{Why Kinode?}

Grants program

We're committed to accelerating the growth of Kinode's robust developer ecosystem.

Empowering developers to build

Ecosystem strengthening

Join our community of leading developers and projects to improve base-layer performance, scalability, and interoperability of the Kinode platform.

Developer experience & onboarding

You will have access to extensive documentation, educational materials, and developer tools to make it easy to start.

Community & governance

We take pride in transparent decision-making, community feedback loops, and participatory governance.

Strategic alignment and philosophy

Decentralization & interoperability

Build secure, permissionless applications that integrate seamlessly with the Kinode ecosystem.

Incentive-driven growth

Our tokenized models and milestone-based funding ensure accountability, transparency, and sustainable growth.

Community-governed

We prioritize community involvement, blending expert reviews with input from ecosystem participants.

Grant categories

To keep it simple, the Kinode Grants Program focuses on two key areas: build Kinode or build on it.

(Core Enhancements)

Build Kinode

Help us enhance Kinode directly. Example projects might include:

  • Porting Kinode fully to the browser to improve accessibility and reduce onboarding friction.
  • Adding or refining essential core functions, protocols, or performance features that strengthen the Kinode stack.
  • Integrating advanced security or privacy features (e.g., zero-knowledge proofs) directly into the core platform.
(User-Facing Applications)

Build on Kinode

Projects that leverage KinodeOS as a foundational layer, creating new services, tools, and end-user applications. Example projects might include:

  • Competitive crypto-enabled games, showcasing the potential of Kinode for seamless digital asset integration.
  • A zero-knowledge prediction market using TLS-certified events like weather data or sports results, leveraging Kinode's infrastructure and ZK technology for trust and verifiability.
  • Token-gated forums that ensure only verified holders can participate, encouraging meaningful and curated discussions.
  • Decentralized social integrations, such as clients, bots or plugins for platforms like Discord, Telegram, Twitter, Lens or Farcaster.

Build your Web3 project on Kinode

Funding mechanisms & structure

Grants start at $10,000 USD and can grow based on project progress, contributions to the Kinode platform, ecosystem, and overall impact.

Milestone-based funding

Grants are released as projects meet predefined benchmarks. This approach ensures that teams remain accountable and deliver verifiable progress.



Token & stablecoin blend

Grants are funded with stablecoins and KINO tokens to reward long-term engagement, giving grantees a stake in the network's success and aligning their goals with the ecosystem.

Incubator & investment sessions

Grantees who meet milestones and deliver exceptional results may access Kinode’s investor network for follow-on funding, supporting larger, ambitious projects.

Matching grants & cohort initiatives

High-impact projects might qualify for additional funding. Coordinated cohorts can accelerate synchronized development and ecosystem strength.

Selection criteria

Our grant selection process is guided by clear criteria to ensure projects align with Kinode's vision and contribute meaningfully to the ecosystem. Each submission is reviewed and evaluated based on the following:

Adoption

Projects that can attract new developers and teams to build on Kinode, as well as the potential to serve a growing number of clients and end-use consumers.  

Privacy

Projects that prioritize privacy with peer-to-peer and decentralized protocols, safeguarding user autonomy and data security.

Ability to execute

The team’s capacity to deliver on proposed goals while maintaining efficient and disciplined operations.

Milestones

Clear, measurable benchmarks to track progress and ensure timely project delivery.

Open source

Open-source projects that transparently contribute to the global developer community's shared resource pool.

Uniqueness

Innovative and distinctive ideas and solutions that open fresh pathways to bring value to the Kinode ecosystem.

Application & review process

Submissions open

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with periodic evaluation rounds.

Transparent, multi-stakeholder review

A committee of Kinode team members, experienced external contributors, and community representatives will assess proposals.

Community input phase

Shortlisted proposals are shared publicly for community feedback. Comments and suggestions help refine projects and ensure alignment with ecosystem goals.

Onboarding & execution

Accepted projects sign grant agreements and proceed to development with progress monitored via regular updates.

Timeline & Budgeting

Initial phase
(0-3 months)

Expansion phase
(3-12 months)

Long-term sustainability
(12+ months)

Build the Future of Web3 with Kinode

Whether you’re building dApps, protocols, or groundbreaking tools, we’re here to back you.

FAQs about the
application process

How do I apply for a grant and what documentation do I need to provide?

To apply for a grant, simply fill out this form. Be sure to include as much detail as you can provide, and we will be in touch if we need more information about you or your proposal.

How long does it take?

We aim for the application review process itself to take around two weeks. The timeline for development is broader, but divided into three phases: the initial phase, the expansion phase, and the long-term sustainability phase.

Who do I contact if I have questions or need help with my submission?

If you need support, reach out to moritz@kinode.org.

Who makes the final decision and what criteria is used?

Final decisions about grant allocations are made using feedback from Kinode's technical and business teams, external contributors, and community representatives. Submissions are evaluated according to their adoption potential, prioritization of privacy features, execution feasibility, measurable milestones, whether they are open source, and their overall uniqueness.

What if I run out of funds?

In exceptional cases, we may be able to provide follow-up funding for projects that are projected to make a meaningful impact to the Kinode platform or ecosystem.