Our History
Celo launched on Earth Day 2020 as an energy-efficient and low-cost Layer 1 blockchain. Since its inception, Celo has continually evolved to adapt to the changing landscape of blockchain technology and needs of its users in the broader crypto ecosystem.
The Evolution of Celo: From Layer 1 to Layer 2
This timeline highlights the key milestones in Celo's development, from its launch as a Layer 1 blockchain to its transition to an Ethereum Layer 2 solution.
Celo's Journey from L1 to L2
Watch this video to learn about Celo's transition from Layer 1 to Layer 2, exploring the reasons behind this strategic move and what it means for the future of the ecosystem:
Timeline of Celo's Journey
March 2025: Celo L2 Mainnet Launch
Celo officially completes its transition to Layer 2 on Ethereum, marking a new era of enhanced security, scalability, and interoperability.
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February 2025: Baklava Upgrade
The Baklava testnet transitions to Layer 2 as a final preparation before mainnet deployment.
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November 2024: Celo L2 Mainnet Announcement
cLabs officially announces plans for the Celo Layer 2 mainnet launch, outlining final steps and timelines.
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October 2024: L2 Testnet Update & Code Audit
cLabs provides an update on testnet progress and announces an upcoming code audit to ensure security and stability before mainnet deployment.
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September 2024: Alfajores Goes L2
The Alfajores testnet successfully transitions to a Layer 2, allowing developers to start testing under the new architecture.
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August 2024: Preparing for Alfajores L2
The Celo ecosystem begins preparations to upgrade the Alfajores testnet to a Layer 2 environment, marking another step towards mainnet migration.
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July 2024: Dango L2 Celo Testnet Launch
Dango, the first Celo Layer 2 testnet, is launched, allowing developers and infrastructure providers to familiarize themselves with the new environment.
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June 2024: Off-Chain Data Availability Proposal
cLabs proposes integrating an off-chain data availability layer, powered by EigenLayer and EigenDA, to enhance scalability and reduce costs.
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April 2024: Celo Joins Optimism OP Stack
cLabs proposes adopting the OP Stack for Celo's Layer 2 migration to align more closely with Ethereum, reduce production time, enhance security, and maintain its unique features with minimal migration risk.
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April 2024: Quick Update on L2 Stack Selection
An update is provided on refinements in the Layer 2 stack selection process, addressing key technical considerations.
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January 2024: L2 Stack Selection Update
cLabs announces the latest developments in selecting the technology stack for Celo's Layer 2 transition.
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November 2023: Framework for Selecting an L2 Stack
cLabs provides a framework for evaluating different Layer 2 technology stacks, guiding the decision-making process for Celo's migration.
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October 2023: CEL2 Roadmap Update
cLabs releases an update on the roadmap for Celo's transition to Layer 2, outlining expected phases and milestones.
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September 2023: Gingerbread Hard Fork
The Gingerbread hardfork is implemented to prepare for Celo L2 with a focus on improving Celo's compatibility with Ethereum by streamlining code and introducing Ultragreen Money, on-chain carbon offsetting through transaction fees, enhancing both performance and sustainability.
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July 2023: Layer 2 Transition Proposal
In a strategic move, cLabs proposes transitioning Celo from an independent Layer 1 blockchain to an Ethereum Layer 2 to leverage Ethereum's security and expand its reach within the Ethereum ecosystem.
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January 2023: Celo 2.0 Announcement
cLabs announces Celo 2.0 with improved Ethereum compatibility, better performance, and enhanced tokenomics.
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September 2022: Ethereum Proof of Stake Transition
Ethereum completes its transition from Proof of Work to Proof of Stake, significantly reducing its energy consumption and addressing some of the sustainability concerns that Celo originally set out to solve.
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May 2021: Celo Donut Hard Fork
The Donut hard fork is implemented on Celo, enhancing its EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) compatibility and introducing cross-chain interoperability with other blockchain networks.
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April 2020: Celo Mainnet Launch
Celo officially launches its Mainnet on Earth Day, marking its debut as a Layer 1 blockchain network. Designed with a focus on energy efficiency and low transaction costs, Celo sets out to provide a more sustainable and accessible blockchain solution.
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July 2015: Ethereum Launch
Ethereum debuts as a Proof-of-Work blockchain, introducing smart contracts but facing high fees and energy consumption.
White Papers
For a deeper understanding of Celo's evolution and the technical foundations behind it, check out our white papers. These documents cover the innovations and decisions that have shaped Celo.
Read our White Papers