The StarkWare Delegation Program
Come stake with us
StarkWare is excited to support Starknet's security and decentralization by launching a delegation program for active validators.
ApplyDelegation
In 2025, StarkWare launched a delegation program in order to support greater decentralization and community involvement in its staking protocol. StarkWare is delegating STRKs across eligible validators in an effort to expand Starknet’s staking pool, improve stake distribution, increase decentralization, and encourage greater and new participation in staking.
Track A
Designed for newer and smaller validators, with an aim to encourage onboarding and support their growth over time.
This track helps validators mature into long-term contributors to the network. Validators in this track are required to have a smaller minimum of STRK staked, demonstrate at least 1 month of liveness, and agree to maximum consensus power and commission cap percentages. These validators are required to operate on testnet for Staking v3 testing, when applicable.
Track B
Designed for validators with a proven operational history who demonstrate long-term alignment and reliability.
This track supports stable, professional operators. Validators in this track are required to have a larger number of STRK staked, may not exceed 5% consensus power cap, must agree to a cap on commission, and must demonstrate at least three months of operational liveness of over 99%. Validators in this track will receive a more substantial delegation.
How can I get involved?
Apply to join StarkWare’s staking program as a validator!
Whether you're a seasoned validator or a STRK holder new to validation, the program offers you options to contribute to Starknet’s security and decentralization and earn rewards in the process.
Why Validate through the
StarkWare Delegation Program?
Earn Competitive Rewards:
Receive staking rewards for participating in block validation
Strengthen Network Security:
Play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and performance of Starknet
Apply Now
Track A Requirements
Minimum 1 month as active validator
Maintain 99% liveness
Minimum 20,000 STRK staked (not including STRK received as part of delegation programs)
Maximum 5% consensus power
Maximum commission capped at 15%
Testnet operation in Staking v3, when applicable
Complete mandatory compliance
Track B Requirements
Minimum 3 months as active validator
Maintain 99.5% liveness
Minimum 1 million STRK staked (not including STRK received as part of delegation programs)
Maximum 5% consensus power
Maximum commission capped at 15%
Testnet operation in Staking v3 from Q2
Complete mandatory enhanced compliance
Purpose of the form:
- Ensure Network Integrity: By verifying validators, we maintain a secure and trustworthy network environment.
- Comply with Regulations: Adhering to compliance requirements helps us meet global regulatory standards, reducing risks that could affect all participants.
- Protect Participants: Compliance helps prevent malicious actors from compromising the network, safeguarding your STRK and the ecosystem’s health.
- Build a Trustworthy Ecosystem Together: By completing the compliance process, you contribute to a more secure network, benefiting all participants.
Program terms
FAQs
Why did StarkWare launch a staking program?
StarkWare, the software developer that is a Starknet core contributor, is highly committed to helping advance Starknet’s decentralization journey. This decentralization vision aligns with the Web3 ethos of resisting centralization and maintaining control of one’s assets and digital life. It also embodies a commitment to broad participation, ensuring that Starknet is operated and used by an ecosystem that protects its network from the undue influence of any single entity—critical elements of a strong, permissionless, decentralized system.
As part of this journey, Starknet is gradually moving to a Proof of Stake (PoS) protocol, which secures a network by having participants lock up their tokens, in return for which, they earn rewards for contributing to keeping the network safe and decentralized. (You can learn more about staking in this blog.) Staking on Starknet is a significant step toward achieving Starknet’s decentralization vision. StarkWare seeks to be a player in the Starknet ecosystem and one means of doing so is by launching a staking program. You can learn more about StarkWare’s plan to validate here.
How does the StarkWare Delegation Program work and how can I participate?
StarkWare is delegating STRKs across eligible validators. The delegation program aims at benefiting the Starknet ecosystem by supporting small, emerging validators and established, long-term validators, as well as encouraging a more balanced and decentralized stake distribution. You can learn more about the two delegation tracks and apply to join the program above.
How can I learn more about the StarkWare Delegation Program?
For additional information about StarkWare's Delegation Program, you can read this blog post.
You can learn more about Starknet's phased approach to implementing the staking protocol here and here. And you are welcome to offer feedback and suggestions about StarkWare's involvement in staking on Starknet here.
If I'm not yet running a validator on Starknet, how can I participate in the StarkWare Delegation Program?
If you are not currently a validator on Starknet, you can refer to the guide for Running a full node and Becoming a validator to learn more. Once you are running a validator, you must complete the compliance form above to apply to participate in the StarkWare Delegation Program.
Can I participate as a Starknet validator without applying through StarkWare’s Delegation Program?
Absolutely. Anyone who is a STRK holder can participate as a validator. For more information about being a validator, see this guide.
There are several additional requirements for validators to participate in the StarkWare Delegation Program: maintain 99% liveness, agree to a 10% commission cap, participate in testnet validation beginning with Staking v3, and pass the compliance process.
To participate as a validator as part of StarkWare’s Delegation Program and receive the accompanying rewards, one must meet the above validator criteria and complete the compliance process.
What is the deadline for applying to the StarkWare Delegation Program?
We will be accepting applications for the program on a rolling basis. Delegations will be executed following each registration round.
How do I complete the form?
For questions or assistance completing the form, please contact [email protected].
Do I need to apply to be a validator each registration round?
No. Once you apply and are accepted to the program, there is no need to apply during subsequent registration rounds.
Can I switch from one program track to another?
Yes. If you are an existing program participant and are interested in switching tracks, you must apply by completing the relevant compliance process for the new track.
Please keep in mind that the requirements for each track differ and you will be expected to meet the requirements for the duration of your participation in the program.
Please contact [email protected] with any questions.