Phase 0 · 16 Slots
Become a Founding Validator
φNet is bootstrapping its inaugural validator set. Sixteen founding slots are available to operators who meet our decentralisation, infrastructure, and governance standards. Founding validators shape the network from genesis.
What is a φNet Validator?
Validators are the backbone of the φNet protocol. Each validator node participates in three core duties: block production, finality confirmation, and governance voting.
φNet uses a BFT finality mechanism requiring an 11-of-16 quorum to confirm each block as final. This means the network can tolerate up to five faulty or offline validators while still producing irreversible finality.
Stake bonds are subject to a k = 1.3 bond factor. This means the effective bond posted by a validator equals 1.3× the minimum stake threshold, aligning long-term incentives and increasing the cost of equivocation.
Validators must maintain an uptime SLA of ≥95% over any rolling 1000-block window. Sustained underperformance triggers the Economic Security Layer's slashing mechanism.
Validator Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Geographic diversity | Must represent unique country/jurisdiction |
| ASN ownership | Must own or control the AS number |
| Infrastructure | Dedicated server (not shared cloud) recommended |
| Bond | Minimum stake × k (1.3) bond factor |
| Uptime | ≥95% rolling 1000-block window |
| Governance participation | Vote on all active proposals within 48h |
| Communication | Respond to SM-1/SM-2 alerts within 4h |
| Identity | Verified via validator identity registry (WO-OM4) |
Diversity Constraints
Network-Level Concentration Limits
- ·ASN concentration: ≤25% of validators per autonomous system
- ·Cloud provider: ≤40% of validators per hosting provider
- ·Country: ≤35% of validators per country
Note: Operator weight exceeding 20% triggers automatic SM-1 safety mode activation.
Founding Programme — Phase 0
Phase 0 opens 16 inaugural validator slots. Founding validators are selected through a manual application and review process designed to maximise geographic and operational diversity from day one.
Founding validators receive the full set of founding validator perks as described in the Founding Validator Programme document, including priority slot allocation in future phases.
Ready to apply?
Phase 0 slots are limited. Applications are reviewed manually and prioritised by diversity contribution.
Apply Now