The Aeternity Foundation has officially launched its highly anticipated Hyperchains protocol, a groundbreaking solution that caters to users, especially corporates, who demand the same level of control and predictability from blockchain technology as they do from other parts of their IT infrastructure. The public beta release of Hyperchains showcases how users can now set up a customized blockchain that is fortified against attacks by leveraging the security mechanisms of æternity, Bitcoin, or DOGE networks.
Hyperchains is a pioneering blockchain solution that empowers users to operate an independent Layer 1 blockchain (L1) with the ability to tailor its performance, participation, and security features, as well as configure network reward and penalty parameters. This innovative protocol incorporates a hybrid consensus mechanism that combines Proof-of-Stake (PoS) efficiency with Proof-of-Work (PoW) security.
Nikola Stojanow, the Chairman of the Aeternity Foundation, emphasized the significance of Hyperchains in addressing the blockchain adoption challenges. He stated, “Hyperchains represent a technological leap forward in terms of security and performance. What sets Hyperchains apart is the ability for users to launch a fully independent L1 blockchain, distinct from other tokens and organizations. With Hyperchains, users are not just creating a token, they are launching an entire blockchain ecosystem.”
Hyperchains offers a comprehensive blockchain solution with all the essential features of the æternity blockchain, including native compatibility with æternity SDK’s, oracles, and compilers. It seamlessly integrates with æternity’s FATE virtual machine, Sophia smart contract language, and highly efficient Erlang code base, enabling functionalities like State Channels, Zero-Knowledge Proofs, and Account Abstraction.
Initiators of Hyperchains have the flexibility to opt for crowdsourced data processing and security through a public Hyperchain, where anyone can participate as a validator, or they can choose a permissioned Hyperchain that restricts participation to maintain full control over chain operations. By allowing delegators to commit tokens to validators, operators can enhance the security of the Hyperchain through increased staking.
One of the key advantages of Hyperchains is its ability to operate without the need for specialized hardware, eliminating the reliance on ASICs or dedicated miners for securing blockchain transactions. The protocol implements a security feature called “pinning” that anchors points to a secondary PoW blockchain to ensure the integrity of the Hyperchain in case of a fork or rewrite. The security mechanism, detailed in a newly released whitepaper, provides unparalleled protection against attacks, requiring attackers to compromise both the Hyperchain and its PoW pinning chain.
Laurent Martin, the Director of the æternity ecosystem program, highlighted the significance of Hyperchains in overcoming the blockchain trilemma by offering a harmonious balance between decentralization, security, and scalability. He stated, “Hyperchains’ hybrid consensus security is unmatched, delegated staking promotes broad user participation, and we anticipate pushing the performance boundaries of physical infrastructure by the end of 2025.”
Interested developers and corporate decision-makers are encouraged to explore the beta release of Hyperchains. The Aeternity Foundation is offering grant support for integrating services such as EVM bridging, DEX functionality, and wallet support to enhance the capabilities of Hyperchains leading up to the v1.0 release in 2025Q1. It is important to note that the Foundation supports the technical development of Hyperchains but has no affiliation with user-created Hyperchains.
For those looking to get started with the Hyperchains beta release, the platform is now available for testing. Users can explore the features of Hyperchains at aeternity.com/hyperchains, while developers can access the technical implementation on github.com/aeternity/aeternity/releases/tag/v7.3.0-rc2. As this is a beta release, it is advised not to commit valuable assets until the stable release in 2025Q1.
About the Aeternity Foundation:
The Aeternity Foundation is a leading force in blockchain innovation, based in Sofia, Bulgaria. The Foundation drives technological progress through strategic partnerships, developer support, and a commitment to accessible and scalable blockchain solutions.
In conclusion, the launch of Hyperchains marks a significant milestone in blockchain technology, offering users unparalleled control, security, and performance capabilities. The protocol’s innovative features and robust security mechanisms position it as a game-changer in the evolving blockchain landscape.