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Build on Polkadot

Polkadot is 100% open-source. Anyone can contribute to the codebase↗, run a node, or build services↗ on Polkadot. You can even get a grant↗.

Start building↗

Easily build a Polkadot parachain with Substrate

Build your application-specific blockchain with the Substrate↗ framework now and easily connect it to Polkadot after launch.

Native Polkadot compatibility

Blockchains built with Substrate are natively compatible with Polkadot, so they can be easily connected to Polkadot as a parachain or parathread.

Fork-free upgrades

Upgrade your blockchain without a hard fork. Your runtime is a Wasm binary stored on-chain and can be updated using your chain’s governance mechanism.

Plug-and-play modular framework

Substrate allows you to simply plug in the functionalities you need, while also giving you the freedom to customize as needed.

Interchain connectivity

By connecting your blockchain to Polkadot, your blockchain will be able to pass arbitrary messages to other chains in the Polkadot network.

Instant security

Simply by connecting your blockchain to Polkadot, your blockchain will be secured by Polkadot’s pooled security↗.

Multiple languages

With Substrate, you can write your blockchain logic in any language that can compile to WebAssembly (Rust, C/C++, C#, Go, etc).

Tools that come with Substrate

Polkadot Telemetry Service

Network information

Substrate and Polkadot UI

Built with React.js and RxJS

Substrate UI

Built with the Bonds oo7↗ library

Polkabot

Network monitoring and reporting

Polkascan

Blockchain data explorer and analytics

Start building your custom parachain with Substrate

Substrate Developer Hub↗

or learn more↗.

Get a grant to build the Polkadot ecosystem

Web3 Foundation provides grants to steward research and development of Polkadot and the Web3 tech stack. The program funds work on runtime modules and parachains, development tools, UI, protocol integrations, maintenance, and more.

  • Development and deployment tooling (e.g. IDEs, parachain development kits)
  • Polkadot Runtime Modules (e.g. interoperability, governance)
  • Second layer protocols (e.g. dedicated parachains, state channels)
  • Monitoring (e.g. explorers)
  • Protocol integrations (e.g. bridges to other blockchains, distributed file storage)