EigenLayer and EigenDA Launch on Ethereum Mainnet

On Tuesday, Eigen Labs, the company responsible for EigenLayer, made an announcement via EigenLayer’s X account about its launch.

Ethereum staked in this manner supports a group of active networks, referred to as auxiliary validated services (AVSs). These AVSs may include various types of applications such as blockchain interconnectors, digital exchanges, or data providers.

EigenDA, the pioneering AVS (Application Specific Verifiable Store) from Eigen Labs, is designed to aid other blockchain projects in managing their transaction data and additional information. It enters the marketplace alongside contenders such as Celestia, which are gaining significant traction as essential components of the blockchain ecosystem.

At the outset, EigenLayer’s debut will be limited in terms of features. In a recent chat with CoinDesk, Eigen Labs CEO Sreeram Kannan described it as being in its beta stage.

Significantly, AVSs not utilizing Eigen Labs’ EigenDA service can register with the protocol; however, they cannot fully deploy at this time.

EigenLayer stated in its X thread that the initial launch of the mainnet does not contain two features: first, payments directly from AVSs (Automated Market Makers) to operators, and second, the mechanism for imposing penalties or “slashing.” However, they plan to introduce these elements once the EigenLayer marketplace has had time to grow and become more stable.

EigenLayer’s method for ensuring AVS operators act honestly is called “stake revocation.” This approach employs a proof-of-stake mechanism akin to Ethereum’s, in which AVS validators face the possibility of losing their deposited funds if they behave maliciously. EigenLayer plans to reward restakers with interest payments, but the development and implementation of this feature are still underway as Eigen Labs works out the intricacies of its “in-protocol payment” system.

UPDATE (Apr. 9, 18:26 UTC): Adds information throughout.