Node Studio Program Cohort #3
Meta Pool × NEAR Foundation
Become one of the 60 new validators joining the NEAR network with Node Studio Program
The Network
Why NEAR Protocol?
AI-Native Blockchain
NEAR leads on-chain AI with autonomous agents and intent-based execution. Validators gain direct ecosystem access and early visibility into AI advancements.
NEAR Intents — Interoperability Infrastructure
NEAR Intents enables seamless cross-chain actions under a single user intention. Validators secure the network, powering Web3's key interoperability solution.
NEAR Validators — Performance, Security & Scalability
~4.5% APY with no slashing risk. Native sharding (Nightshade) ensures high scalability and fast finality. One of the fastest networks, designed for scalable decentralization.
Program Overview
Why Join Node Studio?
1
Run a NEAR validator with zero infrastructure overhead
2
Receive delegation, incentives, and ongoing support
3
Join a curated cohort backed by Meta Pool & NEAR Foundation
What is Node Studio?
Simplify your journey to become a validator
No coding. No server setup. Just you, your wallet, and a chance to be part of the NEAR Protocol blockchain.
Node Studio is the easiest way to run a validator on blockchain networks. You don't need technical skills or prior experience — we take care of the hard stuff so you can focus on earning rewards.
One-click node deployment
No server management required
24/7 monitoring and support
Key Information
Program Details
Program Duration
12 months
Starting April 1, 2026
Delegated Tokens
40,000 NEAR Tokens
Per validator allocation
Validator Obligations
- Maintain validator performance and participate in program activities
Extra Rewards
Extra Incentives: Node Commitment Bounty
Earn more on top of your regular validator rewards
Validators continue earning standard NEAR validation fees.
On top of that, Node Studio rewards the best-performing validators every month with an additional community bounty.
On top of that, Node Studio rewards the best-performing validators every month with an additional community bounty.
How it Works
- ~4,140 NEAR distributed quarterly as extra incentives
- Performance is measured over a 3-month period (quarter)
- Top 4 validators each quarter receive equal rewards
- Performance based on ecosystem & community contributions
Quarterly Rewards
- 🏅 Top 4 validators: ~259 NEAR each (per quarter)
- Payout: 40% stablecoins + 60% mpDAO tokens (locked 300 days)
4
Winners per quarter
~259
NEAR Per Winner
Performance Scoring System
Additional Delegation
1 point per 500 NEAR staked (cumulative)
Twitter Spaces
3 points per session
Social Posts
2-4 points per post (varies by platform)
YouTube Videos
4 points per video
Events (30-99)
8 points per event
Events (100+)
20 points per event
Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
01
Node Studio Infrastructure
Deploy and manage validator using OpenMesh infrastructure
02
New NEAR Validator
Must be new addition to NEAR network
03
Operational Commitment
Willingness to actively operate, monitor, and grow a validator
04
Delegation Growth
Attract additional private delegation to grow stake
Timeline
Program Timeline
1
Feb 2, 2026
Program announcement & applications open
2
Mar 20, 2026
Applications close
3
Feb 15 - Mar 27
Validator selection process
4
Apr 1, 2026
Program launch
5
Apr 1, 2027
Program conclusion
Apply to Become a NEAR Validator
Applications open February 2, 2026
Limited to 60 validators
Limited to 60 validators