Overview
The SharkLabs University Validator Program is a nationwide initiative bringing Solana blockchain infrastructure directly into universities. We partner with crypto and blockchain clubs across the U.S. and Canada to launch and operate Solana validators under their university.
Our goals are simple:
Hands-on learning: Give students real-world experience with validator operations, Solana development, staking, and ecosystem tools.
Community building: Strengthen university blockchain communities through events, workshops, and shared infrastructure.
Revenue generation: Provide clubs with a sustainable funding source through validator rewards.
How it works:
Setup & Launch – SharkLabs handles all initial technical setup, funding, and deployment of the validator.
Education & Onboarding – We guide club members step-by-step, moving from beginner-friendly introductions to advanced validator operations and Solana development.
Engagement Incentives – Students can log in to our Student Dashboard, join their university’s team, and earn points for completing Solana-related activities, attending events, and participating in hackathons. These points can boost the validator’s stake — directly increasing rewards for their club.
Events & Growth – We host and support regular events, hackathons, and speaker sessions, often in partnership with industry leaders.
Currently, the program includes 20+ universities such as Princeton, Columbia, UC Berkeley, Dartmouth, Vanderbilt, and more — with new schools joining each semester.
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