ICF Delegation Cycle Update: Extending the Cycle, Supporting Testnet Efforts
At the Interchain Foundation, our mission has always been to foster growth, innovation, and collaboration across the Cosmos ecosystem. Today, we’re excited to share important updates to our delegation policy that reflect our commitment to these values and set the stage for an even brighter future.
With the Interchain Foundation’s recent acquisition of Skip, we seek to restructure the delegations programme to fit future goals. Of course, achieving the required alignment of the program to the goals of the Cosmos ecosystem will take time and effort.
To this end, we will continue with the existing delegation program format until mid-2025, when we launch the new, refreshed program.
As of January — existing, non-slashed delegations will remain unchanged for 6 months to avoid downtimes while we optimize our new policy. One core, early change that will be trialed is the support of the Testnet Program, run by Hypha, to reward historical and future testnet validators with added delegation from the program. We will make an update when these transfers are completed.
You can find the full breakdown of these delegations and changes below.
Extending Cycle 2: Continuing Support During Transitions
We are extending the second cycle of the delegation policy through June 2025 to provide sustained support for key contributors to the Cosmos ecosystem while the ICF restructures growth initiatives through its new subsidiary (Interchain Labs). This extension renews the active and non-slashed delegations of Cycle 2 for an extra period of 6 months. It also introduces special support for Cosmos Hub Testnet Program participants.
By recognizing and amplifying the efforts of those who test and validate new features, we aim to strengthen our commitment to the Hub and the stability of the Stack’s development.
Supporting the Testnet Program:
As said above, during this six–month cycle, we will expand the delegation pool to support the Cosmos Hub’s testnet program, which Hypha actively manages during its stewardship.
The following is a pilot test of the delegation program expanding its reach to reward further positive initiatives that help secure, test, or develop Cosmos, the Hub, and Stack. The Testnet Program is a fundamental activity for the quality assurance of Cosmos’ software, and we are excited to amplify its impact by delegating to validators who are performing positively within the program.
This document includes a table detailing the newly added delegations to validators that are active and consistent in the testnet program and the delegation amounts.
Looking Ahead: Cycle 3, Coming Mid-2025
As we look to the future, we’re thrilled to announce that the third iteration of our delegation policy is on the horizon, launching in mid-2025. We aim to ensure that those who contribute meaningfully to the Cosmos network and the Cosmos Hub receive the recognition and resources they deserve.
Additionally, to ensure that the third iteration of our delegation policy is robust, inclusive, and impactful, we are considering forming a Validators Working Group.
Stay tuned for further details as we refine and prepare this next chapter. We’re committed to shaping a policy that reflects our ecosystem’s shared values and ambitions.
The Cosmos ecosystem is built on collaboration, innovation, and shared vision. For more updates, follow us on X.
