Pocket and Kleomedes Challenge RPC Centralization in Cosmos

Pocket Network, a decentralized blockchain data platform, has announced a strategic collaboration with Kleomedes, a prominent staking platform and validator in the Cosmos ecosystem. The partnership aims to enhance the accessibility and reliability of decentralized infrastructure for Cosmos-based projects by integrating Pocket’s high-performing RPC and open data services with Kleomedes’ comprehensive validator solutions [1]. This collaboration marks a significant step toward addressing the current reliance on centralized RPC providers within the Cosmos ecosystem, which has long championed decentralization and modularity [1].

Under the agreement, Kleomedes is operating nodes within Pocket’s ecosystem and onboarding its validator communities and end-users to leverage Pocket-powered RPC endpoints. The integration aligns incentives between the two platforms, with Kleomedes strengthening its offerings with fast, cost-efficient, and decentralized infrastructure for Cosmos networks, while Pocket expands its footprint in one of the most active interchain ecosystems [1]. According to Marco Rinaldi, founder of Kleomedes, the partnership supports the vision of Web3 by providing a cost-effective and decentralized alternative for data access [1].

Pocket Network is now providing decentralized RPC endpoints for 14 Cosmos chains, including Akash, AtomOne, Fetch, Osmosis, Cheqd, Chihuahua, Elys Network, Jackal, Juno, Stagaze, Persistence, Router, Seda, and Shentu. These chains are part of Kleomedes’ validator lineup, and the integration enables dApps and users to access blockchain data faster and more resiliently without relying on centralized intermediaries [1]. The setup also reduces infrastructure centralization risks and improves uptime guarantees through Pocket’s relay marketplace, which includes hundreds of independent node runners [1].

For projects such as Router Protocol and Osmosis, this partnership introduces a scalable and censorship-resistant infrastructure alternative. The collaboration aligns with Kleomedes’ mission to promote decentralization in the Cosmos ecosystem by simplifying staking and empowering users to make informed decisions [1]. Meanwhile, Pocket Network’s relay network uses a native cryptocurrency, POKT, to incentivize node providers, creating a decentralized marketplace for blockchain data access [1]. Chris “Jinx” Jenkins of Pocket Network highlighted that the partnership with Kleomedes is the beginning of a broader expansion of chain support for the platform [1].

The move underscores growing momentum in the Cosmos ecosystem, which continues to evolve as a leader in blockchain interoperability and decentralized infrastructure. By offering a native decentralized alternative to traditional RPC services, Pocket and Kleomedes are addressing a critical gap that many dApps and chains still face in the space [1]. The integration also reflects the ongoing push within the blockchain industry to reduce centralization risks and enhance network resilience through collaborative innovation.

Source:

[1] Pocket Network Integrates 14 Cosmos Ecosystem Chains via Kleomedes Collaboration (https://thedefiant.io/news/press-releases/pocket-network-integrates-14-cosmos-ecosystem-chains-via-kleomedes-collaboration)

[2] Top 29 Cosmos HUB RPC Nodes & Data APIs (https://www.comparenodes.com/protocols/cosmos/)