Whitelist Open: Become a Lit Protocol V1 Node Operator

The whitelist to become a node operator for Lit Protocol's upcoming V1 Mainnet opens today. Whether you’re an experienced node operator or new to the ecosystem, this is your chance to join the genesis validator set and secure a position at the foundation of decentralized, programmable cryptography.

In order to democratize the initial node operator selection process a staking contest will be held, putting the power directly in the hands of $LITKEY token holders and prospective node operators. If you’re a node operator interested in participating in the network or someone who will look to help secure the network via delegation, you can read more about the staking contest initiative in the sections below.

👉 Register your node profile today: https://staking.litprotocol.com/register

Staking Contest: Selecting Initial Validators

The V1 Mainnet launch will commence with a distributed key generation (DKG) process initiated by the top 10 node operators by total stake weight (see sections below) to be determined through a competitive staking and delegation contest.

Stake weight is calculated as a combination of the number of tokens as node operator self-stakes and has delegated to them, as well as a timelock mechanism which is covered in detail in the $LITKEY token white paper.

The staking contest will be conducted in three phases:

The Three-Phase Launch Process

Phase 1: Contest Announcement & Preparation [NOW]

The whitelist process for the staking contest starts NOW. If you’re a node operator interested in participating, visit the staking portal to register your node profile today. In the coming days, the official Node Operator Handbook will be released, outlining technical requirements and specifications, as well as operating procedures and expectations.

Important note: This contest is open to everyone. Whether you've participated in one of Lit Protocol’s testnet or beta networks or are completely new to running a Lit node, you're welcome to participate and compete for a Mainnet validator spot!

Phase 2: The Staking Contest Begins [TGE]

The staking competition will officially begin after the Lit Protocol TGE. Prospective node operators will be able to build their total stake-weight through multiple channels:

• Purchasing tokens on supported exchanges
• Claiming and staking airdrop rewards (if applicable)
• Securing delegated stake from $LITKEY token holders

Token holders not interested in participating as node operators can:

• Delegate tokens to support preferred node operators
• Contribute to decentralization by spreading delegation across multiple operators
• Earn staking rewards while contributing to cryptoeconomic security

Phase 3: Selection & Network Launch [POST-TGE]

After the staking competition ends (approximately two weeks after the $LITKEY TGE), the top 10 node operators by total stake-weight will be selected as a part of the initial validator set. After selection, all node operators will need to adhere to the following requirements prior to being confirmed as a Mainnet node operator:

Critical Requirements for Selected Node Operators

1. Minimum Self-Stake Requirement

Every selected operator must maintain $20,000 USD equivalent in $LITKEY tokens (an estimated 100,000 $LITKEY) as self-stake. This cannot be fulfilled through delegation—it must come from the operator's own holdings, ensuring each node operator has genuine skin in the game.

2. Hardware & Infrastructure

Selected operators must acquire and maintain hardware meeting specifications outlined in the Node Operator Handbook which will be published prior to the contest commencing.

3. Unique Entity Verification

Given the threshold nature of the Lit network, it's crucial that each node operator is represented by a distinct entity. All selected operators must complete a KYC / KYB verification process to prevent any single party from controlling multiple validator slots.

What Happens If My Node Doesn’t Make the Top 10?

Any node operator who doesn’t make the top 10 after the completion of the staking contest will automatically be considered a part of the “standby” node operator set. Standby nodes will have priority consideration for future network expansions (see Shadow Splicing) and will have the opportunity to migrate their staked tokens to another validator if they so choose.

Token holders who delegated to a node operator who did not end up making the initial validator set will have the ability to seamlessly migrate their stake to a new node of their choice to earn rewards on their locked stake. Alternatively, locked stake can be withdrawn after the unfreeze period. 

Note: Standby operators won't earn rewards initially, but this may change as the network grows and additional validator slots become available.

Mainnet Live: Initiating the DKG

Once the v1 node operator set has been finalized and all requirements have been validated, the Distributed Key Generation (DKG) process will commence. This cryptographic ceremony will generate the root keys utilized by Lit Protocol's threshold cryptography network and officially bring the V1 Mainnet online.

Why This Approach Matters

This contest-based selection process was selected as it reflects the core values of the Lit Protocol development team and ecosystem:

1. Community-Driven: Token holders directly influence who secures the network
2. Merit-Based: Operators must demonstrate ability to attract delegation and meet hardware and economic requirements
3. Economically Aligned: Significant self-stake requirements ensure validators care about long-term success
4. Decentralized from Day One: Open participation allows token holders to select the initial validator set without centralized intervention.

Get Ready to Participate

If you're interested in running a node, now is the time to prepare:

For Prospective Operators:

Today:

• Whitelist your node on the Lit Protocol staking portal: https://staking.litprotocol.com/register 

Soon:

• Review the upcoming Node Operator Handbook [Coming Soon]
• Assess hardware and infrastructure capabilities
• Build community presence and reputation
• Prepare for the self-stake requirement

Conclusion

Lit Protocol’s Mainnet launch is just the beginning. This is not just another network launch, it is the establishment of a foundation for a new era of user-owned applications powered by decentralized cryptography.

If you’re a node operator interested in participating in this movement, you can whitelist your node profile on the staking portal starting today.

Stay tuned for the official Node Operator Handbook release coming soon, as well as more info on the Lit Protocol TGE and Mainnet. The race to secure Lit Protocol's V1 mainnet is about to begin!