Emre Yumlu 
In the cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystem, innovative structures like the Cosmos network stand out prominently. In this context, AtomOne (ATONE) draws attention as a Cosmos-based modular blockchain protocol. AtomOne is designed to serve as a neutral and secure coordination hub for the broader interchain ecosystem. ATONE functions as the primary staking and governance token within the AtomOne ecosystem, optimized for Interchain Security 1.5 (ICS 1.5). This enables application-specific consumer chains to leverage the security of the AtomOne validator set while maintaining their own sovereignty. AtomOne was developed to address decentralization and transparent governance in the DeFi and interchain infrastructure space. Unlike traditional centralized blockchain governance models, AtomOne creates a more decentralized and secure system for developers and interchain projects through a DAO-managed treasury, a formal on-chain constitution, and a dual-token model.
What Is AtomOne (ATONE)?
AtomOne is a community-driven, constitutionally governed blockchain developed as a minimal fork of the Cosmos Hub. It prioritizes security, decentralization, and innovation within the Cosmos ecosystem. By incorporating IBC and ICS support, it offers scalable interchain solutions. AtomOne emphasizes transparent decision-making mechanisms for developers and users.
The core objective of AtomOne is to strengthen the interchain ecosystem. As a neutral hub, it facilitates coordination among different chains. The ATONE token is used for staking and governance, integrating with other elements of the ecosystem to form a cohesive structure. This protocol, emerging as a fork from the Cosmos Hub, aims to revive the original vision.
Key Features of AtomOne
AtomOne introduces innovative approaches in governance, economic model, security, and scalability. Here are the highlights:
Governance and Decision-Making Mechanisms
- Community-Crafted Governance: A live, on-chain constitution and a network of DAOs ensure transparent, community-driven decision-making.
- Decentralized Voting Power: It eliminates delegation-based voting, empowering individual stakers and preventing centralization of governance by validators.
- Steering and Oversight DAOs: These DAOs guide, advise, and enforce compliance with AtomOne’s constitution and community-defined principles.
The governance process is conducted through the AtomOne Governance dApp. Users can create new proposals, deposit on active ones, or cast votes. Alternatively, tools like Mintscan or Leap can also be used.
Economic Model
- Dual-Token Model: ATONE powers staking and governance, while PHOTON handles transaction fees and interchain payments, ensuring a secure and efficient chain economy.
- Single Fee Token for IBC and ICS: PHOTON serves as the sole fee token for all transactions on the root and core shards, as well as for Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) and Interchain Security (ICS) payments.
- Dynamic Treasury Management: Specialized Treasury DAOs provide transparent and collective fund management for sustainable ecosystem growth.
PHOTON was introduced with the AtomOne v2 upgrade and acts as the exclusive fee token for all shards, IBC fees, and ICS/VaaS payments.
To mint PHOTON, ATONE must be burned; this process is irreversible. The creation of a maximum of 1 billion PHOTONs is directly tied to ATONE, reducing its circulating supply.
Staking can be performed via the AtomOne Staking dApp. By staking ATONE, users contribute to the chain’s security.
Security and Scalability
- Scalable and Minimal Design: Focusing on hub minimalism, it avoids unnecessary complexity to optimize scalability, interoperability, and long-term sustainability.
- Enhanced Interchain Security (ICS): It streamlines shard deployment with containerization; consumer chains focus on application logic while AtomOne handles consensus and networking.
- Improved Delegation System: A redesigned proof-of-stake algorithm balances validator voting power, enhances decentralization, and strengthens interchain security.
AtomOne positions itself as a secure hub in the Cosmos ecosystem. With IBC and ICS functionality, it facilitates communication between chains.
AtomOne (ATONE) Tokenomics
AtomOne (ATONE) is designed with a thoughtful tokenomics model to ensure long-term sustainability and value for all stakeholders. The total issuance (genesis supply) consists of 107,775,332 ATONE tokens. The proportional distribution at genesis is as follows:
- Airdrop to Cosmos Hub (ATOM) addresses: 96,997,800 ATONE (approximately 90% of total supply), distributed to 1,128,299 addresses based on participation in Cosmos Hub Proposal 848.
- Community Pool: 5,388,766 ATONE (5%).
- AtomOne Treasury DAO (reserved address): 5,388,766 ATONE (5%).
This distribution was approved by the GovGen community with a 40.56% turnout. The Interchain Foundation was excluded, and 10% of the ATONE supply was premined for contributors and on-chain DAOs. Genesis ATONE tokens are initially locked, except for certain addresses (e.g., for faucets). The distribution was crafted to reward active Cosmos community members and contributors to the AtomOne ecosystem.
ATONE serves as the main token for staking and governance. The dual model with PHOTON balances the economy. The burn mechanism links PHOTON minting to ATONE.
AtomOne Roadmap
The AtomOne roadmap was established through GovGen proposal #4 and voted on by the GovGen community.
- Phase -2 (Preparation): Constitution draft, roadmap, tokenomics, DAO law documents, and software selection research were completed.
- Phase -1 (Finalizing Documents): All governance documents and mechanisms were submitted to GovGen and approved. The ATONE – PHOTON burn mechanism was defined.
- Phase 0 (Chain Launch): The AtomOne chain was launched with a simple Gaia fork. ICS/IBC functions were enabled at a minimal level. The constitution and tokenomics were ratified on-chain.
- Phase 1 (Implementation): The PHOTON system was activated, with ATONE used only for burn fees. Governance improvements are 50% complete, DAO activation is pending.
- Phase 2 (Validators and ICS): A new incentive model balancing validator rewards and ICS++ specifications are in preparation. Expanded compatibility and orchestration tools for consumer chains are under development.
- Phase 3 (Cross-Zone Governance): DAO authority will be enhanced across zones, enabling the creation of new treasury DAOs.
Contributing
AtomOne is a community-driven chain and is always seeking passionate contributors to shape its future. Join the AtomOne community to build a secure, decentralized, and community-oriented blockchain.
- Explore and Contribute: Stay updated on AtomOne’s progress and contribute to the AtomOne GitHub repository.
- Grants and Bounties: Apply for funding through the AiB Grants and Bounties Program to support your contributions to AtomOne’s development.
- Become a Validator: Review the instructions for joining the AtomOne chain and becoming an AtomOne validator.
AtomOne (ATONE) Team
AtomOne was founded in 2024 by a community of experienced Cosmos developers, validators, and open-source contributors. The team possesses deep expertise in decentralized governance, protocol engineering, and interchain security. Carrying forward the legacy of the Cosmos Hub, AtomOne stands out with constitutional governance, DAO-based treasury management, and fair token distribution.
The project aims to reestablish decentralization in the interchain world and create an open, modular ecosystem for users and developers.
Official Links
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