The Graph

**The Graph is rolling out three new data access tools designed for developers and AI agents:** - **Subgraphs**: The original indexing standard now supports AI compatibility through MCP integration, A2A protocols, x402 micropayments, and Amp-powered data extraction - **JSON-RPC**: Basic blockchain read/write functionality through The Graph's infrastructure (experimental launch planned for Q3) - **Token API**: Pre-indexed token data across 10+ chains with real-time pricing (production-ready in Q1) These tools build on The Graph's recent infrastructure developments for the agent economy, including ERC-8004 identity verification across 8 chains and x402 micropayment capabilities through GraphTally. The additions provide developers with multiple options for accessing blockchain data, from natural language queries to direct API calls.

The Graph has released its 2026 Technical Roadmap, outlining plans to expand from a single protocol into a multi-service blockchain data infrastructure platform. **Key developments include:** - **Six specialized data products** designed to serve different use cases - **Horizon unified protocol layer** to integrate services - **Expanded user base** targeting developers, AI agents, analysts, and financial institutions - **Enhanced capabilities** spanning real-time streaming to SQL analytics The roadmap signals The Graph's evolution from a focused indexing protocol to a comprehensive data infrastructure serving the broader onchain economy. The platform aims to accommodate users ranging from individual developers to large-scale institutional operations.

**The Graph is participating in ETHDenver** with multiple events covering privacy tech, AI agents, and institutional connections. **Key Event:** - Co-hosting an exclusive VIP Institutional Soirée with Halborn Security, Blockaid, and Canton Network on February 19 - Located 7 minutes from the main conference venue - Focus on connecting institutional leaders in digital assets **Topics covered across events:** - Privacy technology - AI agents - Institutional partnerships Registration is now open for attendees interested in connecting with The Graph team at the conference.

**The Graph has deployed ERC-8004 Subgraphs across 8 blockchains**, creating a unified directory for AI agent verification. ERC-8004 registers three core elements for AI agents: - **Identity** - establishes who they are - **Reputation** - tracks behavioral history - **Validation** - provides proof of task execution The infrastructure enables cross-chain verification. An agent on Base can query a Subgraph to instantly check the credentials of an agent on Arbitrum. Without this system, each agent would need to scan raw blockchain data independently to verify other agents' credentials - a process that would significantly slow network operations.

**The Graph is live at Solana Breakpoint Abu Dhabi** (Dec 11-13), actively connecting with builders and development teams. The protocol is focusing on three key areas: - **Data reliability** solutions - **Data access** infrastructure - **AI agents** integration The Graph team is available for project discussions and collaboration opportunities with Solana ecosystem builders. This follows their earlier announcement about bringing enhanced data indexing and infrastructure capabilities to the Solana network.

**The Graph reveals its true nature** - not just software, but a **human-powered network** of operators working together daily. - Indexers coordinate through Discord, forums, and on-chain interactions - These operators keep apps running and AI agents fed with reliable data - **Infrastructure work isn't glamorous**, but it's what enables web3 to scale Nick's early experience at The Graph gave him front-row access to understanding indexing. The key insight most people miss: **The Graph succeeds because of its community**, not just its technology. While infrastructure may lack romance, it provides the **predictable data layer** that web3 desperately needs to grow beyond experimental use cases.

The Graph has released a **migration guide** for developers looking to transition from Alchemy's centralized APIs to The Graph's decentralized subgraph solution. The guide provides step-by-step instructions for: - Moving from hosted services to subgraphs - Accessing blockchain data through The Graph's protocol - Leveraging new subgraph features This migration path offers developers an alternative to centralized data providers, enabling direct access to organized blockchain data through The Graph's decentralized network. [View the migration guide](https://thegraph.com/docs/en/resources/migration-guides/migrate-from-alchemy/)

**x402 protocol** is bringing the forgotten HTTP 402 "Payment Required" status code back to life after 30 years of dormancy. **Key Features:** - Machine-native billing standard for AI agents - Enables per-request payments without accounts or API keys - Supports payments for data access, compute, and API queries - Backed by Coinbase and Cloudflare **How it works:** 1. Agent requests paid resource 2. Server responds with HTTP 402 + payment details 3. USDC payment processed through facilitator 4. Access granted instantly upon verification **The Graph Integration:** The Graph's data infrastructure provides the verifiable, queryable blockchain data that x402 transactions require. Their GraphTally already implements similar microtransactions at the protocol layer. **Combined Impact:** - x402 = open payment rail for agents - The Graph = open data rail for decisions - Together = autonomous systems that think, pay, and verify This creates a **machine-driven economy** where AI agents can autonomously transact using stablecoins across multiple chains including Base, Solana, and Polygon.

**The Graph Foundation** sponsored SmartCon's inaugural VC Demo Day, connecting emerging web3 projects with venture capital investors. The event showcased: - Real blockchain projects seeking funding - Technical talent from the web3 builder community - Investment opportunities in decentralized infrastructure **Derek Meyer** from The Graph's Technical Council served as a judge, evaluating projects alongside other industry experts. The sponsorship aligns with The Graph's mission to **support the next generation** of web3 developers and infrastructure builders.

**The Graph has joined the Ethereum Protocol Advocacy Alliance (EPAA)**, a coalition of major DeFi protocols representing over $100B in onchain assets. **Key alliance members include:** - Aave - Curve Finance - Lido Finance - Uniswap Foundation - Aragon Project - Spark Protocol **The EPAA advocates for four core principles:** - Protocol neutrality - Onchain transparency - Flexibility for innovation - Global permissionless access **Why The Graph joined:** As a protocol that makes trusted onchain data accessible, The Graph wants to ensure future financial regulations are informed by actual builders rather than external parties. The alliance works with advocacy partners including the European Crypto Initiative and DeFi Research Collective to influence policy development. [Learn more about the alliance](https://paragraph.com/@epaa/announcing-ethereum-protocol-advocacy-alliance)