What is IRIS Chain (IRC)

Comprehensive Analysis of IRISnet and IRIS Chain Blockchain Ecosystems

Executive Summary

This report provides an in-depth examination of two distinct blockchain initiatives: IRISnet (IRIS) and IRIS Chain (IRC). IRISnet operates as a decentralised service protocol built on Cosmos SDK/Tendermint infrastructure, focusing on cross-chain interoperability and enterprise application development. Meanwhile, IRIS Chain represents a specialised healthcare blockchain leveraging iris biometrics for personalised health management, utilising its native IRC token. Both projects demonstrate innovative approaches to blockchain implementation—IRISnet through its service-oriented architecture enabling business integration, and IRIS Chain through its fusion of biometric technology with decentralised health data management. The following analysis explores their technical architectures, founding teams, investment ecosystems, operational mechanisms, and developmental trajectories.

IRISnet: Interoperability-Focused Service Protocol

Project Overview and Objectives

IRISnet functions as a regional hub within the Cosmos ecosystem, designed to facilitate distributed business applications through enhanced interoperability. Its architecture enables seamless coordination between on-chain transactions and off-chain data processing, serving as a bridge between conventional business systems and blockchain technology. The platform's core mission involves creating an open infrastructure where enterprises can deploy interoperable services across heterogeneous systems, including public chains, consortium chains, and legacy infrastructure.

Founding Team and Development

The project was co-founded by Harriet Cao and Haifeng Xi through Bianjie AI, a Shanghai-based technology firm specialising in blockchain solutions. Cao brings extensive experience in computer science and blockchain architecture, while Xi contributes expertise in artificial intelligence systems. Development oversight includes collaboration with Tendermint Core engineers, ensuring alignment with Cosmos ecosystem standards. The team maintains a decentralised governance model where IRIS token holders participate in protocol evolution through voting mechanisms.

Technical Architecture

IRISnet employs a layered architecture comprising:

1. Consensus Layer: Utilises Tendermint's Byzantine Fault Tolerant (BFT) algorithm for high-throughput transaction processing.
2. Service Protocol: Coordinates cross-chain service invocation through enhanced Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocols.
3. Tokenomics: The native IRIS token serves triple functionality:
4. Staking: Secures network through Proof-of-Stake validation.
5. Transaction Fees: Processes on-network operations.
6. Service Payments: Compensates providers for off-chain computations.

Notably, the network supports multi-token systems where validators can accept whitelisted tokens from connected chains, enhancing payment flexibility. The infrastructure also includes SDKs for service development and a smart wallet enabling cross-chain asset management.

Developmental Timeline

• 2016: Bianjie AI founded as foundational development entity.
• 2018: Whitepaper release detailing service infrastructure.
• March 2019: Mainnet launch establishing IRIS Hub.
• 2020-2022: Integration with Ethereum/Polygon bridges for cross-chain NFT transfers.
• 2023-Present: Expansion of iServices ecosystem for enterprise solutions.

IRIS Chain: Biometric Healthcare Ecosystem

Healthcare Integration Framework

IRIS Chain represents a specialised blockchain application in healthcare, utilising iris recognition technology to create personalised health management systems. The platform converts iris biometric data—which contains intrinsic health indicators—into blockchain-secured information, enabling users to monitor chronic conditions and access predictive health analytics. Core innovation lies in its GDPR-compliant approach to sensitive health data, where decentralised storage eliminates centralised vulnerability points while maintaining patient privacy.

Leadership and Funding

The project features a multinational technical team including AI specialist Mr. Yeom, financial architect Matsuoka Hideo, and blockchain engineer Sakamoto Taro. Development is spearheaded by an undisclosed entity, with $20 million Series A funding secured in 2025 through Black Diamond's investment leadership. This capital injection supports global deployment of the IRIS App ecosystem, which integrates iris authentication with digital health services.

Operational Mechanism

The platform operates through three interconnected components:

1. Biometric Data Acquisition: Proprietary iris scanning devices collect health indicators from iris patterns.
2. AI Analysis Layer: Machine learning algorithms process biometric data to generate health insights and predictive analytics.
3. Blockchain Integration:
4. Health data conversion into immutable blockchain records.
5. IRC token utility for service access and data sharing permissions.
6. Token incentives for data contributors within the ecosystem.

This architecture enables real-time health monitoring while maintaining data sovereignty through cryptographic ownership controls. The system currently processes “tens of millions” of health assessments through hospital partnerships in Asia, with planned expansion into Western markets.

Implementation Timeline

• 2022: Project conceptualisation and initial development.
• 2023: Pilot programmes with Japanese university health systems.
• 2024: Vietnamese pharmacy chain integration for health screenings.
• 2025: $20M funding round and GDPR compliance implementation.
• 2025-2026: IRIS App deployment for global health services.

Comparative Technical Analysis

Consensus Mechanism Implementation

While both projects utilise blockchain fundamentals, their consensus approaches differ significantly. IRISnet employs delegated Proof-of-Stake (dPoS) where token holders delegate validation rights to specialised nodes, balancing decentralisation with enterprise-grade throughput. Conversely, IRIS Chain utilises a permissioned blockchain model where healthcare providers and accredited institutions maintain validator nodes, prioritising regulatory compliance over full decentralisation.

Token Utility Contrast

The IRIS token primarily facilitates network operations (staking, fees, governance), functioning as a multi-purpose utility instrument within its ecosystem. IRC tokens exhibit specialised utility focused exclusively on health service access, data sharing permissions, and contributor rewards within the healthcare ecosystem. This reflects divergent tokenomic philosophies: IRIS token as infrastructure fuel versus IRC token as specialised service key.

Conclusion and Future Trajectory

IRISnet Evolutionary Path

IRISnet demonstrates maturation toward becoming a foundational interoperability layer for business blockchain integration. Future development will likely focus on:

• Enhanced IBC protocols for cross-chain service orchestration.
• Enterprise SDK refinement for legacy system integration.
• Expansion of validator incentive structures.

IRIS Chain Expansion Strategy

The healthcare project shows significant near-term growth potential through:

• Global deployment of iris-scanning health kiosks.
• Integration with national healthcare systems.
• Development of predictive health algorithms using aggregated biometric data.

Both projects represent specialised blockchain implementations addressing distinct sectoral needs—IRISnet in enterprise interoperability and IRIS Chain in healthcare innovation. Their continued evolution will likely influence cross-chain service architectures and biometric data applications respectively, contributing to broader blockchain adoption across industries.