Vana unveils VRC-20 standard for data-backed tokens

Vana (CRYPTO:VANA), an EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain focused on monetising personal data, has introduced the VRC-20 token standard to enhance trust and transparency in the market for data-backed digital assets.

This move marks a strategic shift toward creating a liquidity-driven data economy.

The VRC-20 standard establishes clear criteria for token issuance, including fixed supply, governance rules, and liquidity mechanisms.

These requirements ensure that tokens are tied to real data utility, promoting secure and fair transactions within the ecosystem.

"For data markets to work, tokens must be reliable, secure, and useful,” Vana stated.

Since the launch of its mainnet in December 2024, Vana has onboarded over 12 million data points through DataDAOs—decentralised marketplaces where data is tokenised and made available for applications like AI model training.

The introduction of VRC-20 replaces direct VANA token emissions to DataDAOs with liquidity pools requiring compliance with the new standard.

This change eliminates previous restrictions, allowing any compliant DataDAO to qualify for liquidity support.

Additionally, Vana has introduced data validator staking as an alternative to DataDAO staking.

Participants can stake VANA tokens in trusted execution environments to ensure secure data access and earn rewards based on network uptime and reliability.

“No more idle staking. Earnings are tied to real network utility and reliability,” Vana emphasised.

The protocol also launched initiatives like the Vana Grow program and Data Market Makers (DMMs) to support sustainable development within the data economy.

These efforts aim to establish key pillars such as liquidity, price discovery, and practical demand for a thriving market.

Analysts suggest that the new standards could stabilise the market by fostering transparent and utility-driven transactions.

At the time of reporting, the Vana (VANA) price was $5.50.