The modular toolkit for building fast, scalable blockchains
The Polkadot SDK (formerly Substrate) is an open, Rust-based, modular blockchain development framework that empowers you to build your own rollup or appchain—with complete control over performance, governance, and security.
Build with the Polkadot SDK
Gain complete control over execution, governance, and tokenomics with the freedom to connect to Polkadot for shared security and native interoperability, or run as a fully sovereign chain.
Full control
Design your blockchain’s execution logic, governance model, staking mechanism, and tokenomics—fully custom from the ground up.
Faster launches
Accelerate your blockchain development with 40+ pre-built modules, dev-friendly tooling, and fast-start templates.
Seamless upgrades
Update runtime logic without hard forks or downtime via on-chain governance.
Scalable by design
Built for the demands of real applications—from gaming to DeFi to AI. Your chain grows seamlessly as your users and transactions scale.
Comprehensive support
Access technical guidance, audits via the Protocol Assistance Legion (PAL), documentation, and ecosystem funding.
Why builders choose the Polkadot SDK
From rapid prototyping to production deployment, the Polkadot SDK delivers the tools and infrastructure that turn your blockchain vision into reality.
Modular runtime development
Start with 40+ pre-built modules for balances, governance, and staking—extend or replace to create a custom chain.
Onchain governance
Implement decision-making systems from simple referenda to advanced DAO structures, upgradeable without hard forks.
Robust tooling
Streamline development with tools for building, testing, deploying, monitoring, and debugging, including CLI utilities, node templates, and benchmarking.
Custom execution
Define exactly how your chain handles transactions, consensus, and staking to meet your application’s needs.
Smart contract compatibility
Support Wasm, EVM, and upcoming PolkaVM environments for maximum flexibility.
The engine driving real-world Web3
From gaming to AI to DeFi, visionary teams are already pushing boundaries with the Polkadot SDK.
Your custom chain starts here
The Polkadot SDK gives you the freedom to build your own blockchain, define exactly what your application needs, and scale it with confidence.
