# How to become OPAD Node Operators

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Running an OpenPad node is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to contribute to the decentralized network while earning rewards. Follow these steps to get started:

**Step 1: Connect to the OpenPad Network**\
First, connect your wallet to the OpenPad platform and ensure that it is compatible with OpenPad’s decentralized ecosystem. This will allow you to interact with the platform seamlessly.

**Step 2: Mint an NFT OPAD Intel Key**\
Mint your unique OPAD Intel Key NFT, which grants you access to the OpenPad Node Operation system. This NFT acts as your digital key to participate in the network. **Early supporters who already hold the OPAD Intel Key will have exclusive permission to use the OpenPad AI Node Operation 1 week early.**

**Step 3: Start Verifier Node**\
Delegate your OPAD Intel Key NFT to OpenPad’s Node Operation system to officially activate your participation. By doing this, you contribute to maintaining and validating the decentralized network.

**Important Note:**\
Users without the OPAD Intel Key will need to wait for the next minting round to obtain one, which will allow them to participate in the OpenPad Node Operation once it is reopened.

Once delegated, you will receive rewards **once every 6 hours**, with the snapshot for reward distribution taken at **11 AM UTC** daily.

### The Role of Node Operation in OpenPad's Ecosystem

The primary role of node operations within the OpenPad ecosystem is to collect digital footprints and data, which are then leveraged for AI Analytics. These nodes serve as the foundation for OpenPad’s data-driven investment model by:

* **Collecting User Data**: Nodes gather valuable user digital footprints, creating a decentralized data pool that powers the AI analytics engine. This data is essential for enhancing investment strategies and optimizing trading decisions within the community.
* **Enhancing AI Analytics**: The data collected by nodes feeds into OpenPad's AI-powered system, enabling the creation of more accurate, data-driven insights that help users make smarter investment choices.
* **Enabling Smarter Decision-Making**: By contributing to the creation of an ever-growing data pool, nodes directly impact the quality of insights provided to the community, allowing for more informed and effective trading decisions.
* **Supporting Decentralized Data Collection**: Nodes operate in a decentralized manner, ensuring that data collection remains trustless and transparent, with users maintaining control over their digital footprints.

The role of OpenPad’s nodes is central to the platform's ability to deliver AI-driven insights and smarter investment strategies. By collecting decentralized user data, these nodes fuel OpenPad’s analytics engine, empowering users to make more informed decisions.&#x20;

As the ecosystem grows, node operators will continue to play a critical part in ensuring that OpenPad remains a transparent, data-driven, and community-powered platform for the future of decentralized investments.
