop allocation.
Step 1: Get Testnet Tokens
Once you have completed the captcha, proceed to Request Irys Tokens. You should also Add Irys Network to your wallet to view your tokens.
Step 2: Connect and Play Games
It’s time to hit up the arcade at https://irysarcade.xyz/ and Connect your wallet in the top right corner. We will be connecting our Rabby Wallet which we previously used to receive our testnet tokens.
Once your wallet is connected, scroll down to see the featured games that you can play using your faucet tokens. As an example, we will play Tetris which costs 0.03 IRYS to Play Now.
On the game page you can review the instructions, entry fee, and potential reward. Then hit Play Now and confirm the transaction in your wallet.
After the payment is made, you will be able to start playing right away. Follow the instructions to score as high as possible to earn higher rewards.
Once your game is over, you will see how many points you scored and the amount of your prize. Then Claim Prize to receive the reward in your wallet.
You can play again or choose a different game. We recommend that you collect your faucet tokens daily and play these games as often as possible to earn points, rewards, and increase your transaction history.
Conclusion
Irys is a L1 blockchain that is turning stored data into programmable and active components that decentralized applications can use to enforce rules. It combines low-cost data storage with its EVM-compatible native execution layer to give developers the opportunity to create more dynamic apps. Interested developers and users can now interact with the Irys testnet and potentially earn allocation for a future token airdrop allocation.
This article is only for informational purposes and should not be taken as investment or financial advice. Always do your own research before connecting your wallet to any protocol, and note that following the above steps is no guarantee of receiving an airdrop.
