Organization Name – Pocket
Category –
Data & Analytics
Pocket Network is a decentralized infrastructure protocol designed to provide reliable, performant, and cost-effective access to blockchain data. Founded in 2017 by Michael P. O’Rourke, Luis Correa …de Leon, Luis Ramon Correa de Leon, and Pabel de Jesus Nunez Landestoy, the project aims to decentralize the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) layer, which is essential for decentralized applications (dApps) to interact with blockchain networks.  
The network operates by incentivizing a global network of independent node operators to provide RPC services. These nodes relay data requests and responses between dApps and various blockchains, ensuring high availability and redundancy. By decentralizing this layer, Pocket Network eliminates single points of failure and reduces reliance on centralized infrastructure providers.  
Pocket Network’s native token, POKT, is used to coordinate the network’s operations. Developers stake POKT to access the network’s services, while node operators earn POKT by servicing data relays. This tokenomics model aligns incentives between developers and node operators, fostering a sustainable and scalable ecosystem.   
Since its mainnet launch on July 28, 2020, Pocket Network has experienced significant growth. The network has expanded to support over 50 blockchains, including Ethereum, Polygon, and Binance Smart Chain, providing developers with a unified interface to access multiple networks. This multichain support simplifies the development process for dApps that require interaction with multiple blockchains.  
In February 2022, Pocket Network achieved a milestone by surpassing 30,000 active nodes, making it one of the largest decentralized infrastructure networks. This extensive node network enhances the network’s resilience and ensures low-latency access to blockchain data for developers worldwide. 
The network’s governance is managed by the Pocket Network DAO, which oversees protocol upgrades, parameter changes, and other critical decisions. This decentralized governance model empowers the community to shape the network’s future and ensures that it remains aligned with the interests of its stakeholders. 
In June 2025, Pocket Network launched the Shannon upgrade, marking a significant evolution of the protocol. Named after Claude Shannon, the father of information theory, this upgrade transformed Pocket Network into the first permissionless Open API Network. Beyond decentralized RPC, Shannon enables access to AI models, public data, and other services, expanding the network’s utility and opening new avenues for developers. 
The Shannon upgrade introduces protocol-level payments, automatic quality scoring, and a new model for permissionless coordination. These features enhance the network’s scalability and reliability, ensuring that developers can access high-quality services without centralized intermediaries. 
Pocket Network’s vision is to build a fully decentralized internet infrastructure stack, where no single party controls access to the data that applications rely on. By providing a censorship-resistant and permissionless platform, Pocket Network aims to empower developers and users alike, fostering innovation and resilience in the Web3 ecosystem.  Read More