The Avalanche Foundation has announced a research grant program offering up to $50,000 USD to support independent, original studies focused on the economics of decentralised networks. The initiative reflects the foundation’s aim to strengthen the understanding of how crypto ecosystems function, particularly how value is created and how incentive structures shape network sustainability.
The program will fund research across two key areas. The first focuses on cryptoasset pricing and valuation, examining how digital assets accrue value in systems where tokens can act simultaneously as currencies, utility access tools, and equity-like instruments. Researchers are encouraged to explore topics such as token emission models, monetary policy design, network adoption effects, and new valuation frameworks beyond traditional financial models.
The second area focuses on validator economics and network security within Proof-of-Stake systems. This includes studying incentive structures that ensure network integrity, optimal staking levels, validator profitability, decentralisation metrics, and alternative reward mechanisms that can support long-term network stability without relying solely on inflation-based incentives.
The call for proposals is open to academics and independent researchers across economics, finance, computer science, engineering, and related fields. Applicants are required to submit a detailed proposal of up to 10 pages outlining their research question, methodology, expected contributions, timeline, budget justification, and CVs, with the submission deadline set for Monday, June 1st, 2026.
Successful applicants may receive funding in three stages over 12 months, with 30% awarded initially, 30% after a six-month progress review, and the remaining 40% upon completion of a publishable-quality final paper. Researchers will retain full intellectual property rights, though findings will be subject to a short exclusivity period before publication.
In addition to funding, selected researchers will have the opportunity to present their work at the Crafting the Cryptoeconomy Conference (CtCe) hosted at Columbia University, which brings together leading academics and industry practitioners in crypto-economics and decentralised systems. Applications will be evaluated by an independent committee composed of experts from Ava Labs, the Avalanche Foundation, and external academics.
