Neo signs LayerZero integration agreement for Neo X

Neo has entered into an integration agreement with LayerZero, the omnichain messaging protocol, to bring cross-chain communication capabilities to Neo X. Da Hongfei, co-founder of Neo, announced on March 16 that TestNet integration is expected to be completed by the end of the month, with MainNet integration to follow.

LayerZero is a permissionless messaging protocol that enables secure communication between blockchains, currently supporting over 120 networks, including EVM, Solana, and Sui-compatible chains. The integration would connect Neo X, Neo’s EVM-compatible sidechain, to this broader cross-chain ecosystem.

Cross-chain strategy takes shape

The agreement follows discussions at Consensus Hong Kong in February, where Hongfei reported ongoing efforts to secure cross-chain infrastructure for the Neo ecosystem. During those conversations, a major protocol operator quoted integration fees for Neo N3 at 14 times those for Neo X, a disparity attributed to current on-chain volume and economies of scale rather than to technical limitations of NeoVM.

That cost gap appears to be reflected in the integration’s phased approach. While Neo X is on track for near-term deployment, Hongfei noted that negotiations for Neo N3 integration are continuing separately. “Meanwhile, we will continue negotiating integration for Neo N3,” he stated, without providing a timeline.

Neo Global Development will officially announce the integration once MainNet deployment is complete.

Building on existing infrastructure

Neo X already has cross-chain connectivity with Neo N3 through the Message Bridge, which launched in Dec. 2025 to enable smart contract communication between the two chains. LayerZero integration would extend Neo X’s reach beyond the Neo ecosystem to external networks.

Hongfei also previously commented on Tether’s work with LayerZero around USDT0, a cross-chain stablecoin standard, describing unified stablecoin liquidity as important infrastructure and stating “Neo is fully resolved to bringing USDT0 into our ecosystem.” Whether the Neo X integration will enable USDT0 support has not been confirmed.

The original announcement can be found at the link below:
https://x.com/dahongfei/status/2033491531357990970