Ethereum Selects Mumbai for Devcon 8 in 2026, Paving Future

The Ethereum Foundation has announced that Devcon 8, its flagship global event for Ethereum builders, researchers, and creators, will be held in Mumbai, India, during the fourth quarter of 2026. This decision highlights India’s significant role in the global cryptocurrency landscape.

India’s Rise as a Crypto Leader

The choice of India as the host for Devcon 8 stems from its emergence as a leader in cryptocurrency adoption. In 2024, India onboarded the highest number of new crypto developers worldwide, contributing to its status as one of the fastest-growing developer hubs. This growth is largely fueled by a young, tech-savvy population and robust grassroots communities.

According to foundation officials, the strength of India’s local Ethereum ecosystem was a crucial factor in the decision. Initiatives such as EthMumbai and Devfolio, along with significant global projects like Polygon, have established the country as a powerhouse for Web3 innovation. These community-led groups have consistently organized hackathons, builder programs, and training initiatives that have produced thousands of contributors to the Ethereum project.

The Ethereum Foundation emphasizes that India’s growth is not primarily driven by institutions or governmental policies. Instead, it is characterized by organic, community-led expansion, which contributes to a vibrant and authentic Web3 environment.

Impact on India’s Crypto Ecosystem

Hosting Devcon 8 represents a significant milestone for India’s cryptocurrency ecosystem, especially as the country grapples with a complex regulatory framework. Currently, India enforces a 30 percent tax on crypto gains and a 1 percent TDS on most trades, prompting some founders to relocate to regions with more favorable conditions, such as Dubai and Singapore. Despite these challenges, local activity remains robust.

Exchanges like CoinDCX continue to thrive under India’s compliance requirements, while the government explores blockchain pilots across various states. The ongoing implementation of the e-Rupee CBDC and the expansion of India’s digital payment infrastructure, spearheaded by the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), showcase how blockchain innovation is progressing within strict regulations.

As the Ethereum Foundation extends its gratitude to its Devconnect hosts in Argentina, it invites the global community to join in Mumbai for a gathering that promises to be both a homecoming for seasoned Ethereum builders and an entry point for newcomers eager to delve into the ecosystem.

With India leading in developer onboarding and crypto adoption, Devcon 8 is anticipated to be a pivotal event that further propels Ethereum’s global growth and fosters collaboration between Indian builders and the worldwide Web3 community.