Qubic (QUBIC) tokenomics

Qubic is a Layer 1 network that integrates Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) with smart contracts to provide decentralized computing and financial services. Its tokenomics are designed to support a "Useful Proof of Work" (uPoW) model, where computational energy is directed toward training Artificial Intelligence (AI) rather than performing arbitrary calculations.

Issuance Mechanism

Qubic utilizes an emission model centered around its native unit, the Qubic Unit (QU). The network recently underwent a significant strategic change to its supply structure:

• Maximum Supply Cap: The maximum supply was reduced by 80%, moving from 1,000 trillion to a cap of 200 trillion QUs. This reduction is intended to foster long-term sustainability and scarcity.
• Circulating Supply: As of late 2024, approximately 120 trillion QUs were in circulation, representing more than half of the new total supply cap.
• Emission Control: The network employs a "Supply Watcher" feature that adjusts emission and burn rates based on real-time data to maintain network stability and supply balance.
• Halving Mechanism: Qubic incorporates scheduled halvings to gradually reduce the rate of new token issuance over time, similar to other Proof of Work systems.

Allocation Mechanism

The infrastructure of the Qubic network relies on 676 nodes known as Computors. These nodes are responsible for executing smart contracts and maintaining system integrity.

• Revenue Generation: Computors earn QUs as rewards for their computational contributions to the network.
• Smart Contract IPOs: Qubic features a decentralized Initial Public Offering (IPO) mechanism for smart contracts. This allows for the distribution of digital assets through Dutch Auctions, where market forces determine the price, ensuring a transparent and democratic bidding process.

Usage and Incentive Mechanism

The Qubic ecosystem is built to eliminate traditional barriers such as transaction fees while incentivizing AI development.

• Feeless Transactions: The network is designed for microtransactions with no transaction fees and sub-second finality.
• Useful Proof of Work (uPoW): Unlike traditional mining, Qubic mining (uPoW) channels computational power to train AI, specifically for the "Aigarth" initiative, which aims to achieve Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
• Deflationary Burn Mechanism: To offset emissions and increase scarcity, Qubic employs a strategic burning mechanism. This permanently removes a portion of coins from circulation based on network activity and the Supply Watcher's parameters.
• Governance: The network supports quorum-based decision-making, allowing the community to drive the evolution of the protocol.

Locking Mechanism and Unlocking Time

Qubic has introduced a staking and locking system known as QEarn to encourage long-term engagement and reduce immediate circulating supply.

Specific, fixed unlocking schedules (such as monthly linear vests for team or seed investors) are not detailed in the available network profiles, as the issuance is primarily driven by the ongoing uPoW emission and the QEarn staking commitments chosen by individual users.