TESTNET, COGN has no monetary value. For testing purposes only.Get your free 500 COGN

Become a Validator

Help run the COGNITUM network and earn rewards. You set aside some COGN, and your computer helps confirm the network's transactions.

Easy Setup guide →

New here? What being a validator means

  • •A validator is a small always-on server that helps confirm blocks on the post-quantum network. You rent it for a few dollars a week.
  • •This is the testnet: the COGN here has no real-world money value, it’s for testing and becoming a founding validator.
  • •Founding validators are onboarded by invitation, there’s no form or stake to “apply” your way into the set. You coordinate with the team, then follow the setup guide.
  • •Your validator’s secret key is created on the server and never leaves it, you never paste or email a private key.
1
Make an account
so the team can reach you and confirm you’re on the founding list.
2
Rent a server
DigitalOcean or Hetzner, and open its Console in your browser.
3
Paste one command
it makes its own key and prints your public key, you send that to the team.
4
Go live
when everyone’s key is in, paste one last line. Done. 🎉
Go to the Easy Setup guide →Works withDigitalOcean·HETZNER

What you earn as a validator

The straight answer, all inside a fixed 1-billion-COGN supply, so no inflation dilutes your share:

💰Block rewards + fees📈Variable, not a fixed rate⚡Founding recognition at mainnet🔒Fixed 1B supply, no inflation

Testnet reality: test COGN has no monetary value, and blocks are still produced by COGNITUM's own node, new validators do NOT earn block rewards yet. That opens as consensus decentralizes; until then, the mainnet founding airdrop is the real reward for showing up early. Live numbers: State of the Network. · Just want yield without running a node? Any COGN holder can stake for a governance-set target of up to ~6%/yr, a separate product from validating. Staking →

Optional, register your interest.Founding validators are onboarded by invitation, so this just records your details for review, it doesn’t place you into consensus. When you’re ready to run a node, follow the Easy Setup guide.

Your Application

No tech skills needed, about 2 minutes: pick a name, confirm your key, choose a region, set your stake, and submit.

Create a usernameStep 1 of 5

New to this or need setup help? Read the full validator guide →