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Secure the Inception network and earn rewards by running a validator node
Security is Critical
Never expose your validator keys. Use HSM or air-gapped key generation, enable doppelgänger protection, and never expose the Engine API externally.
Slashing is permanent. Running duplicate validators (same keys on multiple machines) will result in automatic slashing and loss of stake.
Maintain high uptime. Extended downtime results in reduced rewards and potential penalties. Monitor your validator continuously.
Security is Critical
Never expose your validator keys. Use HSM or air-gapped key generation, enable doppelgänger protection, and never expose the Engine API externally.
Slashing is permanent. Running duplicate validators (same keys on multiple machines) will result in automatic slashing and loss of stake.
Maintain high uptime. Extended downtime results in reduced rewards and potential penalties. Monitor your validator continuously.
Setup Requirements
Configuration
Co‑located Prysm (CL) + Geth (EL) over Engine API (JWT; localhost preferred).
Configuration
Co‑located Prysm (CL) + Geth (EL) over Engine API (JWT; localhost preferred).
CPU
4–8 vCPU
Multi-core performance recommended
CPU
4–8 vCPU
Multi-core performance recommended
Memory
16–32 GB RAM
Sufficient for both CL & EL clients
Memory
16–32 GB RAM
Sufficient for both CL & EL clients
Storage
1–2 TB NVMe SSD
Fast I/O is critical for sync
Storage
1–2 TB NVMe SSD
Fast I/O is critical for sync
Network
Stable 100 Mbps+
Low latency, Ubuntu LTS preferred
Network
Stable 100 Mbps+
Low latency, Ubuntu LTS preferred
Reliability
- Dual‑AZ/DC deployment for high availability
- Monitored restarts with automated alerting
- Regular backups (no private keys stored)
- Planned failover procedures
Reliability
- Dual‑AZ/DC deployment for high availability
- Monitored restarts with automated alerting
- Regular backups (no private keys stored)
- Planned failover procedures
Security
- HSM or air‑gapped key generation
- Doppelgänger protection enabled
- Minimal open ports, strict firewall rules
- Never expose Engine API externally
Security
- HSM or air‑gapped key generation
- Doppelgänger protection enabled
- Minimal open ports, strict firewall rules
- Never expose Engine API externally
Economics & Parameters
Stake per Validator
32 INCP
Effective balance cap 32 INCP for rewards
Stake per Validator
32 INCP
Effective balance cap 32 INCP for rewards
Rewards
- 75% attesters / 25% proposer split
- Transaction tips go to proposer
Rewards
- 75% attesters / 25% proposer split
- Transaction tips go to proposer
Exit & Withdrawal Timing
Voluntary Exit
- ~27 hours minimum (256 epochs) from exit request to withdrawable
- Additional time if churn queue is full (rate-limited exits)
- Funds automatically sweep to withdrawal address after exit completes
Slashed Exit (if penalized)
- ~36 days (8192 epochs) from slashing event to withdrawable
- Additional penalties apply during this period
Exit & Withdrawal Timing
Voluntary Exit
- ~27 hours minimum (256 epochs) from exit request to withdrawable
- Additional time if churn queue is full (rate-limited exits)
- Funds automatically sweep to withdrawal address after exit completes
Slashed Exit (if penalized)
- ~36 days (8192 epochs) from slashing event to withdrawable
- Additional penalties apply during this period
Participation Threshold
≥90% timely attestations for full rewards (linear down to 50%; <50% = 0 rewards).
Participation Threshold
≥90% timely attestations for full rewards (linear down to 50%; <50% = 0 rewards).
Churn Limit
Dynamic: max(4, floor(active_validators/65536))
Churn Limit
Dynamic: max(4, floor(active_validators/65536))
Decentralization Guard
Soft limit: ≤1% of active set per entity (social/governance enforcement).
Decentralization Guard
Soft limit: ≤1% of active set per entity (social/governance enforcement).
Validator Growth Program
Launching Nov 21, 2025
Note: Launch dates are subject to change based on network readiness. Check /status for confirmed timelines.
Join the early validator program and earn enhanced rewards while helping secure the network during its critical growth phase.
Incentives
Bonus rewards for early participants, tiered by uptime and performance
Eligibility
32 INCP stake, technical setup verification, KYC for large operators
Application
Apply here — rolling review starting Oct 15
Reporting
Monthly performance metrics and quarterly community calls
Validator Growth Program
Launching Nov 21, 2025
Note: Launch dates are subject to change based on network readiness. Check /status for confirmed timelines.
Join the early validator program and earn enhanced rewards while helping secure the network during its critical growth phase.
Incentives
Bonus rewards for early participants, tiered by uptime and performance
Eligibility
32 INCP stake, technical setup verification, KYC for large operators
Application
Apply here — rolling review starting Oct 15
Reporting
Monthly performance metrics and quarterly community calls
Operational Playbooks
Common Scenarios
Missed duties spike
Check peer counts, sync status, and network connectivity. Review logs for client errors.
Suspected key compromise
Immediately stop validator, rotate keys using backup procedures, submit incident report.
Client bugs / fork risk
Monitor official channels, prepare client updates, coordinate with other validators if needed.
Common Scenarios
Missed duties spike
Check peer counts, sync status, and network connectivity. Review logs for client errors.
Suspected key compromise
Immediately stop validator, rotate keys using backup procedures, submit incident report.
Client bugs / fork risk
Monitor official channels, prepare client updates, coordinate with other validators if needed.
Key Metrics to Monitor
- Participation rate & timely attestations
- Inclusion distance (lower is better)
- Missed proposals and attestations
- Peer count (CL & EL)
- Engine API health & sync status
Key Metrics to Monitor
- Participation rate & timely attestations
- Inclusion distance (lower is better)
- Missed proposals and attestations
- Peer count (CL & EL)
- Engine API health & sync status