KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Tether and Lugano launch Plan ₿ Phase II, focusing on digital infrastructure and technological autonomy from 2026 to 2030.
- Over 400 local merchants in Lugano now accept Bitcoin, Tether, and LVGA, integrating digital assets into daily commerce.
- Plan ₿ Phase II aims to establish Lugano as a hub for digital trade and innovation, with a focus on AI and digital identity systems.
- Tether commits CHF 5 million to support infrastructure and training, enhancing Lugano’s digital asset education and innovation.
Tether, in collaboration with the City of Lugano, has announced the launch of Plan ₿ Phase II, a strategic initiative set to run from 2026 to 2030. This phase aims to expand the original plan introduced in March 2022 into a comprehensive strategy focused on digital infrastructure, resilience, and technological autonomy. The announcement was made here.
Initially, Plan ₿ was a controlled urban experiment integrating Bitcoin and stablecoin payments into municipal life. Over the past four years, Tether and Lugano have driven significant outcomes, reinforcing the city’s economy and international standing. Currently, over 400 local merchants accept Bitcoin (BTC), Tether (USD₮), and Lugano’s local stablecoin (LVGA), embedding digital assets into everyday commerce.
With Tether’s support, Lugano has introduced digital bond issuance and enabled select municipal payments in digital assets, integrating blockchain into public finance infrastructure. The partnership also established PoW.space, a hub for blockchain innovation, attracting over 100 fintech and blockchain companies to the region.
Expanding Digital Infrastructure and Education
Plan ₿ Phase II is structured around five interconnected pillars designed to move Lugano from experimentation to long-term digital sovereignty. These include building institutional infrastructure for secure digital asset management, developing Lugano as a hub for digital trade, advancing digital identity systems, fostering local AI ecosystems, and implementing resilient urban digital infrastructure.
In addition to infrastructure development, Tether has supported university partnerships and training initiatives focused on decentralized finance and blockchain technologies. These programs aim to ensure talent development aligns with infrastructure expansion, positioning Lugano as a center for digital asset education and innovation.
Governance and Strategic Positioning
The renewed Memorandum of Understanding between Lugano and Tether includes a contribution of up to CHF 5 million over the next four years, primarily in expertise, infrastructure development, and training. Governance authority remains with the City, with individual initiatives governed through separate agreements.
Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, emphasized that the focus of Phase II is on infrastructure, resilience, and local capacity building. Michele Foletti, Mayor of Lugano, highlighted the city’s commitment to investing in open and resilient civic digital infrastructure.
As digital systems increasingly define economic and civic life, Lugano is positioning itself not just as an adopter of innovation, but as a city actively shaping the governance and architecture of the digital infrastructure era.
Why This Matters: Impact, Industry Trends & Expert Insights
Tether and the City of Lugano have launched Plan ₿ Phase II, aiming to enhance digital infrastructure and position Lugano as a global hub for digital innovation.
A recent report highlights the growing investment in digital infrastructure across Europe, driven by AI demand for data centers and connectivity. This aligns with Lugano’s ambition to become a leader in digital trade and infrastructure, as seen in their strategic plans for 2026-2030.
As Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, notes, the initiative will transform Lugano into a model of Bitcoin adoption, emphasizing Tether’s commitment to promoting monetary sovereignty. This supports Lugano’s efforts to integrate digital assets into commerce and public finance.
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