BitHive Launches Incentivized Bitcoin Staking Testnet

BitHive, a Bitcoin staking platform, is launching its incentivized testnet, allowing Bitcoin holders to stake BTC in a secure, trustless, and non-custodial way. The testnet will go live on March 11, 2025, at 12 PM UTC and runs on Bitcoin’s Testnet4 network.

Revolutionizing Bitcoin Staking

Bitcoin has a $1.8 trillion market cap, yet much of it remains idle. Institutional adoption, led by firms like BlackRock, has increased Bitcoin’s role in financial markets, but efficient capital utilization remains a challenge. BitHive aims to change this by enabling native BTC staking without bridging or relying on third-party custodians.

The platform’s modular architecture supports various Proof-of-Stake (PoS) networks, leveraging Bitcoin’s security to benefit decentralized services. BitHive also integrates NEAR’s Chain Signatures, enhancing cross-chain functionality while maintaining a high level of security.

Industry Leaders Weigh In

“BitHive offers an amazing opportunity to BTC holders to maximize their capital utilization and earn staking rewards in a simple, low-risk way thanks to NEAR Chain Signatures,” said Illia Polosukhin, Co-Founder of NEAR Protocol.

Dr. Changhao Jiang, Co-Founder and CTO of Cobo, highlighted the growing institutional interest: “Bitcoin is rapidly evolving from a passive asset to a productive one that enhances capital efficiency, and through our partnership with BitHive, we’re enabling institutions to unlock returns on idle BTC.”

Incentives and Roadmap

BitHive is offering 10,000 NEAR tokens as staking rewards for early testnet participants, alongside a point system for additional benefits. The mainnet launch is expected in the coming weeks, with plans to support wrapped BTC staking on Ethereum and NEAR mainnets.

The platform is also integrating with liquid staking and DeFi applications, expanding yield opportunities for users. Supported wallets include OKX Web3 Wallet, Binance Web3 Wallet, Bitget Wallet, Cobo, OneKey, Unisat Wallet, and Keystone.

BitHive has undergone a full audit by Halborn, ensuring security and reliability.

Expanding Bitcoin’s Utility

Beyond staking, BitHive supports Actively Validated Services (AVS), enabling verifiable AI applications such as decentralized model training, data services, and AI agents. By leveraging Bitcoin’s economic security, BitHive aims to power high-value, autonomous AI operations.

As Bitcoin transitions from a store of value to a productive asset, platforms like BitHive could play a critical role in unlocking its full potential.

Why It Matters to You [NFA]

If you’re a Bitcoin holder, BitHive introduces a new way to earn passive income by staking BTC without relying on custodians or bridges. This could be a game-changer for capital efficiency, allowing you to put your idle BTC to work while maintaining full control.

For institutional investors, the integration of NEAR’s Chain Signatures strengthens security and enhances cross-chain usability, making Bitcoin a more productive asset in portfolio strategies. The partnership with liquid staking and DeFi applications could also provide additional yield-earning opportunities.

If you’re interested in blockchain security and AI, BitHive expands Bitcoin’s role beyond finance, enabling Actively Validated Services (AVS) that support decentralized AI infrastructure. This innovation could reshape high-value AI applications by leveraging Bitcoin’s economic security.

With the testnet incentives offering 10,000 NEAR tokens and a point-based reward system, early adopters may benefit from exploring the platform before its mainnet launch in the coming weeks.

However, as with all crypto investments, participation involves risks—DYOR (Do Your Own Research) before engaging.

Community Reaction

The Bithive community was happy about the testnet launch and looked like they were eager to test the product.

• ruxaho.near: “More BTC into Near eco, it’s bullish :)”
• Validatus.com: “The countdown begins! Looking forward to it “