# Staking BIO Staking `BIO` is a fundamental way to participate in the Bio Protocol's governance and earn [BioXP](/bio/introduction/bio-protocol-v2/staking-and-vebio/bioxp.md). 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. Airdrop allocations follow a 6-month linear claim curve. See Airdrops for veBIO Stakers below for how this works. {% 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**](/bio/descientists/about-bio-assets/bio.md) - Complete guide to acquiring and using BIO * [**veBIO Token Guide**](/bio/descientists/about-bio-assets/vebio.md) - Detailed veBIO mechanics and governance * [**BioXP Guide**](/bio/descientists/about-bio-assets/bioxp.md) - How to earn and use BioXP **Launching & Participation:** * [**The Launcher**](/bio/introduction/bio-protocol-v2/launcher.md) - How Ignition sales work * [**Launchpad FAQ**](/bio/introduction/bio-protocol-v2/launchpad-faq.md) - Common questions about participation --- # 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. 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