# Closed Alpha Testing Phase #2

The Cortensor Closed Alpha Testing Contest is an exciting opportunity for early supporters to contribute to the development of the decentralized AI network while earning $COR rewards. By participating, you’ll help shape the future of decentralized AI and strengthen the Cortensor ecosystem.

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## Contest Rules

### **Stake Requirement**

* Stake 2,000 $COR per node on Pool 3 to ensure you are recognized as an early supporter and valued community member.
* Rewards will be sent to the address used to stake. This address **cannot be changed**, and it will serve as the only way to verify and qualify as a participant in the contest.

### **Node Uptime**

* Keep your nodes online and running for at least 30 days to 45 days to qualify for rewards.

### **Bug Reporting**

* Actively communicate with Cortensor admins to report and troubleshoot any issues or bugs encountered during the contest.
* Failure to report bugs may result in disqualification.

### **Disqualification Rights**

* Cortensor reserves the right to disqualify any participant at its sole discretion if behavior or activity is deemed harmful to the network or inconsistent with the contest’s spirit.

### **Long-Term Commitment**

* Maintaining node uptime beyond the contest period increases your chances for future $COR airdrops during the devnet, testnet, and mainnet phases.

### **Detailed Guidelines**

* Additional rules and guidelines will be available in the Cortensor Discord. Join to stay updated!

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## Rewards

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden></th><th data-hidden></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Rank</strong></td><td><strong>Total Reward</strong></td><td><strong>On the Spot</strong></td><td><strong>Staked on Pool 1</strong></td></tr><tr><td>🥇 1st</td><td>$50</td><td>$1000</td><td>$1500 (28-day lock)</td></tr><tr><td>🥈 2nd</td><td>$50</td><td>$400</td><td>$600 (28-day lock)</td></tr><tr><td>🥉 3rd</td><td>$50</td><td>$200</td><td>$200 (28-day lock)</td></tr><tr><td>🏅 4th</td><td>$50</td><td>$100</td><td>$100 (28-day lock)</td></tr><tr><td>🎖️ 5th</td><td>$50</td><td>$100</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>6th–10th</td><td>$35 each</td><td>$50</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>11th-20th</td><td>$25 each</td><td>$35</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>21th-30th</td><td>$15 each</td><td>$20</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>31th-100th</td><td>$10 each</td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

### **Base Rewards**

* **Each node** earns **$20/month** as a base reward.
* Additional performance-based incentives apply based on **rank and reputation**.

### **Multi-Node Bonus Boost**

Operators running **multiple nodes** receive **extra bonuses**:

* **3+ nodes → 10% bonus**
* **5+ nodes → 20% bonus**

### **Role Bonus**

* If a **user holds a role (e.g., miner, oracle, or verifier)**, they receive an **extra 5-10% bonus** on top of their total rewards.

### Each Node Operator can only have a maximum of 1 or 5 spots per reward tier:

* Maximum 1 spot for positions 1st to 5th
* Maximum 1 spot for positions 6th to 10th
* Maximum 1 spot for positions 11th to 20th
* Maximum 1 spot for positions 21st to 30th
* Maximum 5 spots for positions 31st to 100th

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### **Example Calculations**

**Scenario 1: Running 3 Nodes&#x20;*****(With Role Bonus)***

* **Base reward:** **$20 per node x 3 = $60/month**
* **Multi-node bonus (10% of $60):** **$6**
* **Subtotal:** **$66**
* **Role bonus (10% of $66):** **$6.60**
* **Total monthly reward:** **$72.60 + Additional Rank-Based Rewards**

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**Scenario 2: Running 5 Nodes&#x20;*****(With Role Bonus)***

* **Base reward:** **$20 per node x 5 = $100/month**
* **Multi-node bonus (20% of $100):** **$20**
* **Subtotal:** **$120**
* **Role bonus (10% of $120):** **$12**
* **Total monthly reward:** **$132 + Additional Rank-Based Rewards**

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<mark style="color:red;">**Note: Rewards will be sent to the address used to stake. This address cannot be changed, and it will serve as the only way to verify and qualify as a participant in the contest.**</mark>

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## Contest Mechanics

### **Max Nodes Per User**

* Participants can operate up to 10 nodes each.

### **Winner Determination**

* Winners will be judged based on:
  1. **Active Nodes:** The number of active nodes maintained during the contest.
  2. **NodeStats Performance:** Reflects the quality and reliability of your contributions to the network.

     * **Ping & Global Ping**: Measures node responsiveness and uptime across the network.
     * **State Metrics**: Tracks performance in Create, Prepare, Precommit, and Commit states.
     * **Counters & Points**: Logs task entries and outcomes to assess reliability and accuracy.

     These metrics ensure fair evaluation and reward meaningful contributions.
  3. **Bug Reporting and Troubleshooting:**&#x20;
     * **Bug Reporting:** Participants must actively report bugs during the testing phase.
     * **Troubleshooting:** Work collaboratively with Cortensor admins to troubleshoot and resolve issues.
     * **Earn Points:** Points will be awarded for identifying and reporting bugs.
     * **Disqualification:** Failure to engage in bug reporting and troubleshooting will result in disqualification.

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## Important Dates

* **Start Date:** Early December 2024. The exact date will be announced soon.

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## Why Participate?

* Earn $COR rewards while helping test the Cortensor ecosystem.
* Gain priority for future airdrops during the devnet, testnet, and mainnet phases.
* Shape the future of decentralized AI and become a pioneer in the Cortensor community.

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## **Testing Focus**

This phase focuses on testing **key enhancements** for Cortensor’s decentralized AI infrastructure, including **node reputation, performance tracking, and ephemeral state handling** for future session-based AI tasks.

### **Core Testing Areas:**

1. **CognitiveV2 Module** – Enhancing AI inference with improved efficiency and scalability.
2. **NodeStats Module** – Expanding tracking capabilities for performance benchmarking and reliability analysis.
3. **Node Reputation & Selection** – Introducing **reputation-based scoring** to optimize task distribution.
4. **Ephemeral State Testing** – Evaluating **temporary session state tracking**, a precursor for future session and router node coordination.

### **Key Outcomes:**

* Establish **node reputation models** for optimized task allocation.
* Track **performance data** to improve reliability and incentivization.
* Validate ephemeral state handling for **future Session Module integration.**

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## Join the Contest

* Learn more and stay updated by joining the [Cortensor Discord Community](https://discord.gg/cortensor).

Let’s build the future of decentralized AI together! 🌐