NEO founder Zhang Zheng reaffirms commitment after controversy: advancing four major directions for Neo 4 and ecosystem applications

After the two co-founders of NEO publicly parted ways over financial issues just one day ago, Zhang Zhengwen issued a statement on January 1st expressing hope that the community refocuses on NEO’s ongoing development and long-term growth. This message sends a clear signal: regardless of short-term disputes, NEO’s technological iterations and ecosystem building will not halt. Currently, NEO is priced at $3.50, with a 30-day decline of 13.06%, and market sentiment is evidently affected by internal turmoil. In this context, Zhang Zhengwen’s strategic commitments are particularly significant.

Standing Firm Amidst Turmoil: Four Clear Directions

In his statement, Zhang Zhengwen explicitly outlined the future focus areas for NEO, covering three dimensions: technology, ecosystem, and applications:

• Neo 4 Design Research: Ensuring alignment with the roadmap, representing a core technological breakthrough
• Ecosystem Development: Actively promoting external collaborations to expand NEO’s influence
• Application Expansion: Focusing on adoption in programming, RWA (Real World Assets), and stablecoins
• Cross-Chain Interoperability: Connecting NEO with other blockchains to enable protocol-level improvements and application-layer transitions

These four directions are not temporary responses but reflect a comprehensive approach from the underlying protocol to practical applications.

Market Status and Challenges

NEO’s current market performance reflects investor concerns over internal disputes. As an established blockchain founded in 2014 and launched in 2016, NEO was once a flagship domestic public chain. However, recent public disagreements among the founders over financial transparency have undoubtedly impacted market confidence.

Key Observation: From Controversy to Construction

The significance of the timing of the statement

Zhang Zhengwen chose to publish his statement on the first day after the escalation of the turmoil, which indicates several points:

First, it is an expression of attitude—that even amid power struggles, technological and ecosystem development remain NEO’s core values. Second, it may be aimed at stabilizing community expectations, signaling to holders that NEO’s development direction is clear. Third, by emphasizing “short-term disputes will eventually pass,” Zhang Zhengwen hints that this internal conflict will not affect NEO’s long-term planning.

From words to delivery

Zhang Zhengwen emphasizes that “what truly determines Neo’s future is continuous delivery, active collaboration, and practical application.” This statement is crucial. In the current market environment, mere promises are no longer sufficient to gain trust; the market needs to see tangible progress. The design research of Neo 4, the implementation of RWA applications, and cross-chain functionalities all require phased delivery in the coming period.

Outlook and Reflection

According to Zhang Zhengwen’s plan, NEO’s key focus areas in 2026 will be:

• Technology Layer: Advancing Neo 4, which will be another major upgrade for NEO
• Application Layer: Real-world application of RWA and stablecoins, which are hot topics in the current market
• Ecosystem Layer: Improving cross-chain interoperability, facilitating collaboration with other ecosystems

These directions are critical tracks in the current blockchain competition. Progress in these areas could help rebuild market confidence.

Summary

Zhang Zhengwen’s statement demonstrates a stance of persistence in development amid internal disputes, clearly defining four major directions for NEO’s growth. However, the real test for NEO lies not in words but in whether these commitments can be effectively implemented. The market needs to see tangible progress in Neo 4, real-world RWA cases, and usable cross-chain features. Short-term disputes may indeed pass, but long-term trust will depend on continuous technological delivery and ecosystem development. For NEO holders, the key focus moving forward should be on the actual progress of these plans, rather than the rhetoric exchanged among founders.