KernelDAO : Introduction
KernelDAO envisions restaking as a transformative force in Proof-of-Stake (PoS) ecosystems. By unlocking shared security and additional reward generation, restaking enables greater capital efficiency and 10x cheaper crypto economic security.Since the launch of restaking in Jun 2023, a robust ‘restaking stack’ has been developed on Ethereum that now functions as a bedrock for building a wide range of new services and middleware.
We believe that the ‘restaking stack’ will be an omni-chain phenomenon owing to its universal utility and we aspire to be a core pillar of this omni-chain restaking architecture.
KernelDao, today, offers 3 product categories - each positioned strategically within the ‘restaking stack’ to address distinct market needs and to provide a strong foundation for expansion into top opportunity verticals across restaking, DeFi and RWAs.Kernel: Shared security product on BNB Chain leveraging BNB, BTC and other rewards bearing assets.USD ~300 Mn TVL within a few weeks and 25+ ecosystem projects.100’s of middleware leveraging restaking,Roadmap includes expansion to multiple ecosystems
Kelp LRT (rsETH): Top Liquid Restaking on Ethereum offering instant liquidity and higher rewards opportunities on restaked assets.
Second largest LRT on Ethereum with USD ~$2 Bn in TVL.
400,000+ unique restakers and integration with 50+ DeFi platforms, including major Layer 2 solutions.
Gain: Non-custodial automated Yield Vaults on Ethereum offering one-click rewards maximising solutions to users.
USD 200 Mn+ TVL across within a few weeks of launch
Roadmap includes expansion into Bitcoin and RWA-based targeting multi-trillion-dollar potential.
Tokenomics
The $KERNEL is the unified token across the three product offerings of the KernelDAO ecosystem, powered by $KERNEL’s utilities and community centric token distribution.
$KERNEL Tokenomics
Kernel token ($KERNEL) is the common governance token for the Kernel, Kelp LRT and Kelp Gain ecosystems and it will play an integral and unifying role in the ecosystem.
$KERNEL has its total supply capped at 1 Billion tokens and a user-centric token distribution model with the majority of the token supply (55%) allocated to users and the broader community.
KernelDAO litepaper
$KERNEL Tokenomics
Kernel token ($KERNEL) is the common governance token for the Kernel, Kelp LRT and Kelp Gain ecosystems and it will play an integral and unifying role in the ecosystem.
$KERNEL has its total supply capped at 1 Billion tokens and a user-centric token distribution model with the majority of the token supply (55%) allocated to users and the broader community.
Token Utility
$KERNEL will have several utilities across the Kernel and Kelp ecosystem products. Below are key utilities for the $Kernel token:
Kernel shared security:
Staked $KERNEL to be used as economic security for applications building on Kernel platform
Slashing Insurance:
Staked $KERNEL tokens to provide insurance against any rsETH slashing events and earn a share of protocol rewards in return.
Staked $KERNEL tokens to provide insurance against any slashing events on Kernel platform and earn a share of protocol rewards in return.
Governance:
Kernel platform: Participate in all governance decisions related to Kernel platform, fees, slashing conditions etc.
LRT & Gain: Participate in protocol governance by voting on AVS selections & rebalances, operator related proposals, platform fees and more.
Technical Architecture
Product 1: Kernel is the shared security protocol on BNB Chain. Launched in December 2024, users can perform restaking and unstaking of whitelisted assets on Kernel. Delegations to operators and DVNs will be implemented over the next few weeks.
Vision and Roadmap
Vision
The KernelDAO ecosystem is designed to capture multiple market opportunities, including,Liquid restaking for Ethereum and other major assets.Restaking infrastructure across L1s like BNB Chain, and beyond.
Tokenized DeFi, CeDeFi, RWAs, bridging the gap between DeFi, CeFi and traditional finance.By delivering robust products and fostering innovation, we aim to redefine the DeFi landscape and create lasting value for all stakeholders.
Kernel Roadmap
Q2 2025 - Operator Testnet launch
Q3 2025 - Operator Mainnet launch
Q3 2025 - Middleware Testnet launch
Q4 2025 and beyond - Middleware Mainnet launch and slashing introduction
