# Key Takeaways from Bio Protocols and DeSci Development

Unlike other one-off narratives, DeSci (Decentralized Science) continues to be a topic of discussion, receiving sustained attention from prominent venture capitalists and Layer 1 projects. Leading the DeSci funding sector, Bio Protocol has successfully curated, funded, and supported over ten bio DAOs across Ethereum, Base, and Solana networks.

The latest Bio V1 update aims to enhance the curation and funding processes, previously centralised and manual, allowing any BIO token holder to participate in curating and enabling projects to easily generate liquidity. This development will drive transparency and convenience for all stakeholders, including BIO token holders, project investors, and researchers, accelerating the expansion of the bio ecosystem.

# Background – Bio Protocol: A DeSci Pioneer

## What Is DeSci?

DeSci recently experienced its first hype cycle but saw waning interest due to the overall downturn in the cryptocurrency market. Nevertheless, DeSci remains a topic of considerable interest among major venture capitalists and projects. Last November, Yzi Labs (formerly Binance Labs) made its initial foray into the DeSci sector by investing in Bio Protocol and has since appointed biotech expert Jane He as GP to expand its investment in this area.

DeSci is not just a passing trend but a steadily recognized field. DeSci integrates blockchain technology into science, solving structural problems in contemporary science from project funding to paper publishing and collaboration.

## The Structural Problems DeSci Aims to Solve

### Centralized Funding
Modern science, often requiring extensive funding and numerous researchers, naturally gravitates towards centralization. This creates inefficiencies as researchers devote substantial resources to the funding review process instead of research. Centralized funding also often demands short-term results, sidelining long-term or less marketable research.

### Centralized Journals and Conferences
Researchers publish their work in journals or conferences, aiming for prestigious outlets to advance their careers. This leads to a distorted incentive structure where journals acquire copyrights and charge readers via paywalls, despite research often being funded by taxpayers. Even choosing open-access distribution requires authors to pay article processing charges (APCs). The peer review process is also plagued with inefficiencies and lack of transparency.

## How DeSci Uses Blockchain to Solve These Issues

While DeSci may not replace traditional science (“TradSci”) entirely, it is poised to play essential roles in specific areas:

### Publishing
Examples include ResearchHub, founded by Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong. ResearchHub uses the RSC token-based incentive structure, rewarding contributions to paper publishing and peer review. Although practical challenges remain, particularly in gaining prestige in a field dominated by honor and authority, the goal is to establish a transparent and efficient academic journal.

### Research DAOs and Decentralized Funding
Decentralized funding enables researchers, especially those with long-term or less marketable projects, to quickly raise funds from multiple small donors. If successful, these projects can provide returns to investors. Leading this initiative is Bio Protocol.

## Bio Protocol’s Role in DeSci

Bio Protocol serves as an incubator, curating and supporting various bio research DAOs, with a track record of supporting projects across multiple networks. It has established significant biotechnological innovations:

– **VitaDAO**: Focuses on human longevity technology, attracting investments from industry leaders like Pfizer.
– **HairDAO**: Researches hair loss treatment and sells related products.
– **ValleyDAO**: Supports synthetic biology research.
– **AthenaDAO**: Focuses on women’s health.
– **Cerebrum DAO**: Focuses on brain health.
– **Quantum Biology DAO**: Supports quantum biology research.
– **PsyDAO**: Focuses on psychedelic drug research.
– **CryoDAO**: Researches cryonics.
– **Curetopia**: Focuses on rare disease treatment.
– **Long COVID Labs**: Researches post-COVID-19 symptoms.

# The Bio Protocol Ecosystem and Its Benefits

Bio Protocol supports research DAOs in various ways, allowing them to focus on research:

### Curation
BIO token holders can stake tokens to select which research DAOs join the ecosystem, providing initial funding opportunities for early supporters.

### Funding
Selected Bio DAOs can receive funding from token sales, and Bio Protocol offers a $100k grant in exchange for 6.9% of the DAO tokens.

### Liquidity
Bio Protocol establishes liquidity pools for curated Bio DAOs, minimizing the need for DAOs to manage these aspects.

# The Essentials of Launchpad

Bio Protocol takes a cue from other launchpads like DAO Maker and pump.fun. For continued growth, it must focus on:

– **Curation**: Continuously curating high-quality projects.
– **Investor Engagement**: Attracting investors through effective onboarding of quality projects or appealing investment structures.
– **Ecosystem Support**: Providing comprehensive support for growing projects.
– **Process Automation**: Automating curation and funding processes.
– **Decentralization**: Ensuring participation from anyone in the curation and funding processes.

Addressing current shortcomings, Bio Protocol plans to launch Bio V1, making processes more inclusive and automated.

# Towards a Self-Sustaining DeSci Future: The Bio V1 Update

## Bio V1 Overview

Bio V1 aims to establish a user-owned research network by automating and opening up previously manual processes. Key components include:

### Bio V1 Launchpad

#### Curation
Token holders can participate in selecting new Bio DAOs to onboard through a transparent process.

#### Funding
Onboarded DAOs can choose between bonding curve sales or threshold price auctions for token sales, introducing automated liquidity pools post-funding.

### BioAgents
Bio V1 introduces AI-based BioAgents to assist with tasks like data analysis and IP development, enhancing research efficiency.

## Upcoming Projects

### SpineDAO
Focuses on spinal health, leveraging AI and IoT for surgical decision-making and post-operative monitoring.

### MycoDAO
Studies fungi for environmental restoration, sustainable materials, and therapeutic development.

### ReflexDAO
Analyzes autonomic nervous system data to prevent and manage chronic diseases.

# Will the DeSci Spring Come?

Bio Protocol leads the DeSci funding sector, supporting numerous research DAOs. With ongoing updates like Bio V1, it aims to create a more decentralized, self-sustaining scientific ecosystem. This development could significantly increase transparency and efficiency in funding processes, thus expanding the DeSci ecosystem.