Helios Launches Testnet with 400,000 Users and 3.5M Transactions in First 2 Weeks

Helios, a new Layer 1 blockchain designed for cross-chain composability and AI-native infrastructure, has officially launched its public testnet. Since going live, the network has attracted over 400,000 users and processed more than 3.5 million transactions, signaling strong early momentum. 

The Helios testnet introduces: 

• IPoSR Consensus: Validators earn participation not just through stake, but by building and maintaining a strong on-chain reputation. 
• Bridge-Free Interoperability: Native support for secure cross-chain smart contract calls, eliminating reliance on traditional bridges. 
• Chronos Tasks: A built-in scheduling system for automated smart contract execution, bots, and AI agents. A Helios onchain action can trigger actions on external blockchains as well. 
• Hyperion Modules: Modular extensions that allow nodes to serve as decentralized oracles, cross-chain verifiers, and relayers. 
• Developer Revenue Sharing: Developers receive a share of the gas fees generated by the smart contracts they deploy. 

“Surpassing 400,000 users in the testnet phase shows that developers and communities are ready for a new type of blockchain, focused on enabling new use cases that work for them” said Christian Alexandrescu, CMO at Helios. “This momentum validates our thesis: AI-native infrastructure and cross-chain execution are the next major unlocks for Web3.” 

Unlike traditional Layer 1 chains, Helios is engineered from the ground up to support real-time external contract calls, developer revenue sharing, and modular execution layers. The network’s unique architecture allows developers to interact with contracts across ecosystems without relying on bridges or wrapped assets, dramatically reducing security risks and unlocking powerful cross-chain use cases. 

Early testers have participated in community quests and dApp deployments. A retroactive rewards program is in place for builders who contribute meaningfully to the ecosystem. Initial feedback highlights the ease of integration and the developer-first experience Helios offers. 

In addition to what is already live, partners (ranging from DeFi applications to infrastructure and tooling providers) are preparing integrations.

Helios’s validator program will begin onboarding node operators globally, with a focus on decentralization, efficiency, and community representation. Detailed guides will be provided for those interested in running validators, positioning the chain for a robust and secure mainnet launch later this year. 

To support the fast-growing ecosystem, Helios maintains active developer documentation, a public roadmap, and multiple community hubs: 

• Website: https://helioschain.network
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/helios_layer1
• Docs: https://hub.helioschain.network
• Telegram: http://t.me/heliosblock
• Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Ms4CaYArHm
• Testnet App: https://testnet.helioschain.network/?code=PHAETON2 (limited use code, if expired stay on the lookout for more codes in the Helios discord and telegram communities) 

More updates, ecosystem announcements, and validator incentives will be shared in the coming weeks as the testnet evolves. 

About Helios 

Helios is a Layer 1 blockchain designed for AI-native and cross-chain applications. Built with modular architecture and native interoperability, Helios enables real-time external contract calls, seamless revenue-sharing smart contracts, and secure execution without bridges. The protocol allows developers to build the next wave of composable, intelligent Web3 applications.