Shardeum

EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain built for real-world asset tokenization and sub-3-second finality

Blockchain Founded 2022 Switzerland
Visit shardeum.org
Our score
Fair
Layer Layer 1
Consensus / design Proof of Stake
Native token SHM
Block time 2-3 seconds
EVM compatible Yes

What is Shardeum?

Shardeum is an EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain designed for real-world asset tokenization, decentralized finance, and high-throughput web applications. The network uses a modular architecture separating execution, state management, and consensus, delivering deterministic transaction finality with block times of 2 to 3 seconds.

Team and background

Founded in 2022, Shardeum is based in Zug, Switzerland, and operates with a team of 51 to 200 contributors. The project was co-founded by Nischal Shetty, who serves as President and is also the chief executive officer of Indian crypto exchange WazirX, alongside co-founder Omar Syed. Shardeum raised $23.6M in funding from venture investors to build out its infrastructure and ecosystem.

Architecture and core mechanics

Shardeum provides an EVM runtime that allows developers to deploy standard Solidity smart contracts using tools like Hardhat, Foundry, and Remix. End users interact with the network through EVM-compatible wallets such as MetaMask. State transitions and validation rely on a Proof-of-Stake mechanism where node operators stake the native SHM utility token to participate in consensus, and holders can delegate their SHM to active validators to earn staking rewards.

Fees and network utility

Transactions and smart contract executions require gas paid in SHM. The platform targets low, predictable fee structures to support microtransactions and consumer apps like social prediction tools and token launchpads.

Track record and milestones

Shardeum rolled out its EVM testnet in October 2025, followed by the deployment of its EVM mainnet in November 2025 alongside a 1:240 SHM redenomination token split. SHM trading subsequently expanded across exchanges including KuCoin, MEXC, and WazirX. In October 2026, the network enacted Governance Proposal 1 at block height 7,927,860, implementing the v1.1.0 upgrade that moved its underlying engine to Cosmos EVM v0.6.3.

Risks and operational trade-offs

The network remains in an early stage of operational maturity. In October 2026, the v1.1.0 protocol transition required a planned 25-minute network halt before operations resumed. As of May 2026, the active validator set stood at 24 nodes, presenting decentralization risks typical of early-stage proof-of-stake deployments. Projects and secondary asset transfers depend on ecosystem liquidity, while SHM token emission schedules expose delegators to inflation dynamics.

Founders

Nischal ShettyCo-founder & President

CEO and founder of Indian cryptocurrency exchange WazirX.

Omar SyedCo-founder
Best for:Developers deploying EVM Solidity dAppsReal-world asset tokenization issuersSHM holders seeking staking delegation

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Block production every 2 to 3 seconds with deterministic finality
  • Full EVM compatibility works directly with MetaMask and standard Solidity tooling
  • Native SHM delegation lets holders earn staking yield without running hardware
  • Raised $23.6M to back long-term infrastructure and ecosystem growth

Cons

  • Relatively small active validator set of 24 nodes recorded in May 2026
  • Experienced a planned 25-minute network halt during the October 2026 v1.1.0 upgrade
  • SHM staking yield is vulnerable to token inflation and lockup schedules
  • Young application ecosystem with limited total onchain liquidity

Our review

3.2/5
Fair

Shardeum offers low fees and EVM compatibility aimed at asset tokenization, but its active validator set remains small and decentralized adoption is still early.

Performance3.5
Fees4.0
Ecosystem2.5
Decentralization2.5
Developer experience4.0

Shardeum is an EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain founded in 2022 by Nischal Shetty and Omar Syed, operating out of Zug, Switzerland. The project has raised approximately $23.6 million in funding from venture investors. Following an initial testnet cycle, the network transitioned to its EVM mainnet in November 2025 alongside a 1:240 SHM token redenomination split. In October 2026, the network executed its first onchain governance-led mainnet upgrade, moving to Cosmos EVM v0.6.3 with a planned 25-minute network interruption at block height 7,927,860.

The network relies on Proof of Stake consensus, where validators stake SHM to produce blocks and achieve deterministic finality with block times between 2 and 3 seconds. SHM is the gas asset for transactions and powers staking delegation. Developers can deploy existing Solidity smart contracts using standard tools like Hardhat, Foundry, and Remix without architectural changes.

