# DeBridge

**deBridge is** **a** **secure interoperability layer for Web3** that enables decentralized transfers of arbitrary messages and value between various blockchains. The validation of cross-chain transactions is performed by a network of independent validators who are elected by and work for deBridge governance. Validators maintain the blockchain infrastructure and each run a deBridge node to sign all transactions that pass through deBridge smart contracts in different blockchains. 

[Delegated staking and slashing](https://docs.unizen.io/introduction-to-unizen/unizen-overview/unizen-interoperability-protocol-uip/broken-reference) mechanics act as a backbone for protocol security and provide economic disincentives for validators to collude.

The deBridge protocol is an infrastructure platform and a framework for:

* decentralized transfer of arbitrary data and assets
* cross-chain interoperability and composability of smart contracts
* cross-chain swaps
* interoperability and bridging of NFTs 

Projects can integrate with deBridge infrastructure to tap into the various cross-chain opportunities that we enable. These can for instance be:

* Build own custom bridges for assets and NFTs preserving custom NFT logic (e.g. breeding) 
* Enable users from other blockchain ecosystems interact with their protocol (enable global accessibility)
* Scale up their protocol to other chains and exchange commands/messages between components of their protocol
* Make their protocol composable with protocols from other ecosystems
* Build new types of cross-chain applications and primitives
* Enable global accessibility by letting users and protocols from other chains seamlessly interact with the protocol