We are excited to announce the launch of support for promising projects that want to become Bitcoin Secured Networks (BSNs)!
BSNs are decentralized networks that leverage the Babylon Bitcoin staking protocol to use the Bitcoin network as their security and liquidity foundation. The first batch of BSNs to go live will be L1 chains built on tech stacks like the Cosmos SDK as well as rollups built using OP Stack or Arbitrum tech stacks.
Shortly after the Phase-2 launch, a testnet will be ready for initial prospective BSNs to begin testing with our technical support and help in preparation of the Phase-3 launch (when BSNs can connect to Bitcoin security on the mainnet).
Why Bitcoin staking?
Bitcoin’s market cap is currently around $2.1 trillion, with most bitcoin sitting idle and underutilized. The Babylon Bitcoin staking protocol unlocked a third native use case for bitcoin where the asset can be staked in a self-custodial way to secure PoS chains.
As of January 2025, 57,000 bitcoin (worth around $6 billion) is already staked on the Bitcoin blockchain through the Babylon protocol. Not only can BSNs get security from the staked bitcoin, but their native asset does not need to be locked for staking anymore. This frees up their token for use in other activities within the BSN, increasing liquidity within the chain..
The first BSNs can expect to use the staked bitcoin to access Bitcoin's security directly and without the need for intermediaries or bridges. This will increase the BSN’s decentralization and improve its resilience and censorship-resistance.
Further, the demand for Bitcoin Liquid Staking Token (BTC LST) protocols helps add another layer of value for BSNs. These protocols allow users to stake Bitcoin via Babylon while receiving receipt tokens that can be used many ways, including in DeFi ecosystems. BSNs can leverage these LSTs with well-structured incentives to create additional liquidity and security.
Next steps
Bitcoin Secured Networks will soon have access to billions of dollars in economic security through the Babylon Bitcoin Staking protocol, empowering them to innovate and grow with confidence.
Babylon Labs is seeking to help a select group of BSNs ready to be early adopters of the Babylon protocol and Bitcoin staking.
Is your network ready to become a BSN?
If you are and you would like our help, start your application today!
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