> 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/project-growth/ascended-status.md).

# Ascended status

Ascended status identifies projects that qualify for additional support after launching on Ascend. It connects sustained project activity with greater visibility and eligibility for protocol-funded ecosystem-token buybacks.

The status is part of Ascend's approach to supporting a project's development beyond its initial launch.

## Qualification

Ascend assesses projects using internal thresholds and quality checks. The assessment considers market capitalization, unique holders, trading volume over time, and other signals of project quality.

Checks also consider concentrated or coordinated token accumulation. Qualification evaluates these factors together; a single market-cap milestone does not establish eligibility on its own.

Ascend determines qualification under its assessment framework. The creator-fee market-cap bands and Ascended qualification serve different purposes. Moving into a higher [creator-fee band](/docs/fees-and-revenue/trading-and-creator-fees.md) changes the fee allocation under that schedule, while Ascended status requires the broader project assessment.

## Support for qualifying projects

Ascended projects receive placement in a dedicated area of the Ascend homepage and qualify for direct ecosystem-token buyback support.

Buyback allocations across eligible projects use multiple criteria, including unique holders, trading volume measured over time, and market capitalization. The support available depends on the funds assigned to ecosystem-token buybacks and the set of eligible projects.

Protocol-funded ecosystem-token buybacks form part of the strategic KNTQ ecosystem allocation. That allocation also supports Ascend Points and protocol-owned liquidity. See [KNTQ and ecosystem support](/docs/protocol-economics/kntq-and-ecosystem-support.md) for the funding model.

## Relationship to staker distributions

Protocol-funded project support and ecosystem-token distributions to stakers have separate funding sources. Staker distributions are funded by staking yield. Each staker receives the tokens purchased with the yield attributable to their eligible HYPE stake.

The existence of a protocol-funded buyback does not make its purchased tokens part of the user staking distribution pool.

## Progression to additional markets

Ascend's intended project pathway extends toward HyperCore spot markets and eligible HIP-3 perpetual markets. Ascended status provides a foundation for that work, alongside liquidity development and technical preparation.

Each subsequent market has its own requirements, costs, and approvals. Ascended qualification does not guarantee a listing, a minimum buyback amount, or a token price. See [HyperCore and HIP-3](/docs/project-growth/hypercore-and-hip-3.md) for the scope of Ascend's support.