What is SubQuery Network (SQT)?

By CMC AI
16 January 2026 09:52PM (UTC+0)

TLDR

SubQuery Network is a decentralized infrastructure protocol providing essential data indexing and processing tools for building scalable Web3 applications across multiple blockchains.

  1. Decentralized Data Backbone – Powers dApps with fast blockchain data indexing and RPC services

  2. Multi-Chain Focus – Supports nearly 300 networks, positioning itself as a cross-chain alternative to single-chain solutions like The Graph

  3. Token-Driven Ecosystem – SQT tokens coordinate payments between developers, node operators, and delegators

Deep Dive

1. Purpose & Value Proposition

SubQuery addresses a critical pain point in Web3: fragmented, slow access to blockchain data. By decentralizing data indexing and RPC (Remote Procedure Call) services, it lets developers query on-chain information (like token balances or NFT metadata) in real time without relying on centralized middlemen. This infrastructure layer underpins wallets, DeFi dashboards, and analytics tools – functioning as an invisible backbone for user-facing apps (SubQuery).

2. Technology & Architecture

The network combines three core services:
- Indexing Engine: Organizes raw blockchain data into structured formats (SQL/GraphQL) for easy access
- Sharded Data Nodes: Distributes RPC workloads across nodes to prevent bottlenecks on high-traffic chains
- AI Inference Layer: New tools like the GraphQL Agent allow natural-language queries (e.g., “Show top Ethereum NFT collections”) instead of manual coding

Unlike single-chain rivals, SubQuery’s architecture natively supports cross-chain interoperability, recently expanding to 300 networks (SubQuery).

3. Tokenomics & Governance

SQT (10 billion max supply) facilitates:
- Payments: Developers spend SQT to access indexed data/RPC services
- Incentives: Node operators earn SQT for maintaining infrastructure, while delegators stake tokens to support operators
- Governance: Token holders vote on protocol upgrades, though specifics remain under development

Conclusion

SubQuery Network positions itself as the decentralized data layer for a multi-chain future, combining indexing, RPC optimization, and AI-driven accessibility. Its success hinges on whether developers prioritize decentralization over convenience as the ecosystem scales – can SubQuery maintain both?

CMC AI can make mistakes. Not financial advice.