Validators Overview
Pilier validators are institutional operators that secure the blockchain through Proof-of-Authority (PoA) consensus.
What is a Validator?
Validators perform three core functions:
- Block Production (BABE): Author new blocks when randomly selected
- Finality Voting (GRANDPA): Vote on which blocks become final
- Network Security: Maintain uptime, respond to incidents, participate in governance
Why Proof-of-Authority?
| Aspect | Pilier (PoA) | Typical PoS |
|---|---|---|
| Validators | Known institutions | Anonymous stakers |
| Selection | Governance vote | Financial stake |
| Accountability | Reputation + removal | Slashing |
| Mission | Public utility | Profit |
Key principle: Validators are trusted institutions (universities, NGOs, public bodies), not anonymous profit-seekers.
Current Validator Set
Phase 1 (Q1 2026): 3 validators
├─ validator-paris-01 (Pilier, France)
├─ validator-paris-02 (Pilier, France)
└─ validator-grenoble-01 (Pilier, France)
Phase 2 (Q3 2026-2028): 5-7 validators in France, including 2-4 NGO/universities
Phase 3 (2027-2028): 10-15 validators across EU member states
Validator Charter
All validators operate under a legally binding Charter that defines:
- ✅ Rights (operational cost coverage, governance power)
- 📋 Responsibilities (uptime, security, governance)
- 🚫 Prohibitions (double-signing, censorship)
- ⚖️ Removal process (governance vote)
Read full Charter: validator-charter.md
Documentation
| Guide | Purpose | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Who can become validator | 5 min |
| Responsibilities | What validators do | 10 min |
| Compensation | How to get paid | 7 min |
| Legal & Compliance | GDPR, liability, insurance | 10 min |
| Governance Participation | How to vote | 10 min |
| Security Procedures | Incident response | 12 min |
| Onboarding Guide | Application process | 15 min |
Quick Start
Want to become a validator?
- Check eligibility (5 min)
- Submit EOI: validators@pilier.net
- Wait for technical review (~30 days, includes shadow validator running)
- Governance vote (14 days)
- Onboarding (~30 days)
Total timeline: ~90 days
Support
📧 validators@pilier.net
💬 @pilier_org/validators (Telegram)