TLDR
- Shardeum launched its Mainnet, bringing an autoscaling Layer 1 blockchain with fees as low as $0.01
- The testnet phase attracted over 1.4 million participants and more than 171,000 validator nodes
- Key features include a permissionless validator network, autoscaling technology, and EVM compatibility
- The Mainnet launches with 256 validators across 2 shards, with plans to expand
- Shardeum is backed by investors including Struck Crypto, Amber Group, and Balaji Srinivasan
Shardeum, the autoscaling Layer 1 blockchain, has officially launched its Mainnet following a record-breaking testnet phase. The launch marks a major step in the project’s goal to solve the long-standing Blockchain Trilemma by offering decentralization, scalability, and affordability without compromises.
The launch comes after an extensive testnet that drew over 1.4 million participants globally. More than 171,000 physically run validator nodes were part of the testnet, which Shardeum claims is the highest number among Layer 1 blockchain testnets to date.
With transaction fees as low as $0.01, Shardeum is positioning itself as an affordable alternative in the blockchain space. The network is fully EVM-compatible, meaning it works with existing Ethereum tools and infrastructure.
The Mainnet launch represents the transition from years of research and development into a fully operational network. It brings with it the Token Generation Event (TGE) for Shardeum’s native token, SHM.
Technical Features and Architecture
Shardeum’s network begins with 256 validators spread across two shards. The project emphasizes the ease of setting up a node, claiming users can spin one up in under one minute via a single-command install.
No heavy hardware or large stake requirements exist for validators. This approach enables widespread community participation in network security and governance.
“We’ve built Shardeum with the conviction that the future of Web3 must be open, inclusive, and truly scalable,” said Srini Parthasarathy, Chief Technology Officer. “Mainnet is not just a technical milestone; it demonstrates that the blockchain trilemma – once seen as a tradeoff – is genuinely solvable.”
Shardeum’s autoscaling technology is active from day one. The transaction throughput automatically scales as more validator nodes join the network. This design aims to maintain consistently low gas fees even during periods of network congestion.
The network uses a proprietary consensus mechanism called Proof-of-Quorum Optimistic (PoQo). According to Shardeum, this allows the network to scale “near-infinitely” as more nodes join.
Rather than using traditional slashing penalties, Shardeum employs an innovative validator accountability system. This system automatically rotates out consistently underperforming nodes.
Ecosystem Support and Future Plans
Shardeum is launching with support from several ecosystem partners. These include PrimeVault for secure treasury operations, Mintair for validator and operator services, and Tokensoft for airdrop and token vesting management.
The project has attracted investment from various firms including Struck Crypto, Amber Group, Big Brain Holdings, Foresight Ventures, Arrington Capital, and Jane Street. Individual investors include Balaji Srinivasan.
Adam Struck, Managing Partner at Struck Crypto, commented on the launch: “Shardeum is proving that scale, security, and true community ownership can co-exist on a single Layer 1. They are building an autoscaling network, and anyone can help secure it in under a minute.”
At launch, Shardeum will have a circulating supply of 249 million SHM tokens. The token listings will align closely with the Mainnet rollout.
For developers, Shardeum will support popular explorer tools and integrate with major EVM-supporting wallets, including MetaMask. The project has 60+ open-source repositories with over 32,000 stars on GitHub.
In the second half of 2025, Shardeum expects developers to begin testing smart-contract functionality. Stable decentralized application deployments are expected to follow shortly after.
Shardeum plans to host global community events and meetups to celebrate the launch. The project has outlined a transparent roadmap for future network upgrades, focusing on comprehensive smart-contract capabilities.
