Chainlink Launches New Rewards Program to Boost Ecosystem Participation

Chainlink, the leading decentralized oracle network, has launched a new rewards initiative that could reshape how value flows within its ecosystem. The newly announced Chainlink Rewards program introduces a system where LINK stakers and Chainlink participants can claim native tokens from Web3 projects that are part of the Chainlink Build program.

What Is Chainlink Rewards?

At its core, Chainlink Rewards is a new ecosystem incentive program. It allows Chainlink Build members to distribute their native tokens to Chainlink community participants, including eligible LINK stakers. These rewards aim to strengthen user engagement and reward those who contribute to the security and decentralization of the Chainlink network.

Unlike a typical airdrop, this system is designed with a structure that filters for meaningful participation. The first rollout of the rewards initiative is called Season Genesis, a pilot program launching on May 8, 2025, in partnership with Space and Time, a long-standing Chainlink Build member.

Space and Time Leads the Launch with 4% SXT Token Supply

Space and Time is a decentralized data network that supports smart contracts with zero-knowledge (ZK) proven queries. As part of Season Genesis, the project is allocating 4% of its total SXT token supply (200 million SXT) to the Chainlink Rewards program.

The initial batch of 100 million SXT will become claimable starting May 8 for participants who qualify as active LINK stakers. The remaining half, including any unclaimed tokens from the first season, will be reserved for future Chainlink Rewards activations.

If the launch is successful, Chainlink could replicate this model across dozens of other Build projects, transforming how value is distributed to contributors within its ecosystem.

Who Can Claim SXT in Season Genesis?

To ensure fairness and reward genuine participation, Chainlink has set clear eligibility criteria. Only LINK stakers who had active positions before a snapshot taken on March 31, 2025 will qualify. This approach focuses rewards on those who have been supporting the network the longest while still keeping room for smaller, newer stakers to participate.

Out of the 4% total allocation, 2% will be claimable during Season Genesis, while the remaining 2% will be withheld for future distributions—possibly as part of a more advanced claiming mechanism.

Claims during Season Genesis will remain open for 90 days, giving eligible users ample time to participate.

What Is the Chainlink Build Program?

To understand Chainlink Rewards, you must understand Chainlink Build.

Build is Chainlink’s long-standing initiative to accelerate Web3 adoption by supporting promising blockchain projects. By joining Build, projects gain access to advanced Chainlink services—including oracle data feeds, custom solutions, and early access to new tools. In return, they commit a share of their token supply to the Chainlink ecosystem.

These tokens will be channeled into the Chainlink Rewards system, flowing directly to those who support the network through staking and participation.

The Build program supports projects across nearly every Web3 vertical:

• Decentralized AI
• DePIN (decentralized physical infrastructure)
• Stablecoins
• NFTs
• Tokenized assets
• Gaming and DeFi protocols

Why This Matters for the Chainlink Ecosystem

By tying real value (in the form of project-native tokens) to active participation, Chainlink is creating a loop where ecosystem contributors benefit directly from the network’s success. This keeps LINK stakers engaged, rewards loyalty, and encourages new projects to align with Chainlink’s infrastructure.

For Build projects, it’s a win as well. Instead of launching tokens in a vacuum, they now have a direct distribution channel to one of the most technically savvy communities in crypto.

And for Chainlink itself, this is a powerful way to reinforce its long-term role as a critical layer of Web3 infrastructure.

The current rollout with Space and Time will serve as a test case. If successful, Chainlink Rewards could become a core engine for ecosystem growth—especially as more projects enter the Build program and token utility expands.