Lugano continues to solidify itself as a global hub for Bitcoin adoption, technological innovation, and community-driven development, thanks in large part to PoW.space coworking space. Notably, on a remarkable evening, the city celebrated the third anniversary of the Plan ₿ Initiative, reflecting on the journey so far while also unveiling ambitious plans for the future. As a result, the event became a vibrant gathering of innovators, entrepreneurs, and Bitcoin enthusiasts, all eager to push the boundaries of peer-to-peer technology and decentralized finance.

A Celebration Among Friends

The event was not a formal presentation; instead, it unfolded as an engaging conversation-a friendly chat that truly highlighted the synergy between PoW.space coworking space and the Plan ₿ Network. Throughout the evening, key representatives from both initiatives took the stage to guide the audience through the significant milestones of this groundbreaking project. In doing so, they emphasized the community’s collective efforts in fostering Bitcoin education and adoption, further strengthening Lugano’s reputation as a center for innovation and collaboration.

Building an Ecosystem, Not Just a Coworking Space

Lugano’s Proof of Workspace (PoW.space), often referred to as the Plan ₿ Hub, has evolved into more than just a co-working space. It’s an entire ecosystem tailored for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and Bitcoiners who seek a place to work, network, and innovate. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of making Lugano the epicenter of peer-to-peer technology and Bitcoin-driven solutions.

Key aspects of the hub include:

• A state-of-the-art gym, focusing on mental and physical well-being.
• A soon-to-be-launched restaurant, catering to the growing community.
• An expansive co-working and research space, providing a dedicated environment for startups and developers.
• Weekly community labs and workshops designed to educate and engage participants at all levels of Bitcoin adoption.

Education and Innovation at the Forefront

Since its inception, the Plan ₿ Initiative has been rooted in education. Over the past three years, Lugano has hosted:

• The Plan ₿ Forum, an annual conference attracting global Bitcoin experts.
• The Plan ₿ Summer School, designed to nurture young talent in Bitcoin and business development.
• Satoshi Spritz, an informal meetup format that has grown into a structured event, educating attendees on wallet setup, peer-to-peer transactions, and the philosophy of self-sovereignty.

This year marks the launch of several new educational programs, including:

• The Plan ₿ Business School—a three-month online program culminating in an immersive summer school.
• The Plan ₿ Tech School focused on Bitcoin software development.
• A Bitcoin and Lightning Network university course at the Polytechnic University of Turin, the first of its kind worldwide.

Bridging Cities and Expanding Reach

Lugano’s Plan ₿ vision is extending far beyond its borders. Key developments include:

• The first honorary consulate of El Salvador in Lugano, symbolizing a deepening bond between the Bitcoin City and the Bitcoin Nation.
• A Plan ₿ Forum in San Salvador, replicating the successful Lugano model to support Bitcoin adoption in the first country to make Bitcoin legal tender.
• New Plan ₿ Hubs launching in Tokyo and Turin, creating a global network of co-working and innovation spaces.
• A Global Membership Program, allowing participants access to any Plan ₿ Hub worldwide.

Funding the Future

Bitcoin innovation requires strong financial support. Therefore, the Plan ₿ Fund, with over 100 million CHF, backs startups like Elysium, Arc Labs, and Breeze. It provides crucial funding for entrepreneurs focused on Bitcoin-first solutions. Additionally, Blockstream and Fulgur Ventures offer a 10,000 CHF grant program to reward projects contributing to Bitcoin’s Lightning Network and Liquid ecosystem.

A Vision for 2025 and Beyond

The evening concluded with a powerful reminder: the time for mere announcements is over. The focus now is on action and execution. Future initiatives include:

• Spazio 21, a dedicated space offering free Bitcoin education in Italian.
• A hardware wall at the Plan ₿ Expo, allowing hands-on interaction with Bitcoin wallets.
• Cyber Cave, a makerspace for Bitcoin hardware experimentation and self-sovereign technology.
• A monthly Bitcoin Shark Tank-style pitch event, where startups can secure funding and coworking space within PoW.space.

Final Thoughts: Proof of Work in Action

As Lugano embarks on this next phase of the Plan ₿ journey, it’s clear that the community is actively dedicated to making Bitcoin an integral part of the city’s culture and economy. Indeed, the emphasis remains on real-world adoption, hands-on learning, and consequently fostering an environment where Bitcoin innovation can truly thrive. Furthermore, with upcoming events like the Plan ₿ Forum in October 2025, Lugano continues to position itself as Europe’s leading hub for cryptocurrency implementation and blockchain technology advancement.

From a small initiative three years ago to a globally recognized hub, Lugano’s Plan ₿ is no longer just an idea—it’s a movement.

Stay humble. Stack sats. Keep building. #LuganoPlanB