# NEAR Protocol > The Blockchain for AI NEAR Protocol is a modular blockchain platform designed for AI agents to transact, coordinate, and operate across networks through sharded infrastructure and chain abstraction. NEAR Protocol is a sharded proof-of-stake Layer 1 blockchain platform designed to support AI agents and decentralized applications through Nightshade sharding technology. The protocol enables parallel transaction processing across multiple shards while maintaining security guarantees. NEAR combines chain abstraction through NEAR Intents for cross-chain operations, smart contract execution in JavaScript and Rust via WebAssembly runtime, and human-readable account names for improved usability. - Type: Network - Sector: Blockchain Platforms - Status: Active - Founded: 2018-08-01 - Profile: https://thegrid.id/profiles/near_protocol ## Products - [NEAR Blockchain](https://thegrid.id/profiles/near_protocol): NEAR Blockchain is a sharded Layer 1 protocol implementing Nightshade consensus for parallel transaction processing across multiple validator-operated shards. The network utilizes Doomslug consensus mechanism providing practical finality after one communication round and full BFT finality after two rounds. Smart contracts execute via WebAssembly runtime supporting JavaScript and Rust languages, with 30% of transaction fees rebated to contract developers and 70% burned to reduce supply. (L1, Live, Main Product) - [Rainbow Bridge](https://thegrid.id/profiles/near_protocol): Rainbow Bridge is a trustless cross-chain bridge protocol facilitating asset transfers between NEAR, Ethereum, and Aurora through cryptographic proof verification via light client smart contracts. The bridge implements lock-and-mint mechanisms with on-chain proof validation, enabling permissionless ERC-20 token transfers and NEP-141 token minting without centralized intermediaries or trusted validators. (Bridge, Live) - [NEAR Intents](https://thegrid.id/profiles/near_protocol): NEAR Intents is a chain abstraction protocol enabling goal-driven transactions across multiple blockchain networks without requiring users to manage wallet connections, bridges, or native tokens. The system interprets user intent and handles routing, signing, and execution across supported chains through automated solver networks and cross-chain message passing. (Cross-chain Infrastructure, Live) - [NEAR AI](https://thegrid.id/profiles/near_protocol): NEAR AI provides infrastructure for autonomous agent deployment including encrypted model execution through Trusted Execution Environments, verifiable compute mechanisms, and multichain action capabilities. The platform enables AI agents to own assets, execute transactions, and process private data without on-chain exposure while maintaining cryptographic verifiability. (Developer Tooling, Live) - [DogecoinSwap](https://thegrid.id/profiles/near_protocol): DogecoinSwap is a cross-chain decentralized exchange built on NEAR Intents, enabling token swaps involving DOGE and other assets across multiple blockchain networks. The platform routes trades through NEAR's intent-based solver network, where competing market makers fulfill user-specified outcomes without requiring manual bridge interactions or multi-step transactions. Users can execute instant swaps or create peer-to-peer OTC orders with configurable expiry windows for direct cross-chain trades. (Decentralised Exchange, Live) ## Assets - [NEAR (NEAR)](https://thegrid.id/profiles/near_protocol): NEAR is the native token of NEAR Protocol. It is used to pay for transaction fees, stake to secure the network through proof-of-stake validation, and participate in on-chain governance. The protocol burns 70% of transaction fees while rebating 30% to smart contracts that interact with transactions, creating deflationary pressure as network usage increases. (Native) ## Links - [Main](https://www.near.org) - [Documentation](https://docs.near.org) - [Forum](https://gov.near.org) - [Twitter / X](https://x.com/NEARProtocol) - [Instagram](https://instagram.com/near_protocol) - [Discord](https://discord.gg/near.chat) - [GitHub](https://github.com/near) - [Telegram](https://t.me/nearprotocolnews) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@NEARProtocol) - [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/nearprotocol) ## Relationships - [NEAR Intents](https://thegrid.id/profiles/near_intents): Subsidiary ## Legal This data is provided under two licensing models. Model 1 - open data. The open data core is licensed under the Open Database License (ODbL) — a copyleft/share-alike license allowing free use, modification, and sharing for any purpose. Attribution is required: include "Powered by The Grid" linking to https://thegrid.id wherever the data is used. Derivative databases must be shared under ODbL terms. 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