ckb

1.CKB is the native cryptocurrency of the Nervos Network, launched in November 2019. It represents a Bitcoin-isomorphic Layer 2 solution built on proof-of-work consensus and a generalized Bitcoin UTXO model. Nervos focuses on scalability, security, and interoperability with a modular blockchain architecture called the Common Knowledge Base (CKB)​. The team includes prominent founders such as Terry Tai (CEO) and Jan Xie (Chief Architect), who bring deep blockchain expertise​.
2. Technical Innovations
Nervos uses the NC-MAX consensus, enhancing Bitcoin's Nakamoto consensus to improve block propagation and resist selfish mining. The CKB-VM runs on the RISC-V instruction set, allowing superior smart contract flexibility compared to Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)​. The Cell Model enhances Bitcoin’s UTXO model to enable programmable data containers that ensure security and asset control, allowing smart contracts with strong interoperability benefits​.
3. Bitcoin Layer 2 via RGB++ Protocol
In 2024, Nervos launched the BTCKB initiative, using the RGB++ protocol to map Bitcoin UTXOs to CKB Cells, enabling Bitcoin assets' seamless transfer to Nervos with Turing-complete smart contract scalability without bridges or security compromises. RGB++ improves data availability and allows transaction folding and non-interactive transfers​. This greatly enhances Bitcoin's throughput and usability while connecting with Bitcoin's Lightning Network​.
4. Tokenomics and Economic Model
The token has a dual issuance model: a primary issuance capped at 33.6 billion CKB with halving every four years, and a secondary annual issuance of 1.344 billion CKB supporting miners and deposits in NervosDAO. State rent mechanisms require users to lock tokens to store data, controlling blockchain state growth and creating natural demand for CKB that enhances security and incentivizes holders​.
5. Mining and Consensus Mechanism
CKB uses the Eaglesong hashing algorithm, optimized for ASIC, FPGA, and CPU mining, maximizing accessibility and energy efficiency. NC-MAX consensus stabilizes high throughput with faster block confirmations. Miners receive rewards through primary issuance plus the secondary issuance, with block rewards adjusted dynamically​.
6. Ecosystem and Use Cases
Nervos supports a variety of applications, including DeFi, NFTs, and cross-chain protocols. It fosters interoperability via the Force Bridge, linking to Cardano and Chainlink for oracle services. Notable projects on Nervos include .bit decentralized domain and JoyID passkey wallet, leveraging Nervos’ unique smart contract capabilities​.
7. NervosDAO and Staking
The NervosDAO offers CKB holders a way to mitigate inflation effects by staking tokens to earn approximately 2.83% APC rewards. Users deposit tokens for fixed epochs with flexible withdrawal policies. Recent expansions include liquid staking derivatives through iCKB tokens, improving liquidity for locked assets​​.
8. Price History and Market Performance
CKB debuted at roughly $0.008 in 2019, reaching an all-time high of $0.044 in March 2021. After market corrections, it stabilized around $0.003 to $0.0035 in 2025 with a market cap near $140 million and a rank around #237. Trading volumes range from $5 million to $8 million daily​.
9. Strategic Partnerships
Nervos has partnered with Cardano (IOHK) to build cross-chain bridges, with collaboration extending to academic research on UTXO optimization. Other key partners include Chainlink, Blockchain Capital, Sequoia China, and Huobi, showcasing strong backing and enabling a growing interoperability-focused ecosystem​.
10. Future Outlook
Analyst projections are optimistic, targeting prices near $0.024 to $0.04 by 2025, and $0.07 to $0.19 by 2030, indicating potential growth of over 1,000% from current levels if development milestones are met​. The ongoing rollout of RGB++, Lightning Network integrations, and DeFi expansion are expected to drive adoption and value​.