> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ascendlaunch.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ascendlaunch.gitbook.io/docs/start-here.md).

# Introduction

![Ascend](https://content.gitbook.com/content/kBhQL4KtgFMdu4nj8Hn0/blobs/XrlrcNZ6A23FWTlI6AKn/assets/ascend-banner.jpg)

## Token Launch and Lifecycle Infrastructure for Elysium

> **Live on Elysium mainnet:** launches and trading on USDC, HYPE and KNTQ pairs, creator fees, coin support, and Holder Rewards and Buyback coins. Protocol fees are split on chain, and each leg holds the asset it was paid in. Staking, the HYPE Points Program, Ascend NFTs, the Ascend Points Program and ecosystem-token buybacks are not live yet.

Ascend brings token creation, trading, HYPE staking, and continued project support together on Elysium.

Builders can shape their token's economics, traders can participate in emerging projects, and HYPE stakers can access ecosystem participation through dedicated staking programs. Ascend connects these participants through infrastructure and incentives designed to support projects beyond their initial launch.

**Launch is day one. Ascend is built for everything that comes after.**

## Built for every participant

### Builders: Configure your token's economics

Launch a token and choose how its creator-fee allocation will be used. Direct fees to designated recipients, distribute a portion to eligible holders, fund purchases of your project's token, or combine these approaches.

Creators select their trading fee at launch, with their allocation of the base fee increasing across market-cap bands. This gives teams flexibility to structure how trading activity supports their project and community.

Pairing options include **USDC, HYPE, KNTQ, tokenized real-world assets, stock-paired assets, and other supported tokens**, subject to asset and pool availability.

### Traders: Discover projects and understand their economics

Explore Elysium token launches and compare their trading fees, creator-fee configurations, and market activity before participating.

Ascend profiles connect qualifying activity with participation programs. The planned Ascend Points Program gives traders a way to earn points through eligible activity, alongside other recognized forms of ecosystem participation.

### HYPE stakers: Participate in ecosystem growth

Ascend's staking design uses **kHYPE, Kinetiq's liquid staking token**, deposited into an Ascend vault.

Yield attributable to eligible staking positions funds purchases of qualifying ecosystem tokens for the corresponding stakers. That yield is received through those token distributions rather than also being paid as HYPE.

Separately, the **HYPE Points Program** provides HYPE rewards to eligible staking positions. Standard participation in this program does not require an Ascend NFT.

## Planned NFT and points features

The planned Ascend NFT model connects two benefits: **increased reward weight for eligible HYPE staking positions** and **access to the Ascend Points Program**. Both require NFT activation.

Within the Ascend Points Program, qualifying trading, staking, and ecosystem-token holding activity earns points. **Accumulated points are used for KNTQ according to the applicable season's rules.** Activating an NFT alone awards neither points nor KNTQ.

The NFT's HYPE reward boost applies to an eligible staking position. It does not change Kinetiq's underlying staking rate or increase ecosystem-token distributions.

## Support throughout the project lifecycle

**Prepare → Launch on Ascend → Qualify for Ascended → HyperCore spot readiness → HIP-3 market readiness**

Ascend's builder support spans launch preparation, community distribution, liquidity development, and preparation for additional markets.

Projects that qualify for **Ascended status** gain dedicated visibility and eligibility for ecosystem-token buyback support. Qualifying teams may also be selected for the **Ascend Strategic Partner Program**, extending collaboration and ongoing project support.

**Ascend commits revenue from its share of Elysium sequencer fees toward builder support**, including grants, HyperCore spot-listing preparation, and resources for teams launching and growing within the ecosystem. This funding is separate from trading-fee allocations used for ecosystem-token buybacks.

Each stage has its own selection criteria, available funding, and market requirements. A launch does not guarantee progression, a partnership, or a subsequent listing.

## Aligned with HYPE, KNTQ, and the ecosystem

**Ascend has adopted KNTQ as its protocol token. There is no separate Ascend token.**

Its economic model connects platform activity with creator allocations, HYPE programs, KNTQ initiatives, liquidity development, and support for qualifying projects. Different allocations serve different purposes, with their funding and execution explained in the economics documentation.

## Explore the documentation

| What you want to understand                       | Read next                                                                                                                                                                                    |
| ------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| How the platform fits together                    | [How Ascend works](/docs/start-here/how-ascend-works.md)                                                                                                                                     |
| Launching a token and configuring creator fees    | [Launching on Ascend](/docs/launching-on-ascend.md) · [Trading and creator fees](/docs/fees-and-revenue/trading-and-creator-fees.md)                                                         |
| HYPE staking and ecosystem-token distributions    | [HYPE staking and the HYPE Points Program](/docs/staking-and-rewards/hype-staking-and-rewards.md)                                                                                            |
| Planned NFT benefits and seasonal points          | [Ascend NFTs](/docs/ascend-nfts.md) · [Ascend Points Program](/docs/ascend-points.md)                                                                                                        |
| Growing a project beyond launch                   | [Builder support](/docs/project-growth/builder-support.md) · [Ascended status](/docs/project-growth/ascended-status.md) · [HyperCore and HIP-3](/docs/project-growth/hypercore-and-hip-3.md) |
| Protocol allocations and ecosystem funding        | [Protocol revenue allocation](/docs/protocol-economics/protocol-revenue-allocation.md) · [KNTQ and ecosystem support](/docs/protocol-economics/kntq-and-ecosystem-support.md)                |
| The team, implementation details, and terminology | [Team and distribution](/docs/team-and-distribution.md) · [Security and implementation](/docs/reference/security-and-implementation.md) · [Glossary](/docs/reference/glossary.md)            |