diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index e248543aab..4919a830e6 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,61 +1,27 @@
-<!--
-parent:
-  order: false
--->
 
-<!--
-We could potentially replace this "# Pylons" header with a custom image (see https://github.com/tendermint/starport)
-![banner](docs/pylons-logo.jpg)
--->
+# Pylons
 
-<div align="center">
-  <h1> Pylons </h1>
-</div>
+Pylons is a blockchain network that allows artists, game studios, and other creatives to sell unique items using Stripe, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.  These items can then move freely through the IBC network.
 
+This repository contains:
 
-<div align="center">
-  <a href="https://github.com/Pylons-tech/pylons/releases/latest">
-    <img alt="Version" src="https://img.shields.io/github/tag/Pylons-tech/pylons.svg" />
-  </a>
-  <a href="https://github.com/Pylons-tech/pylons/blob/master/LICENSE">
-    <img alt="License: Apache-2.0" src="https://img.shields.io/github/license/Pylons-tech/pylons.svg" />
-  </a>
-  <a href="https://pkg.go.dev/github.com/Pylons-tech/pylons?tab=doc">
-    <img alt="GoDoc" src="https://godoc.org/github.com/Pylons-tech/pylons?status.svg" />
-  </a>
-  <a href="https://goreportcard.com/report/github.com/Pylons-tech/pylons">
-    <img alt="Go report card" src="https://goreportcard.com/badge/github.com/Pylons-tech/pylons" />
-  </a>
-  <a href="https://codecov.io/gh/Pylons-tech/pylons">
-    <img alt="Code Coverage" src="https://codecov.io/gh/Pylons-tech/pylons/branch/develop/graph/badge.svg" />
-  </a>
-</div>
-
-<div align="center">
-  <a href="https://github.com/Pylons-tech/pylons">
-    <img alt="Lines Of Code" src="https://tokei.rs/b1/github/Pylons-tech/pylons" />
-  </a>
-  <a href="https://discord.gg/3sbWqGsp">
-    <img alt="Discord" src="https://img.shields.io/discord/425895893380628490.svg" />
-  </a>
-    <img alt="Build Status" src="https://github.com/Pylons-tech/pylons/workflows/Tests/badge.svg" />
-    <img alt="Lint Status" src="https://github.com/Pylons-tech/pylons/workflows/Lint/badge.svg" />
-</div>
-
-<!-- TODO rewrite this description --->
-
-Built on [Cosmos](http://www.cosmos.network/), **Pylons** is a fast and interoperable system for brands and creators to build engaging products with meaningful NFT experiences.
-
-This repository provides the `pylonsd` daemon, the program for running a node on the [Pylons](https://pylons.tech) blockchain.
-It connects to the other nodes in the network to form a consensus, and responds to API and CLI commands from clients, including the [Pylons SDK](https://github.com/Pylons-tech/pylons_sdk).
+* The Pylons blockchain software, written in Go using the Cosmos-SDK.
+* Big Dipper, a block explorer from Forbole that we have customized for use with Pylons.  Thank you Forbole!
+* Our genesis state
 
 ## Documentation
 
 To learn how to use run a Pylons node, check out the [documentation pages](./docs/README.md).  To learn more about developing NFTs on Pylons, see the [Pylons SDK](https://github.com/Pylons-tech/pylons_dart_sdk) project.
 
+## Our Research
+
+* We are actively researching new ways to allow for NFTs to be listed for sale on different IBC enabled blockchain networks after purchase.
+* We are the first permissionless layer one chain to integrate with traditional credit card payment systems.
+* We are working to achieve 500ms block times, to allow for seamless integration with mobile games.
+
 ## Talk to us!
 
-Pylons is maintained by [Tendermint](https://tendermint.com/) and [Pylons LLC](https://pylons.tech).  Follow us to see the latest updates or get involved.
+Pylons is maintained by Pylons, LLC in collaboration with RNS and Notional Labs.
 
 * [Discord](https://discord.gg/dZgUGy32j7)
 * [Twitter](https://twitter.com/pylonstech)
@@ -63,4 +29,4 @@ Pylons is maintained by [Tendermint](https://tendermint.com/) and [Pylons LLC](h
 
 ## Contributing
 
-We welcome contributions from everyone.  For more information about contributing, please review our [guidelines](CONTRIBUTING.md). Thank you to our Pylons contributors!
\ No newline at end of file
+We welcome contributions from everyone.  For more information about contributing, please review our [guidelines](CONTRIBUTING.md). Thank you to our Pylons contributors!