Our validators
The ECH0.RE validators now have a dedicated dashboard at https://validator.ech0.re, where you’ll find all key information. You can either continue reading this blog post or explore the dashboard directly, whichever you prefer.
Ech0’s Laboratory operates validators within the Polkadot ecosystem, delivering secure, reliable and transparent infrastructure.
Two of our validators are currently supported by the Web3 Foundation through the Decentralized Nodes Program, reflecting confidence in our technical capabilities and operational rigour.
We are open to new nominations and steadily working toward full independence from the program by 2026.
Validators settings
We currently operate two validators on the Polkadot network:
Hardware
Our validators run on dedicated bare-metal servers. We believe in transparency, and all hardware specifications are publicly disclosed with no details withheld.
Each server is configured following security best practices and is continuously monitored to ensure reliability and performance.
The current setup
This is the current setup we're operating on.
Reference: B650D4U3-2Q/BCM
Reference: Crucial CT32G56C46U5.C16D
Reference: Micron_7450_MTFDKCC960TFR
On-chain operator's identity
Nominators entrust validators with their stake, so transparency and responsiveness are essential. We make ourselves easily reachable across multiple channels to ensure fast and reliable communication.
Our identity is set on-chain across supported networks and verified by Polkassembly with the highest trust level. We stay attentive and responsive to our nominators whenever support is needed.
Security
We store staking funds using hardware-backed cold wallets, with keys generated and held offline. Backup procedures follow industry best practices and never expose seed material.
Multiple security layers protect access (hardware devices, isolated backups, 2FA, encrypted storage), and operational keys are rotated periodically.
Usage of proxies
To perform operational actions such as bonding, setting session keys, adjusting commission rates or participating in governance, we use proxy accounts managed through a hot wallet (Nova).
This setup ensures that our Ledger devices — which hold long-term funds — remain offline and only required for critical or infrequent operations (transfers, high-risk actions, key rotation, etc.).
Routine validator management does not expose our cold storage.
Staking proxy
Used for day-to-day validator operations and staking-related actions.
Polkadot: 13THs2ArG9dkJxqLUvEDYiCy7aGmYRvdoz5iyrkSTegJ4FdV
Governance proxy
Used for voting and participation in governance. This proxy is also the parent identity for all our accounts.
Polkadot: 16g6ZBYbEP3kRMgVBki7zdvdGpymXDyHWzj3D3rDaEATXzc8
Self stake
We believe validator operators should have skin in the game. By staking our own funds alongside our nominators, we reinforce accountability, ensure alignment of interests, and demonstrate our long-term commitment to security, uptime, and operational excellence.
All rewards earned by our validators are automatically re-staked, increasing our exposure and reinforcing confidence in the sustainability of our operation.
At the date of this update, we currently have 10,000 DOT bonded on each validator.
Because this stake is subject to slashing in the event of misbehaviour or operational failure, we have every incentive to maintain high performance and act responsibly within the network.
Our financial exposure ensures that your trust is aligned with our own — if we fail, we lose as well.