What is Nervos Network (CKB)?

Quick Facts

  • Founded: 2018 by Terry Tai, Kevin Wang, Cipher Wang, and Daniel Lv
  • Mainnet launch: November 2019
  • Consensus: Proof-of-Work (Nakamoto-style)
  • Base layer: Common Knowledge Base (CKB)
  • Virtual machine: CKB-VM, built on the RISC-V instruction set
  • Native token: CKByte (CKB) — represents 1 byte of state storage
  • Architecture: Modular, dual-layer (L1 security + L2 scalability)

Introduction

Nervos Network is an open-source, modular blockchain ecosystem designed to solve the core tensions in blockchain design: security, decentralization, and scalability. Rather than compromising on any one dimension, Nervos separates concerns across layers — keeping the base layer maximally secure while offloading scalability to Layer 2.

At its core is the Common Knowledge Base (CKB), a public, permissionless Layer-1 blockchain that acts as a universal verification and settlement layer for the entire network.

History & Background

Nervos was founded in early 2018 by a team of experienced blockchain engineers and researchers. The project raised over $100 million through seed, private, and public token sale rounds before launching its mainnet in November 2019.

In 2024, the RGB++ protocol was introduced, positioning CKB as an execution and data availability layer for Bitcoin — a significant expansion of its original mission.

How Nervos Network Works

Nervos uses a unique Cell Model — a generalization of Bitcoin's UTXO model — for managing state. Cells are immutable data containers that can hold assets or executable logic, separating data from computation and enabling parallel transaction processing.

The CKB-VM is a virtual machine based on the RISC-V instruction set, making it compatible with all current and future cryptographic primitives. This flexibility allows developers to implement new algorithms — including quantum-resistant schemes — without requiring hard forks.

Layer 2 networks can be built on top of CKB to handle high-throughput computation, while the base layer focuses purely on verification and settlement.

Tokenomics

The CKByte (CKB) token has a direct and transparent utility: holding 1 CKB grants the right to occupy 1 byte of state storage on the base layer. To store data or deploy smart contracts, users lock an equivalent amount of CKB, creating demand tied directly to network usage.

Nervos uses a dual issuance model: a primary issuance (with Bitcoin-style halvings) for miners, and a secondary issuance that captures value from state occupiers and redistributes it to miners and long-term holders who lock CKB in the NervosDAO.

Circulating supply ? 48.97 billion CKB
Total supply ? 49.78 billion CKB
Max supply ? -- CKB
Updated 8h ago

Ecosystem & Use Cases

Nervos supports a growing ecosystem of DeFi applications, asset issuance protocols, and Layer 2 networks. The RGB++ protocol enables Bitcoin-native asset issuance on CKB without relying on cross-chain bridges, linking the Nervos and Bitcoin ecosystems tightly.

Other key infrastructure includes the UTXO Stack for building Bitcoin-compatible Layer 2s and the CKB Lightning Network for fast, low-cost payments.

Team, Governance & Community

The core team has deep roots in blockchain research and engineering. Co-founder Cipher Wang led the development of the RGB++ protocol through Cell Studio. The project is open-source and governed through a community-driven RFC (Request for Comment) process on GitHub, with active developer and user communities across Telegram, Twitter, and other channels.

Advantages

  • Flexible architecture: RISC-V-based CKB-VM supports all cryptographic primitives without protocol upgrades
  • Bitcoin alignment: RGB++ and UTXO Stack natively extend Bitcoin's capabilities
  • Proven security: Battle-tested Proof-of-Work consensus ensures strong decentralization
  • Aligned incentives: The tokenomic model ties miner rewards to long-term network usage, not just inflation

Risks & Challenges

  • Competition: Many well-funded Layer-1 and Bitcoin Layer 2 projects compete for developers and users
  • Complexity: The Cell Model and CKB-VM have a steeper learning curve than EVM-compatible chains
  • Adoption pace: Achieving critical mass of dApps and users remains an ongoing challenge
  • PoW energy use: Proof-of-Work consensus draws ongoing scrutiny around energy consumption

Long-Term Vision

Nervos aims to become the foundational security and interoperability layer for a multi-chain world — one where Bitcoin and heterogeneous blockchains can interact seamlessly without bridges or custodians. By combining a highly flexible base layer with the RGB++ protocol and modular Layer 2 design, the project positions CKB as the trust anchor for next-generation decentralized applications and Bitcoin-native finance.

Frequently Asked Questions

CKB stands for Common Knowledge Base, the name of Nervos Network's Layer-1 blockchain. The native token is called CKByte, also abbreviated as CKB.

The Cell Model is Nervos' generalization of Bitcoin's UTXO model. Cells are immutable data containers that can store assets or executable code, enabling parallel processing and flexible smart contracts.

Nervos CKB uses Proof-of-Work (PoW) with an improved Nakamoto consensus. This prioritizes security and decentralization at the base layer.

RGB++ is an asset issuance protocol that uses CKB as an execution and data availability layer for Bitcoin. It enables Bitcoin-native assets and smart contracts without relying on cross-chain bridges.

The NervosDAO is a smart contract where CKB holders can lock their tokens to receive a share of the secondary issuance, protecting them from inflation caused by state occupiers.

Holding CKB grants the right to store data on-chain — 1 CKB equals 1 byte of state storage. A dual issuance model rewards miners through primary issuance (with halvings) and a secondary issuance funded by state occupiers.

Nervos was founded in 2018 by Terry Tai, Kevin Wang, Cipher Wang, and Daniel Lv. The team raised over $100 million before launching the mainnet in November 2019.

Nervos achieves scalability through a modular, dual-layer design. The CKB base layer handles security and verification, while Layer 2 networks built on top provide high-throughput computation and fast transactions.