FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about SciChain, its post-quantum security, and how to get started.
What is SciChain?
SciChain is a fully EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain built for academia, education, and finance. It is the first L1 secured by hybrid post-quantum signatures: every transaction is co-signed with classical ECDSA and NIST-standard ML-DSA. The network uses QBFT consensus with institutional validators and deterministic ~2-second finality, and it powers real products such as journals, certificates, events, and payments.
What does "post-quantum" mean, and why does it matter?
Large-scale quantum computers are expected to break the elliptic-curve cryptography (ECDSA) that secures today's blockchains. SciChain protects against this by adding ML-DSA — the lattice-based digital signature algorithm standardized by NIST as FIPS 204 — alongside ECDSA on every transaction. This hybrid approach keeps full compatibility with existing Ethereum tooling while making the chain safe for the quantum era today, not as a roadmap promise.
What are SciChain’s network details (chain ID, RPC, explorer)?
- Chain ID: 481
- RPC URL: https://rpc.scimatic.net
- Currency symbol: SCI (18 decimals)
- Block explorer: explorer.scimatic.net
How do I add SciChain to MetaMask?
In MetaMask, open Settings → Networks → Add a network manually and enter: Network name SciChain, RPC URL https://rpc.scimatic.net, Chain ID 481, currency symbol SCI, and block explorer https://explorer.scimatic.net.
Alternatively, use the one-click “Add to MetaMask” button on our homepage.
What tokens exist on SciChain?
- SCI — the native coin, used for gas, staking, governance, and grants.
- SUSD — a USD-pegged stablecoin on SciChain.
- TRYS — a Turkish Lira-pegged stablecoin on SciChain.
- SCI+ — a BEP20 companion token on BNB Smart Chain, tradeable on PancakeSwap.
Is SciChain compatible with my existing Ethereum tools?
Yes. SciChain is fully EVM-compatible, so any Solidity contract deploys unchanged, and the tools you already use — MetaMask, Hardhat, Foundry, ethers.js, viem — work out of the box. Just point them at the RPC endpoint https://rpc.scimatic.net with chain ID 481.
How fast are transactions final?
SciChain uses QBFT (Quorum Byzantine Fault Tolerance) consensus with institutional and academic validators. Blocks reach deterministic finality in about 2 seconds — there are no reorgs and no probabilistic confirmation waits, which makes the chain well suited for payments, certificates, and other time-sensitive applications.
How do I start building on SciChain?
Connect your wallet or development framework to the RPC endpoint, request test funds if needed, and deploy Solidity contracts exactly as you would on Ethereum. Our developer docs cover network configuration, contract factories for ERC20/ERC721 tokens, and verified example contracts you can inspect on the block explorer.
Are there grants for building on SciChain?
Yes. SciMatic Labs runs a grants program that funds experiments, research, and applications on SciChain, and helps teams take ideas from prototype to released product. Learn more and apply at labs.scimatic.net/grants.
Where can I inspect blocks, transactions, and tokens?
The SciChain block explorer at explorer.scimatic.net lets you inspect blocks, transactions, addresses, tokens, and certificates in real time — including the hybrid signature data attached to each transaction.
Still have questions? Read the whitepaper or explore the developer docs.