# Kusama

> Kusama is a scalable multi-chain network for innovation and early Polkadot deployments, acting as a canary network to detect vulnerabilities.

- Canonical URL: https://iq.wiki/wiki/kusama
- Categories: Projects & Protocols
- Created: 2022-08-20T18:19:20.875Z
- Last updated: 2026-07-16T22:12:39.576Z
- Source: IQ.wiki — the world's largest blockchain and crypto encyclopedia (https://iq.wiki)

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**Kusama** is a multi-chain network that facilitates early-stage deployment and experimentation for projects intended for the [Polkadot](https://iq.wiki/wiki/polkadot) ecosystem. Developed with Substrate, a [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) framework by Parity Technologies, Kusama closely mirrors the Polkadot codebase while offering a more adaptable environment for testing and iteration.[\[5\]](#cite-id-ov66on0hqak)[\[6\]](#cite-id-jwt3qwl8h3)[\[1\]](#cite-id-qxi0mazflc)

# Overview

Kusama functions as a testing ground for [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) developers, providing an environment with lower entry barriers for deploying parachains and reduced bond requirements for [validators](https://iq.wiki/wiki/validator). The network operates on a heterogeneously-sharded, multichain architecture using a nominated proof-of-stake (NPoS) [consensus](https://iq.wiki/wiki/consensus-mechanism) system.

This system allows for energy-efficient operations compared to traditional [proof-of-work (PoW)](https://iq.wiki/wiki/proof-of-work-pow) models and supports on-chain upgrades without the need for [forks](https://iq.wiki/wiki/fork). Additionally, Kusama enables cross-chain communication through its cross-chain message passing (XCMP) protocol, facilitating interaction between various parachains.

![ksm.png](https://ipfs.everipedia.org/ipfs/QmVJ6fuzPJds1eBHBfMUvUEpu84qt5MQseFLmrA8Nxqinw)

The network’s governance model is decentralized and permissionless, allowing token holders to participate in decision-making processes. This governance is quicker than Polkadot’s, with a combined voting and enactment period of 15 days, making it suitable for projects that require rapid development cycles. [\[1\]](#cite-id-qxi0mazflc)[\[2\]](#cite-id-ohfqn3r1jdf)

# History

Kusama was introduced in 2019 by Parity Technologies, the creators of [Polkadot](https://iq.wiki/wiki/polkadot), under the direction of Dr. [Gavin Wood](https://iq.wiki/wiki/gavin-wood), a co-founder of [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum). It was designed as a "canary network," offering a real-world environment for testing new features and upgrades before their deployment on Polkadot.

The Web3 Foundation, which supports decentralized web technologies, has played a significant role in Kusama’s development by providing grants and resources for research and community initiatives. [\[7\]](#cite-id-pu31e65no0d)[\[8\]](#cite-id-h5fzqh11hdu)[\[9\]](#cite-id-lcf2vjznkp)[\[10\]](#cite-id-3qfpjm3ch3p)[\[11\]](#cite-id-m96cekl7y38)[\[12\]](#cite-id-qk5yzyutz4)

# Tokenomics

KSM, the native token of Kusama, was initially distributed through an [airdrop](https://iq.wiki/wiki/airdrop) to participants in the [Polkadot (DOT)](https://iq.wiki/wiki/polkadot-dot) token sale on a 1:1 basis. It was also available through a frictional faucet, which has since been discontinued. Unlike [Polkadot](https://iq.wiki/wiki/polkadot), Kusama has not undergone redenomination, maintaining a stable [circulating supply](https://iq.wiki/wiki/circulating-supply).

KSM tokens are utilized for governance, [staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/staking), and rewarding [validators](https://iq.wiki/wiki/validator). The economic model supports early-stage projects with low [transaction fees](https://iq.wiki/wiki/transaction-fee) and a flexible framework, allowing for cost-effective deployment and testing. Validator rewards are distributed in KSM tokens, and the network's inflation rate is managed to ensure a balanced token supply.[\[3\]](#cite-id-brhy9whl9p9)[\[4\]](#cite-id-q2rbqba8v4g)

# Funding

Kusama’s growth has been supported by funding from the Web3 Foundation and other [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain)-focused organizations. These funds have been used to advance research, foster community development, and enhance technical capabilities.

One notable project conducted within the Kusama ecosystem is the groundbreaking research of [Dr. Justin Goldston](https://iq.wiki/wiki/justin-goldston-phd), [Justyna Osowska](https://iq.wiki/wiki/her-excellency-justyna-solange-osowska), Tomer Jordi Chaffer, and other researchers for the first academic case study on Digital Inheritance, where the researchers used the Social Recovery Pallet as a use case. This study went on to be pubished at Harvard University ADS - The ADS is operated by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory under NASA Cooperative Agreement *80NSSC21M0056*  [\[13\]](#cite-id-FLmMqSrNCU)  - and at UC Berkeley [\[14\]](#cite-id-W4WNyYp86f).

The Kusama Treasury is also instrumental in financing innovative projects within the ecosystem, providing resources for initiatives that contribute to the network’s ongoing development.[\[8\]](#cite-id-h5fzqh11hdu)