Key strengths include:

  • Predictable transaction costs designed for microtransactions and real-world asset workflows.
  • Full EVM parity allows standard Web3 wallets like MetaMask to connect directly via custom RPC.
  • Deterministic block finality occurring within seconds, eliminating deep confirmation delays.

The network also faces trade-offs. The active validator set numbered 24 active nodes as of May 2026, presenting a narrower validator base than older Proof of Stake networks. Monthly trading volume stood at just over $300,000 in September 2026, and primary ecosystem activity remains concentrated in early-stage dApps like Sikka.fun and cross-chain tooling like Houdini Swap.

Shardeum suits Solidity developers and tokenization platforms seeking low-fee EVM execution with fast finality. Teams requiring deeply liquid DeFi markets, high total value locked, or battle-tested decentralization across hundreds of independent validators should consider established networks like Ethereum or Polygon.

Listings are researched and drafted with AI assistance from public sources, then checked for accuracy and readability. Spot an error? Tell us. Editorial policy.
Sources (3)

Specs

Layer Layer 1 · unverified
Consensus / design Proof of Stake · unverified
Native token SHM · unverified
EVM compatible Yes · unverified
Smart contract languages Solidity · unverified
Block time 2-3 seconds · unverified
Finality Deterministic · unverified
Validators / sequencer 24 · unverified
Mainnet since 2,025 · unverified
Sequencer Not applicable · unverified
Gas paid in SHM · unverified

Not disclosed by the provider: Typical transaction fee, Throughput (TPS), Data availability.

Data from the provider's website and public sources. Fees and availability change; confirm on the official site before you sign up.

Key features

EVM compatibility

Executes Solidity smart contracts natively, so developers can deploy applications using standard tooling like Hardhat, Foundry, and Remix.

Fast deterministic finality

Produces blocks every 2 to 3 seconds, settling transactions deterministically without waiting for multi-block confirmations.

Proof-of-Stake delegation

Enables SHM token holders to delegate tokens to active validators to secure the ledger and accrue staking rewards.

Programmable RWA infrastructure

Provides smart contract rails to mint, pause, redeem, and program the lifecycle of tokenized real-world assets.

Cosmos EVM core

Runs on the Cosmos EVM stack updated to v0.6.3 as of the v1.1.0 mainnet governance upgrade.

Inside Shardeum

Shardeum L1

The core EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain offering deterministic finality within 2 to 3 seconds for smart contracts and asset tokenization.

SHM Staking & Delegation

The network's native staking portal where holders delegate SHM to active validators to help secure the Proof of Stake consensus.

Smart Contracts & Developer Tooling

Standard EVM integration points allowing developers to build and deploy contracts using Remix, Hardhat, or Foundry.

Shardeum screenshots

Shardeum’s homepage presents a tokenization layer for real-world assets and rights
Shardeum’s homepage presents a tokenization layer for real-world assets and rights · Oct 21, 2026
FAQ: Shardeum’s General FAQ page lists questions about the network, token, wallets, RPC endpoint, and ecosystem participation
FAQ: Shardeum’s General FAQ page lists questions about the network, token, wallets, RPC endpoint, and ecosystem participation · Oct 21, 2026
Docs: Shardeum developer documentation page with navigation and cards for blockchain development topics
Docs: Shardeum developer documentation page with navigation and cards for blockchain development topics · Oct 21, 2026

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FAQ

Who founded Shardeum?

Shardeum was co-founded in 2022 by Nischal Shetty, the CEO of crypto exchange WazirX, and Omar Syed.

What is the native token of Shardeum?

SHM is the native token of the network. It pays for gas fees, secures the chain through validator staking and delegation, and is traded on exchanges like KuCoin, MEXC, and WazirX.

Is Shardeum compatible with Ethereum smart contracts and MetaMask?

Yes, Shardeum is fully EVM compatible. Developers can write contracts in Solidity, and users can interact with the network using standard EVM wallets like MetaMask via custom RPC endpoints.

Has Shardeum experienced any network halts or security incidents?

Shardeum conducted a planned 25-minute network halt on October 13, 2026, to execute its v1.1.0 mainnet upgrade to Cosmos EVM v0.6.3 at block height 7,927,860.

How does staking work on Shardeum?

