Bringing Bitcoin-native tokens to Lightning Network
An open-source development environment for building, testing, and experimenting with Rune asset integration on the Bitcoin Lightning Network.
Built on Bitcoin's security model
Instant payments and settlements
Leverages Bitcoin's proven security
This project provides a dedicated development environment to explore how Rune assets can be issued, transferred, and settled over Lightning. While Runes currently have no Lightning implementation, this repository aims to bridge Runes (Bitcoin-native fungible tokens) with Lightning's instant payment capabilities in a simpler, more robust way than existing token-over-Lightning systems.
Our goal is to research and define specifications for Rune-over-Lightning transport, prototype integration with existing Lightning nodes, and test off-chain settlement flows including burn-at-close, dust-free exits, and redeem-on-burn models.
Lightning Network enables millions of transactions per second, making Rune transfers instant and cost-effective.
Eliminate high on-chain fees by settling Rune transfers off-chain through Lightning channels.
Maintain Bitcoin's security model while enabling complex token operations through Lightning's trustless channels.
Enable micro-payments and instant settlements for Rune-based applications worldwide.
Precise control over Rune supply with programmable minting rules and governance mechanisms.
Efficient token economics with controlled burning and minting for stable value preservation.
Optimized UTXO management to reduce blockchain bloat and improve network efficiency.
| Feature | Runes | Taproot Assets |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin-Native | ✅ Built on Bitcoin's security model | ⚠️ Requires additional infrastructure |
| Lightning Integration | ✅ Direct Lightning support | ✅ Lightning support |
| UTXO Efficiency | ✅ Optimized for Bitcoin's UTXO model | ⚠️ Can create UTXO bloat |
| Scalability | ✅ Millions of TPS via Lightning(need implementation) | ✅ Millions of TPS via Lightning |
| Cost | ✅ Minimal fees via Lightning(need implementation) | ✅ Minimal fees via Lightning |
| Adoption | ✅ Growing Ordinals ecosystem | ⚠️ Newer, less established |
This project uses a hybrid multi-language architecture to bridge the on-chain Rune protocol with Lightning Network capabilities:
Create Bitcoin-native stablecoins with instant Lightning settlements and global accessibility.
Enable trustless cross-chain asset swaps with Lightning's instant finality.
Seamless fiat on/off ramps with Lightning's global payment network.
In-game currencies and NFT marketplaces with instant micro-transactions.
Decentralized finance applications with Bitcoin-native tokens and Lightning speed.
International trade and remittances with minimal fees and instant settlement.
We welcome contributions from Bitcoin, Lightning, and Rune developers! This is an open-source project that thrives on community involvement and technical innovation.
Open GitHub issues for technical discussions and ideas
Fork the repo, implement features, and submit PRs
Run our sandbox locally, break things, and report findings
Help improve setup guides, diagrams, and protocol specs