Cardano Sets Two-Phase Roadmap for Dijkstra Upgrade Through 2027

Cardano is preparing for a major network evolution under its upcoming Dijkstra era, with the rollout structured into two phases. 

According to a document from Intersect, the first phase of the Cardano upgrade will focus on Ouroboros Leios, while the second will introduce Ouroboros Peras, creating a coordinated path toward higher throughput and faster transaction settlement.

Phase 1 Details

The first phase targets Q4 2026 for code completion and centers on Ouroboros Linear Leios (CIP-164). 

Leios aims to increase Cardano’s transaction-processing capacity through Supplementary Endorser Blocks. Instead of relying solely on the existing block-production process, the architecture introduces additional blocks that can help the network process transactions more efficiently and increase overall throughput.

Furthermore, the first phase will introduce several protocol improvements. These include nested transactions (CIP-118), guard scripts (CIP-112), enhanced account addresses (CIP-159), and a simpler method for withdrawing staking rewards under CIP-181.

However, Cardano must first put these changes through testing and governance before deploying them on the mainnet. As part of that process, the development team launched the public Ouroboros Leios testnet, Musashi Dojo, on June 23, 2026, giving developers and network participants an environment to evaluate the technology ahead of broader deployment.

Phase 2 to Introduce Ouroboros Peras

The second phase targets Q2 2027 and will introduce Ouroboros Peras (CIP-140).

Peras adds a stake-pool voting layer designed to accelerate Cardano’s settlement process. In practical terms, the upgrade aims to reduce the amount of time users and applications must wait before transactions can be considered firmly settled.

Therefore, while Leios primarily addresses throughput and transaction-processing capacity, Peras focuses on settlement speed and confirmation confidence. Combined, the two upgrades could strengthen Cardano’s ability to support applications that require both greater transaction capacity and faster settlement.

Cardano Outlines a Gradual Peras Deployment

The accompanying roadmap provides a clearer picture of how Cardano plans to move Peras from development to mainnet activation.

First, Cardano plans to release a Peras-compatible node for testnet operators. This step will allow stake pool operators (SPOs) to prepare their infrastructure before the network progresses through subsequent hard forks.

Next, Cardano will conduct a Preview hard fork. Based on the roadmap, the team will submit and enact a governance action on Preview, opening the first testing window for SPOs.

The Preview SPO testing window is expected to last two weeks. During this period, operators will conduct voting-overlay tests and evaluate settlement latency to determine whether the network is performing as expected.

Pre-Production Testing Follows Preview

After the Preview testing phase, Cardano will move Peras to the pre-production network. Another governance action will then be submitted and enacted, opening a second SPO testing window. 

This stage is expected to last approximately one to two weeks and will focus on final readiness checks. The additional testing period will give operators and developers another opportunity to identify and resolve potential issues before the upgrade reaches mainnet.

Mainnet Activation Will Require Governance Approval

Following pre-production testing, Cardano plans to submit a mainnet governance action for approval by DReps, stake pool operators, and the Constitutional Committee.

The upgrade will proceed to mainnet activation only after the governance process receives the required ratification. This approach reflects Cardano’s broader emphasis on community-driven governance for major protocol changes.

However, the roadmap currently lists the exact mainnet activation date as TBD, meaning Cardano has not yet established a definitive launch date.