Moonbeam Abandons Polkadot for Ethereum Layer 2 Base Amid AI Agent Push

Moonbeam, an interoperability protocol based on Polkadot, is shifting its focus to Ethereum layer 2 Base. The project aims to create an AI agent communication and settlement network that captures a share of the emerging market.

According to Moonbeam, this pivot allows them to focus resources on the long-term opportunity of AI-native on-chain coordination. This development comes as several major players in the crypto industry have been investing heavily in agentic technology.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire have both predicted that AI agents will become dominant users of blockchain-based payments in the coming years, with Coinbase's x402 payments protocol being a key driver behind this push.

Moonbeam users will need to bridge their GLMR tokens from Polkadot to Base by July 31, 2026. The project will continue providing cross-chain interoperability services on the Polkadot parachain through the transition period.