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Introduction
Gridcoin (GRC) is a decentralized, open-source blockchain that rewards participants for contributing computing power to scientific research through the BOINC network. The project combines Proof of Stake with research-based rewards, directing computing resources toward scientific and data analysis projects rather than using them primarily for blockchain mining.
Gridcoin supports a wide range of BOINC research projects and allows participants to earn GRC based on their verified research contributions while also participating in the network through staking. GRC is the native cryptocurrency used for transactions, staking, and research rewards.
Project Background
Gridcoin was designed to connect cryptocurrency incentives with distributed scientific computing. Participants can contribute computing resources to approved BOINC projects and receive GRC rewards based on their research contributions.
Gridcoin uses Proof of Stake to secure its blockchain. Scientific computing is performed through BOINC, while the Gridcoin network tracks research contributions and incorporates them into its reward system. This allows participants to use their computing resources for scientific work while maintaining a decentralized blockchain.
The network supports multiple scientific disciplines through its BOINC project whitelist. Projects can be proposed for inclusion and are evaluated through the Gridcoin community's voting process. This allows the research supported by the network to evolve as new projects are considered.
Gridcoin is open source and community driven. The Gridcoin Research client provides the primary software for participating in the network, while a broader ecosystem of developers, researchers, project operators, and community contributors supports the project.
History
Gridcoin was launched on October 16, 2013, by Rob Halförd. The original Gridcoin Classic network used a hybrid Proof of Work model and was designed to reward users for contributing computing power to BOINC scientific research.
In 2014, development transitioned from Gridcoin Classic to Gridcoin Research. The new protocol moved away from conventional Proof of Work mining and adopted Proof of Stake combined with research-based rewards. The transition was completed in 2015, when Gridcoin Classic was retired.
Gridcoin Research continued to develop its research reward system, including mechanisms for measuring BOINC contributions, distributing rewards across approved projects, and coordinating research participation through the blockchain.
Over time, the project introduced additional infrastructure for tracking research contributions, project whitelisting, community voting, staking, and decentralized data collection. The Gridcoin Research client remains actively developed as an open-source project.
The 5.5.0.0 "Natasha" mandatory release was published in April 2026 following more than a year of development. The release included consensus and protocol updates, additional transaction functionality, and continued improvements to the Gridcoin client and network infrastructure.
Tokenomics and Emissions
GRC is the native cryptocurrency of the Gridcoin blockchain. Gridcoin does not have a fixed maximum supply. New GRC is issued through the network's staking and research reward mechanisms.
Gridcoin rewards two primary forms of participation: securing the blockchain through Proof of Stake and contributing computing resources to approved BOINC research projects. Research rewards are calculated using Gridcoin's research contribution system, including network magnitude and participants' relative contributions across approved projects.
The network's research reward system distributes available rewards among whitelisted BOINC projects and their participating researchers. This structure is designed to encourage computing contributions across a broad range of scientific projects rather than concentrating rewards in a single research program.
Gridcoin's ongoing emissions therefore depend on the network's staking and research reward mechanisms rather than a traditional fixed mining subsidy or maximum supply schedule.
Roadmap
Gridcoin does not operate around a conventional corporate roadmap. Development is community driven, with protocol changes, research incentives, network features, and other initiatives proposed and implemented through the project's open development and voting processes.
Current development focuses on continued improvements to the Gridcoin Research client, network stability, staking, research reward infrastructure, governance, and the tools used to connect Gridcoin with the BOINC ecosystem.
Recent development has included continued work on transaction and consensus functionality, wallet improvements, testing infrastructure, networking, and modernization of the Gridcoin client. Development follows a staged process through development, testnet, staging, and production releases.
The Gridcoin community also continues to evaluate new BOINC projects for inclusion in the research whitelist, allowing the scientific focus of the network to evolve over time.
Project Links
Website:
https://gridcoin.us/
Whitepaper:
Gridcoin Whitepaper
Explorer:
https://gridcoin.network/
Downloads:
Gridcoin Research Releases
GitHub:
https://github.com/gridcoin-community/Gridcoin-Research
Development
Gridcoin Wiki
BOINC Project Whitelist
Voting System
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