The CARV Protocol is a decentralized Identity and Data Layer (IDL) that allows users to own, control, verify, and monetize their data. It emphasizes the gaming and AI industries and uses CARV ID as its primary identity management system. Since its launch, CARV Play, the company’s flagship product, has registered over 9.5 million users and nearly 3 million CARV IDs onchain through various in-game campaigns. The CARV Protocol had over 2.1 million unique active wallets interacting across supported networks.

What is Carv?

Carv is a decentralized platform that combines gaming, artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain technology and is powered by the CARV token. Individuals can maintain ownership of their digital identity and data using technologies like zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs), modular blockchain architecture, and AI-powered infrastructure. The platform enables data management, monetization, and application in gaming ecosystems, AI training frameworks, and DeFi protocols. The CARV Protocol serves as the platform’s technical underpinning. It has a zero-knowledge, proof-based credential system that allows users to create verifiable credentials from both on-chain and off-chain transactions. These credentials are saved in a data vault, a user-controlled storage module protected by end-to-end encryption and decentralized identifiers (DIDs).

Carv operates in the AI and blockchain area with three main components. The first is a self-sovereign identification system that enables users to create and exchange verified credentials based on activities like gaming achievements or social connections. These credentials are protected with cryptographic means, ensuring tamper-proof authenticity. The second component is a marketplace for monetizing anonymized user data, which may be licensed to third parties such as AI developers, game studios, and advertisers. This marketplace prioritizes privacy, allowing data transactions without disclosing raw user information. The third component is AI agentic infrastructure, which includes autonomous systems that conduct activities on behalf of users. These agents work across multiple applications, such as DeFi portfolio management and in-game asset optimization, using aggregated data to achieve stated goals. Carv’s infrastructure is powered by the CARV Protocol, a modular blockchain explicitly designed for gaming and AI use cases. Collaborations with Consensys, HashKey, and other established game studios help to accelerate the protocol’s development.

Background of Carv

CARV was launched by Chloe Gu and Victor Yu in 2022 to provide people with control over their identities and data on Web2 and Web3. CARV was initially motivated by Vitalik Buterin’s ideas on decentralized society (DeSoc) and Soulbound Tokens (SBTs), and it planned to integrate these concepts into Web3 before narrowing its attention to the gaming and AI sectors. After completing the UPenn Wharton Cypher Blockchain Accelerator in May 2022, CARV developed Carv Play. This platform provides a uniform interface for different games. To solve identity and data fragmentation in gaming, CARV proposed the ERC-7231 token standard in June 2023, which combines Web2 and Web3 IDs into a single NFT-based profile. ERC-7231 was approved in February 2024.

In December 2023, CARV announced CARV ID, an ERC-7231-powered identity solution that combines users’ Web2 and Web3 identities into a single profile. The same month, CARV introduced the Data-to-Earn program, which allows users to manage and monetize their data by participating in opt-in data collection campaigns. Alphanet, the protocol’s testnet, was released by CARV in June 2024, before the mainnet debut. The team also hosted a node sale that same month, offering 100,000 verifier nodes to the public, allowing the community to participate in the protocol’s data validation process. The project team raised over $35 million by selling 38,000 verifier nodes through the node sale.

The AI Agentic Chain was introduced with the project’s mainnet launch in January 2024. This subnet is dedicated to training and deploying AI models with user-authorized datasets. In March 2024, Consensys and HashKey announced a $50 million accelerator program to assist gaming and AI applications based on the CARV Protocol. Carv introduced the D.A.T.A. Framework (Decentralized AI Training Architecture) three months later. This technology enables federated machine learning while protecting data privacy using decentralized computation.

Features of Carv

Agentic Chain

The Agentic Chain, a subnet explicitly designed for AI operations, is a significant protocol aspect. This component allows federated learning, a technique for training AI models across decentralized nodes without sending raw data from user vaults. Developers may use aggregated, anonymized information to train models while users keep control of their data inputs.

