In the evolving landscape of web3, data sovereignty is no longer a futuristic ideal—it's a necessity. As users demand greater control over their digital assets, decentralized storage solutions are stepping into the spotlight. Among them, Walrus emerges as a powerful new force: a decentralized storage and data availability protocol designed specifically for large binary objects (blobs), offering low-cost, secure, and highly available storage even under Byzantine fault conditions.
Unlike traditional "dumb" storage systems, Walrus reimagines data infrastructure by transforming passive storage into programmable, verifiable smart assets. By integrating deeply with Sui Network, Walrus enables developers to interact with data via CLI, SDK, or even HTTP, while leveraging Sui’s smart contracts to verify blob availability and validity—ensuring trustless security and long-term reliability.
Backed by innovative Red Stuff encoding technology, Walrus splits files into multiple fragments using advanced erasure coding. With an approximate 5x encoding rate, data is redundantly stored across distributed nodes. This means that even if some nodes fail or are compromised, the original content remains fully recoverable—delivering robustness without sacrificing efficiency.
Beyond Sui, Walrus supports cross-chain compatibility, empowering ecosystems like Solana and Ethereum with scalable data availability layers. It opens doors for developers to build complex crypto-native applications—from decentralized websites to NFT marketplaces and beyond—enabling entirely new data-driven business models.
👉 Discover how decentralized storage is reshaping the future of web3 development.
What Is the Walrus Development Cohort?
This five-week learning initiative is designed for builders ready to dive into the future of decentralized data. We blend hands-on practice with deep technical exploration, guiding participants from zero to deployment on Walrus.
The program follows a clear structure:
- Week 1: Best Practices & Project Walkthrough
Kick off with a full walkthrough of the Walrus Sites project. Learn real-world use cases, deployment strategies, and code implementation through live demonstrations led by experienced developers. - Weeks 2–4: Theory & Technical Deep Dive
Explore the core mechanics of Walrus—erasure coding, blob verification, Sui integration, and more. Each week includes two Office Hours sessions for guided review and Q&A, with topics shaped by community input. - Week 5: Build & Showcase
Work solo or in teams to build your own application on Walrus. Whether it’s a personal site, a decentralized media platform, or a novel dApp concept—you’ll have full creative freedom. Outstanding projects will be eligible for recognition and rewards.
We provide comprehensive English and Chinese documentation, encourage collaborative contributions to open-source resources, and offer bounty opportunities for those who help improve the ecosystem.
Why Join This Cohort?
Decentralized storage isn’t just about preserving files—it’s about reclaiming ownership of digital identity and expression. The Walrus cohort empowers you to:
- Gain practical experience building on one of the most promising data availability protocols.
- Understand how data programmability enhances trust and functionality in web3 apps.
- Contribute to an open, community-driven effort shaping the next generation of the internet.
- Connect with a global network of developers passionate about Sui, Move language, and decentralized innovation.
Whether you're exploring career shifts, expanding your technical toolkit, or launching a web3 startup, this cohort offers both foundational knowledge and real-world application.
👉 Start building on cutting-edge decentralized infrastructure today.
Program Details
Duration: 5 weeks (4 weeks learning + 1 week project development)
Learning Format: Self-paced study with structured weekly goals
Live Support: Weekly Office Hours for concept reviews and troubleshooting
Community Platform: Ongoing discussions via private group (WeChat/Tencent Meeting/Notion)
Final Output: Deploy a functional site or dApp on Walrus
Time Commitment: Recommended 8+ hours per week
Prerequisites
To get the most out of this cohort, participants should have:
- Basic understanding of blockchain concepts
- Experience with Mac or Linux development environments
- Proficiency in at least one programming language
- Frontend development skills (preferred but not required)
- No prior Move language experience needed
Certification & Incentives
We believe in rewarding active participation and meaningful contribution:
- Free Access: Past graduates of code-focused cohorts (e.g., Rust, Move, Solana, Swift) with project outputs qualify for complimentary enrollment.
- Pathway to Advanced Learning: Successfully complete your Walrus demo? You’ll gain direct access to future Move-focused programs.
- Top Project Prize: Exceptional demos presented at the final showcase will compete for a $1,000 USD award sponsored by HOH Water Molecule Community.
Refund Incentive System
Earn credits toward full tuition reimbursement by contributing to the community:
- Complete your Walrus demo and present it: 10 points
- Serve as a Maintainer, assist peers, and drive progress: 4 points
- Refer a new participant: 2 points per referral
Accumulate 10 points, and you receive a 100% refund of your participation fee.
Meet the Initiators
Mindfrog
Full-stack developer with 7 years of experience. Currently focused full-time on Sui Move development. Founder of Nextart Community and former head of Fudan University's VR Lab with extensive experience in research commercialization.
UVD
Sui Technology Ambassador and backend engineer passionate about programming languages. Inspired by the energy of the Move community, he now champions Sui’s version of Move and drives developer growth across China.
King
17-year tech veteran with a decade at top-tier Chinese tech firms. Specializes in database systems and backend architecture. Now building in web3 with expertise in Rust, Solidity, FunC, and Move—contributing to DeFi, GameFi, and NFT projects.
Core Keywords
- Decentralized storage
- Data sovereignty
- Walrus protocol
- Sui Network
- Data availability
- Erasure coding
- Web3 development
- Blockchain infrastructure
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need prior experience with Sui or Move to join?
A: Not required. While familiarity helps, the program is designed to onboard developers from various backgrounds. We provide foundational resources to get you up to speed.
Q: Can I participate if I’m not based in China?
A: Absolutely. The cohort welcomes international participants. All core materials are available in English, and Office Hours will accommodate global time zones where possible.
Q: What kind of projects can I build during Week 5?
A: Anything from static websites and blogs to dynamic dApps that leverage Walrus for media storage or data anchoring. Past ideas include artist portfolios, DAO documentation hubs, and educational platforms.
Q: Is there a deadline for registration?
A: Yes—early bird pricing ends November 16 (24:00 GMT+8). However, the cohort may close earlier if capacity is reached.
Q: How do I earn the refund points?
A: Points are earned through verified contributions—project completion, peer support, or referrals. The organizing team tracks progress and confirms eligibility.
Q: Will I retain ownership of my project after the cohort?
A: Yes. All intellectual property created during the program belongs entirely to you or your team.
👉 Join a global movement redefining how data lives on the internet.