Exaion, a subsidiary of the EDF Group, a prominent energy company owned by the French state, has recently been designated as the newest validator node for the Chiliz Chain. This role is pivotal for the blockchain network, as it contributes to the maintenance of its security, accuracy, and overall reliability.

By joining the Chiliz ecosystem as a validator node, Exaion brings to the table its considerable expertise in the realms of energy, infrastructure, and technology. The company is driven by values that emphasize security, sovereignty, eco-responsibility, and decentralization, aiming to redefine the digital services industry through the use of its advanced technological capabilities and commitment to sustainability.

The partnership between Exaion and Chiliz is rooted in a mutual ambition to promote the use of blockchain technology in ways that are environmentally friendly and socially beneficial. The Chiliz Chain is distinguished by its focus on enhancing fan engagement via blockchain, enabling the issuance of Fan Tokens, NFTs, and the development of decentralized applications (dApps), thereby revolutionizing the interaction between sports fans and their preferred teams or brands.

Exaion’s addition to the Chiliz network follows the recent incorporation of other validator nodes such as PSG and K-League. This move coincides with Chiliz’s overhaul of its economic model, introducing a new inflation-staking rewards system for holders of its native CHZ token, a transaction fee-burning protocol akin to EIP 1559, and additional incentives for the community.

Fatih Balyeli, CEO and co-founder of Exaion shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the venture into the sports and entertainment sectors as a strategic move aligned with their vision for the future of digital engagement: “Exploring the sports and entertainment sectors opens new avenues for us, making our collaboration with Chiliz Chain as a validator node a pivotal strategy that resonates with our goal of shaping the future of digital engagement.” He underscored Exaion’s dedication to energy efficiency and reducing environmental impacts as contributions to Chiliz’s objective of transforming fan interactions: “Our commitment to energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact enriches Chiliz’s mission to transform how fans interact with their passions.”

Alexandre Dreyfus, CEO of Chiliz, remarked on the significance of having Exaion, an EDF subsidiary, as a validator node, viewing it as evidence of their dedication to sustainability and innovation. He noted Exaion’s respected energy sector expertise and proactive stance on eco-responsibility as valuable assets to their endeavors: “Having Exaion, a subsidiary of EDF, as a validator node on our chain is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and innovation. Their renowned expertise in the energy sector and proactive approach to eco-responsibility will significantly bolster our efforts in this space.”

Founded in 2020 by Fatih Balyeli and Laurent Bernou-Mazars, Exaion aligns with EDF Group’s mission by supporting industries in their digital transition with an approach that is both responsible and sustainable. This includes modernizing outdated supercomputers, utilizing predominantly decarbonized electricity, and repurposing waste heat. Exaion’s mission focuses on data management, aiming to enhance its processing, ensure its security, and improve user accessibility and control. Its team of experts is committed to developing solutions and services that are efficient, innovative, and sovereign. Exaion Inc., located in Montreal, Canada, caters to the needs of stakeholders in North America.

Chiliz stands at the forefront of SportFi, marrying sports brands with decentralized technologies. Powered by the Chiliz Chain, the first Layer-1 EVM-compatible blockchain tailored for sports and entertainment, it supports a varied ecosystem driven by the CHZ token. Socios.com, its primary platform, serves over two million users worldwide, making it the largest consumer-facing web3 product outside the finance and trading sector. The company boasts partnerships with leading sports brands across the globe.

Validator nodes on the Chiliz Chain are integral to its operation and security, responsible for authorizing smart contracts crucial for Fan Tokens, NFTs, and dApps. These nodes validate transactions and protect the blockchain from threats, playing a key role in the inclusion of new validator nodes and ensuring a secure and dependable network. The involvement of CHZ token holders in staking with validator nodes promotes a democratic and secure ecosystem, encouraging community participation and innovation in sports blockchain technology.