Summary: Core is the high-performance Bitcoin-secured blockchain that enables Bitcoin holders to access DeFi and earn yield without compromising security. From conservative staking to advanced DeFi protocols, Core offers something for every Bitcoin holder on their journey from holding to full ecosystem participation.
Self-Custodial Bitcoin Staking - Earn yield with zero principal risk using Bitcoin's native timelock
Dual Staking - Unlock higher yields by combining Bitcoin and CORE token staking
Bitcoin DeFi Access - Trade, lend, and borrow using Bitcoin assets on a fully EVM-compatible platform
Core Ignition Rewards - Earn Sparks (points) for dapp usage, redeemable for stCORE tokens
Institutional Solutions - Access lstBTC for liquid, yield-bearing Bitcoin through trusted custodians
Bitcoin secures $2 trillion in value but remains limited in programmability. While Bitcoin holders want to do more than just hold, most scaling solutions are either fragmented, centralized, or lack meaningful activity. Core changes this by meeting each Bitcoin holder where they are, enabling them to participate in the Core ecosystem in many ways from securing the protocol without moving their Bitcoin to engaging with the end-to-end, Bitcoin-powered dapp landscape.
A Bitcoin-Secured Smart Contract Platform
With over 400 million transactions processed, over one million weekly active users, and 125+ live applications spanning DeFi, gaming, NFTs and more, Core has proven that Bitcoin holders want—and will use—smart contract functionality when it's properly implemented.
The platform's unique Satoshi Plus consensus mechanism strengthens security through the participation of three different delegations:
Bitcoin Miners (Delegated Proof of Work) - Earn a supplemental "second block reward" by including Core validator votes in Bitcoin blocks, with no operational changes to mining
Bitcoin Holders (Self-Custodial Bitcoin Staking) - Vote for Core validators using Bitcoin's native CLTV timelock function while maintaining complete custody
CORE Token Holders (Delegated Proof of Stake) - Stake by delegating CORE tokens to validators
This creates a powerful flywheel: Bitcoin secures the smart contract platform, smart contract activity generates fees and rewards, and those rewards flow back to Bitcoin participants, encouraging more Bitcoin participation to strengthen the platform.
The Bitcoin Maturation Journey
Core serves every type of Bitcoin holder through a natural progression that meets users where they are and grows with their comfort level.
Conservative Bitcoin Holders
The most conservative approach requires no bridging, wrapping, or interacting with Core directly. Bitcoin holders simply use Bitcoin's native CLTV timelock function to temporarily lock their Bitcoin while it remains in their wallet. This timelock acts as a vote for Core validators, and when those validators secure the network, Bitcoin holders earn CORE token rewards.
Your keys remain yours, your coins never move, and you earn yield by helping secure a thriving smart contract platform that others actively use. Zero principal risk, zero operational changes to your Bitcoin management.
Yield-Focused Bitcoin Holders
Bitcoin holders seeking higher yields can add CORE token staking to their Bitcoin staking. This dual participation creates a mathematical advantage built into the protocol—participants can earn 25-50x higher yields than Bitcoin staking alone.
CORE tokens serve as the exclusive key to unlocking higher Bitcoin staking rates. The more CORE staked relative to Bitcoin, the higher the potential yields, ensuring that those most aligned with Core's ecosystem receive the most attractive rewards.
Active Bitcoin Users
When Bitcoin holders are ready to actively use their Bitcoin in smart contracts, Core offers deep Bitcoin asset liquidity across decentralized exchanges, lending protocols, and trading platforms. Users can supply assets like WBTC at industry-leading rates, swap Bitcoin-pegged assets with minimal slippage, and borrow against Bitcoin to access stablecoins and other assets without selling.
The familiar EVM environment means existing DeFi strategies work seamlessly, but with Bitcoin-focused liquidity and Bitcoin-secured infrastructure.
DeFi Power Users
Sophisticated users can implement complex strategies like stCORE looping (supply stCORE, borrow CORE at low rates, stake CORE for higher yields), provide liquidity across Bitcoin asset pairs, and participate in yield farming across the ecosystem. Portfolio management platforms can offer automated strategies that earn yields and points across multiple protocols.
Core Ignition adds another layer where particular dapp interaction earns Spark points, creating additional incentives for ecosystem exploration and engagement.
