The ICF Ecosystem Growth Delegations tranche is an application-only part of the ATOM delegation program designed to advance key ecosystem initiatives and support critical infrastructure.
This topic is the central index for open, under-review, and completed Ecosystem Growth Delegation requests for proposals. Each RFP is published as a separate forum topic so its requirements, updates, and community discussion remain easy to find and follow.
How to apply
- Check the status and application dates below, then review the requirements in an open RFP.
- Submit the Ecosystem Growth Delegation application form before that RFP’s deadline.
- Reference the RFP title in the project title or project description.
Applications are submitted through the Ecosystem Growth Delegation application form, following the instructions and application dates in each RFP.
Eligibility
Eligibility requirements are specific to each RFP. Each RFP states who may apply, the requirements for selection, and when those requirements are assessed. Depending on the service being requested, an RFP may require applicants to meet some or all of the default delegation criteria. Independently proposed Ecosystem Growth projects are assessed against the requirements applicable to their proposals.
Selection and delegation timing
- Applications close. Each RFP states its own application dates.
- Proposals are reviewed and a selection is approved. Applications are evaluated against the RFP’s eligibility requirements, service requirements, and published selection criteria. Applicants may be contacted for clarification.
- The selected provider confirms the terms. Once the award is approved, the selected provider is contacted privately to confirm the delegation amount, term, service obligations, delivery and testing requirements, and delegation-start conditions in writing. The terms cover any required period of service operation before delegation begins.
- Applicants are notified and the award is announced. Unsuccessful applicants are notified before the public award announcement. After the selected provider accepts the terms, the award is announced in the relevant RFP topic, including any remaining delivery and testing conditions. Award information is also included in quarterly delegation results.
- The service is delivered and tested. Delivery conditions are specific to each RFP. For the Sponsored Endpoint RFP, the selected provider builds after approval and written confirmation of the terms, and the delivered service must pass testing against every requirement.
- Delegation is executed. For the Sponsored Endpoint RFP, delegation begins in the first regular quarterly round after the service passes testing and runs for four quarterly rounds from that start. The applicable round depends on service readiness and the round’s execution planning. Execution details are reported with the amount, execution date, and transaction references once available.
RFP status
| RFP | Status | Application dates | Award / delegation timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmos Hub Sponsored Endpoint Provider | Applications closed; under review | Opened Oct 6, 2026. Closed Oct 28, 2026 at 23:59 UTC. | Selection pending. Delegation starts in the first quarterly round after service acceptance, for four rounds. |
| Cosmos Hub PebbleDB Snapshot Provider | Awarded | Opened Sep 17, 2026. Closed Oct 1, 2026. | Awarded to Solva for the Q3 2026 round. See the published award summary. |
How awards relate to the default delegation
Starting with the Sept 30, 2026 snapshot, an Ecosystem Growth Delegation, including an RFP award, is added on top of any default delegation the validator qualifies for. The default is checked separately at every quarterly snapshot against the published criteria, including commission at or below 10%. The Ecosystem Growth award continues under its own terms, with the default amount added for each round in which the validator meets those criteria.
Status and maintenance
This index will be updated as RFPs open, enter review, are awarded, or close without an award. Completed RFP topics remain available as a public record. Questions and discussion about an individual RFP should be posted in that RFP’s topic.
For additional context, read the ICF delegation program framework announcement.