REPO Protocol Introduces Launchpad Platform to Transform Open Source AI Funding

2025-04-10 14:45

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Blockchain-based system introduces market mechanisms for developer compensation and project governance

(SINGAPORE, April 10, 2025)—A new blockchain platform aims to solve the perennial challenge of financing open-source software development by creating tradable tokens tied to project contributions.

REPO Protocol unveiled its Launchpad platform today, introducing a financial framework that tokenizes open-source projects and distributes rewards based on measurable developer input. The system creates what the company calls a "self-sustaining ecosystem" where contributors receive immediate compensation while investors can back promising projects.

The platform operates through a dual-token model. A governance token ($REPO) manages protocol-wide decisions, while project-specific tokens represent individual repositories. Contributors earn rewards through two mechanisms: "Proof of Contribution" delivers immediate tokens for tangible work like code submissions, while "Proof of Merit" builds long-term reputation scores that enhance governance rights.

"We're transforming the intangible value of code and research into a quantifiable ecosystem," said Dr. Ding Sun, a core developer. "This is a critical step toward a future where decentralized collaboration powers progress."

Three open source AI projects have joined the platform at launch, focusing on code analysis, standardized quality scoring for open-source AI software, and AI-driven smart contract auditing. The platform supports deployment across multiple blockchain networks including Ethereum, BNB Chain, other EVM-compatible Chains and Solana.

Projects that reach a $14,400 market cap can "graduate" to decentralized exchanges, at which point governance fully transitions to community control—underscoring the protocol's focus on decentralized autonomy.

The launch represents a significant experiment in creating market-based incentives for previously undervalued technical work. If successful, it could establish a template for sustainable funding models in collaborative development environments where traditional venture capital and corporate sponsorship have proven inconsistent.