# BIO

## What is BIO?

BIO is the native utility token of the Bio Protocol, designed to power a decentralized ecosystem for funding and cultivating early-stage life science research. It serves as the primary currency for all transactions on the platform, from participating in new project launches to accessing exclusive platform features.

## How to get BIO?

You can acquire BIO through several methods:

* **Initial Offerings**: Participate in the launch of new IP-Tokens (IPTs) on the Bio.xyz Launchpad.
* **Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs)**: Trade for BIO on supported DEXs.

For a step-by-step guide on getting `BIO` a launch, see our tutorial [here](https://docs.bio.xyz/bio/descientists/quickstart-guides/fund)

## How to use BIO?

BIO is essential for interacting with every aspect of the Bio Protocol:

* **Funding Launches**: Use BIO to invest in promising new biotech projects during their funding rounds.
* **Staking**: Stake BIO to earn BioXP and receive veBIO, which grants you governance rights.
* **Acquire Ecosystem Tokens**: Acquire ecosystem tokens to participate in community-driven research and earn rewards.

***

## Further Reading

For more detailed information about the `BIO` token and its role in the ecosystem, please see the following pages:

* [**Basic Token Information**](https://docs.bio.xyz/bio/introduction/bio-token/basic-token-information): Find key information such as contract addresses on all supported networks, initial distribution, and unlock schedules.
* [**bio/acc Rewards**](https://docs.bio.xyz/bio/introduction/bio-token/bio-acc-rewards): Learn about the milestone-based incentive program that rewards projects with `BIO` for making tangible scientific progress.
* [**Funding Your Participation**](https://docs.bio.xyz/bio/descientists/quickstart-guides/fund): A step-by-step guide on how to acquire `BIO` from both centralized and decentralized exchanges to participate in project launches.

## Related Information

**Staking & Earning:**

* [**Staking BIO**](https://docs.bio.xyz/bio/introduction/bio-protocol-v2/staking-and-vebio/staking-bio) - How to stake BIO for veBIO and governance power
* [**veBIO Guide**](https://docs.bio.xyz/bio/descientists/about-bio-assets/vebio) - Understanding vote-escrowed BIO and governance
* [**BioXP Guide**](https://docs.bio.xyz/bio/descientists/about-bio-assets/bioxp) - Earning BioXP points through staking and activity

**Using Your BIO:**

* [**The Launcher**](https://docs.bio.xyz/bio/introduction/bio-protocol-v2/launcher) - How BIO is used in fixed-price sales
* [**Join Launches**](https://docs.bio.xyz/bio/descientists/about-bio-assets/broken-reference) - Complete guide to participating in project launches
* [**Bridge BIO**](https://docs.bio.xyz/bio/descientists/quickstart-guides/bridge-bio) - Moving BIO between different chains