# Core Chain: Unlocking Bitcoin DeFi --- Core Chain is the first Bitcoin-aligned EVM-compatible Layer-1 blockchain, designed to be Bitcoin's complementary and hyper-scalable smart contract platform. With over **50%** of Bitcoin mining hash already contributing to its security model and over **4,800** in count and more than **$313 Million** worth Bitcoin staked through the ground-breaking innovation of Non-Custodial Bitcoin staking, Core Chain is unlocking Bitcoin both as the prime protector and central asset of the future of DeFi. Core Chain's major innovation is it's novel consensus mechanism, **Satoshi Plus**, that unites Delegated Proof of Work (DPoW), Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS), and Non-custodial Bitcoin Staking. Through this combination, Core Chain incorporates Bitcoin miners in the security of Turing-complete smart contracts, unlocks the functionality and utility of those miners beyond the simple maintenance of the Bitcoin ledger, and provides them with purely additive supplemental income in the form of CORE token rewards. This symbiotic relationship works to strengthen Bitcoin without consuming Bitcoin block space or detracting from the miners' primary role as defenders of the Bitcoin network. While DPoW leverages Bitcoin miners, through the DPoS, Core Chain leverages both the CORE and BTC holders that stake their assets onto the Core blockchain and influence the network’s consensus by delegating their staked assets to the validators on the Core Chain network.  ## Key Features of Core Chain[​](https://docs.coredao.org/docs/Learn/introduction/what-is-core-chain#key-features-of-core-chain) Some of the key features of Core Chain that distinguishes it from its competitors: - **Satoshi Plus Consensus Mechanism:** the novel consensus mechanism, which is a hybrid of Delegated Proof of Work (DPoW), Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS), and Non-Custodial Bitcoin Staking. - **Core DAO:** the DAO that manages on-chain governance. - **EVM Execution Layer:** Core Chain adaptes Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) for smart contract execution making it EVM-compatible, similar to [BNB Smart Chain's implementation](https://github.com/bnb-chain/bsc) of Geth. - **coreBTC:** the enshrined Core-native bridged BTC. - **Non-custodial BTC Staking:** Core offers BTC holders to stake their assets onto the Core blockchain in a trustless and secure manner without having to give up custody of their assets. This innovative feature integrates Bitcoin into Core Chain's DeFi activities, enhancing liquidity and enabling Bitcoin users to earn staking rewards in the form of CORE tokens within the Core ecosystem. - **stCORE:** Core Chain offers Liquid Staking in the form of stCORE which is designed to enhance the utility of the CORE token and simplify the staking process. This initiative allows token holders to maximize their asset potential with greater flexibility and efficiency. - **HTLC Atomic Swaps _(Coming Soon)_\:** enables trustless, peer-to-peer exchange of tokens between Core Chain and other blockchains, including (and especially) Bitcoin, through Hashed TimeLock Contracts (HTLCs). ## Problems Addressed by Core Chain[​](https://docs.coredao.org/docs/Learn/introduction/what-is-core-chain#problems-addressed-by-core-chain) Core Chain addresses several key problems and issues in the blockchain space through its unique approach and technology. Here's a summary of the issues that Core Chain attempts to overcome: - **Scalability and Security:** Core Chain utilizes a novel consensus mechanism called "Satoshi Plus" which aims to balance the trade-offs between scalability, security, and decentralization. This mechanism combines Bitcoin's Proof-of-Work (PoW) and Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) consensus mechanisms into one hybrid system, seeking to leverage the security provided by Bitcoin's mining power while enhancing scalability through DPoS​. - **Blockchain Trilemma:** The blockchain trilemma asserts that it is challenging to achieve decentralization, security, and scalability simultaneously. Core Chain's solution, the Satoshi Plus consensus, attempts to tackle this trilemma by integrating Bitcoin's computing power for security and the DPoS mechanism for scalability, aiming for a decentralized system that does not compromise on these critical aspects​. - **Ecosystem Roles and Participation:** Core Chain is designed to have an ecosystem where various participants play significant roles, including validators, relayers, BTC miners, CORE holders, and verifiers. This ecosystem aims to ensure network security, promote decentralization, and encourage community participation in governance and network activities​. - **Tokenomics and Incentive Structure:** CORE, the native utility token, is used for staking and paying gas fees. With a total supply of **2\.1 billion** tokens, Core Chain plans to distribute these over **81 years**, aligning with its long-term vision. The project also includes mechanisms for burning a percentage of block rewards and gas fees to manage token supply dynamically​. - **Passive Income:** Core furnishes an opportunity for BTC holders to earn passive income in the form of CORE tokens earned as rewards in exchange for staking their BTC onto Core chain and delegating these to valdiators on the Core network, indirectly contributing to Core Chain’s consensus mechanism and security. - **Comparison with Other Blockchains:** Core Chain positions itself as an improvement over existing blockchains like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, and BNB Chain. By addressing issues such as low transaction throughput, centralization risks, and network stability, Core Chain aims to offer a more scalable, decentralized, and secure alternative​. # Why Core DAO --- Core Chain represents a groundbreaking shift in decentralized governance, merging together the decentralization and security of Bitcoin with the flexibility of EVM smart contracts to create a truly democratic and scalable ecosystem. Its innovative Satoshi Plus consensus mechanism offers a unique blend of security and participatory governance, inviting a broad spectrum of stakeholders to shape its future. By enabling on-chain and off-chain governance mechanisms, Core Chain is paving a progressive path towards a fully decentralized network. This approach not only safeguards the network but also aligns with the ethos of blockchain technology—decentralization, transparency, and community empowerment.