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NEAR Protocol

NEAR Protocol (NEAR) is a sharded Proof of Stake Layer 1 blockchain launched in 2020. It focuses on developer and user experience with human-readable account names and low fees. Edited by Eric Nkando.

What is NEAR Protocol?
$4.88
-8.94%
sparkline — 30d
Mkt cap$6.38B
Vol 24h$1.38B
Docs1
TickerNEAR
section lead photo — 4:3
The big story

What is NEAR Protocol? Sharded PoS, chain signatures, and the AI thesis in 2026

NEAR Protocol is a sharded Proof of Stake Layer 1 with distinctive account model and chain signatures. Here's how it works, the AI pivot, and where NEAR sits in 2026.

Eric Nkando · 7 min · Updated 15 Sep
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What is NEAR Protocol? Sharded PoS, chain signatures, and the AI thesis in 2026
From the editor
“Every fact on this page is dated. Every source is cited. If it doesn't have a last-verified line, don't act on it.”
Eric Nkando, Senior Writer
NEAR Protocol, in numbers
TickerNEAR
Coverage1 pieces
Live price$4.88
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Analysis

What is NEAR Protocol? Sharded PoS, chain signatures, and the AI thesis in 2026

NEAR Protocol is a sharded Proof of Stake Layer 1 with distinctive account model and chain signatures. Here's how it works, the AI pivot, and where NEAR sits in 2026.

Eric Nkando · 7 min · 15 Sep
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What is NEAR Protocol?

Frequently asked questions

What is Chain Abstraction?
NEAR's Chain Abstraction lets users interact with contracts on any blockchain from a single NEAR account, using NEAR's Chain Signatures to sign transactions on external chains.