D.A.T.A. Framework

The D.A.T.A. Framework builds on this infrastructure by allowing users to create data unions, pooling anonymized data streams for third-party licensing. Smart contracts automate compensation for data inputs by distributing revenue according to established terms.

Verifier nodes

The verifier nodes feature confirms the protocol’s TEE attestations, ensuring data travels securely and privately through its layers. To operate a verifier node, users must first get a node license or accept delegations from a licensed node holder. Each permit is an NFT, allowing holders to run verifier nodes and earn incentives through the CARV protocol. The first node auction began as an allowlist phase on June 3, 2024, followed by a public sale on June 5, 2024.

Carv’s Technology

The CARV Protocol is a decentralized Identity and Data Layer (IDL) with CARV ID at its core, allowing for secure on-chain identity management. Aside from identification, the IDL provides permissionless computing, verification, and secure data storage, resulting in a scalable and safe ecosystem. Instead of a standard blockchain model, the IDL uses a lightweight multichain method with smart contracts distributed across multiple Layer-1 and Layer-2 networks. The protocol also uses a modular framework with four customizable layers that specialize in managing end-to-end data flows.

Identity Layer

The identity layer uses the ERC-7231 standard and is the primary entry point for user identity and data aggregation. This standard builds on the ERC-721 token standard by linking Web2 and Web3 identities—such as social accounts, blockchain wallets, and DIDs—to non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and soulbound tokens (SBTs). To engage with the system, a user’s Web2 and Web3 identities are combined into a CARV ID, a consolidated NFT profile issued as an ERC-7231 token on the blockchain. This unified NFT profile enables users to manage their identity across many platforms, allowing for user-controlled data ownership and monetization.

Data Storage Layer

The storage layer provides consumers with data storage flexibility by enabling decentralized and centralized choices. Data aggregated on the identification layer is encrypted by default and saved in the storage layer. Users can use the protocol’s native storage solution, Carv DB, which is built on Eigenlayer AVS, decentralized solutions like BNB-based Greenfield, or centralized ones like AWS S3. With IDL’s flexible approach to natively secured storage, users may balance privacy, cost, and availability.

Computation and Training Layers

This layer processes and analyzes aggregated data, revealing real-time insights that can be utilized to train AI models. To ensure that data is processed safely and privately, this layer uses Trusted Execution Environments (TEE) such as Intel SGX and Zero-Knowledge Proof (zk-SNARK) for verification. The protocol runs a TEE node cluster that coordinates computing using Intel SGX to provide verifiable attestations.

Execution Layer

The execution layer serves as the protocol’s operational backbone, consisting of smart contracts deployed over several Layer-1 and Layer-2 networks. This layer manages all interactions among users, nodes, and other protocol components. It oversees the protocol’s main business logic, interpreting and executing data generated from the computing layer and distributing rewards depending on confirmed node operations.

Verification Layer

The verification layer adds security to the protocol’s operations, ensuring it stays decentralized. This layer contains community-operated verifier nodes that validate the attestations created by TEE nodes in the computing and training layers.

Products of Carv

Carv Play

CARV Play is CARV’s main product, a gamified mobile application based on the CARV protocol. The Carv Play is available in Web, iOS, and Android versions. It integrates gaming experiences from Web2 and Web3 platforms into a single, credential-based system. To interact with CARV Play, players must first create CARV IDs onchain, which connect their Web2 and Web3 gaming identities into a single profile. Users can also get customizable human-readable names linked to their CARV IDs via CARVs.play Name Service. This integration connects users’ gaming accounts (such as Steam or Epic Games) to their CARV profile, allowing them to showcase and authenticate their achievements across numerous games.

CARV Play provides a variety of in-game activities and quests through which players may earn rewards such as GEMs (the platform’s currency) and credentials such as Achievement Badges and Generative Archive Tokens (GATs). These badges recognize players’ achievements and grant access to unique events and special incentives throughout the ecosystem.

