TLDRTether and the City of Lugano launched Plan ₿ Phase II for 2026 to 2030.Tether committed up to CHF 5 million over five years to support infrastructure and research.More than 400 merchants in Lugano accept Bitcoin, USDT, and LVGA for payments.The roadmap outlines five pillars, including SwissLedger and digital identity systems.PoW.space hosts over 100 blockchain and fintech companies in Lugano.Tether and the City of Lugano launched Plan ₿ Phase II for 2026 to 2030. The program expands the city’s digital asset integration across public and economic systems. Officials confirmed structured funding, defined pillars, and continued municipal oversight.Tether Expands Role in Lugano’s Digital Asset InfrastructureTether and Lugano began the next phase after four years of pilot programs under Plan ₿. The city integrated Bitcoin, USDT, and LVGA into local payments and municipal services. More than 400 merchants now accept these digital assets across the city. Municipal departments also tested digital bond issuance and blockchain-based payments. Tether provided technical infrastructure, advisory services, and operational support during the initial phase.The partners structured Phase II around long-term digital sovereignty and system resilience. Tether committed up to CHF 5 million over five years for expertise and infrastructure. The company will fund research programs and applied training initiatives. However, Lugano will retain governance authority and regulatory oversight. Projects will follow pilot testing, compliance checks, and staged implementation frameworks.Five Strategic Pillars Guide 2026–2030 RoadmapPhase II introduces five pillars to guide implementation between 2026 and 2030. The first pillar builds institutional blockchain infrastructure through SwissLedger for banks and enterprises. Officials stated that SwissLedger will operate as an open blockchain network. The second pillar positions Lugano as a hub for digital trade and commodities. It will support tokenization and programmable payments for modern trade systems.The third pillar advances privacy-focused digital identity solutions for residents and businesses. The framework will use zero-knowledge technologies for voluntary and secure verification. The fourth pillar promotes decentralized artificial intelligence and autonomous economic agents. City planners aim to integrate these tools into public services and programmable transactions. The fifth pillar strengthens urban digital resilience through distributed networks and cybersecurity systems.PoW.space remains a core component of the initiative’s physical infrastructure. The innovation hub hosts more than 100 blockchain and fintech companies. Organizers said the facility links traditional finance institutions with decentralized platforms. The annual Plan ₿ Forum also supports global outreach and policy discussion. The event has attracted over 4,000 participants from more than 60 countries.Paolo Ardoino, Tether’s CEO, said, “Phase II focuses on infrastructure, resilience, and local capacity building.” He added that the goal is to support Lugano’s development as a global digital infrastructure hub. Mayor Michele Foletti said, “By 2030, a city’s freedom will increasingly depend on its ability to govern its data and essential services.” He confirmed that Lugano will maintain public governance while executing the program.The city and Tether confirmed that Phase II will begin in 2026. Funding will prioritize infrastructure development and applied research projects. Oversight mechanisms will monitor compliance and financial accountability.The post Tether and Lugano Advance Plan ₿ Phase II Strategy appeared first on Blockonomi.