Overview
What is NEAR Protocol?
NEAR Protocol is a sharded layer-1 blockchain built around cross-chain execution and privacy. Its main consumer interface lets users swap assets across 35+ chains without manually bridging or managing gas on each network. It has raised over $607 million in total funding and targets high throughput with low fees.
The protocol’s defining feature right now is Confidential Intents, launched in February 2026. Transactions execute inside a NEAR private shard backed by Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs), keeping amounts and counterparties hidden until settlement.
Key Points
- Allocation: 333,333 [email protected] milestone tokens (Drop 1)
- Distribution Method: On-chain activity score (confidential balance weighted by time + swaps)
- TGE Date: Triggered by dual milestone ($70M TVL + NEAR price >= $3.33 VWAP for 3 days)
- Vesting Schedule: Non-transferable until both price and TVL conditions are met, then converts 1:1 to NEAR
Participation Guide
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1
Step 1: Visit NEAR website and create an account
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2
Step 2: Connect or create your wallet
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3
Step 3: Fund your account
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Step 4: Enable your confidential account
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Step 5: Complete at least one confidential swap
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Step 6: Keep your balance above $100 and keep swapping