Tectum is a Layer 1 blockchain network designed for high-speed transactions, functioning as a distributed ledger platform. It utilizes a proprietary consensus mechanism to serve as an overlay network for other blockchain systems and to power its native payment solution, SoftNote. ^[1]

Overview

Tectum is a blockchain project that aims to address scalability issues prevalent in other distributed ledgers. The network reports the capability to process over 3.5 million transactions per second (TPS), a speed achieved through its unique architecture and Proof-of-Utility (PoU) consensus algorithm. Instead of storing complete transaction data directly on the main chain, Tectum records hashes of the data. This method is intended to reduce the data load on the network, allowing for faster processing and confirmation times. ^[1]

The project's core architecture is designed to function as an "Overlay Network." This allows Tectum to integrate with and enhance the performance of other blockchains, such as Bitcoin, by handling transactions off-chain and recording only the final, bundled hashes on the Tectum ledger. This approach seeks to provide the security of a distributed ledger while offering the speed of a centralized system. ^[2]

The Tectum ecosystem is built around several key products, including its native blockchain, the Tectum Token (TET), and the SoftNote payment system. SoftNote is a digital bearer asset designed to facilitate instant, fee-free cryptocurrency payments by transferring ownership of a digital "bill" rather than executing on-chain transactions for each transfer. The project is developed by Tectum Technologies LLC, a company registered in the UAE. ^{[3] [1]}

Technology and Architecture

Tectum's infrastructure is built on a multi-tiered node system and a custom consensus mechanism designed to optimize for speed and efficiency. ^[4]

Proof-of-Utility Consensus

Tectum employs a proprietary consensus algorithm known as Proof-of-Utility (PoU). This mechanism differs from traditional Proof-of-Work or Proof-of-Stake systems. In the PoU model, network nodes are assigned different roles and responsibilities, and consensus is achieved through a rapid validation process managed by a tiered structure of nodes. The system is designed to isolate heavy transaction data from the main processing pipeline, instead focusing on validating and recording hashes of bundled data. This allows the network to achieve high throughput and deliver near-instant event status updates. ^[2]

Network Architecture

The Tectum network is composed of several distinct types of nodes, each with a specific function in maintaining the network and processing transactions. ^[4]

• Tectum Node 4.0 (Basic Node): These are the primary nodes operated by users. They provide basic network functions, including creating transactions, viewing the ledger, creating custom tokens, and staking TET tokens to become a validator.
• Tectum Node Validator: These are basic nodes that have staked a required amount of TET tokens. Their primary role is to validate the authenticity of transactions they receive from Archiver nodes.
• Tectum Node Archiver: These nodes have greater responsibilities within the network. They perform initial transaction validation, distribute transactions among validators, collect validation results, and calculate fee distributions for validators.
• Tectum Key Archiver: This is the final node in the transaction process. Its sole responsibility is to log all validated transactions from the Archiver nodes into blocks on the blockchain. It does not have validation capabilities itself but serves as the ultimate record-keeper for the network.

This tiered structure is designed to streamline the transaction lifecycle. A transaction originates from a basic node, is initially validated and distributed by an Archiver, confirmed by a group of Validators, and finally recorded immutably by the Key Archiver. ^[4]

Products and Key Features

The Tectum ecosystem includes a range of products centered around its high-speed blockchain and payment solutions. ^[5]

SoftNote

SoftNote is Tectum's flagship product, described as a "transactionless" payment system. It functions as a digital bearer asset, similar to a physical banknote, that can be filled with liquidity from cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or USDT. Key features of SoftNote include: ^[3]

• Transactionless Transfers: When a SoftNote is transferred between users, what changes is the ownership of the private key controlling the wallet that holds the funds. This process occurs off-chain and is updated on the Tectum ledger, avoiding the need for a conventional blockchain transaction on the native network (e.g., Bitcoin). This enables instant transfers.
• Zero-Fee Payments: Peer-to-peer transfers of SoftNotes are free for users. Merchants who accept SoftNote payments are charged a fee capped at 1%.
• Minting and Filling: Users can mint new, empty SoftNote bills using Tectum's native token, TET. These bills can then be filled with liquidity (e.g., BTC, ETH, USDT). The minter of the SoftNote earns a portion of the merchant fees each time that specific SoftNote is used in a transaction, creating a potential for passive income.
• Privacy: Because transfers involve changing ownership of a pre-funded wallet rather than moving coins between addresses on a public ledger, the system offers a degree of privacy.

The SoftNote system is accessible through the SoftNote Wallet application, available for mobile devices. ^[3]

Tectum Blockchain

The core technology of the ecosystem is the Tectum Blockchain itself. It is presented as a solution for industries requiring high-throughput data management. Its ability to function as an overlay network allows it to bundle transactions from other chains, such as Bitcoin, and confirm them on its own high-speed ledger, aiming to reduce costs and settlement times. The mainnet for Tectum Blockchain 4.0 is live, and the source code is publicly available. ^[1]

SoftNote Wallet

The SoftNote Wallet is the primary application for interacting with the Tectum ecosystem. It allows users to mint, send, receive, and store SoftNotes. The wallet is designed to facilitate instant crypto transfers and conversions at a lower cost compared to traditional on-chain transactions. The app was launched on iOS in October 2024 for select regions, with an Android version planned. ^{[6] [7]}

Tokenomics

The Tectum ecosystem is powered by two primary tokens: Tectum Token (TET) and Tectum Cash Token (TCT). ^[8]

Tectum Token (TET)

TET is the main utility token of the Tectum network. It is an ERC-20 token with a total supply of 10 million. The primary functions of TET include:

• Minting SoftNotes: Users must use TET to create new SoftNote bills.
• Staking: TET is required for staking by users who wish to operate a Validator node on the Tectum network and earn rewards from transaction fees.
• Network Fees: It is used for fees associated with various operations on the Tectum blockchain, such as creating custom tokens.

Tectum Cash Token (TCT)

TCT is designed as a reward token within the ecosystem. It is distributed to users for their participation and engagement with Tectum's products, aiming to incentivize the use of the SoftNote payment system. ^[9]

Partnerships

Tectum has established partnerships with various entities in the blockchain and financial technology sectors. Collaborations include cryptocurrency exchanges for listing the TET token, such as Bitget, MEXC, Gate.io, and Uniswap. The project has also partnered with payment providers like Ivendpay and technology platforms like Unstoppable Domains. These partnerships are aimed at expanding the utility of the Tectum ecosystem, increasing liquidity for its tokens, and integrating its payment solutions into broader commercial use. ^{[10] [3]}

Awards and Recognition

In 2024, Tectum received the "Best Blockchain Innovation" award at the Leaders in Fintech Awards, an event organized by Entrepreneur Middle East. This recognition was for its development of the SoftNote technology and its high-speed blockchain infrastructure. ^[11]