# Staking BIO Staking `BIO` is a fundamental way to participate in the Bio Protocol's governance and earn [BioXP](https://docs.bio.xyz/bio/introduction/bio-protocol-v2/staking-and-vebio/bioxp). By locking your `BIO` tokens in the staking contract, you receive `veBIO` (vote-escrowed BIO), which represents your voting power in the ecosystem. Staking `BIO` also makes you eligible to receive airdrops of new tokens launched on the platform through Ignition Sales. {% hint style="info" %} While `veBIO` will accrue BioXP from the moment your `BIO` is staked, `BIO` and `vBIO` remain the governance tokens of the protocol until `veBIO` gains sufficient adoption and a formal governance proposal is passed. {% endhint %} ## How it Works The amount of `veBIO` you receive is determined by both the amount of `BIO` you stake and the duration of your lock-up period. The longer you commit to locking your tokens, the more `veBIO` (and governance power) you have. The amount of `veBIO` you receive is determined by both the amount of `BIO` you stake and the duration of your lock-up period. The longer you commit to locking your tokens, the more `veBIO` (and governance power) you have. ### Lock Duration You can choose to lock your `BIO` for any duration between **1 week and 2 years**. ### `veBIO` Calculation The calculation for `veBIO` is based on the amount of `BIO` locked and the duration of your lock period. For every `BIO` you stake, you receive a proportional amount of `veBIO` based on the following logic: `veBIO per BIO = Number of Weeks Remaining in Lock / 104` This means your `veBIO` balance will linearly decrease as your lock approaches its end date. ### `BIO` Staking Multipliplier A fixed multiplier is applied to all staked `BIO`, affecting the daily BioXP rewarded per staked `BIO`. This multiplier is a parameter in the system that can be changed to ensure staking and locking `BIO` remains sufficiently attractive vs. staking ecosystem tokens. ``` Daily BioXP = veBIO Balance × BIO Price (USD) × BIO_STAKING_MULTIPLIER Where: • veBIO Balance = Your locked BIO tokens (vote-escrowed) • BIO Price (USD) = Current market price of BIO • BIO_STAKING_MULTIPLIER = Fixed multiplier (NEVER decays) ``` #### Auto-Renewal To maintain a consistent `veBIO` balance without your voting power degrading over time, you can use the **auto-renewal** feature. By toggling this on, your stake's lock-up period will automatically reset at regular intervals, keeping your `veBIO` balance constant. If you toggle auto-renewal off, your `veBIO` will begin to degrade as the lock-up period counts down. ### Chain Availability Initially, `veBIO` staking will only be available on the **Base** network. Support for other chains will be added in the future. ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) **What is a vote escrow (VE) token system?** A vote escrow (VE) system is a mechanism where you lock up a protocol's native token (like `BIO`) for a set period. In return, you receive a non-transferable "vote-escrowed" token (like `veBIO`). The longer you lock your tokens, the more VE tokens you get, which translates to greater voting power in governance and, typically, a larger share of rewards. **Why do protocols like Bio use VE models?** VE models are designed to foster a community of long-term supporters. By rewarding users who lock their tokens, the protocol discourages short-term speculation ("mercenary capital") and ensures that the most influential voters are those with a significant, long-term vested interest in the project's success. **What's the main difference between just staking a token and turning it into a VE token?** The key difference is the **time-lock commitment**. Standard staking might allow you to unstake at any time (perhaps with a short delay). A VE model requires you to lock your tokens for a variable, pre-determined duration (from weeks to years). Your rewards and voting power are directly proportional to the length of this lock, a feature not typically found in simple staking. **What is `veBIO` and how do I get it?** `veBIO` is vote-escrowed `BIO`. You get it by staking your `BIO` tokens in the official staking contract for a duration of your choice, ranging from 1 week to a maximum of 2 years. **What is the difference between `veBIO` and the `vBIO`?** They are completely separate. `vBIO` is a vesting token that purely remains for existing `vBIO` holders to claim their tokens as they unlock. `veBIO` is the vote-escrowed token for staking, earning BioXP (, and soon participating in governance). You cannot turn `vBIO` into `veBIO`; only `BIO` can be staked for `veBIO`. All `vBIO` will be unlocked by the end of the year (with the exception of investors and core contributors) **How is my `veBIO` balance calculated? How does it change over time?** Your `veBIO` balance is based on both the amount of `BIO` you stake and the duration of your lock. **Can I unstake my `BIO` before my lock-up period ends?** No. Once `BIO` is staked for `veBIO`, the tokens are locked and cannot be withdrawn until the chosen duration expires. **How is staking ecosystem tokens different from staking `BIO`?** Staking ecosystem tokens (like IP Tokens) is more flexible. There is no variable lock-up duration. However, when you decide to unstake, there is a mandatory **2-week unstaking period**. During these two weeks, your tokens will no longer earn BioXP, and you can only claim them back after the period is over. {% hint style="warning" %} Staking an ecosystem token does not yield `veBIO` Or any form of vote escrow ecosystem token. {% endhint %} *** ## Related Information **Token Information:** * [**BIO Token Guide**](https://docs.bio.xyz/bio/descientists/about-bio-assets/bio) - Complete guide to acquiring and using BIO * [**veBIO Token Guide**](https://docs.bio.xyz/bio/descientists/about-bio-assets/vebio) - Detailed veBIO mechanics and governance * [**BioXP Guide**](https://docs.bio.xyz/bio/descientists/about-bio-assets/bioxp) - How to earn and use BioXP **Launching & Participation:** * [**The Launcher**](https://docs.bio.xyz/bio/introduction/bio-protocol-v2/launcher) - How Ignition sales work * [**Launchpad FAQ**](https://docs.bio.xyz/bio/introduction/bio-protocol-v2/launchpad-faq) - Common questions about participation