Core Protocol Development

We build and optimize the core infrastructure behind new and established blockchain networks, including consensus, execution, storage, peer-to-peer networking and client software. We run validators on Canton Network and Solana.

How it works

  1. 1

    Set measurable targets

    We agree on throughput, finality time, validator count and fault tolerance requirements.

  2. 2

    Choose the engagement model

    We recommend an advisory sprint, a fixed scope or an embedded team once we understand the work.

  3. 3

    Write the specification

    Our protocol engineers document network behavior, system requirements and failure scenarios. You review it before we build.

  4. 4

    Benchmark the options

    We build small reference implementations and measure them, so numbers decide the design.

  5. 5

    Build in weekly loops

    You see working nodes and benchmark results every week. AI handles scaffolding and test drafting under an agreed data policy.

  6. 6

    Test how it fails

    We run fuzzing, invariant tests, network partitions and misbehaving peers against the failure cases in the specification.

  7. 7

    Release in stages

    We ship to local, then testnet, then mainnet, each with its own criteria. We stay on for upgrades and forks.

Frequently asked questions

What does core protocol development include?
Core protocol development covers the components that make a blockchain network function: consensus, execution, state and storage, peer-to-peer networking, cryptographic primitives, client implementations, upgrade and fork mechanisms, and the telemetry and tooling operators need. LimeChain works on new networks and on hardening or extending existing ones, including client diversity, performance work and upgrade mechanics.
Which protocols has LimeChain actually worked on?
LimeChain has been a Hedera technical partner and open-source contributor for seven years, and led development of the Hedera Token Service. LimeChain has published work across Ethereum, Solana, Polkadot, Polygon, Base, Scroll, NEAR, Filecoin, Canton Network, EOSIO and Hyperledger Fabric. LimeChain also built hashport, a trustless two-way portal connecting Hedera and EVM networks, alongside Hedera and BCW Group.
Does LimeChain run validators or nodes itself?
Yes. LimeChain operates a live validator on Canton Network and a Solana validator run on Tier III data center infrastructure, and is a validator on the hashport network. Operating infrastructure changes how a team designs protocols, because upgrade procedures, telemetry, resource behaviour and incident response stop being theoretical. That operating perspective shapes how LimeChain specifies upgrade mechanisms, observability and what an operator can realistically do mid-incident.
How do you prove a protocol change is safe before mainnet?
Safety is proved through layered evidence rather than one test suite. LimeChain documents invariants and failure modes before implementation, then tests with unit and integration tests, property and invariant testing, fuzzing, differential testing against reference behaviour, performance benchmarks, and adversarial network scenarios such as partitions, reorgs and misbehaving peers. Where the risk justifies it, formal methods and independent review are added.
Which languages and stacks does LimeChain work in?
Protocol work is typically in Rust, Go, Java and C++ alongside the specific stack of the target network, with Solidity for execution-layer work and Daml for Canton Network. The stack follows the protocol rather than a house preference, and the choice is documented in the specification phase so it can be reviewed later.
Can you work alongside our existing core team?
Yes, and this is the common shape for an established network. LimeChain integrates into your repositories, review process, release cadence and security controls, usually as an Embedded Experts or Delivery Pod engagement rather than a fixed scope. Where the work is a well-defined component, a Fixed Outcome engagement is simpler and cheaper.
What happens after the protocol goes live?
LimeChain can remain as an ongoing engineering partner covering upgrades and hard forks, client diversity, performance optimization, ecosystem integrations, tooling and responses to new security or governance requirements. Protocols are long-lived systems whose risk surface changes as usage and value grow, so continuing engineering usually serves the network better than a closed project.
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Have a project in mind?
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