Crypto Natives
The most advanced users can take advantage of smart contracts beyond traditional DeFi—gaming with Bitcoin-backed assets, NFT creation and swapping, and even building applications on Bitcoin-secured infrastructure. Additionally, Ignition Season 3 helps these users to maximize rewards through comprehensive ecosystem engagement.
Institutional Grade Solutions
lstBTC: Liquid Staked Bitcoin
Institutions requiring both yield and liquidity can access lstBTC, professionally managed by Maple Finance with custody through BitGo, Copper, and Hex Trust. This solution provides Bitcoin-denominated yields while maintaining full asset liquidity—capital-efficient Bitcoin that can be used as collateral while earning yield.
Custodian Integration
Major custodians including Fireblocks, Cobo, and Ceffu have integrated Core's solutions, providing compliance-ready Bitcoin yield with institutional-grade risk management. This enables institutions to participate in Bitcoin staking within their existing operational frameworks.
Core Ignition
Core Ignition Season 3 provides structured onboarding for new users, rewarding ecosystem exploration with tangible benefits. Users earn Sparks (points) for every interaction across Core's BTCfi ecosystem, from basic swaps to advanced DeFi strategies.
Getting started is simple:
- Register – Sign up for Ignition
- Engage – Use dapps across Core’s BTCfi ecosystem
- Earn – Collect Sparks and climb the leaderboard
- Refer – Invite friends and multiply your rewards
Spark points redeem for stCORE (Core's liquid staked token) at the end of each season, creating real value for ecosystem participation. The referral system multiplies rewards, encouraging community growth while rewarding early adopters.
Getting Started: Find Your Entry Point
For Conservative Bitcoin Holders
Start with Self-Custodial Bitcoin Staking to keep full custody while earning yield. No operational changes to your Bitcoin management—just additional yield from helping secure an active smart contract platform.
For Yield Seekers
Explore Dual Staking opportunities by staking CORE tokens for enhanced yields. Scale yields while maintaining the Bitcoin security guarantees of self-custodial staking.
For Active Users
Bridge Bitcoin to access smart contract functionality. Participate in lending, swapping, and various DeFi protocols, then explore games, NFT platforms, and social applications as your comfort level grows.
For Institutions
Evaluate lstBTC for capital-efficient Bitcoin exposure through existing custodial relationships. Access institutional-grade Bitcoin yield solutions with professional management and regulatory clarity.
The Path Forward
Core provides the infrastructure for Bitcoin's evolution from digital gold to the foundation of a comprehensive financial ecosystem. The platform proves that Bitcoin holders want smart contract functionality when it's properly implemented—with real security, real performance, and real utility.
Whether you're a conservative holder taking your first step into Bitcoin yield or a developer building the next generation of Bitcoin-native applications, Core offers the platform, tools, and community to make it happen. The Bitcoin Everything Chain is live, active, and ready for your participation.
Visit stake.coredao.org to begin your Bitcoin journey on Core.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Core different from other smart contract platforms? Core is the leading high-performance Bitcoin-powered EVM-compatible smart contract platform with the most activity and deepest liquidity. With rapid speeds, low costs, and full composability, Core is also the only EVM-compatible blockchain secured by Bitcoin miners and Bitcoin stakers through its Satoshi Plus consensus. This means you get Ethereum-style programmability powered by Bitcoin-grade security, plus the ability for Bitcoin holders to participate in consensus without bridging or wrapping their assets.
How does Core achieve such low fees and fast transactions? Core delivers 3-second block times and sub-penny transaction fees through optimized consensus mechanisms and efficient block processing.
What types of applications are built on Core? Core hosts 125+ live applications including major DeFi protocols like Colend for lending/borrowing and BitFLUX for Bitcoin asset swaps, asset management platforms like Desyn, gaming applications, NFT marketplaces, and comprehensive developer infrastructure.
How do I bridge Bitcoin to use Core's DeFi applications? Users can bridge to Core through the user interface at bridge.coredao.org.
What is Core Ignition and how does it work? Core Ignition is a rewards program where users earn Sparks for interacting with dapps across Core's ecosystem. Simply register, engage with specified applications, and earn points that redeem for stCORE tokens at the end of each season.
Can I earn yield on Core without bridging my Bitcoin? Yes. Core's Self-Custodial Bitcoin Staking allows you to earn yield by timelocking Bitcoin in your own wallet to vote for validators. Your Bitcoin never moves, but you earn CORE token rewards from the platform's transaction fees and block rewards.