Coinranking
What is Saito (SAITO)?
Quick Facts
- Founded by: David Lancashire and Richard Parris
- Core idea: Blockchain apps run directly in the browser
- Consensus: Proof of Transaction (PoT) — rewards routing nodes
- Grant recipient: Web3 Foundation
- Token standard: ERC-20 and BEP-20 wrapped tokens with mainnet bridge
- ATR mechanism: Distributes 25% of on-chain fees to token holders
- Rivals: Designed to replace centralized infrastructure like Infura
Introduction
Saito is an open network blockchain protocol built to solve one of Web3's most persistent problems: who pays for infrastructure. Rather than relying on miners, stakers, or centralized services, Saito compensates the routing nodes that actually carry data across the network.
The result is a platform where decentralized applications (dApps) can run directly in a user's browser — no plugins, no private APIs, no dependence on third-party middleware.
History & Background
Saito was founded by David Lancashire and Richard Parris, two experienced software engineers with backgrounds in technology startups across Asia. Lancashire, the technical lead, has been involved in the Bitcoin community since 2012 and holds graduate work from UC Berkeley. Parris brings over 15 years of CTO experience.
The project became a Web3 Foundation grant recipient, which helped accelerate its core protocol development. The ERC-20 and BEP-20 wrapped versions of SAITO were made available to allow trading on exchanges before full mainnet migration.
How Saito Works
Saito replaces traditional Proof of Work and Proof of Stake with a novel Proof of Transaction (PoT) consensus model. Routing nodes collect transaction fees as data is passed through the network. A mining puzzle is layered on top to make attacks expensive and keep the network spam-resistant.
A key feature is the Automatic Transaction Rebroadcasting (ATR) mechanism. When older data falls out of the current epoch, UTXOs must pay a small rebroadcasting fee to remain on-chain. This creates a market-driven pruning system that keeps the blockchain lean without hardcoded limits.
DApps built on Saito run inside a user's browser using a distributed global Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) layer for secure, trustless communication.
Tokenomics
SAITO tokens are earned by running network routing nodes or purchased from other holders. The ATR mechanism automatically distributes 25% of on-chain network fees to holders of unspent UTXOs at regular intervals, creating a passive reward for long-term holders.
ERC-20 and BEP-20 wrapped tokens serve as on-ramps for exchange liquidity. Users can bridge these off-chain tokens to the Saito mainnet at any time through the official bridge.
|
Circulating supply
| 2.51 billion SAITO |
|---|---|
| |
|
Total supply
| 3.28 billion SAITO |
|
Max supply
| -- SAITO |
Ecosystem & Use Cases
Saito targets developers building peer-to-peer applications — from messaging tools to data-sharing platforms — that need scalable, decentralized infrastructure. By compensating ISPs and routing nodes directly, Web3 projects on Saito can self-fund their infrastructure costs without passing fees to users or relying on centralized providers.
The platform also supports a decentralized data network for applications requiring high data integrity across sectors like finance and communications.
Team, Governance & Community
The project is led by its two co-founders and maintains an active community across Telegram and Discord. Governance decisions are guided by the core team, with the open-source protocol enabling broader developer participation.
Advantages
- Browser-native dApps: No downloads or centralized plugins required
- Self-sustaining infrastructure: Routing nodes are paid directly from transaction fees
- ATR rewards: Token holders earn passive income from network activity
- Decentralized PKI: Secure communications without centralized certificate authorities
- Spam resistance: Mining puzzle layer keeps the network secure
Risks & Challenges
- Adoption hurdles: Competing against deeply entrenched Web3 infrastructure providers
- Network effects: Routing node participation must grow for the model to scale effectively
- Regulatory uncertainty: Evolving crypto regulations could affect deployment and exchange access
- Ecosystem maturity: As a relatively newer platform, developer tooling and dApp variety are still expanding
Long-Term Vision
Saito's long-term goal is to become the foundational open network layer for Web3 — one where any developer can build browser-accessible blockchain applications without relying on centralized infrastructure. By aligning economic incentives with the nodes that route real traffic, Saito aims to make decentralized internet infrastructure self-sustaining and censorship-resistant at scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What problem does Saito solve?
Saito addresses the infrastructure cost problem in Web3, where developers typically rely on centralized providers like Infura. It compensates routing nodes directly from transaction fees, making decentralized infrastructure economically self-sustaining.
- How does the Proof of Transaction consensus work?
Routing nodes collect fees as transactions pass through the network. A mining puzzle is added on top to make attacks costly. This means nodes that actually carry data are rewarded, not just miners or stakers.
- What is the ATR mechanism?
ATR stands for Automatic Transaction Rebroadcasting. It distributes 25% of on-chain network fees to holders of unspent UTXOs at regular intervals, and also charges a small fee to keep old data alive on-chain, acting as a market-driven pruning system.
- Do I need special software to use Saito dApps?
No. One of Saito's core features is that blockchain applications run directly in a standard web browser. There is no need for browser extensions, private APIs, or downloaded clients.
- What is the difference between ERC-20 SAITO and mainnet SAITO?
ERC-20 and BEP-20 SAITO tokens are wrapped versions traded on exchanges for liquidity. They can be bridged to the Saito mainnet at any time using the official bridge to access full network features.
- Who founded Saito?
Saito was co-founded by David Lancashire and Richard Parris. Lancashire is the technical lead with a background in Bitcoin since 2012, while Parris brings over 15 years of CTO experience from technology startups in Asia.
- Is Saito a Web3 Foundation project?
Saito is a Web3 Foundation grant recipient, which supported the development of its core open network protocol and browser-based blockchain application infrastructure.
- How can I earn SAITO tokens?
You can earn SAITO by running a routing node that collects fees for the network, or by holding tokens and receiving passive payouts through the ATR mechanism. Tokens can also be purchased from exchanges or through the on-chain store.