Delay Towers to Bootstrap Blockchains

Abstract

To bolster Sybil resistance and establish persistent identities in new permissionless blockchain networks, we introduce delay towers, leveraging Verifiable Delay Functions (VDFs) to implement a proof of elapsed time (PoET). By utilizing inherently sequential cryptographic primitives, delay towers present an eco-friendly alternative to traditional PoW and PoS mechanisms, enabling sustainable network growth without reliance on token sales or airdrops. This work not only considers the blockchain’s ecological footprint but also upholds the principles of a fair launch to enable a decentralized blockchain ecosystem.