# What is PoG

Proof of Growth (PoG) is Axynom’s core mechanism for recording, evaluating, and rewarding community contributions. It provides the missing infrastructure between user effort and protocol ownership.

Most protocols attempt to grow through either passive community engagement or artificial incentives. PoG offers a third option: verifiable, measured growth tied directly to protocol economics. It ensures that contributors are not just visible but structurally embedded in the reward system.

PoG functions through a combination of smart contracts, human review, and on-chain recording. A contributor begins by submitting a piece of work. This could be content, design, promotion, research, integration, or any action that demonstrably benefits the protocol. Once submitted, the work is reviewed by designated reviewers (admins, moderators, or eventually community voters). If approved, it is permanently recorded in the ContributionRegistry contract and assigned a Growth Points (GP) value.

GP serves two purposes. First, it allows contributors to claim rewards, such as AXY tokens or other ecosystem incentives. Second, it creates a permanent record of total contribution over time. This dual function allows Axynom to distinguish between redeemable value (GP unredeemed) and social capital (GP lifetime). A user’s growing GP score becomes part of their public identity within the protocol. Unlike a leaderboard or badge system, this data is recorded on-chain and integrated directly into governance and reward flows.

The structure is simple in theory but requires strict coordination in practice. PoG demands a consistent submission format, clear evaluation criteria, and secure, auditable contract logic. These elements prevent manipulation, favoritism, or reward inflation, problems that have historically undermined similar systems in other protocols.

Ultimately, PoG redefines what it means to grow a blockchain project. It moves away from assumptions and toward accountability. Contributors do not earn based on visibility or seniority, but on proof of work that benefits the ecosystem. Every GP point represents verifiable value created for the protocol.

PoG is not a temporary rewards campaign. It is the protocol’s foundation. Without it, Axynom would fall back into the same growth traps it was built to replace.
