Shardeum and ZNS Connect have partnered to launch .shm domain names. These domains are available for approximately $1 during the early access period. These domains eliminate the need for difficult-to-read wallet addresses containing random letters and numbers, and instead allow you to conduct transactions using an easy-to-use domain name (e.g. “yourname.shm”).
India’s Shardeum is a Layer 1 (L1) blockchain that already boasts an impressive number of validators of over 171,000 since its recent launch. This partnership has the potential to allow more users to experience the benefits of using Web3 without the usual complexities typically associated with using cryptocurrencies.
Solving usability challenges in Web3
One of the most difficult barriers to blockchain adoption is the formidable nature of wallet addresses. Sending cryptocurrencies to addresses like 0x7a9f…e3b2 requires careful verification and creates friction for beginners. ZNS Connect’s solution transforms this experience by allowing users to register domains such as “yourname.shm” that act as a persistent identity across the Shardeum ecosystem.
This integration goes beyond mere naming. According to Shardeum’s announcement, .shm domains will be utilized as an identity and engagement layer, allowing users to receive name-based payments, interact with other users across multiple blockchains, use mini-games to encourage participation, and reward when they reach milestones or complete tasks. The launch of .shm domains follows trends in the Web3 identity space, as many projects collaborate with SPACE ID (identity platform) and Zetarium (project) to create new DeFi experiences.
Why Shardeum is suitable for ZNS Connect
Shardeum’s technical architecture makes it an excellent partner for decentralized naming services. The blockchain launched its EVM mainnet in October 2025, allowing it to transition to a complete smart contract platform. Its dynamic state sharding technology provides linear scalability that can process more than 100,000 transactions per second with low gas fees of approximately $0.001.
This combination of low fees and high throughput makes domain registration and on-chain interactions affordable for everyday users. With over 81 million transactions processed as of May 2025, Shardeum has demonstrated the stability needed to power identity infrastructure. The platform has achieved MiCA certification and can operate compliantly in all 27 EU member states.
Real world and future applications
Currently, .shm domains are considered a human-friendly address solution for conducting transactions across defi. The best part about .shm domains is that you can integrate them with other technologies later on, giving you an identity that works across all your decentralized apps and platforms. Users establish one Web3 presence using .shm for all DeFi protocols, gaming platforms, and more.
Gaming and engagement features can inform your gamification strategy to make domain ownership more interactive. The platform creates an engaging experience for users by attaching rewards to on-chain activities and completion of milestones. According to the official documentation, developers can integrate ZNS functionality into the functionality of dApps to provide a more intuitive user experience that does not require users to manage complex wallet addresses.
conclusion
This partnership stands out not only for the technology used, but also for the way both organizations tackle a real challenge encountered by countless users in the crypto space: struggling to remember wallet addresses. At just $1 for early access, .shm domains offer users an affordable way to establish a presence within the ecosystem. This is an important element in appealing to non-technical individuals. Other companies have offered several names of blockchain projects, but few have been delivered through highly scalable blockchain technology like the Shardeum blockchain.
