The Rise of Intent-Based Systems: What Builders Need to Know
Denver is set to become a focal point for the future of blockchain technology as NEAR Protocol hosts Intents Day at ETHDenver on February 18, 2026. This gathering signals a growing industry-wide focus on “intents,” a paradigm shift in how we interact with decentralized applications (dApps).
What are Intents and Why Do They Matter?
Traditionally, users tell dApps how to perform a task. With intent-based systems, users simply state what they want to achieve, and the system figures out the best way to execute it. This abstraction layer has the potential to dramatically improve user experience and unlock new possibilities for automation and agent orchestration.
Imagine wanting to “buy the cheapest ETH.” Instead of navigating decentralized exchanges, comparing prices, and managing gas fees, an intent-based system would handle all of that for you, finding the optimal trade and executing it automatically. This is the promise of intent-based execution.
Intents Day at ETHDenver: A Hub for Innovation
The second annual Intents Day, presented by NEAR, will bring together builders, founders, and partners to discuss the practical implementation of this emerging technology. The event’s agenda includes discussions on key design tradeoffs, emerging employ cases, and the challenges of building robust intent-based systems. Speakers from NEAR Intents, Proximity Labs, Blockdaemon, SVRN, SwapKit, LiFi, Ledger, and Trust Wallet will share their insights.
The focus is on clarity and practical insight, aiming to equip builders with the knowledge they need to contribute to the evolution of intent-based systems. The event also serves as a stepping stone toward NEARCON 2026, indicating a long-term commitment to this technology.
NEAR Protocol: Powering the User-Owned Internet
NEAR Protocol is a blockchain designed for mainstream adoption, emphasizing performance, scalability, and security. It’s positioned as a key infrastructure provider for AI and the user-owned internet. The platform utilizes sharding technology to handle high transaction volumes efficiently.
The NEAR token (NEAR) is integral to the network, used for transaction fees, staking, voting, and other operations. The platform aims to make blockchain interaction more user-friendly, allowing developers to create dApps that feel familiar to traditional web users.
The Broader Ecosystem and Future Trends
The discussion at Intents Day will cover critical areas like agent orchestration, automation, and user experience. Key themes include:
- Institutions and Infrastructure: Exploring how traditional financial institutions can integrate intent-based systems.
- Aggregators and Routing: The role of aggregators in finding the best execution paths for user intents.
- Wallets and UX: Designing wallets that seamlessly integrate with intent-based applications.
This event isn’t just about NEAR Protocol; it’s about the collective effort to build a more intuitive and efficient decentralized future. The focus on practical implementation suggests a move beyond theoretical discussions toward tangible progress.
Did you know?
ETHDenver is the largest Web3 BUIDLathon in the world, attracting blockchain enthusiasts, designers, and developers from around the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are intents in the context of blockchain? Intents are high-level requests from users specifying what they want to achieve, rather than how to achieve it.
- Who should attend Intents Day? Builders, founders, and partners interested in intent-based systems and the future of decentralized applications.
- What is NEAR Protocol? A blockchain platform designed for scalability, security, and user-friendliness, aiming to power the user-owned internet.
- Is registration required for Intents Day? Yes, an official ETHDenver pass and separate registration for Intents Day are both required.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the official Twitter account of NEAR Protocol for live updates and insights from Intents Day.
Want to learn more about the evolving landscape of Web3? Explore other articles on our site for in-depth analysis and expert opinions.
