ShardKeep is a decentralized password vault on Solana. We're actively onboarding operators on DevNet ahead of the MainNet launch. Operators bond SHRD, run a node, and earn rewards from every epoch.
DevNet is the proving ground. To qualify for a MainNet slot, operators first demonstrate reliable DevNet operation + community engagement. This page is the primary way to start that conversation.
Each role carries a different bond, uptime SLA, and reward share. Pick the tier that matches your capacity.
Core coordinator. Routes shard requests, validates heartbeats, issues session tokens, orchestrates rotations.
Shard storage. Holds encrypted Shamir shard fragments, responds to retrieval challenges. Opaque — you never see the contents.
Lightweight end-user contribution. Runs on your PC/Mac. Performs verification challenges against Bastions.
Every operator on DevNet is individually vetted by an admin. That's a feature, not a bottleneck — it's the anti-Sybil gate that protects the network.
Tells us who you are and what kind of node you'd like to run. No wallet needed at this stage. This is where you start.
One of the two ShardKeep admins replies via your Discord handle (primary) or email. We'll discuss your plans, answer questions, and walk you through provisioning.
You set up the hardware, install the node agent, point it at master.chillxand.com. The node begins heartbeating — we can see it's alive.
Once your node is online and we've verified your setup, we airdrop enough DevNet-SHRD to cover the bond for your chosen tier. DevNet has no faucet — admin airdrop is the only onramp.
You connect your Solana wallet at /shardkeep/auth/signin.php, submit the formal registration at /shardkeep/operator/apply.php, and bond the airdropped SHRD.
Your node flips from pending to active. You start accruing DevNet tenure + epoch rewards. Do this well for 30+ days and you qualify to apply for a MainNet slot when it opens.
Warden / Bastion: Linux host (Ubuntu 22.04+ or similar), 2+ vCPU, 4+ GB RAM, 40+ GB disk. Sentry: any modern PC/Mac.
Public IPv4 for Warden/Bastion (port 443 reachable). Stable residential fine for Sentry. Low latency to Solana RPC preferred.
Your node must heartbeat every 30s. Missed heartbeats impact your performance score + epoch rewards. Slashing applies at sustained outage.
You'll need a Solana wallet (Phantom, Solflare, Backpack, etc.) for the bond. We recommend a dedicated operator wallet — separate from any personal vault wallet.
Qualifying for MainNet requires more than uptime. We expect operators to engage with other operators, help new ones onboard, and participate in governance discussions.
Stakes unbond over UNBOND_SLOTS delay. Exiting is always allowed but not instantaneous. Plan for a multi-month minimum participation.
Takes 60 seconds. An admin will reach out via your Discord handle (or email) within a few business days.