(Updated) From S1 to S5: Side Protocol’s Path towards a Modular Future

2 min readFeb 26, 2024

Side Protocol aspires to rebuild the Internet on Bitcoin. Realizing this ambitious vision requires rigorous research and significant engineering endeavors. Thus, we introduce this initial roadmap, outlining priorities that may evolve based on our progress, recognizing the potential need for adjustments as we move forward.

This roadmap will be segmented into 5 stages, spanning from S1 to S5.

S1

S1 introduces a Cosmos-SDK based testnet which is initially launched in a permissionless manner. Community members who have eagerly awaited the opportunity to operate as validators are now invited to utilize this testnet in preparation for the upcoming incentivized testnet launch and mainnet launch. Side Station is released as the front-end dashboard for staking, governance, bridge (IBC Transfer) and faucet.

For anyone interested to operate a node, please refer to docs.side.one

Join our Discord if you need technical support or if the web faucet doesn’t work for you.

S2

S2 will feature the first incentivized testnet, designed to thoroughly stress-test the network and applications, and prepare the SIDE Chain for the genesis event.

A point system will also be implemented to monitor users’ engagement and contributions. These points will serve as criteria for future airdrop eligibility. Users are required to obtain the “Insider” role in our Discord community to participate in the incentivized campaign.

S3, SIDE Chain V1 mainnet launch

S3 will mark the launch of SIDE Chain V1 mainnet, the token generation event including a massive token distribution. V1 strategically prioritizes developments and interations to make SIDE Chain a bitcoin sidechain and support features such as Bitcoin Connect and Bitcoin Staking.

S4, modular stack mainnet launch

Following the V1 mainnet launch in S3, Side Protocol remains committed to its vision of becoming the settlement layer in the Bitcoin modular stack. This journey progresses through subsequent stages, namely S4 and S5. In S4, SIDE Chain V2 will be introduced, ushering in new components to integrate the mainnet modular stack with Side Protocol.

Initially, SIDE Chain V2 will enable trust-minimized BTC bridging and permissioned deployment of rollups. Grants will be extended to teams building specific application sectors (such as AI, dePIN, trading, NFTs, gaming, social platforms, etc.) within the ecosystem.

S5

After the introduction of V2 to the SIDE Chain, S5 will facilitate permissionless deployment of rollups and expand integration with additional decentralized application (DA) options. The integration of decentralized sequencers will enhance the network’s decentralization. Furthermore, interoperability with other ecosystems will be strengthened through the integration of zk-IBC solution currently built by other teams, enabling trust-minimized bridging between the Bitcoin modular ecosystem and other crypto ecosystems.