Features of Carv Play

CARV Pass

CARV Pass is a pioneering concept on the CARV platform, allowing players to earn GEM and access rewards immediately. It provides an exciting adventure with essential levels full of opportunity, prizes, and surprises. Each season, the CARV Pass offers four separate tasks: time-limited, monthly, weekly, and seasonal. After completing tasks, users will earn EXP and level up to unlock a variety of goodies, including Power, GEMs, mystery boxes, SBTs, Titles, lottery entries, and more.

GEM functions as an incentive for CARV Play. Users can earn GEM by participating in events featuring GEM prize pools, unlocking mystery boxes in CARV Pass, and receiving level-up incentives. GEM is the user’s ticket to redeeming numerous benefits, such as in-game items, cash, $CARV token awards, physical gifts from the CARV Shop, and more.

Game Discovery

CARV includes 600+ top-tier Web2 and Web3 games, mainly through formal partnerships, and provides their gamer community with special events and awards. Discovery games may interest users because they are based on data and legitimate reviews (credential-gated, with real players) from other gamers.

CARV Shop

CARV Shop offers a variety of real-world and virtual incentives, including game consoles, PCs, gift cards, in-game NFT, profile frames, and more. Users can buy them or enter lottery with their GEMs to win these rewards.

CARV SVM Chain

CARV SVM Chain is an AI agentic infrastructure that brings SVM’s capabilities to Ethereum. With Solana’s scalability and Ethereum’s security, native AI agents can perform perception, cognition, and intelligent action based on data sovereignty, expediting the advancement of artificial general intelligence. CARV SVM Chain emerges as a game-changing agentic infrastructure that combines the best of Solana and Ethereum, enhancing Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) scalability with Ethereum’s security while tapping into the liquidity of both ecosystems. The SVM chain allows native AI agents to manage and interact with data from beginning to end autonomously. This ensures that data retrieval, authentication, storage, and data processing are done securely while maintaining privacy, enabling seamless communication and shared memory pools across AI agents, and protecting privacy with zk-technology and trusted execution environments (TEE).

How Does the Carv SVM Chain Work?

To use the Carv SVM Chain, users must understand how to bridge the gas token, sepolia ETH, to CARV’s SVM testnet and back. Users must also set up the right wallet to use Carv SVM RPC. Using the backpack wallet as an example:

Step 1: Users must create an SVM wallet and add the CARV RPC node.

Step 2: Open their Backpack wallet and click the account menu in the upper left corner.

Step 3: Click Settings > Solana.

Step 4: Click RPC Connection > Custom.

Step 5: Paste the URL

https://rpc.carv.testnet.soo.network/rpc/carv-McPrlbfMcW0ggpkvr07Tjs2YfviwpHaI. Users then click Update, and the CARV SVM RPC is now set up in Backpack. Users should see a “✓” beside the Custom RPC field.

D.A.T.A. AI Framework

The D.A.T.A Framework aims to provide AI agents with seamless access to high-quality on-chain and off-chain data, allowing them to make more informed and autonomous decisions in decentralized ecosystems. This paradigm helps AI agents comprehend and interact with data in meaningful ways. The D.A.T.A Framework provides AI agents with expanded insights such as blockchain activity, user profiles, transaction histories, and advanced analytics, allowing them to evolve and adapt intelligently.

At its core, D.A.T.A is an early implementation of DeepSeek’s unique reasoning-first approach to AI autonomy. D.A.T.A enables AI agents to develop sophisticated cognitive processes that mirror human-like reasoning patterns. This integration allows agents to process and interpret data through multi-step analysis, verify their conclusions, and adjust their decision-making strategies depending on the results. The D.A.T.A Framework easily integrates CARV ID, based on the ERC-7231 standard, to combine users’ Web2 identities and Web3 activities. This cross-domain integration improves AI agents’ capability to contextualize user behavior and interactions.

CARV Portal

CARV Portal is an out-of-the-box toolkit for CARV ecosystem gaming partners. It provides a centralized platform for managing their integration with CARV Play. Carv Portal allows gaming partners and developers to acquire, onboard, and retain gamers on CARV Play while gaining insights from high-quality user data. Carv Portal enables gaming partners to seamlessly integrate their games with the CARV Protocol and handle in-game events, awards, and player interactions. Carv Portal also allows partners to create and implement special quests and events, leveraging CARV’s user base to increase player engagement in Web2 and Web3 settings.

