Metallicus Launched DogecoinVM Payment Layer
The alpha deployment on mainnet promises to increase transaction speeds by 300 times for the cryptocurrency.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Quantum Computing
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Metallicus has deployed an alpha version of its DogecoinVM payment layer on the Metal Blockchain infrastructure. The new architecture is designed to handle transactions 300 times faster than the standard Dogecoin network.
Why it matters
This development directly responds to a 2021 call by Elon Musk for improved transaction throughput to support Dogecoin's use in global payments. By increasing speed, the project aims to expand the utility of Dogecoin for banks and credit unions.
DogecoinVM achieves transaction finalization between 0.15 and 0.25 seconds by utilizing the Snowman Proof-of-Stake consensus protocol. The system maintains the original UTXO model while limiting alpha deposits to 100 DOGE.
The players
Metallicus
This technology company is the developer of the Metal Blockchain infrastructure.
Elon Musk
He is a prominent business leader and the owner of the platform X who advocated for network upgrades.
The details
The platform functions by locking DOGE on the main network and issuing collateral-backed equivalents at a 1:1 ratio within the virtual machine. It ensures backward compatibility by allowing existing Dogecoin wallets and private keys to interact with the new payment layer.
Timeline
Elon Musk requested improved Dogecoin throughput in 2021.
The DogecoinVM mainnet alpha version was deployed on October 7, 2026.
The Tech Race
This deployment marks a shift toward integrating legacy cryptocurrency assets into high-performance, Proof-of-Stake ecosystems. It places DogecoinVM in direct competition with emerging layer-two solutions aiming to replace slower, traditional blockchain payment models.
Users can now test the alpha version by migrating assets at a 1:1 ratio, though individual deposits are capped at 100 DOGE during this phase. Existing wallet owners maintain full access to their private keys, simplifying the transition to the faster infrastructure.
The takeaway
Developers and early adopters should exercise caution as the alpha version remains unaudited for security vulnerabilities. The project reflects a broader trend of bridging popular digital assets with enterprise-grade fintech infrastructure.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in decentralized infrastructure on the Quantum Computing section page.
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