Kusama is a scalable network of specialized blockchains built using Substrate and nearly the same codebase as Polkadot.
The network is an experimental development environment for teams who want to move fast and innovate on
Kusama, or prepare for deployment on Polkadot.
Kusama was founded in 2019 by Gavin Wood, founder of Polkadot and co-founder and former CTO of Ethereum.
The Scalable, Multichain Network for Radical Innovation.Unprecedented interoperability and scalability for blockchain developers who want to quickly push the limits of what’s possible. Built using Substrate with nearly the same codebase and industry-leading multichain infrastructure as Kusama’s cousin, Polkadot.
Kusama NetworkOrigin of KusamaThe relationship between society and technology has deteriorated to the point where large entities routinely stretch and overstep their authority.
Kusama is a network built as a risk-taking, fast-moving ‘canary in the coal mine’ for its cousin Polkadot. It's a living platform built for change agents to take back control, spark innovation and disrupt the status quo.
Launch your custom blockchainFast IterationMove fast and ship your product. Kusama’s risk-taking and nimble mentality allows developers to move swiftly through the governance and upgrade process, enabling rapid progress and growth.
Low Economic Barriers
Launch your custom blockchain (parachain) project with low barriers to entry. Ideal for lean startups looking to move fast and iterate.
Advanced TechnologyBuild on a next-generation, sharded, multichain network, while employing the newest features before they are deployed on Polkadot.
Open GovernanceKusama is owned and governed by a community of network participants who vote on and control the evolution of the network. Have a voice and make your mark in the evolution of the network.
Engaged CommunityLeverage Polkadot’s global brand and developer community for your parachain, parathread or dApp.
Valuable ExperienceFor teams looking to move to Polkadot after fine-tuning on Kusama, begin building your community and brand on Kusama before deployment.