Expanding Bitcoin’s Capabilities
Side Protocol has launched Side Chain Mainnet Alpha, introducing a fully Bitcoin-compatible proof-of-stake (PoS) sidechain. Built on Cosmos and secured by major mining pools, Side Chain enables faster transactions, lower fees, and new use cases for Bitcoin while maintaining compatibility with its native infrastructure.
Bitcoin's security and decentralization have made it the dominant digital asset, but high fees and slow transaction times limit its functionality. Side Chain is designed to address these issues while keeping Bitcoin at the center of its architecture.
What Is Side Chain?
Side Chain operates as an extension layer for Bitcoin, maintaining Bitcoin’s core principles while introducing more flexibility. Unlike traditional Layer 2 solutions, Side Chain is a non-EVM, non-Bitcoin fork PoS blockchain that offers:
sBTC, a Bitcoin-pegged token that allows BTC holders to transact with low fees and instant finality.
Bitcoin-native address compatibility, supporting Taproot and Native SegWit.
Interoperability via IBC, connecting Bitcoin liquidity to the broader blockchain ecosystem.
How Side Chain Works
Bitcoin-Pegged sBTC
sBTC is a 1:1 Bitcoin-pegged asset that enables BTC holders to use Bitcoin in decentralized applications while maintaining its value on the mainnet. Users can bridge BTC to sBTC, unlocking faster transactions and lower costs.
Instant Settlement & Low Fees
Side Chain achieves finality in seconds, compared to Bitcoin’s 10-minute block times. This makes it a more efficient option for payments, trading, and other high-frequency transactions.
Gas fees are also streamlined—users can pay transaction fees directly in sBTC, eliminating the need to hold a separate native token for network fees.
Cross-Chain Interoperability
Side Chain integrates with the IBC Protocol, allowing assets to move seamlessly across different blockchain ecosystems. This means Bitcoin liquidity can now be used beyond its mainnet, expanding its role in DeFi and other blockchain applications.
Who Supports Side Chain?
Side Chain is backed by major Bitcoin mining pools, including:
AntPool
F2Pool
ViaBTC
SpiderPool
These validators, including community validators like Stakecito, ensure the network remains secure while maintaining decentralization.
Incentive Programs for Early Users
To drive adoption, Side Protocol has introduced an sBTC Incentive Program, rewarding early participants:
100 SIDE tokens per transaction for users bridging BTC to sBTC during Round 1.
Genesis Drop participants can check their balances on Side Station and stake $SIDE to earn an APR of 25% or more.
What’s Next?
The launch of Side Chain Mainnet Alpha marks an important step in expanding Bitcoin’s role in decentralized finance and cross-chain applications. With sBTC now live and staking incentives in place, Bitcoin holders have new opportunities to engage with a broader blockchain ecosystem.
Users can explore Side Chain today at station.side.one.
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About Stakecito Labs
At Stakecito Labs, we've honed our craft as validators. Our reputation as the third-largest validator by delegation count within the Cosmos ecosystem speaks to our unwavering dedication and the trust placed in us by over 270,000 delegators worldwide.
Our validation services are not just about maintaining Cosmos blockchain networks though; we validate networks outside of Cosmos as well (NEAR, Aleph Zero, etc.).
Our core mission is centered on demystifying blockchain technology to ensure it's accessible for everyone, from newcomers to seasoned investors. To begin staking, visit our homepage.
Stake with Stakecito | Follow us on Twitter | Subscribe to Our YouTube | Governance
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