Irys: The Rise of Programmable Data Chains and Ecosystem Prospects @irys_xyz defines itself as the world's first programmable data chain, building a new Layer 1 infrastructure for AI and data-centric applications. Its core value goes beyond merely storing data; it aims to enable the data itself to autonomously execute rights, access, and monetization. Irys's vision is to combine data and logic on a single chain to reduce complexity for developers and create a vibrant ecosystem where data thrives across various domains such as AI, DeFi, and gaming. Irys's technical differentiation is based on the programmability of data. Developers can not only upload data but also set conditions for how that data will be accessed later, how royalties will be distributed, or how encryption will be maintained, all through code. To support this, Irys has introduced a Submit/Publish dual ledger structure that manages the transition of data from a temporary state to a permanent state, enabling dynamic data utilization. Additionally, its proprietary virtual machine, IrysVM, is designed with EVM compatibility, allowing existing Ethereum developers to easily enter the ecosystem while executing data and logic on a single chain. The consensus structure adopts a hybrid approach that combines useful Proof of Work and staking, pursuing both decentralization and security. Storage costs provide a long-term predictable structure through an Exponential Moving Average (EMA)-based price stabilization mechanism. Data integrity is ensured through proof at the time of upload and continuous sampling, and unique data storage is encouraged through Matrix packaging. There are several important milestones in the project's growth process. The testnet, which was publicly released in January 2025, reportedly processes over 100,000 transactions per second, achieving performance 6,000 times faster than Filecoin and costs 20 times cheaper than Arweave. In terms of funding, it received initial investments from Lemniscap, Framework, a16z, Eclipse, and secured a total of $20 million through Series A in August 2025. Furthermore, Irys is integrating with @wardenprotocol to realize on-chain AI agents and verifiable data linkage, while promoting experimental use of programmable data through community-centric programs like IrysArcade. Compared to competing projects, Irys's main strength lies in processing data storage and execution on a single chain. Arweave and IPFS focus on static storage, necessitating logic execution through external protocols. In contrast, Irys combines storage and computation to enhance developer convenience and performance. Unlike modular data availability layers like Celestia that rely on external execution environments, Irys provides an integrated environment with its own EVM-compatible VM. Strengths include high performance, cost stability, and rapid ecosystem expansion based on key partnerships. However, there are also several risk factors. The hybrid consensus structure is a fresh attempt, but it may face unforeseen attack vectors in the long run. Additionally, driving large-scale adoption while maintaining performance and cost structure remains a continuous challenge. The data storage market already has strong frontrunners, making it crucial to secure a developer ecosystem. Nevertheless, the opportunities facing Irys are significant. As the global data economy grows to trillions of dollars, the infrastructure for verifiable and rights-cleared data needed for AI model training is still in its early stages. Irys is well-positioned to meet this demand and can explore various expansion opportunities through synergies with decentralized infrastructure projects like DePIN and DeSoc. In terms of marketing and community, it clarifies its identity with the "Data Becomes Alive" campaign, attracting developers and the community through hackathons and IrysArcade events. It is also creating unique cases through demonstrations of on-chain memory, verifiable AI learning, and dynamic NFTs. These activities are significant not only for showcasing technical advantages but also for allowing ecosystem members to directly experience new possibilities. In conclusion, Irys is pioneering a new category of programmable data chains that integrate data storage and execution, showing potential to become a core infrastructure for data-centric applications in AI, DeFi, and gaming. The upcoming challenges lie in achieving large-scale developer adoption and maintaining stable performance and security, and if met, it is likely to emerge as a leading representative of next-generation data infrastructure. Hirys legend.