NIGHT token launch and listing
NIGHT, the native utility token for the Midnight network, launched on Cardano on December 4. This event is a key component of the Hilo phase in the Midnight roadmap.
In addition to the 4.5 billion NIGHT already distributed, leading exchanges have received a portion of NIGHT tokens, of which they intend to distribute to their eligible customers (including Kraken, OKX, BitPanda, and NBX). That means the number of tokens distributed to eligible community members will continue to rise over the coming weeks and months.
To learn more, check out the NIGHT page. And for more NIGHT data, CoinGecko and CoinMarketCap have the latest stats and information.
NIGHT token Redemptions live
For all participants in Glacier Drop and Scavenger Mine who claimed more than 4.5 billion NIGHT, the Redemption portal is now live. The distribution of NIGHT happens over a 360-day thawing period, where tokens gradually unlock according to a pre-determined schedule.
Each allocation unlocks in four equal installments (25% each).
- Randomized start date: Every Destination address is assigned a random first day between December 10, 2025, and early March 2026 (the first 90-day window).
- Four 90-day unlock periods: After an address’s specific start date is assigned, its remaining three installments unlock every 90 days.
- Thawing countdown: There will be a countdown in the Redemption portal showing how many days are left until your next installment thaws.
To learn more, read the full blog explaining how to use the Redemption portal.
Network pulse
November recorded extraordinary growth across all key network metrics. While the Midnight Summit hackathon served as a catalyst for developer activity, engaging over 120 builders in concentrated development, broader ecosystem momentum ahead of the NIGHT token launch also drove significant activity.
The 1,617% surge in smart contract deployments indicates increasingly rapid development and testing of network capabilities. Corresponding increases in wallet addresses (+148%) and faucet requests (+151%) confirm a wave of new developer activity. This spike in smart contract calls (+261%) demonstrates that these new users are actively interacting with testnet-02, which is an essential component required for future stages of the roadmap.
Ecosystem Partnerships
Creditcoin
The Midnight Foundation has partnered with Creditcoin to research infrastructure that verifies human identity through financial history. The collaboration focuses on validating humanity based on genuine economic relationships, ensuring robust verification does not require the exposure of sensitive personal data.
This framework utilizes Midnight’s privacy technology to prove statements of economic activity without revealing specific details. Users can demonstrate a consistent repayment history or creditworthiness while keeping loan amounts and merchant interactions private. By anchoring identity in verifiable economic behavior, the project aims to establish a high-trust digital environment that protects user privacy. Learn more about the partnership in the recent Midnight Foundation blog.
The Midnight TGE has partnered with top-tier exchanges and custodians alongside the NIGHT token launch. Check out the partners listed on the NIGHT page to learn more.
For a comprehensive look at the Midnight ecosystem, check out the ecosystem catalog.
Ecosystem expansion and builder pathways
As Midnight mainnet launch approaches in 2026, there is an expanding focus on equipping builders at all levels with the necessary tools and support structures for a thriving ecosystem. The developer community and resources are scaling its support infrastructure, creating distinct pathways for contributors at every level. Whether users are acquiring new skills or defining protocol standards, new resources and programs guide this journey.
The Aliit Fellowship program
For those who have mastered the fundamentals, the Aliit (Mandalorian for "family") represents the next stage of technical contribution to the wider ecosystem. This selective fellowship program identifies and empowers the ecosystem's most rigorous builders to serve as technical leaders.
The inaugural cohort consists of 17 fellows from 11 countries. This group includes open-source maintainers, ZK researchers, and educators who have already demonstrated a commitment to the network. Their mandate is distinct from community ambassadors; they are focused on engineering excellence:
- Pattern creation: Developing open-source templates and reference architectures.
- Localization: Translating complex technical documentation and running regional workshops.
- Mentorship: Directly supporting new students coming out of the Academy.
Learn more about the Aliit Cohort 0.
Weekly Fireside Hangs
If you’re a builder, curious about ZK tech or just want to jump in and learn with the DevRel team. Pull up a seat and join the conversation every Wednesday at 15:00 UTC on YouTube.
To follow all the latest news and updates across the Midnight Network, join the community on X now.