The StarkWare Delegation Program
Come stake with us
StarkWare is excited to support Starknet's security and decentralization by delegating STRK to committed, high-quality validators.
Delegation
In 2025, StarkWare launched a delegation program in order to support greater decentralization and community involvement in its staking protocol.
Track A
Designed for StarkWare’s core validators: serious, highly committed operators with respectable staking amounts and a proven operational record.
Track A will include several dozen recipients, each entitled to a delegation of at least 15M STRK, and up to 20M STRK for candidates who qualify under more than one eligibility track, or who have maintained significant testnet activity.
All Track A participants must demonstrate 99% mainnet liveness over the last three months, and must qualify under at least one of the following:
- Top staker: One of the top 8 validators by STRK stake (excluding StarkWare and the Starknet Foundation, which are excluded from the stake ranking).
- Top-tier infrastructure provider: Established infrastructure providers from other chains that maintain a Starknet staking service. Applications should highlight the other chains the entity operates on, any audits held, and involvement in the Starknet community or efforts to attract non-StarkWare delegation.
- Ecosystem contributor: Builders contributing to Starknet’s success. Any app builder on Starknet whose app paid at least $2,000/month in network fees on average over the last three months is automatically eligible. Other ecosystem members who have made strong contributions to Starknet or its related technology in the last six months may apply for consideration, highlighting their relevant contribution.
Track B
Designed for dedicated operators and enthusiasts who take their staking role seriously, actively participate in decentralization discussions, and maintain a testnet presence.
Track B will include a handful of recipients, each entitled to a delegation of 5M STRK. This track primarily aims to help cover infrastructure costs for committed individuals with a genuine interest in Starknet staking.
Participants must demonstrate 99% liveness over the last three months on both mainnet and testnet. Applicants should describe their interest in Starknet staking, what brought them to participate, and the perspective they can bring going forward.
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
Qualify as a top staker, top-tier infrastructure provider, or ecosystem contributor (see track details above)
Demonstrate 99% liveness over the last three months on mainnet
Maintain 99% mainnet and testnet liveness for the duration of the program
Maximum commission capped at 15%
Active participation in staking conversations and feedback sessions (approximately one hour per month, when requested)
24/7 on-call service once Staking v3 / decentralized validation is live (targeting 2027)
Successfully complete mandatory compliance
When applying, please clearly state which track you are applying to and why you meet its criteria.
Track B Requirements
A statement describing your interest in Starknet staking and the perspective you bring
Maintain 99.5% livenessDemonstrate 99% liveness over the last three months on both mainnet and testnet
Maintain 99% mainnet and testnet liveness for the duration of the program
Maximum commission capped at 15%
24/7 on-call service once Staking v3 / decentralized validation is live (targeting 2027)
Successfully complete mandatory compliance
When applying, please clearly state which track you are applying to and why you meet its criteria.
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 delegates STRK to eligible validators. In its third round, the program focuses on depth over breadth: up to 33 validators will receive delegations ranging from 5M to 20M STRK, with higher expectations of reliability, testnet participation, and ongoing engagement. 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 participating in the StarkWare Delegation Program: maintain 99% uptime on both mainnet and Sepolia (testnet), agree to a 15% commission cap, actively participate in staking conversations and provide feedback when asked, maintain a 24/7 on-call service once Staking v3 is live, 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?
Applications for the third round are open for a fixed two-week window following the announcement of the final round criteria. Approximately one week after the submission window closes, StarkWare will withdraw all existing delegations and redistribute them according to the third-round structure.
How do I complete the form?
For questions or assistance completing the form, please contact delegation_program@starkware.co.
Do I need to apply to be a validator each registration round?
If you wish to participate in the third round, you must apply, even if you are a current program participant. Because the program structure, eligibility criteria, and delegation amounts have changed, all validators (including existing program participants) must submit a new application stating which track they are applying to and why they meet its criteria.
Can I apply to more than one track or eligibility criterion?
Yes, but note that no applicants will be accepted to both tracks. If you apply to both, your application for Track B will be reviewed only if your application for Track A is rejected. When applying, clearly state each eligibility criterion under which you believe you qualify. Please contact delegation_program@starkware.co with any questions.
What happens to delegations from previous rounds?
After the third-round submission window closes, StarkWare will withdraw all existing delegations and redistribute them across the validators selected under the new structure. Validators who do not receive delegation under the new structure may continue operating as Starknet validators independently, and we encourage them to remain part of the conversation as the validator set grows in future phases.
We truly appreciate the efforts of all the validators who will no longer receive delegation under the new structure. This program change reflects a shift in strategy, not a reflection on your work, and your early participation helped get Starknet staking off the ground.
Why is StarkWare changing the program structure?
After two rounds focused on expanding the program's reach, StarkWare is shifting to prioritize quality over quantity. Operating a Starknet validator is a serious undertaking: teams are expected to rigorously test on testnet, stay current with protocol upgrades, maintain on-call services, and provide feedback as Starknet progresses toward decentralization. Larger delegations to fewer, highly committed validators better support the offchain resources and human time this work requires.