SHM holders can secure the network by operating a validator node or by delegating their tokens to active validators to earn staking rewards.

Latest from Shardeum on X

Shardeum
@shardeum · 315.5K followers
Follow
🔥 11 MILLION SHM. 30 WINNERS. BIG REWARDS!

Net Buy is heating up! 👀

Wondering what's at stake? Here's a look at the reward tiers! 🏆

🥇 Rank #1 takes home 2M SHM
🥈 Rank #2 grabs 1.75M SHM
🥉 Rank #3 scores 1.25M SHM

And that's not all! The Top 10 share 9M SHM, with rewards waiting for 30 winners!
0 1 4 2.5K View on X
Congratulations to our winners @INvioneL8B8 @OzenAlaz @oluwaseun96164 🎉

Please dm us your wallet details for prizes! 👻
3 1 7 2.9K View on X
🔥 The race for 11M SHM in rewards is on!

🥇 2M SHM for Rank #1
🏆 Rewards for the Top 10
🎁 100K SHM each for Ranks 11 to 30

📊 Rankings are based on net buy, not trading volume. Every buy adds to your net buy, while sells reduce it.

🛒 Buy Period ends 2 Nov, 6 PM IST
1 1 5 4K View on X
Gm Shardians 🚀
5 1 7 4.1K View on X
GM frensss & Happy November!

New month, new energy! 💃 https://t.co/nMoROf9LqM
Image attached to the post
2 0 11 3.2K View on X

Recent public posts from @shardeum, shown as published. Not reviewed or endorsed by CryptoReview.

Latest from Shardeum on Telegram

Shardeum
@shardeum · 7.9K subscribers
Join
⏳ Just 22 Hours Left in Sikka.fun Contest 40!

🔥 The race for 11M SHM in rewards is on!

🥇 2M SHM for Rank #1
🏆 Rewards for the Top 10
🎁 100K SHM each for Ranks 11 to 30

📊 Rankings are based on net buy, not trading volume. Every buy adds to your net buy, while sells reduce it.

🛒 Buy Period ends 2 Nov, 6 PM IST.

Make your moves before the contest closes! 🚀

Check the leaderboard 👇
https://sikka.fun/leaderboard/contest-40
Image attached to the post
62 View on Telegram
👀 Know the Reward Tiers: Sikka.fun Contest 40 · Net Buy!

💰 11M SHM in rewards for the Top 30 traders!

🥇 2M SHM for Rank #1
🥈 1.75M SHM for Rank #2
🥉 1.25M SHM for Rank #3

🎁 250K to 1M SHM for Ranks 4 to 10
🏅 100K SHM each for Ranks 11 to 30

📊 Rankings are based on net buy. Buys increase your net buy, while sells reduce it.

🪙 Trade the 3 eligible coins and qualify for your reward tier:

🔹 Shantum (STM) 👉 https://sik.gg/shantum
🔹 Conso (Conso) 👉 https://sik.gg/conso
🔹 Smiley (SML) 👉 https://sik.gg/smiley

Check the leaderboard 👇
https://sikka.fun/leaderboard/contest-40
Image attached to the post
101 View on Telegram
📢 Climb the Leaderboard: Sikka Net Buy Contest

💰 11M SHM in rewards!

🥇 2M SHM for Rank #1
🏆 9M SHM shared among the Top 10
🎁 100K SHM each for Ranks 11 to 30

Buy Shantum, Conso, or Smiley on Sikka and climb the leaderboard!

📊 Rankings are based on net buy. Make sure to maintain your qualifying position throughout the holding period to remain eligible for rewards.

📈 Track the live leaderboard:
https://sikka.fun/leaderboard/contest-40
Image attached to the post
109 View on Telegram
🚨 Quiz Alert!

👉 Topic: Sikka Net Buy Contest
👉 When: Friday, 30th October 2026
👉 Time: 2:30 PM UTC
👉 Where: https://discord.gg/shardeum

Test your knowledge on Sikka Net Buy Contest & win - Top 5 winners will share 100,000 $SHM!

Click on interested to get notified ⤵️
https://discord.com/events/933959587462254612/1425379276760551424
Image attached to the post
105 View on Telegram

Recent posts from the official Telegram channel @shardeum, shown as published. Not reviewed or endorsed by CryptoReview.

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