2026 ICP Price Forecast and In-Depth Analysis of the Internet Computer Ecosystem

As blockchain technology enters the mainstream internet landscape, numerous Layer 1 blockchain projects aimed at expanding Bitcoin and Ethereum functionalities are emerging. Among them, the Internet Computer ecosystem has consistently attracted market attention with its unique “world computer” vision. Led by the DFINITY Foundation, the flagship project aims to transform the internet itself into a decentralized global computing platform.

This article, based on the latest market data up to February 24, 2026, combined with recent major ecosystem updates, provides Gate users with an in-depth analysis of Internet Computer’s native token ICP’s market performance, its deflationary mechanism reforms, and its future development potential.

Market Overview: ICP’s Resilience Amid Macro Fluctuations

According to data from Gate and CoinGecko, the overall cryptocurrency market is currently in a correction phase. As of February 24, 2026, Bitcoin (BTC) is priced at $63,384, down 3.46% in the past 24 hours; Ethereum (ETH) is at $1,834.44, down 2.44%. Despite the market pressure, Internet Computer (ICP) has shown some resistance to declines recently, even leading the Layer 1 sector’s gains during certain periods.

Currently, ICP trades at approximately $2.38. Although this is still far from its all-time high of $700.65, recent price fluctuations indicate positive market reactions to its technological upgrades. Its 24-hour trading volume remains active, suggesting increasing market participation.

Fundamental Changes: Transition to a Deflationary Economic Model

2026 marks a pivotal year for Internet Computer. In late February, the DFINITY Foundation officially announced significant adjustments to its economic model, widely seen as a key move to stimulate ecosystem growth and enhance ICP token value capture.

“Cloud Engine” Revenue Distribution Mechanism

Under the old economic model, node providers earned fixed rewards solely for running nodes, which essentially was an inflationary mechanism. The new plan introduces the “Cloud Engine” business model. Going forward, revenue generated by Cloud Engine will be redistributed as follows:

• 80% to nodes providing computational support.
• 20% to buy back and burn ICP tokens on the open market.

This shift ties node earnings directly to the number of commercial clients served, aligning node incentives with actual ecosystem usage. For ICP holders, the most immediate benefit is the introduction of a deflationary mechanism. As enterprises adopt Cloud Engine services, ongoing ICP burns will effectively reduce circulating supply, potentially supporting prices in the long term.

“Mission 70” Roadmap

This economic model adjustment is part of the DFINITY Foundation’s “Mission 70” roadmap, which aims to reduce ICP’s annual inflation rate by 70% by the end of 2026 through real-world usage stimulation and token burns. This shift from “supply-driven incentives” to “demand-driven incentives” reflects a pragmatic approach to long-term survival and growth.

Ecosystem Development: AI Narratives and Developer Challenges

On the technological application front, Internet Computer has been betting on the integration of artificial intelligence and blockchain. Its Caffeine platform allows developers to build on-chain applications using natural language, attempting to capitalize on the AI + Crypto market trend.

However, ecosystem development still faces challenges. According to Nasdaq citing Electric Capital data, the number of full-time developers on Internet Computer is about 187, far below Ethereum’s 3,699. Its total value locked (TVL) is approximately $11.5 million, ranking lower among all blockchain networks. Although the AI narrative has sparked short-term speculative enthusiasm, without substantial user adoption and applications, price gains may lack sustainability.

ICP USD Price Analysis

While Internet Computer’s technological vision is ambitious, its price structure currently places ICP in a critical trading zone.

• Support and Resistance: ICP is oscillating around $2.38. Technically, $2.24 is a key support level, while the $2.73 to $2.85 range acts as resistance.
• Historical Context: ICP’s all-time high was $700.65, and its lowest was $2.08. This means ICP has retraced over 99% from its peak and is now in a historical bottom zone.
• Potential Catalysts: The new economic model is a typical bullish signal for deflation. If the promotion of Cloud Engine services in the European market progresses smoothly and the burn volume continues to increase, it could be a key factor to break the current sideways trend. If the burn mechanism activates, ICP could test resistance at around $2.96 by the end of Q1 2026.

Conclusion and Outlook

Overall, Internet Computer is in a critical “all-in” transformation phase. It has shifted from early reliance on node subsidies to a more sustainable, revenue-driven deflationary model. For investors interested in Layer 1 and AI concepts, ICP’s current low price offers some observation value, though its ecosystem lag remains a notable risk.

At Gate, we will continue to monitor ICP’s technological progress and on-chain data. Users are advised to pay close attention to the upcoming “Cloud Engine” revenue figures and ICP’s monthly burn volume, which will be key indicators of its price trend.