The Foundation
Why Polkadot?
The blockchain that connects blockchains. Build applications that work across chains, scale infinitely, and share security from day one.
The Advantages
Built Different
Polkadot isn't just another blockchain. It's a fundamentally new architecture for building the decentralized web.
Sub-Second Finality
Transactions settle in under a second, enabling real-time payments and instant value transfer.
Shared Security
All parachains benefit from Polkadot's validator set, providing institutional-grade security from day one.
Cross-Chain Messages
XCM enables seamless communication between specialized chains, creating a unified Web3 ecosystem.
Infinite Scalability
Add more parachains to increase throughput. No single chain bottleneck limiting your growth.
On-Demand Coretime
Pay for blockspace like AWS compute. Flexible, on-demand access to Polkadot's shared security.
Governance by Design
True on-chain governance where token holders shape the network's future through transparent voting.
The Technology
Multi-Chain by Design
Polkadot's architecture makes this transformation possible with cross-chain interoperability, shared security, and infinite scalability.
Relay Chain
The heart of Polkadot. Provides consensus, security, and cross-chain interoperability for all connected parachains.
Parachains
Specialized blockchains that connect to Polkadot, each optimized for specific use cases while sharing security.
XCM Protocol
Cross-Consensus Messaging allows chains to communicate, transfer assets, and execute logic across the ecosystem.
Substrate Framework
Build custom blockchains in Rust with modular components. From idea to mainnet in record time.
1000+
Connected Parachains
The Ecosystem
A Thriving Network
Join hundreds of projects already building the decentralized future on Polkadot.
$1B+
Total Value Locked
500+
Projects Building
1M+
Active Accounts
50+
Live Parachains
Building Across Industries
Get Started
Ready to Build?
Whether you're a developer, entrepreneur, or visionary—there's a place for you in the Polkadot ecosystem.
Join the Forum
Connect with builders and find collaborators for your next project.
Read the Docs
Comprehensive guides and tutorials to get you started.
Start Coding
Build with Substrate, the framework powering Polkadot.