# StarGate

**StarGate** is a pivotal component of the **Hayabusa** phase within the broader **VeChain Renaissance** initiative. It is VeChain’s next-generation staking platform, designed to transform how users participate in the VeChainThor network. It introduces a novel approach by using **NFTs as staking collateral**, creating a dynamic and transparent framework for delegation, reward distribution, and governance.

**StarGate app** is available at: <https://stargate.vechain.org/>&#x20;

### Key Features

* **NFT-Based Staking**: Users stake VET tokens to mint unique NFTs that represent their staking commitment. These NFTs can be delegated to validator nodes, enabling participation in network validation and reward sharing.
* **Earn VTHO**: Stakers receive VTHO rewards based on their stake size and the validator they are tied to, aligning incentives across the ecosystem.
* **On-Chain Governance**: NFT nodes serve not only as staking representations but also as voting instruments for governance, giving stakers a voice in the evolution of the network.

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### Network Integration via Hayabusa Upgrade

With the **Hayabusa hard fork**, VeChainThor adopts a **Delegated Proof of Stake (dPoS)** consensus mechanism. This upgrade introduces:

* A set of **101 validators** responsible for producing blocks and securing the network.
* The ability for any user to participate indirectly by **staking VET through StarGate** and delegating to one of the validators.

***StarGate thus serves as the access point for VET holders to become active contributors to network consensus, without needing to run a full validator node.***

### Bootstrapping Launch: July 2025&#x20;

The initial release of **StarGate**, scheduled for **July 1**, will operate independently of the VeChainThor protocol layer. This **pre-Hayabusa phase** serves as a **bootstrapping period** to:

* Allow users to explore and familiarize themselves with the new staking platform.
* Offer **enhanced staking rewards** as an incentive for early participation.
* Provide a migration path for existing **Economic Node** and **X Node** holders to transition their nodes into the new NFT-based system.

### Hayabusa Mainnet Launch: December 2 2025

Following the successful **Hayabusa network upgrade,** scheduled for **December 2**, the bootstrapping period concludes, transitioning users into the primary network operations. In this phase:

* **Full protocol-level integration** with validator delegation
* **VTHO generation** only available for NFTs that actively delegate
* **Dynamic APY** for VTHO rewards based on validators performance and delegator staking position

### **Key Dates for Hayabusa Hardfork:**

| Event                         | Date              | Block Height |
| ----------------------------- | ----------------- | ------------ |
| Testnet release               | November 4, 2025  | 23221800​    |
| Testnet transition period end | November 11, 2025 | 23282280​    |
| Mainnet release               | December 2, 2025  | 23414400     |
| Mainnet transition period end | December 9, 2025  | 23474880     |

{% hint style="info" %}
StarGate release for both Hayabusa testnet and mainnet will take place a few hours after the protocol release to ensure a smooth migration process.
{% endhint %}

***