Alpen, developed by Alpen Labs, is an early-stage Layer 2 protocol designed to bring advanced DeFi capabilities directly to the Bitcoin ecosystem. What makes Alpen so exciting is not just its technology, but the timing—the public testnet is live, with very few users active, and it’s already backed by over $19 million in funding.
This is one of those rare moments where getting in early can actually make a difference. Whether you’re a seasoned airdrop hunter or just getting started, Alpen might be one of the most important testnets of the year.
*Advertisement.*
What Is Alpen?
Alpen Labs is building a Layer 2 protocol for Bitcoin using Zero-Knowledge (ZK) rollups, designed to unlock a wide range of financial applications on Bitcoin without sacrificing decentralization or relying on wrapped tokens.
Key goals include:
- Creating a native Bitcoin DeFi ecosystem, including trading, lending, and stablecoins like Bitcoin Dollar (BTD).
- Eliminating the need for custodians or bridges reliant on trust assumptions.
- Preserving Bitcoin’s core values of privacy, decentralization, and immutability.
Core Technologies
- ZK Rollups with Optimistic Bridge Architecture: Ensures scalability and security while settling transactions directly on Bitcoin.
- EVM Compatibility: Developers can deploy EVM-based smart contracts while leveraging Bitcoin’s base-layer security.
- BTC 1-of-N Bridge: Offers a more secure bridge alternative to majority-honest models.
Funding and Vision
Founded in 2022 and based in Albany, New York, Alpen Labs has raised $19.1 million across multiple rounds:
- $10.6M seed round (April 2024, led by Ribbit Capital)
- $8.5M funding (January 2025)
*Advertisement.*
The project is focused on expanding financial access and personal autonomy through a private, programmable, and scalable Bitcoin infrastructure. It is especially targeting emerging markets and aims to become a foundational layer for Bitcoin-native financial applications.
How to Interact with the Alpen Testnet
Alpen is still early—really early. In fact, if you check the Alpen block explorer, you’ll see that only a tiny number of wallets are currently interacting with it.
That makes now the ideal time to get involved.
Step 1: Add the Alpen Testnet to Your Wallet
Use a wallet compatible with EVM chains (like MetaMask or Rabby Wallet), then add a custom network using the following details:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Network Name | Alpen Testnet |
| Chain ID | 2892 |
| Currency Name | Signet BTC |
| Currency Symbol | sBTC |
| RPC URL | https://rpc.testnet.alpenlabs.io |
| Block Explorer URL | https://explorer.testnet.alpenlabs.io |
Step 2: Get Testnet Funds
Unlike many testnets that use traditional faucets, Alpen has a “mining” system to distribute testnet tokens (sBTC). It’s simple, but keep in mind:
- Resources are limited
- It may take a few attempts to mine sBTC
*Advertisement.*
Step 3: Make a Transaction
Currently, the network doesn’t have many apps live, but you can still send sBTC from one wallet to another. Even this basic transaction helps you:
- Establish wallet history
- Signal early activity to the team
This is the kind of action that gets logged for future snapshot eligibility.
Engage on Discord – Build Reputation Early
The Alpen Discord is still quiet, which is a massive opportunity. Becoming active now can make you stand out easily.
Here’s what to do:
- Introduce yourself
- Ask questions about the testnet
- Help other newcomers and share updates
Why it matters:
- Projects often reward early community contributors with special Discord roles
- These roles (often labeled “OG” or “Early Supporter”) have historically been tied to airdrop allocations
Don’t underestimate the value of spending 10 minutes a week in an early-stage community. It’s a low-effort move that can pay off significantly later.
Why This Matters for Airdrop Hunters
At the moment, Alpen has very few interactions on-chain. This won’t last long. Once the project gains traction and announces an incentivized campaign, the competition will grow quickly.
Here’s why this is a golden opportunity:
- You’re early enough to get noticed
- Interactions are simple and cost nothing
- Few users means a bigger potential share of any future airdrop
Whether you’re an advanced DeFi user or just starting to explore Bitcoin Layer 2s, Alpen is a no-brainer to add to your rotation.
Final Thoughts
We’ve seen testnets become launchpads for massive airdrops, especially when the project is innovative, well-funded, and focused on long-term utility. Alpen checks all of those boxes.
Right now, a simple transaction and a few Discord messages could be all it takes to position for a future reward.
Disclaimer
This is not financial advice. If you decide to interact with the mentioned protocols, you do so at your own risk. Airdrop Guild is not responsible for any potential losses resulting from participation. Always do your own research before engaging with blockchain-based projects.