The testnet environment will be hosted pre and post mainnet launch. It is expected that new properties and features will be added to the testnet every 4-8 weeks. With each new release, particular functionalities or properties within the network will be stress tested. Each version of the testnet will remain open for several weeks until a new iteration is released. Between each new release, Axelar may wind down the testnet in preparation for the next version.

In regards to the duration of the testnet: this will depend on the complexity of the functionality that is tested as well as the operational support and other factors.

Testnet validators play a key role in strengthening the network and ensure that the Axelar network is robust and secure. This helps Axelar to successfully launch a robust mainnet that will enable heterogeneous blockchain ecosystems to communicate and to make cross-chain requests.

Interested testnet validators have the opportunity to contribute to Axelar’s vision of a scalable cross-chain communication between blockchain ecosystems and can become part of the network.

The Axelar team is onboarding users gradually so that it can scale together with the number of participants. The number of participants will be increased for each testnet independence on the scale of Axelar’s operational support and tech. It is Axelar’s goal to build a fully decentralized network so that anyone can join and participate.

Testnet participants should have prior knowledge of Docker and terminal as well as GitHub workflows. Experiences in running notes and troubleshooting in test environments are a plus.

After you have registered for the testnet, eligible candidates will be contacted directly by the Axelar team via email. This includes information on how to get started. Please note that communication will only come from official Axelar accounts.

The Axelar team is onboarding users gradually so that it can scale together with the number of participants. It may take some time to get everyone onboarded. This may delay the process a bit as Axelar received a total of 8,000 signups, which takes some time to work through.

Axelar has received a total of 8,000 signups for the testnet and is onboarding users incrementally. It may take several weeks/months to hear back from the team. Make sure to stay tuned to the announcements in the official channels. Axelar is working hard in the background to scale the network to support more participants.

News about the testnet will be announced across Axelar’s social channels, for example the official blog. Can also stay up-to-date with testnet announcements by joining the official developer discord server of Axelar.

The initial goal is to onboard a diverse set of eligible testnet participants with extensive technical experience in running nodes and participating in testnets as well as developers, moderators, builders, and community leaders.

Different rules apply depending on the location of the testnet validator:

• Participants within the US/Canada: Eligible candidates must be accredited investors with proof thereof, pass a KYC/AML check, and must pass other verifications and compliance procedures deemed necessary by the Axelar foundation to comply with applicable laws
• Participants outside of the US/Canada: Eligible candidates must pass a KYC/AML check, need to verify their citizenship/residency, and must pass other verifications and compliance procedures deemed necessary by the Axelar foundation to comply with applicable laws

Please note that the token allocation for testnet participants is based on your services to do community and will be subject to the successful completion of verification and compliance procedures. Participants found not to be eligible as a result of these compliance checks do not qualify for token rewards.

Participation is limited to accredited US and Canadian citizens because of regulatory uncertainty around governance tokens.

It is the stated goal of Axelar to make the testnet open for everyone to participate. There is no set date for this to happen but Axelar is working hard to make this a reality.