CARV ID and the.Play Name Service

CARV ID and the.Play Name Service serves as Ars unique entry into the Data-to-Earn (D2E) Era. CARV ID is a revolutionary ID system that works with both on-chain and off-chain identities. .Play Name Service is a permanent and personalized human-readable alias for various blockchain addresses. CARV ID includes the following components:

• ID Aggregator NFT (ERC-7231) and CARV ID: A non-tradable ID Aggregator NFT uses the CARV-initiated industry-leading ERC-7231 protocol to record the user’s multiple identities into a single NFT and enable encrypted aggregation of multi-domain identity data.
• Smart Wallet (ERC-4337) or CARV Account: This account reduces the interaction barrier for typical internet users, allowing seamless cross-chain payments and wallet activities.
• Signer Account (EOA): A decentralized signing account that jointly protects a portion of the Contract Account’s private key.

The Carv ID allows users to collect, remove, and accumulate on-chain wallets, off-chain accounts, and identities in one place. CARV initiated ERC7231, which is an extension of ERC721. They can also manage, port, and monetize the value derived from the use of personal data while protecting privacy.

What is Carv Token ($CARV)?

The CARV coin serves as the ecosystem’s original utility and governance asset. It pays for services like AI agent operations, data licensing costs, and credential verification procedures. Token holders are involved in governance choices, such as protocol improvements and policy changes for data unions. Furthermore, CARV can be staked to protect the Agentic Chain, with members gaining incentives through network fees.

CARV Tokenonics

The total amount of CARV tokens is limited to 1 billion, which will be released progressively over four years. These tokens are selectively allocated to enhance community engagement and project sustainability.

• Nodes & Community (50.00%): Set aside funds to encourage node participation and community engagement through various campaigns.
• Founding Team and Advisors (about 19.46%): Reserved for the founders, contributors, and advisors.
• Early investors (9.25%): Include seed and early strategic investors in CARV.
• Ecosystem & Treasury (9.00%): Set aside for the CARV community treasury.
• Private Fundraising (8.30%): Allocated to Series A investors and prospective private investors.
• Liquidity (4.00%): utilized to seed liquidity at TGE.

Token Utility

• Gas Token: Covers the network compute costs of blockchain nodes.
• Liquidity Pairing: Pairs AI agent tokens in liquidity pools.
• Payment Currency: The token enables transactions within the CARV ecosystem, such as gas costs for multi-chain operations and game asset purchases.
• Access Control: Allows AI agents and projects access to CARV protocol services like unified user profiles.
• Incentives: The token rewards data owners, producers, and consumers to support the modular data layer of the CARV protocol.
• Staking Mechanism: The token can be converted to veCARV(s) at 1:1 in exchange for governance participation and other benefits.

What is veCARV and veCARV(s)?

veCARV is a non-transferable, locked variant of $CARV on the Arbitrum Network. It enhances users’ voting power, allowing them to participate in crucial governance choices that influence the protocol’s future. “ve” stands for “voting escrowed,” signifying that veCARV holders are committed to long-term staking, increasing their power in decision-making processes. veCARV(s) works identically to veCARV but only on the Base Network. veCARV(s), like its Arbitrum cousin, is non-transferable and allows users to participate in governance choices. However, it is currently limited to snapshots for voting. This ensures that users having veCARV(s) can still exercise governance rights while not participating in other utility activities like staking rewards or receiving additional advantages.

Conclusion

With the rise of blockchain gaming, CARV is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for gaming tokens that provide utility and engagement. CARV transforms the way gamers and developers engage with digital assets. The CARV Protocol allows users to own, control, verify, and monetize their data, transforming how it is used and shared. The CARV token serves as the foundation of this ecosystem. The CARV cryptocurrency is a crucial component for governance, transaction facilitation, and incentive participation on the network.