# Join Ignition Sales Once you understand the basics of launch participation, the next step is to prepare your assets. This page outlines the process of acquiring USDC to participate in an [Ignition Sale](/bio/introduction/bio-protocol-v2/launcher.md#the-ignition-sale), and (optionally) acquiring BioXP to secure priority allocation if the sale is oversubscribed. ## Step 1: Acquire USDC All sales on the Bio Protocol are denominated in `USDC`. If you don't already hold `USDC`, you will need to acquire it from an exchange where it is traded. ### From a Centralized Exchange (CEX) For many users, the simplest way to acquire `USDC` is through a major centralized exchange. `USDC` is available for spot trading on exchanges like: * Coinbase Wallet * Binance To purchase, you will need to create an account, deposit funds, and place an order for `USDC`. Once purchased, you must withdraw your `USDC` to a personal wallet on a supported network (like Ethereum or Base) to use it in the Bio Protocol. ### From a Decentralized Exchange (DEX) If you prefer to use a decentralized exchange, you can acquire `USDC` by swapping other cryptocurrencies for it or with a credit card on a platform like [Uniswap](https://uniswap.org/). To protect yourself from scams, always verify that you are interacting with the correct token contract address before purchasing `$USDC` on a decentralized exchange. Ensure you have enough `USDC` in your wallet to cover the amount you wish to commit to the sale. ## Step 2: Get BioXP (optional - for priority allocation) BioXP is **not required** to participate in an Ignition Sale. Anyone with USDC can contribute. However, pledging BioXP alongside your USDC gives you priority allocation if the sale is oversubscribed. The more BioXP you pledge, the larger your share when demand exceeds supply. Users who commit USDC without pledging any BioXP are treated as having pledged 1 BioXP (lowest priority weight). There are three ways to get BioXP: 1. **Stake BIO tokens** on the [Bio App](https://app.bio.xyz/stake) (generates veBIO and earns BioXP daily). 2. **Stake ecosystem tokens** such as IP Tokens, BioAgent tokens, and BioDAO tokens on the [Bio App](https://app.bio.xyz/stake) (BioXP must be claimed daily or it expires). 3. **Mint BioXP instantly** by spending BIO at the current rate of 100 XP per USD, paid in BIO. Unlike earned BioXP, instant-minted BioXP does not expire. You can acquire BIO tokens on the [Bio App](https://app.bio.xyz/portfolio), major centralized exchanges like Coinbase or Binance, or through DEXs like Uniswap ([BIO Token Information](/bio/introduction/bio-token/basic-token-information.md)). ## Step 3: Bridge to Base (If Necessary) The Bio Protocol operates primarily on the **Base** network. If your `USDC` is on another blockchain (like Ethereum Mainnet), you will need to bridge it over to Base to participate in launches. For detailed instructions, see: * [**How to Bridge**](/bio/descientists/quickstart-guides/bridge-bio.md) ## Step 4: Commit Your USDC and BioXP During the active launch period (typically 1-14 days), you can commit your `USDC` directly on the project's launch page. 1. **Navigate to the Launchpad:** Go to the [**Bio Protocol Launchpad**](https://app.bio.xyz/launchpad). 2. **Select the Project:** Choose the project you wish to contribute to. 3. **Pledge and Commit:** On the project page, you will find the interface to: * Pledge your desired amount of BioXP (optional) \ \&#xNAN;*If the sale is oversubscribed, your final token allocation is determined by your BioXP pledge relative to the total BioXP pledged by other participants. Pledging more BioXP increases your chances of obtaining the max allocation (1% of the total supply). If the sale concludes at or below target, allocations are based solely on USDC contributions and BioXP does not affect your share. There are no refunds for overspent BioXP. If the launch succeeds, your pledged BioXP are either used up for the allocation or burnt. Users who commit USDC without pledging BioXP are treated as having pledged 1 BioXP for allocation purposes.* * Commit your desired amount of `USDC` *The $USDC you commit during the fundraising will be used to purchase your final token allocation. The price of the token is fix (1 $USDC = X $AGENT).* 4. **Confirm the Transaction:** Sign the transaction in your wallet to finalize your commitment. Your `USDC` and pledged BioXP are now locked until the sale concludes. If the launch is successful, you will be able to claim your new project tokens and trade the token on the open market. If not, your assets will be available for withdrawal in your Portfolio page. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.bio.xyz/bio/descientists/quickstart-guides/fund.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.