World Computer
is our future
Blocks processed
ICP scales horizontally by transparently combining subnet blockchains into one unified blockchain. Subnets process blocks in parallel.
Smart contract memory
ICP smart contracts combine WebAssembly bytecode with persistent on-chain memory, with gigabytes available – supporting the creation of truly decentralized systems and services that are 100% on-chain
Blockchain Singularity
Today, Web3 really runs on Big Tech's cloud. Blockchains can host tokens, but only tiny amounts of data and compute, and no web.
Tomorrow, blockchains will host it all, and fully decentralize everything, from simple dApps, to billion-user social networks, the metaverse, streaming, games, orderbook exchanges, and enterprise systems.
It's already happening at scale on the first true World Computer: the Internet Computer #ICP
Join the movement.
Internet Computer basicsInternet Computer capabilitiesWiki history of the Internet Computer
Proof of Useful Work
The Internet Computer is not a Proof of Stake (PoS) blockchain created by "validator nodes" running on Big Tech's cloud. It is formed by a sovereign network of standardized "node machine" hardware operated by independent parties. To participate, nodes must produce the same number of blocks as others in their cohort, without deviation. In a scheme of Proof-of-Useful-Work (PoUW), replicated smart contract computation is their work, driving optimal efficiency. Nodes form into subnet blockchains, and then into a unified limitless blockchain, using game-changing Chain Key Crypto.
Intelligent Blockchain
Traditional blockchains evolve and adapt through a painful and cumbersome process. A protocol "hard fork" is developed, and a central group of insiders, working at a foundation, or a corporation, then coordinates those running nodes, or validators, in upgrading their network software. The Internet Computer network, by contrast, runs under the control of an advanced DAO, called the Network Nervous System (or NNS), which acts as the brain of the blockchain, and completely automates and decentralizes processes such as protocol upgrades — removing the need for backroom machinations by insiders, and powering fast and seamless evolution.
Community Story
OpenChat raised 1M ICP in 6 hours
It became the world’s first "open internet service". A new "SNS" DAO took over its code and data, and swapped $ICP for its governance tokens, placing its community in control, and creating a community treasury. Now it will founderize its users too.
DefiMetaverseSocial mediaSocial networkingMulti-chain dappsEnterprise servicesR&D infrastructureFundraisingPublishingMessaging GamingNFTsfully on-chain
There are hundreds of projects like these...
DSCVR
Web3 alternative to Reddit with user governed Portals
175,000+ users
Distrikt
100% on-chain microblogging social media platform
110,000+ users
Kinic
The world's first web3 search engine
3,000,000+ searches
OpenChat
Decentralized alternative to WhatsApp
80,000+ users
Plethora
Web3 gaming infrastructure platform
Thriving community
Entrepot
ICP's most popular NFT marketplace
1,000,000+ ICP volume
Cubetopia
Decentralized alternative to Minecraft with NFT worlds
27,000+ ICP volume
Sonic
Swap-built end-to-end DeFi platform
$360,000+ TVL
Save money storing data in ICP smart contracts
The cost of storing data inside a smart contract (USD)
DAO crypto evolved
Community DAOs that can own
and manage a social network
can now democratize tech
Corporation → algo democracy
Blockchain operation that's climate friendly
Thanks to the unique architecture and novel cryptography of the Internet Computer blockchain, it can host smart contract software, data, and computation, with levels of efficiency competitive with traditional software that runs on Big Tech's cloud services. Meanwhile, it is currently tens of thousands of times more efficient than the next most efficient blockchain. Web3 projects that incorporate Internet Computer smart contracts can consequently dramatically lower their carbon footprint, and help reduce climate change.
The blockchain industry's
Skunk Works
Team members
270+Publications
1564Citations
86,347Patents
191The DFINITY Foundation is committed to realizing the most disruptive vision in tech: the adoption of public blockchain as a single technology stack that hosts all of humanity’s systems and services.
Extend Bitcoin, Ethereum and other blockchains
Cool features of the Internet Computer
CHECK OUT ICP CAPABILITIESStart building on the Internet Computer
Start a DAO, create a token, build dapps and host assets with the full tech stack entirely on chain.
BUILD REAL WEB3Dev Forum
Engage with the ICP community to shape future features, propose new ideas, and ask questions.
Dev Docs
Get to know the concepts, architecture and technical breakthroughs that enable the ICP. Plus step-by-step guides on how to stake your tokens, and more.
Sample Code
From a simple DEX, to on-chain encrypted storage, NFT minting, and a basic DAO, learn how to build on the Internet Computer.
Motoko Playground
Play around with Motoko, the native language of the Internet Computer, right in the browser without having to download the SDK.