Forward Industries Launches Institutional-Grade Solana Validator Node on DoubleZero Network

Forward Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: FORD), recognized as a leading Solana treasury company, has announced the deployment of its institutional-grade validator node on the Solana blockchain. This validator operates on DoubleZero's high-performance global network for distributed systems, representing a significant advancement in blockchain infrastructure capabilities. The development was achieved through collaboration with Galaxy and utilizes Jump Crypto's Firedancer client, positioning the validator at the forefront of technological innovation within the Solana ecosystem.

The validator operates at 0% commission, enabling users to stake their Solana tokens without incurring fees while simultaneously supporting Forward Industries' strategic evolution from being primarily a capital provider to becoming an active contributor within the decentralized finance landscape. This commission-free model distinguishes Forward's validator from many others in the market and could potentially attract substantial stake participation from institutional and individual investors alike. Chairman Kyle Samani emphasized that this initiative aligns Forward with prominent blockchain infrastructure leaders while simultaneously strengthening Solana's scalability and institutional readiness.

This launch represents a key milestone in Forward Industries' corporate evolution within the decentralized finance sector. The company's transition to active ecosystem participation through validator operations demonstrates a deeper commitment to the Solana network beyond mere treasury management. The institutional-grade nature of the validator node suggests it meets rigorous standards for security, reliability, and performance that are essential for enterprise-level blockchain applications. This development comes following Forward Industries' initiation of a Solana treasury strategy in September 2025, which was dedicated to acquiring SOL and increasing SOL-per-share through bespoke strategies and active management of the company's treasury.

The strategic importance of this validator launch extends beyond Forward Industries' corporate development. By operating on DoubleZero's network at https://ibn.fm/SNzXM, the validator contributes to the overall health and decentralization of the Solana blockchain. Validator nodes are crucial for processing transactions and maintaining network security, and institutional-grade validators like Forward's enhance the network's appeal to enterprise users and financial institutions. The collaboration with industry leaders such as Galaxy Digital, Jump Crypto, and Multicoin Capital, who support the company's Solana treasury strategy, provides additional credibility and technical expertise to the initiative.

For the broader blockchain industry, this development signals continued maturation of institutional infrastructure within the Solana ecosystem. The availability of high-performance validator nodes operated by publicly-traded companies could accelerate institutional adoption of blockchain technology by providing the reliability and security standards that traditional financial institutions require. The 0% commission model may also influence staking economics across the ecosystem, potentially encouraging other validators to reconsider their fee structures to remain competitive in attracting stake from SOL holders.