Shytoshi Kusama, the pseudonymous developer behind Shiba Inu (SHIB), has laid an ambitious roadmap to evolve the project from its meme coin origins into a dominant force in the tech industry by 2030.
Speaking on the “Build It Up” podcast Thursday, Kusama shared insights into Shiba Inu’s transformation, emphasizing its transition from a community-driven token to a comprehensive digital ecosystem.
Notably, Kusama, who has overseen SHIB’s ascent from a niche project with 6,000 members to a globally recognized cryptocurrency, made it clear that SHIB is no longer just a meme coin. Instead, it is developing into a “technology powerhouse” with real-world applications.
“We believe most meme coins lack value due to the absence of utility and long-term vision,” Kusama stated. “But we have both the community and the technological infrastructure to create meaningful change.”
According to the pundit, one of the key aspects of SHIB’s evolution is the concept of a “network state,” inspired by the Montevideo Convention of 1933, which defines sovereignty. Kusama explained how SHIB is leveraging this concept by creating a digital territory supported by governance and an engaged community.
“You need citizens, governance, and territory to be considered sovereign,” he noted. “Since our territory is digital, we drafted the ‘Shib Paper,’ a 100-page document that serves as our constitution and framework for a sustainable network state.”
He further outlined that SHIB’s ongoing development facilitates the transition from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0. According to Kusama, the team has built an operating system integrating identity protection, data security, and decentralized applications.
“Our system isn’t just for individuals, it’s a platform that businesses, cities, and even governments can adopt,” he explained, positioning SHIB as a foundational player in the Web3 space.
Kusama also compared SHIB’s approach to established blockchain networks, highlighting the project’s unique branding and strong community.
“We don’t see much difference between SHIB and ecosystems like Solana, except that we have a globally recognized meme, a vibrant community, and a powerful brand,” he noted. He further emphasized that SHIB’s modular technology suite positions it alongside major industry players like XRP, Cardano, and Polygon.
The developer also revealed plans for the project to continue actively expanding its partnerships, highlighting SHIB’s recent collaboration with the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. Currently SHIB is working on blockchain-based initiatives to support South American coffee farmers, helping them achieve fair pricing and supply chain transparency.
Beyond governmental collaborations, SHIB aims to partner with enterprises that can benefit from its modular operating system, ultimately onboarding millions of users, especially those unbanked or underrepresented in the financial system.
Looking ahead, Kusama envisions a future where SHIB’s technology is omnipresent. “Our goal is to have ‘Powered by SHIB’ everywhere,” he stated, emphasizing the project’s commitment to real-world adoption.
Kusama likened SHIB’s trajectory to Disney, suggesting that SHIB could become the “Mickey Mouse” of the crypto world.
“Like Disney, SHIB has built a strong intellectual property portfolio and technological foundation that can expand beyond its original scope,” he remarked, drawing parallels between Disney’s growth from animation into theme parks and gaming.