Get Started
Testnet Overview
The Lightchain AI Testnet is a fully functional replica of the mainnet environment, designed for developers to build, test, and iterate without risking real assets.[!NOTE] Testnet tokens have no real-world value.
Use the testnet freely to experiment with smart contracts, validator setups, and dApp integrations.
Why Use the Testnet?
The testnet provides a safe environment to:- Deploy and debug smart contracts before going live on mainnet.
- Test dApp integrations with the Lightchain AI ecosystem.
- Experiment with Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus mechanics.
- Validate gas estimation and transaction behavior.
- Simulate AIVM interactions for on-chain AI inference workflows.
Network Details
RPC endpoints may be rate-limited during periods of high demand.
If you experience throttling, consider running your own testnet node.
Testnet Architecture
The Lightchain AI Testnet mirrors the mainnet architecture, including:- PoI Consensus — Validators earn rewards by contributing useful AI computations.
- AIVM (AI Virtual Machine) — Execute on-chain AI inference tasks alongside standard EVM-compatible smart contracts.
- Native Data Availability — Erasure-coded data availability layer with KZG commitments for cost-efficient blob storage.
Getting Started
Follow these guides in order to get up and running on the testnet:- Connect to Testnet — Add the Lightchain AI Testnet to your wallet.
- Get Testnet Tokens — Claim free LCAI from the faucet.
- Deploy a Smart Contract — Deploy your first contract on the testnet.
- Interact with Contracts — Read and write to your deployed contracts.
- Verify a Contract — Verify your contract source code on the block explorer.
Support & Community
Having trouble with the testnet? Reach out through:[!TIP] The testnet resets periodically. Always keep your contract source code and deployment scripts version-controlled.
Last updated: February 2026