# SciChain — Brand & Usage

**SciChain** is a post-quantum hybrid blockchain platform by Scimatic Technologies,
built as a fork of Hyperledger Besu.

## The software

The SciChain node software is distributed under the **Apache License 2.0** (see `LICENSE`).
You are free to:

- **Run** SciChain nodes (join the public network, or run your own).
- **Launch your own independent networks** using the SciChain software (any chainId
  other than 481). Use the included `create-network.sh` to bootstrap one.
- **Build on top** of SciChain — applications, contracts, tooling.

The distribution ships as **compiled binaries (JARs)**. Source for the post-quantum
components is not included in this package.

## Using the "SciChain" name

The name **"SciChain"** and the SciChain logo are trademarks of Scimatic Technologies.
You **may**:

- State that your network or product is **"built on SciChain"** or **"SciChain-based"**.
- Use the SciChain software to power your own network.

You **may not**, without written permission:

- Present your independent network as **the official SciChain** network (chainId **481**),
  or imply endorsement by Scimatic Technologies.
- Use the SciChain name or logo as the primary brand of a competing product in a way that
  causes confusion about its origin.

## The official network

- **Official SciChain:** chainId **481** — validators governed by Scimatic Technologies.
- Public RPC: https://rpc.scimatic.net · Explorer: https://explorer.scimatic.net · Docs: https://docs.scimatic.net
- Joining the official network as a **validator** requires a QBFT governance vote by the
  existing validators. Anyone may run a non-validator (full/RPC) node.

## Post-quantum components

SciChain's post-quantum features (ML-DSA / FIPS 204 signatures, hybrid ECDSA+ML-DSA,
the on-chain ML-DSA verification precompile, and the SLH-DSA backup family) are Scimatic
Technologies' contributions. They are provided in compiled form as part of this distribution.

© 2026 Scimatic Technologies. Built on Hyperledger Besu (Apache-2.0).